Jump to content

Jonathan Grounds

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by WereSpielChequers (talk | contribs) at 23:11, 6 April 2024 (typo). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Jonathan Grounds
Grounds in Birmingham City kit, 2016
Personal information
Full name Jonathan Martin Grounds[1]
Date of birth (1988-02-02) 2 February 1988 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Thornaby-on-Tees, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[3]
Position(s) Left back, centre back
Youth career
1995–2007 Middlesbrough
Redcar Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2012 Middlesbrough 33 (1)
2008Norwich City (loan) 5 (0)
2009Norwich City (loan) 11 (3)
2010–2011Hibernian (loan) 13 (0)
2011Chesterfield (loan) 13 (0)
2012Yeovil Town (loan) 14 (0)
2012–2014 Oldham Athletic 89 (3)
2014–2020 Birmingham City 158 (4)
2018–2019Bolton Wanderers (loan) 13 (0)
2020–2021 Swindon Town 31 (0)
2021–2023 Exeter City 33 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:30, 7 May 2023 (UTC)

Jonathan Martin Grounds (born 2 February 1988) is an English former professional footballer who played as a left back or centre back.

Grounds began his career with his local club, Middlesbrough, but never became a regular member of the first team; he made 33 league appearances spread across five years. He also spent time on loan to Norwich City of the Championship, twice, Scottish Premier League club Hibernian, and Chesterfield and Yeovil Town, both of League One. He left Middlesbrough in 2012 and signed for Oldham Athletic, also of League One, on a free transfer. After two seasons with Oldham, he signed for Birmingham City, where he was a first-team regular for four seasons before spending the 2018–19 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers. He was released by Birmingham in 2020, and spent the 2020–21 season with Swindon Town before joining Exeter City. Grounds announced his retirement from professional football in January 2024 and is currently U21's coach at Birmingham City.

Life and career

Early life and career

Grounds was born in Thornaby-on-Tees, North Yorkshire.[4] He was associated with Middlesbrough F.C. from the age of eight, had a season ticket "from a very early age",[5] and also played football for Stockton Schools and Redcar Town.[6] In July 2003, Grounds was a member of the Middlesbrough youth team that played in the inaugural Nike Premier Cup in the United States.[7] He took up a two-year scholarship with Middlesbrough F.C.'s Academy in 2004, and as part of the programme, he continued his education at Middlesbrough College where he achieved a sports science qualification.[8] Grounds has been with long term partner Savannah since 2009 and welcomed a son in March 2012. The couple were married in June 2017.

Middlesbrough and loans

Prior to the 2007–08 season, the club had considered releasing him,[9] but decided to give him his first professional contract, of one year.[10] With regular left backs Andrew Taylor and Emanuel Pogatetz injured, Grounds made his first-team debut on 12 January 2008 in a 1–1 Premier League draw at home to Liverpool.[11][12] After impressing both as captain of Middlesbrough's reserve team and in further appearances for the first team, he was rewarded with a new two-year contract in March.[9] According to manager Gareth Southgate, "We didn't expect him to progress this quickly but he got into the first team and did very well, showing he has the right character and the mentality to cope with the big occasion."[9]

Grounds joined Championship club Norwich City on 1 September 2008 on loan for three months.[13] He was recalled by Middlesbrough after just 31 days and five appearances because of a player shortage at his parent club.[14][15] He helped them keep a clean sheet in his first match back, away to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, and hoped that would boost his chances of retaining a place.[16] His only other appearance came two weeks later at home to Chelsea.[15] Covering for Justin Hoyte in an unfamiliar right-back role,[17] his "last-ditch block" prevented a first-half goal, but in the second half he was fortunate that Florent Malouda failed to capitalise on his error, and he was substituted after 54 minutes with his team 3–0 down.[18] On 7 January 2009, Grounds rejoined Norwich, this time for two months.[19] He spent much of this stint at Norwich playing in central defence while Jason Shackell was unavailable,[20] and he made a further eleven appearances for them, scoring three goals, before returning to his parent club. He made no appearances in what remained of Middlesbrough's season,[15] but was an unused substitute as their relegation to the Championship was confirmed.[21]

Southgate selected Grounds to start the opening match of the new season. The team kept four consecutive clean sheets, and he continued in the side for several weeks, either at left back or, after the sale of Robert Huth, at centre back.[22][23] The Evening Gazette suggested that "battling full-backs Tony McMahon and Jonathan Grounds, who both have some experience at this level and appear to have a more physical approach have been picked ahead of the more silky but at times suspect duo of Justin Hoyte and Andrew Taylor."[24] He dropped to the bench before the last match in September,[25] and played infrequently until late January, when an injury crisis caused Southgate's successor, Gordon Strachan, to bring him back into central defence.[26] According to the Gazette, "Grounds made numerous headed clearances and interceptions during the game and could hardly have done any more to push himself back into Strachan's thoughts."[27] He stayed in the team for another month, and finished the season with 20 Championship appearances.[22]

In June 2010, Grounds extended his Middlesbrough contract for a further two years.[28] He made one League Cup appearance early in the 2010–11 season, when 13 senior professionals were unavailable through injury or international duty,[29] and was then loaned to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian until 30 January 2011 so that he could play regularly at first-team level.[30] He went straight into the starting eleven for Hibernian's next match, a 1–1 draw at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle,[31] and opened the scoring in a League Cup match against Kilmarnock that Hibernian lost 3–1, continuing a string of poor results that culminated in the departure of manager John Hughes.[32] Grounds was dropped by the caretaker managers,[33] and omitted for the first match under Colin Calderwood,[34] but returned to the team thereafter and played regularly until the turn of the year.[35] Although Hibernian wanted to extend the loan, no agreement could be reached, and Grounds returned to Middlesbrough two weeks early, having made 15 appearances in all competitions.[36] Under new manager Tony Mowbray, Grounds played six matches for Middlesbrough after his return, including a 4–3 defeat at home to Swansea City in which he scored a headed goal;[37] he partnered the equally inexperienced Seb Hines in central defence.[38]

At the start of the 2011–12 season, after Taylor left the club, Joe Bennett was Middlesbrough's left back of choice. Although Bennett saw Grounds as competition,[39] Mowbray spoke of Grounds "filling in" in that position, and did not view him as an out-and-out left back.[40] On 25 August, he joined League One club Chesterfield on loan for a month,[41] which was later extended to three months.[42] He made 16 appearances in all competitions before returning to Middlesbrough.[43]

By the turn of the year, Grounds was "on the outer fringes of the squad".[44] He and team-mate Jonathan Franks joined Yeovil Town, also of League One, in February 2012 on an initial month's loan,[45] which was later extended to the end of the season.[46] He made 14 appearances – interrupted by a return home when his partner, Savannah, gave birth to their son[47] – as Yeovil avoided relegation.[43][48]

Oldham Athletic

Grounds playing for Oldham Athletic in 2012

Grounds recognised that in order to play regularly he needed to leave Middlesbrough.[49] His contract expired at the end of the season, and he turned down an offer of a permanent move to Yeovil,[50] before signing a two-year deal with League One club Oldham Athletic.[51] He made a mixed start to his Oldham career: he scored the winner against Manchester City in a pre-season friendly,[52] but in the opening league fixture, Milton Keynes Dons' Daniel Powell "terrorised" him.[53] He started every game but two – a league match in November through suspension for five yellow cards,[54] and the final match of the season, having injured his neck in the previous fixture[55] – and scored once, at home to Shrewsbury Town. Playing on the wing in place of the suspended Cristian Montaño, he touched home a parried cross for the only goal of the match.[56] He was ever-present through Oldham's 2012–13 FA Cup run, in which they eliminated Nottingham Forest and Liverpool,[57] drew with Everton in the fifth round through Matt Smith's stoppage-time header from Grounds's corner,[58] before losing 3–1 in the replay.[59]

He spent much of the 2013–14 season alternating between left back and centre back: he said he was comfortable in either role, having played in both positions throughout his career, and thought the difference in style between himself and the more attacking James Tarkowski helped their centre-back partnership work well.[60] For the second season running, he missed only two matches: one through suspension,[61] and the penultimate match of the campaign, when players were rested with the team finally safe from relegation.[62] He made his 100th appearance for the club on 14 March 2014,[63] and in the 106th and last appearance of his Oldham career, he conceded a penalty that gave opponents Notts County the draw they needed to avoid relegation.[64][65] Although Oldham wanted to retain his services, he told them he intended to leave and had already had talks with other clubs.[66]

Birmingham City

Lee Clark was assistant manager of Norwich City when Grounds played there on loan, and was reported as interested in signing him for Huddersfield Town the following season.[67] Five years later, Grounds became Clark's first purchase of the 2014 summer transfer window for Championship club Birmingham City. He signed a two-year contract, to take effect on 1 July after his Oldham contract expired.[68] He made his debut in the starting eleven for the opening-day defeat at Middlesbrough, and settled into the side as regular first choice at left back,[69] both under Clark and, after his dismissal in November, under his successor, Gary Rowett.[70]

With Birmingham 2–0 down against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup, Grounds steered Lloyd Dyer's low centre past the goalkeeper in first-half stoppage time for his first goal for the club; the game finished as a 2–1 defeat.[71] His first league goal for Birmingham, a header from a corner to draw level with Blackburn Rovers on 14 April 2015,[72] came three days after it should have done: against Wolverhampton Wanderers, his shot crossed the line unnoticed by the officials, was pushed back into play, and returned into goal by Rob Kiernan.[73] He started every league match but one in the 2014–15 season, more than any other Birmingham outfielder,[74] as the team finished in tenth place.[75] According to the Birmingham Mail's Brian Dick, writing in his end-of-season review, Grounds "improved as the season developed", becoming "an increasingly confident and assured" member of the back four, "very effective in the air, pretty solid in defence but limited going forward".[76]

Ahead of the 2015–16 season, Grounds' contract was extended to run until 2017.[77] He continued as a regular in the starting eleven, missing only one league match because of a minor injury,[78][79] as the team again finished tenth.[80] The Birmingham Mail thought he needed to be more assertive when dealing with crosses, and the player himself, while admitting he had had "a few shaky games", felt more settled than he had in the past and was enjoying playing regularly.[81] Going into the 2016–17 campaign, Rowett was actively seeking to bring in another left back as competition:[82] when Rhoys Wiggins arrived on loan from AFC Bournemouth, BBC WM's Richard Wilford wrote that he became "the first serious challenger to Jonathan Grounds at left-back in two years."[83] Grounds retained his place for some weeks as the team went seven matches unbeaten[57] and provided the assist for Che Adams's equalising goal away to Preston North End,[84] but a fifth booking of the season in a defeat at Burton Albion earned him a one-match suspension and gave Wiggins his opportunity. He started the local derby against Aston Villa, produced what Rowett dubbed an "absolutely brilliant" performance until in stoppage time, he suffered a knee injury that ended his season.[85]

Grounds returned in the next match and performed "commendably well" both in defence and in attack.[86] Apart from three matches out following an injury, he still kept his place after Gianfranco Zola succeeded Rowett, whether at left back, centre back[87] or wing back.[88] He scored twice: in a 1–1 draw at Ipswich Town, when he followed up Lukas Jutkiewicz's parried shot,[89] and in the penultimate fixture of the season, a 2–0 win at home to Huddersfield Town.[90] After Zola's dismissal and the appointment of Harry Redknapp, Birmingham needed to win both their last two matches to avoid relegation; Grounds was a part of the defence that kept a clean sheet away to Bristol City in a 1–0 win that preserved their Championship status.[91]

Birmingham took up their option to extend Grounds's contract for another year,[92] and he continued in the first team until the close of the transfer window, when the defence was reshuffled to accommodate Emilio Nsue and new arrival Maxime Colin.[93] Redknapp was sacked two games later, and caretaker manager Lee Carsley persisted with Nsue and Colin – both right-sided players – at full back. As soon as Steve Cotterill was appointed manager, Grounds was recalled.[94][95] He kept his place as the team's form and results improved, and his contribution was recognised with a contract extension until 2020.[96] The team produced a run of five wins, two draws and only one defeat from the end of December onwards, but in the fifth of those wins, Grounds suffered a medial ligament injury that was initially thought might keep him out for the rest of the season.[97][98] He made a speedy recovery, came back into the matchday squad on 3 April,[99] and returned to the pitch to start the visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers 12 days later,[100] but that was his final appearance of the season.[97]

Bolton Wanderers (loan)

Monk decided that Grounds was one of several senior players who did not form part of his plans for the 2018–19 season in light of the club's issues with the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules. He had no pre-season training with the first team and was not given a squad number,[101] and the only summer recruit for whom a fee was paid was another left back, Kristian Pedersen.[102] On 13 August, Grounds joined another Championship club, Bolton Wanderers, on loan for the season.[103] He came into the first team rather sooner than anticipated after Andy Taylor suffered a calf injury, and had six weeks in the starting eleven despite what manager Phil Parkinson and his staff admitted was insufficient preparation and lack of match fitness.[104][105] Thereafter he came into the side infrequently, and finished the season with 15 appearances in all competitions as the team were relegated with the club in severe financial difficulty. He made his first appearance for three months in Bolton's final match of the season, in which Parkinson struggled to raise a team as several players had cancelled their contracts because they had not been paid and others were unwilling to risk injury that might jeopardise a move elsewhere.[106][107]

Return to Birmingham

Grounds was a member of Birmingham's first-team squad for the 2019–20 season,[108] but was never part of the matchday selection. He was released when his contract expired at the end of June 2020, after six years and 170 appearances.[109][110]

Swindon Town

Grounds signed a one-year contract with League One club Swindon Town on 17 September 2020.[111] He made his debut on 26 September, as a late substitute in a 4–2 league win at home to Burton Albion,[112] and injuries at centre-back meant that despite his lack of match fitness, he soon found himself in the starting eleven. He started well,[113] but errors against Plymouth Argyle and in the FA Cup against non-league club Darlington cost his team,[114] and by 24 November he had enough yellow cards for a suspension.[115] Grounds played regularly until a calf injury at the end of December kept him out for a couple of months,[116] and finished the season with 33 appearances in all competitions (and 12 yellow cards) as Swindon were relegated.[112] According to the Swindon Advertiser, his communication and organisational ability compensated for a lack of pace.[117]

At the end of the season, the club triggered extensions to his and Brett Pitman's contracts, but after staff were not paid their wages for June, neither he nor Pitman turned up to pre-season training.[118] On 23 July 2021 Grounds' contract was cancelled by mutual consent.[119]

Exeter City

On 26 July 2021 Grounds signed for League Two club Exeter City.[120] He made his debut in the starting eleven for the opening fixture of the season, a goalless draw at home to Bradford City,[121] and was sent off for receiving a second yellow card towards the end of the next league game, a 3–0 defeat away to Leyton Orient.[122] He finished the season with 15 league appearances as Exeter gained promotion as runners-up, and was the only out-of-contract player to be offered a new deal at the higher level; he accepted another one-year contract.[123] Grounds turned down another one year deal to pursue a coaching role with Birmingham City.

Career statistics

As of match played 7 May 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Middlesbrough 2007–08[12] Premier League 5 0 2 0 0 0 7 0
2008–09[15] Premier League 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0
2009–10[22] Championship 20 0 0 0 0 0 20 0
2010–11[35] Championship 6 1 1 0 7 1
2011–12[43] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 33 1 2 0 2 0 37 1
Norwich City (loan) 2008–09[15] Championship 16 3 16 3
Hibernian (loan) 2010–11[35] Scottish Premier League 13 0 1 0 1 1 15 1
Chesterfield (loan) 2011–12[43] League One 13 0 1 0 2[c] 0 16 0
Yeovil Town (loan) 2011–12[43] League One 14 0 14 0
Oldham Athletic 2012–13[124] League One 44 1 6 0 1 0 1[c] 0 52 1
2013–14[65] League One 45 2 4 0 1 0 4[c] 0 54 2
Total 89 3 10 0 2 0 5 0 106 3
Birmingham City 2014–15[69] Championship 45 1 1 1 1 0 47 2
2015–16[78] Championship 45 1 1 0 2 0 48 1
2016–17[125] Championship 42 2 2 0 1 0 45 2
2017–18[97] Championship 26 0 2 0 2 0 30 0
2018–19[106] Championship 0 0 0 0
2019–20[109] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 158 4 6 1 6 0 170 5
Bolton Wanderers (loan) 2018–19[106] Championship 13 0 1 0 1 0 15 0
Swindon Town 2020–21[112] League One 31 0 1 0 1[d] 0 33 0
Exeter City 2021–22[126] League Two 15 2 3 0 1 0 3[d] 0 22 2
2022–23[127] League One 18 1 1 0 2 0 1[d] 0 22 1
Total 33 3 4 0 3 0 4 0 44 3
Career total 413 14 26 1 15 1 12 0 466 16
  1. ^ Appearances in FA Cup and Scottish Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Football League Cup/EFL Cup and Scottish League Cup
  3. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  4. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

Exeter City

References

  1. ^ "EFL: Club retained and released lists published". English Football League. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  2. ^ "Jonathan Grounds". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  3. ^ "Birmingham City FC Player Profiles: Jonathan Grounds". Birmingham City F.C. 2 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 April 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  4. ^ "Jonathan Grounds". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  5. ^ Berry, Gavin (5 September 2010). "John Hughes wants Hibs to play like Barcelona, says Jonathan Grounds". Daily Record. Glasgow. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Academy squad for 2004–05". Middlesbrough F.C. Archived from the original on 9 December 2004.
    "Junior round-up". The Northern Echo. Darlington. 14 February 2003. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  7. ^ Tallentire, Philip (16 July 2003). "Boro youngsters aiming to be on top of the world". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
    Garin, Erik (4 July 2004). "Nike World Club Cup U-14 2003". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  8. ^ "Boro boys score in the classroom – Players net qualifications". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 4 October 2006. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  9. ^ a b c "Jonathan earns new deal". Middlesbrough F.C. 28 March 2008. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 30 March 2008.
  10. ^ "Contracts handed to Riverside starlets". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 6 July 2007. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  11. ^ Bailey, Graeme (16 January 2008). "Taylor blow for Boro". Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  12. ^ a b "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  13. ^ "Norwich land Boro youngster". Sky Sports. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  14. ^ "Grounds ends Canaries loan spell". BBC Sport. 2 October 2008. Retrieved 2 October 2008.
  15. ^ a b c d e "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  16. ^ "Grounds ready to battle for place". BBC Sport. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  17. ^ "Boro 0 Chelsea 5". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 18 October 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  18. ^ Hughes, Ian (18 October 2008). "Middlesbrough 0–5 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  19. ^ "Norwich secure Grounds loan deal". BBC Sport. 7 January 2009. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
  20. ^ Cuffley, David (28 February 2009). "It's Grounds for divorce for City defender". Pink Un. Norwich. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  21. ^ Ashenden, Mark (24 May 2009). "West Ham 2–1 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  22. ^ a b c "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  23. ^ "Jonathan has real Grounds for optimism". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 9 September 2009. p. 50. Retrieved 25 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  24. ^ "Born-again Boro! Passion, desire, steel... the revival roadshow is gathering pace". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 19 August 2009. p. 40. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  25. ^ "Justin Hoyte doubt to face Foxes". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  26. ^ "Boro shine with Strachan steel". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 27 January 2010. p. 40. Retrieved 15 March 2018 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  27. ^ "The big match lowdown – Doncaster 1, Boro 4". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  28. ^ "Jonathan Grounds signs contract extension". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  29. ^ Paylor, Eric (10 August 2010). "13 Boro players set to miss Carling Cup". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  30. ^ Paylor, Eric (2 September 2010). "Jonathan Grounds happy with Hibernian move". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  31. ^ "Hibs 1–1 Inverness CT, match report". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  32. ^ Keevins, Hugh (23 September 2010). "Hibs fans round on John Hughes as Easter Road boss forced to deny dressing room punch-up after cup defeat". Daily Record. Glasgow. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
    "Manager John Hughes parts company with Hibernian". BBC Sport. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  33. ^ Del Monte, Adrian (16 October 2010). "Hogg dominant as Hibs win". Sky Sports. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  34. ^ "Hibs: Colin Calderwood is keen to hang on to his on-loan star Jonathan Grounds". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. 28 October 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  35. ^ a b c "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  36. ^ "Boro's Jonathan Grounds ends his loan spell at Hibs". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. 12 January 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  37. ^ Vickers, Anthony (14 February 2011). "Boro 3 Swansea 4". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  38. ^ "Mowbray: Defensive duo must forge reputation". The Journal. Newcastle. 26 February 2011. Archived from the original on 16 March 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  39. ^ "Joe targets a place in the side ... and goals". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 1 August 2011. p. 6. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  40. ^ Tallentire, Philip (28 July 2011). "Injury rules out Bennett". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. p. 56. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  41. ^ "Chesterfield snap up Middlesbrough's Jonathan Grounds". BBC Sport. 25 August 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  42. ^ "Defender extends loan spell at B2net". Derbyshire Times. 26 September 2011. Archived from the original on 16 March 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  43. ^ a b c d e "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  44. ^ Vickers, Anthony (3 January 2012). "Seasick... but we're not on the rocks". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. p. 32. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  45. ^ "Yeovil sign Jonathan Grounds and Jonathan Franks on loan". BBC Sport. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  46. ^ "This group of players can drag us out of a hole, says Johnson". Western Morning News. Plymouth. 19 March 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  47. ^ "Team news for AFC Bournemouth vs Yeovil Town". Ciderspace. 31 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
    "Grounds sets Latics' goal". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 2 July 2012. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  48. ^ "Yeovil Town league performance history: League One table at close of 2011–12 season". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  49. ^ "Yeovil loanee Jonathan Grounds hints at Middlesbrough exit". BBC Sport. 6 March 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  50. ^ "Four set to make Glovers exit". Sky Sports. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  51. ^ "Grounds lands with Latics". Sky Sports. 2 July 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  52. ^ Keegan, Mike (1 August 2012). "Oldham 2 Manchester City 1: Plucky Latics score late victory over Blues elite". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  53. ^ "It'll be all right on the night says Robbo after Dons cruise past Oldham". Milton Keynes Citizen. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  54. ^ "Hartlepool v Oldham preview". Sky Sports. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  55. ^ "Grounds joins injury list". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 24 April 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  56. ^ Keegan, Mike (24 November 2012). "Oldham Athletic 1 Shrewsbury Town 0: League One match report". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  57. ^ a b "J. Grounds". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  58. ^ "Oldham delight at Matt finish". Wales Online. 17 February 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  59. ^ Keegan, Mike (26 February 2013). "Everton 3 Oldham 1". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  60. ^ Smedley, Simon (4 October 2013). "Grounds in control anywhere". Oldham Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
    Gibson, Richard (5 January 2014). "Grounds control". The People. London. p. 27. Retrieved 26 July 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
    "Grounds hero". Oldham Evening Chronicle. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  61. ^ "Korey sounds cup battle cry". Oldham Evening Chronicle. 15 November 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  62. ^ "Oldham v Sheff Utd preview". Sky Sports. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  63. ^ "Centurion!". Oldham Evening Chronicle. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  64. ^ "A record to be proud of". Oldham Evening Chronicle. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  65. ^ a b "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  66. ^ "Oldham Athletic retained list". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
    "Jonathan Grounds departs". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  67. ^ Thomson, Doug (12 December 2009). "Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark denies link with Middlesbrough's Jonathan Grounds". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  68. ^ "Jonathan Grounds: Birmingham City sign Oldham Athletic defender". BBC Sport. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  69. ^ a b "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  70. ^ Scott, Ged (1 November 2014). "Wolverhampton Wanderers 0–0 Birmingham City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  71. ^ Rae, Richard (24 January 2015). "West Brom end Birmingham Cup dream after Victor Anichebe's strikes". The Observer. London. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  72. ^ Dick, Brian (14 April 2015). "Updated: Birmingham City 2 Blackburn Rovers 2". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  73. ^ Rae, Richard (11 April 2015). "Birmingham's Demarai Gray's stunning winner dents Wolves playoff hopes". The Observer. London. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  74. ^ "Birmingham 2014/15 Player Appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  75. ^ "Birmingham City league performance history: League Championship table at close of 2014–15 season". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  76. ^ Dick, Brian (12 May 2015). "Birmingham City report cards: Part One – Brian Dick rates the defenders". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  77. ^ "Jonathan Grounds: Birmingham City defender signs new deal". BBC Sport. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  78. ^ a b "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  79. ^ "10 in 10: Birmingham host Cardiff, live on Sky Sports". Sky Sports. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  80. ^ "Birmingham City league performance history: League Championship table at close of 2015–16 season". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  81. ^ Dick, Brian (20 May 2016). "Birmingham City player-by-player season summary: The full backs". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  82. ^ Dick, Brian (18 August 2016). "Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett updates on his pursuit of another signing". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  83. ^ "Birmingham City: Bournemouth's Rhoys Wiggins & Burnley's Lukas Jutkiewicz join". BBC Sport. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  84. ^ "Birmingham City 2–2 Preston North End". BBC Sport. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  85. ^ Dick, Brian (30 October 2016). "Birmingham City: Gary Rowett on the extent of "brilliant" Rhoys Wiggins' injury". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  86. ^ Dick, Brian (5 November 2016). "How Birmingham City's first 16 games compare to this stage last season". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  87. ^ Dick, Brian (4 February 2017). "Birmingham City analysis: Cheick him out, Grounds work, support and compromise, football can be fun!". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  88. ^ Dick, Brian (11 March 2017). "Birmingham City: This is the team Gianfranco Zola has chosen for the trip to Cardiff". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  89. ^ "Ipswich Town 1–1 Birmingham City". BBC Sport. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  90. ^ Lansley, Peter (29 April 2017). "Harry Redknapp's 10-man Birmingham City sink Huddersfield". The Observer. London. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  91. ^ "Bristol City 0–1 Birmingham City". BBC Sport. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  92. ^ Dick, Brian (10 May 2017). "Birmingham City extend key defender's contract". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  93. ^ Dick, Brian (13 September 2017). "Harry Redknapp happy to see Emilio Nsue seize his 'last chance'". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  94. ^ Dick, Brian (30 September 2017). "Birmingham City team news: This is the side Lee Carsley has picked to face Hull City". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  95. ^ "Steve Cotterill praise for Jonathan Grounds". Birmingham City F.C. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  96. ^ "Jonathan Grounds: Birmingham City defender signs new deal with Championship club". BBC Sport. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  97. ^ a b c "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  98. ^ "Jonathan Grounds: Birmingham full-back may miss rest of season with knee injury". BBC Sport. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  99. ^ "Report: Bolton Wanderers 0 Blues 1". Birmingham City F.C. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  100. ^ Dick, Brian (15 April 2018). "This is the Birmingham City team that Garry Monk has named to face Wolves". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  101. ^ Kendrick, Mat (7 July 2018). "Birmingham City jet off on tour to Austria – leaving these players behind". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
    "Blues squad numbers 2018/19". Birmingham City F.C. 3 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  102. ^ "Birmingham City: English Football League allows club to sign five more players". BBC Sport. 2 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  103. ^ "Jonathan Grounds explains Bolton to Birmingham City switch". The Bolton News. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  104. ^ Iles, Marc (27 September 2018). "Bolton assistant Steve Parkin backs Birmingham loanee Jonathan Grounds". The Bolton News. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  105. ^ Iles, Marc (23 November 2018). "Bolton boss Phil Parkinson admits players were not ready". The Bolton News. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  106. ^ a b c "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  107. ^ Iles, Marc (6 May 2019). "Bolton players refuse to play against Forest – Phil Parkinson". The Bolton News. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  108. ^ "Maghoma and Grounds to leave Blues". Birmingham City F.C. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  109. ^ a b "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  110. ^ "Birmingham City: Jacques Maghoma and Jonathan Grounds to leave club". BBC Sport. 25 May 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  111. ^ "Grounds signs for the year". Swindon Town F.C. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  112. ^ a b c "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  113. ^ Leighfield, Jonathan (13 October 2020). "Swindon Town defender Jonathan Grounds is keen to take his chance and play as many games as possible in League One throughout October". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  114. ^ Leighfield, Jonathan (3 November 2020). "10-man Swindon Town lost 4-2 away at Plymouth Argyle in League One on Tuesday night". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
    Leighfield, Jonathan (8 November 2020). "Swindon Town lost 2-1 to Darlington in the FA Cup first round". Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  115. ^ "Match preview: Lincoln City (H)". Swindon Town F.C. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  116. ^ "Match preview: Crewe Alexandra (H)". Swindon Town F.C. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  117. ^ Leighfield, Jonathan (3 March 2021). "Swindon Town player ratings after defeat to Sunderland". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  118. ^ Leighfield, Jonathan (23 July 2021). "Swindon Town have contacted EFL over Brett Pitman and Jonathan Grounds' absence". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  119. ^ "Club Statement: Jonathan Grounds". Swindon Town F.C. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  120. ^ "Jonathan Grounds signs for Exeter City". Exeter City F.C. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  121. ^ Clark, Daniel (7 August 2021). "Exeter City 0 Bradford City 0 – entertaining opener sees Grecians claim point". DevonLive. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  122. ^ "Leyton Orient 3–0 Exeter: Orient claim first win over 10-man Exeter". Sky Sports. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  123. ^ James, Stuart (29 June 2022). "Exeter City defender Jonathan Grounds signs contract extension". DevonLive. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  124. ^ "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  125. ^ "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  126. ^ "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  127. ^ "Games played by Jonathan Grounds in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  128. ^ "Port Vale end Exeter's League two title hopes". BBC Sport. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  • Profile at Birmingham City F.C. website