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Lee Ashcroft (Scottish footballer)

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Lee Ashcroft
Ashcroft training with Dundee in 2023
Personal information
Full name Lee Ashcroft
Date of birth (1993-08-29) 29 August 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Barrhead, Scotland[1]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Dundee
Number 14
Youth career
Barrhead Boys Club
2009–2010 Hillwood Boys Club
2010–2013 Kilmarnock
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2016 Kilmarnock 66 (4)
2016–2020 Dunfermline Athletic 129 (7)
2020– Dundee 83 (9)
2024 → Raith Rovers (loan) 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:00, 24 February 2024 (UTC)

Lee Ashcroft (born 29 August 1993) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a defender for Dundee. Ashcroft previously played for Kilmarnock and Dunfermline Athletic, as well as on loan for Raith Rovers.

Career

Kilmarnock

Raised in Barrhead, Ashcroft was not picked up by a professional club as a youth and had transitioned into local amateur leagues when he signed for Kilmarnock in 2010.[2] He made his senior debut for the club on 11 May 2013, as a substitute in a 3–2 victory against Dundee in the Scottish Premier League[3] and then four days later scored his first career goal in a 3–1 loss against Hibernian.[4] On 14 May 2013, Ashcroft signed a new contract with Kilmarnock, keeping him at the club until 2016.[5] He captained Kilmarnock for the first time on 4 April 2015, aged 21, in a 2–1 defeat to Motherwell at Rugby Park.[6] On 23 May 2016, he was one of six players released at the end of their contract.[7]

Dunfermline Athletic

On 25 May 2016, Ashcroft signed for recently promoted Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic,[8] making his first start for the club in a 3–0 victory over Arbroath in the Scottish League Cup.[9] His first goal for the club was versus Fife rivals Cowdenbeath in the same competition, where he scored from a Kallum Higginbotham free-kick.[10] Ashcroft's first league match for the Pars was versus Dumbarton, and saw him concede a late penalty and receive a straight red for his last-man challenge on former Dunfermline striker Robert Thomson, though Dunfermline ended the match as 4–3 winners.[11]

Ashcroft spent four seasons with the Pars and captained the club for the 2018–19 season.[12] He was released by the club in May 2020 following the expiry of his contract, having appeared in over 160 matches.[13]

Dundee

In July 2020, Ashcroft signed a two-year deal with Dundee.[14] A regular starter throughout the season, Ashcroft scored his first competitive goal for the Dee in a Scottish Cup win against Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic.[15] Ashcroft would score his first and second league goals for them in an away win against Alloa Athletic.[16] At the end of the league season, Ashcroft was awarded the Andrew De Vries Player of the Year award, as well as the Player's Player of the Year award.[17] Ashcroft was also named to PFA Scotland's Championship Team of the Year for 2020–21.[18] Along with his impressive defensive performances, Ashcroft would amass 7 goals in all competitions, including one in the 2nd leg of the Premiership play-offs final, and was a major factor in helping Dundee gain promotion to the Scottish Premiership.[19] Ashcroft would also be named to the SPFL's Championship Team of the Season.[20]

During a game against Motherwell in December 2021, Ashcroft would damage a tendon in his hamstring which would require surgery and keep him out for approximately 3–4 months.[21] While out with injury, Ashcroft would sign a contract extension with Dundee, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2023.[22] Ashcroft made his return from injury off the bench in a league game against Hibernian in March 2022.[23] After just two starts however, Ashcroft would experience a recurrence of the hamstring injury against Rangers that would end his season and required surgery again.[24]

Ashcroft would make his return for Dundee off the bench in an away league win over Raith Rovers in August.[25] He would score in his first start of the season in a Scottish League Cup win over Falkirk.[26] Ashcroft would start every game after in a very successful season which would culminate in scoring a goal in the win over Queen's Park which clinched the Scottish Championship title for the Dark Blues.[27] Ashcroft would be named to PFA Scotland's Scottish Championship Team of the Year at the end of the season, as well as being named in the SPFL's Championship Team of the Season.[28][29]

On 2 June 2023, Dundee announced that Ashcroft had signed a new two-year contract, keeping him there until the summer of 2025.[30] After struggling for game time under new manager Tony Docherty, Ashcroft returned to the first team in January 2024 following injuries in defence, and would score his first goal of the season on 30 January to help Dundee earn a point away to Aberdeen.[31] Despite breaking back into the Dundee squad, a combination of returning squad depth and interest from clubs promising regular playing time made Ashcroft available for a loan, and on 21 February he joined Championship club Raith Rovers on loan until the end of the season.[32][33] Ashcroft made his debut on 24 February away to Ayr United, but had to come off in the first half after suffering a hamstring injury.[34] Rovers manager Ian Murray confirmed in March that Ashcroft would be out for the season.[35]

Ashcroft was linked with a move away from Dens Park in June 2024, with Ayr Utd and Livingston reportedly interested in signing him.[36]

Career statistics

As of 24 February 2024[37]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Kilmarnock 2012–13[38] Scottish Premier League 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1
2013–14[39] Scottish Premiership 25 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 1
2014–15[40] 22 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 2
2015–16[41][37] 15 0 2 0 2 0 2[a] 0 21 0
Total 65 4 2 0 2 0 2 0 71 4
Dunfermline Athletic 2016–17[42] Scottish Championship 35 1 4 0 4 1 3[b] 2 46 4
2017–18[43] 33 4 1 0 5 0 4[c] 0 43 4
2018–19[44] 36 0 1 0 5 0 2[b] 0 44 0
2019–20[45] 25 2 0 0 5 0 1[b] 0 31 2
Total 129 7 6 0 19 1 10 2 164 10
Dundee 2020–21[46] Scottish Championship 25 5 2 1 2 0 4[d] 1 33 7
2021–22[47] Scottish Premiership 16 1 1 0 5 1 0 0 22 2
2022–23[48] Scottish Championship 34 2 2 0 2 1 4[b] 0 42 3
2023–24[49] Scottish Premiership 8 1 1 0 4 0 0 0 13 1
Total 83 9 6 1 13 2 8 1 110 13
Raith Rovers (loan) 2023–24[49] Scottish Championship 1 0 — — 0 0 1 0
Career total 278 20 14 1 34 3 20 3 346 27
  1. ^ Appearances in the Scottish Premiership play-offs
  2. ^ a b c d Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  3. ^ Two appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup and two appearances in the Scottish Premiership play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in the Premiership play-offs

Honours

Club

Dundee

Individual

Dundee

References

  1. ^ "Lee Ashcroft player profile". Kilmarnock F.C. Archived from the original on 7 April 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  2. ^ Killie kid Lee Ashcroft not worried about relegation.. he's just thrilled to be playing professional football, Gordon Parks, Daily Record, 3 May 2014
  3. ^ "Dundee 2-3 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Kilmarnock 1-3 Hibernian". BBC Sport. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  5. ^ "Rory McKenzie & Lee Ashcroft sign new contracts". kilmarnockfc.co.uk. 14 May 2013. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  6. ^ "Lee Ashcroft revels in role as Kilmarnock captain". Evening Times. 10 April 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  7. ^ "Player Contracts". Kilmarnock F.C. 23 May 2016. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016.
  8. ^ "Dunfermline sign former Kilmarnock defender Lee Ashcroft". BBC Sport. BBC. 25 May 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  9. ^ "Dunfermline 3 Arbroath 0". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  10. ^ "Cowdenbeath 0 Dunfermline 3". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 23 July 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  11. ^ "Dunfermline 4 – 3 Dumbarton". BBC Sport. BBC. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  12. ^ Collin, Iain (26 July 2018). "Lee Ashcroft 'fits the bill perfectly' as Allan Johnston names ex-Kilmarnock defender as new Dunfermline captain". Deadline News. Capital City Press. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  13. ^ "Dunfermline release 17 players to 'protect future of club'". BBC Sport. BBC. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  14. ^ "Lee is a Dee". Dundee FC. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  15. ^ "Dundee v Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic". BBC. 9 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  16. ^ "Alloa Athletic v Dundee". BBC. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  17. ^ "Lee wins De Vries and Player's Player awards". dundeefc.co.uk. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  18. ^ "PFA Scotland Championship Team of the Year 2021". pfascotland.co.uk. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Dundee promoted as Kilmarnock drop down for first time in 28 years". BBC. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  20. ^ "Championship Team of the Season 2020/21". SPFL.co.uk. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  21. ^ Cran, George. "Dundee dealt huge blow as defender Lee Ashcroft set for months on the sidelines". The Courier. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  22. ^ "Lee extends deal". Dundee Football Club - Official Website. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  23. ^ "Ten-man Hibs earn point at Dens Park". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  24. ^ Cran, George. "Dundee dealt huge blow as Lee Ashcroft ruled out for season - but there's positive news on Charlie Adam". The Courier. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  25. ^ "Raith Rovers v Dundee". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  26. ^ "Dundee ease past Falkirk into League Cup last eight". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  27. ^ a b "Dundee back in Premiership after eight-goal epic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  28. ^ a b @PFAScotland (9 May 2023). "Your PFA Scotland Championship Team of the Year - as voted for by the players" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 May 2023 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ a b "cinch Championship Team of the Season 22/23 | SPFL". spfl.co.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  30. ^ "New contract for Ashcroft". Dundee Football Club - Official Website. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  31. ^ "'No panic' from Robson as Aberdeen and Dundee draw". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  32. ^ "Lee Ashcroft Signs | Raith Rovers FC". www.raithrovers.net. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  33. ^ "Dundee: Lee Ashcroft joins Raith Rovers on loan". BBC Sport. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  34. ^ "Rovers keep pace at top with victory at Ayr". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  35. ^ Collin, Iain (5 March 2024). "Raith Rovers boss Ian Murray gives injury update on Keith Watson and confirms Lee Ashcroft blow". The Courier. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  36. ^ "Two Championship clubs keen to sign Dundee Defender Lee Ashcroft". The Courier. 12 June 2024.
  37. ^ a b Lee Ashcroft at Soccerway
  38. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  39. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  40. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  41. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  42. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  43. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  44. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  45. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  46. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  47. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  48. ^ "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  49. ^ a b "Games played by Lee Ashcroft in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  50. ^ a b "Lee wins De Vries and Player's Player awards". dundeefc.co.uk. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  51. ^ "PFA Scotland Championship Team of the Year 2021". pfascotland.co.uk. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  52. ^ "Championship Team of the Season 2020/21". SPFL.co.uk. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
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