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Ross Wallace
Wallace playing for Sunderland in 2007
Personal information
Full name Ross Wallace[1]
Date of birth (1985-05-23) 23 May 1985 (age 39)[1]
Place of birth Dundee, Scotland
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)[2]
Position(s) Winger
Youth career
0000–2002 Celtic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2006 Celtic 37 (1)
2006–2009 Sunderland 53 (8)
2008–2009 → Preston North End (loan) 23 (15)
2009–2010 Preston North End 57 (6)
2010–2015 Burnley 149 (12)
2015–2018 Sheffield Wednesday 108 (10)
2018–2019 Fleetwood Town 39 (1)
2020 St Mirren 3 (0)
International career‡
2002 Scotland U18 2 (0)
2003–2004 Scotland U19 7 (3)
2004–2006 Scotland U21 4 (0)
2007 Scotland B 1 (0)
2009 Scotland 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11 March 2020 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 01:02, 28 December 2015 (UTC)

Ross Wallace (born 23 May 1985) is a Scottish professional footballer who most recently played as a winger for St Mirren. He has previously played for Celtic, Sunderland, Preston North End, Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday, Fleetwood Town, and once played in a full international match for Scotland.

Club career

Celtic

Born in Dundee,[1] Wallace started his career with Celtic, signing for the club in May 2003 on a four-year deal.[3] A pacy left winger, Wallace made only a handful of first-team appearances in his first year, before scoring his first goal for Celtic in a 5–0 win over Dunfermline on 8 November 2003.[4] Whilst clearly a skillful player, Wallace made only a few more first team appearances that season, as Alan Thompson remained the first-choice wide-left player at Celtic. Wallace did however pick up his first silverware at the end of the season, coming on as a second-half substitute for Stephen Pearson in Celtic's 3–1 win over Dunfermline in the 2004 Scottish Cup Final.

The following season (2004–05) saw Wallace play more games for Celtic, including three appearances as a substitute in the Champions League. However he made little impact in either his league or European appearances. Wallace did however score a hat-trick in an 8–1 rout of Falkirk in a Scottish League Cup tie in September 2004.[5] That performance earned him public praise from his manager, Martin O'Neill.[6] Alan Thompson also said that Wallace was likely to succeed him in the future at left midfield.

With the arrival of new manager Gordon Strachan at the start of season 2005–06, Wallace found himself on the sidelines for the first few months. However, in late 2005, Strachan began to play Wallace at left-back in place of Mo Camara. This was a strange selection given Wallace's slight build and inexperience of playing in a defensive role. Strachan persisted with this team selection for several weeks to the bemusement of fans who could clearly see Wallace's lack of aptitude for playing in defence. Wallace's own goal in the New Year game against Hearts at Tynecastle (Celtic still won 3–2)[7] highlighted his lack of positional awareness in playing in defence. Towards the end of the season, new signing Mark Wilson replaced him at left back even though it was not his natural position (Wilson is a right back).[8] Wallace played in the 2006 Scottish League Cup Final at left back, due to Wilson being cup-tied.[9][citation needed]

Wallace made two more appearances for Celtic at the start of season 2006–07. However, he was clearly no longer part of the plans of the Celtic management and was sold to Sunderland in August 2006 in a deal including teammate Stanislav Varga for a combined fee of up to £1,100,000.[10]

Sunderland

Despite having a trial at Birmingham City,[11] He joined Sunderland from Celtic on 31 August 2006 along with teammate Stanislav Varga.[12] He made his first team debut on 9 September against Derby County and scored the winner in a 2–1 win. His arrival on Wearside saw him keep the number 33 that he wore at Celtic, which had previously been worn by former Sunderland favourite Julio Arca.

He made an excellent start as a Sunderland player with a match-winning goal on his debut at Derby and again at Hull City. On both occasions he removed his shirt after scoring, which at Hull earned him a second yellow card and his second red card of the season. He later apologised and promised not to do it again, though Wallace doesn't have regret over it.[13]

Sunderland fans were more than pleased with the promising form Wallace showed throughout the 2006–07 campaign as Sunderland won the Championship. His early form did tail towards the back end of the season, only for him to re-find his form as the season ended. The left-wing position had been highly contested between Wallace and teammate Tobias Hysén.

Wallace started the season as Sunderland's first choice left-back despite several new defenders joining the club during pre-season. On 11 August 2007 Wallace lined up against Tottenham Hotspur on the first game of the season and successfully provided the 93rd minute assist that enabled Michael Chopra to score and Sunderland to win the game. This form continued into the second game away to Birmingham City when once again Wallace played an integral part in the decisive goal when he provided the free kick that eventually led to Stern John's late equaliser. The match finished 2–2.

He scored his first goal of the season against Reading at the Stadium of Light in a 2–1 victory for Sunderland, scoring again in a 3–2 loss to Arsenal scoring the first ever goal for Sunderland at their first ever game at the Emirates Stadium. Despite his impressive season, Roy Keane stated he would consider offers for Wallace.[14] Wallace was linked with a MLS side Toronto want to sign him[15] but talks never materialised. On 18 January 2008 it was reported that Wallace had sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury and would therefore miss the rest of the 2007–08 football season.[16] But in an unexpected turn of events, Wallace made his return on the final game of the season in a 1–0 loss against Arsenal.

Preston North End

In the 2008 summer transfer window, it was announced that Wallace had rejected an offer from Preston North End,[17] so that he could fight for his place in the Sunderland squad.[18] However, due to the summer signings at Sunderland, Keane told Wallace that he was even further down the pecking order and unlikely to get many games next season. Wallace signed a year-long loan at Preston with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season.[19] After being an un-used substitute two times, Wallace finally made his debut, coming on for Barry Nicholson, in a 1–1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on 23 August 2008. He scored his first goal two months later in a 2–0 win over Watford. At Preston, Wallace soon became a fan favourite, due the number of times he provided excellent crosses, mainly for Jon Parkin. Wallace signed a permanent four-and-a-half-year contract with Preston on 12 January 2009.[20] In his first season, Wallace made 39 appearances, scoring five times along with nineteen assists.

The next season, Wallace continued to play, having retained his first team status at Preston. Unlike last season, Wallace wasn't able to provide more assists, registering only seven. However, he received thirteen bookings, missing two games as a result.

Burnley

Wallace transferred to fellow Championship club Burnley for an undisclosed fee on 2 July 2010, signing a three-year contract. Upon completion of the transfer, he was described by manager Brian Laws as "one of the best left-sided players in the Championship".[21] He was linked with a move to Burnley after the club had ended its interest in signing Hearts's midfielder Andrew Driver.[22]

Wallace scored his first goal in a Burnley shirt a week later on his debut in a pre-season friendly against Bury.[23] In the opening game of the season, Wallace made his debut in a 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest, playing 90 minutes. Wallace would score his first league goal and provide an assist for Chris Iwelumo in a 3–0 win over Leicester City. Ahead of a Preston-Burnley derby, Wallace said he was disappointed not to say goodbye to his Preston teammates.[24] Wallace played against his former club and set up the opener for Iwelumo and a winning goal for Jay Rodriguez in a 4–3 win.[25] Wallace had an impressive season at Burnley, making 40 appearances, scoring three times and registering five assists. However, Wallace had a frustrating season as he made just twelve starts.

The next season, Wallace was placed in various positions in defence and midfield and became an ever-present in the side.[26] He became the club's most consistent performer.[27] From 22 October to 5 November 2011, Wallace scored four goals in four consecutive games. Wallace had an impressive season at Burnley, making forty four appearances, scoring five times and registering nine assists. Unlike last season, Wallace was present in every match in the league.

The next season, Wallace was placed on the right of midfield for the first eleven games at the start of the season, before going on the left of midfield or wing before going back to right midfield. On 22 December 2012, Wallace scored his first goal of the season in a 2–2 draw against Birmingham City; his second came from a penalty, in a 2–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday and set up a goal for Keith Treacy on 1 January 2013. During the season, Wallace's contract with Burnley was on the verge of expiring at the end of the season and he stated that he was willing to stay at Burnley.[28] In early February, Wallace signed a two-year extension, keeping him until 2015.[29] In May 2015, Wallace was released by Burnley after five seasons with the club, making a total of 165 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 times.[30]

Sheffield Wednesday

On 10 July 2015, Wallace joined Championship team Sheffield Wednesday on a one-year deal following his release from Burnley.[31] He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat at Ipswich Town.[32] His second goal for the club came in a 1–0 win over Fulham on 2 January 2016 in the Championship; a 25-yard dipping shot after cutting in from the right wing. With one game to play in the 2017–18 season, it was announced that his contract wouldn't be renewed and he would be leaving at the end of the season.[33]

Fleetwood Town

On 21 September 2018, following a successful trial period, Wallace joined EFL League One club Fleetwood Town.[34] He left Fleetwood in September 2019.[35]

St Mirren

After five months without a club, Wallace signed a short-term contract with Scottish Premiership club St Mirren in February 2020.[36] In June 2020, Wallace left Saints when his contract expired.[37]

International career

Wallace made one full international appearance for Scotland, in a friendly match with Japan on 10 October 2009.[38] He also made appearances for the Scotland B and Scotland under-21 teams.[38]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 11 March 2020
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Celtic 2002–03[39] Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 — 1 0
2003–04[40] Scottish Premier League 8 1 2 0 1 0 3[a] 0 — 14 1
2004–05[41] Scottish Premier League 16 0 1 0 1 3 3[b] 0 — 21 3
2005–06[42] Scottish Premier League 11 0 1 0 1 0 1[b] 0 — 14 0
2006–07[43] Scottish Premier League 2 0 — — — — 2 0
Total 37 1 4 0 4 3 7 0 — 52 4
Sunderland 2006–07[43] Championship 32 6 1 0 — — — 33 6
2007–08[44] Premier League 21 2 0 0 1 0 — — 22 2
Total 53 8 1 0 1 0 — — 55 8
Preston North End 2008–09[45] Championship 39 5 1 0 2 0 — 2[c] 0 44 5
2009–10[46] Championship 41 7 2 0 2 0 — — 45 7
Total 80 12 3 0 4 0 — 2 0 89 12
Burnley 2010–11[47] Championship 40 3 2 0 1 0 — — 43 3
2011–12[48] Championship 44 5 1 0 4 1 — — 49 6
2012–13[49] Championship 36 3 1 0 3 0 — — 40 3
2013–14[50] Championship 14 0 0 0 1 0 — — 15 0
2014–15[51] Premier League 15 1 2 1 1 0 — — 18 2
Total 149 12 6 1 10 1 — — 165 14
Sheffield Wednesday 2015–16[52] Championship 40 3 2 0 3 1 — 3[c] 2 48 6
2016–17[53] Championship 41 5 1 0 1 0 — 2[c] 0 45 5
2017–18[54] Championship 27 2 2 0 2 0 — — 31 2
Total 108 10 5 0 6 1 — 5 2 124 13
Fleetwood Town 2018–19[55] League One 36 1 2 0 0 0 — — 38 1
2019–20[56] League One 3 0 0 0 1 0 — — 4 0
Total 39 1 2 0 1 0 — — 42 1
St Mirren 2019–20[56] Scottish Premiership 3 0 0 0 0 0 — — 3 0
Career total 469 44 21 1 26 5 7 0 7 2 530 52
  1. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, one in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in Championship play-offs

International

As of match played 10 October 2009.[57]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland 2009 1 0
Total 1 0

Honours

Celtic

Sunderland

Burnley

References

  1. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 427. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 445. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  3. ^ "Wallace signs Bhoys deal". Sky Sports. 23 June 2003. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  4. ^ "Celtic awake to sink Pars". BBC. 8 November 2003. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  5. ^ "Celtic 8–1 Falkirk". BBC. 21 September 2004. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  6. ^ "O'Neill hails Wallace". BBC. 22 September 2004. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  7. ^ "Hearts 2–3 Celtic". BBC Sport. 1 January 2006.
  8. ^ "Wilson happy to fill in on left". BBC Sport. 4 March 2006.
  9. ^ Forsyth, Roddy (18 March 2006). "Final hurrah for Celtic legend". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  10. ^ Keane Signs Celtic Pair Sunderland AFC Website 31 August 2006
  11. ^ "Wallace on trial with Birmingham". BBC. 1 August 2006. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  12. ^ Keane Signs Celtic Pair, Sunderland A.F.C., 31 September 2006
  13. ^ "Wallace: Fine is worth it". Sky Sports. 17 September 2007. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  14. ^ "Keane to let players leave". Sky Sports. 12 January 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  15. ^ "MLS option for Wallace". Sky Sports. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  16. ^ "Wallace blow for Black Cats". Sky Sports. 18 January 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  17. ^ "Wallace spurns PNE advances". Sky Sports. 3 July 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  18. ^ "Wallace takes second chance". Sky Sports. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  19. ^ "Wallace makes Preston loan switch". BBC. 31 January 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  20. ^ "Wallace completes Preston switch". BBC Sport. 12 January 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
  21. ^ "Clarets Swoop To Clinch Wallace Deal". Burnley FC. 2 July 2010. Archived from the original on 4 July 2010. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
  22. ^ "Burnley end interest in Hearts winger Andrew Driver". BBC. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  23. ^ "FULL-TIME: Bury 0 Burnley 3". Lancashire Telegraph. 12 July 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  24. ^ "Burnley FC wideman Ross Wallace excited about reunion". Burnley Express. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  25. ^ "PHOTOS: Burnley FC 4, Preston North End 3". Burnley Express. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  26. ^ "Ross Wallace shaping up at Burnley". Burnley Express. 14 October 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  27. ^ "Burnley wideman Wallace sets goal target". Burnley Express. 4 November 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  28. ^ "Wallace happy to stay at Burnley". Burnley Express. 7 December 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  29. ^ "Burnley winger Ross Wallace signs two-year contract extension". Sky Sports. 5 February 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  30. ^ "Wallace Set To Leave Turf Moor". Burnley F.C. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  31. ^ "Wallace moves to Sheffield Wednesday". Sheffield Wednesday F.C. 10 July 2015.
  32. ^ "Ipswich 2–1 Sheff Wed". BBC Sport. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  33. ^ "Owls announce 2017/18 retained list". Sheffield Wednesday F.C. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  34. ^ "Ross Wallace signs for the Cod Army". Fleetwood Town FC. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  35. ^ "Ross Wallace departs Fleetwood Town=". Fleetwood Town FC. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  36. ^ "Ross Wallace: Former Celtic winger joins St Mirren until end of season". BBC Sport. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  37. ^ "St Mirren: Captain McGinn and goalkeeper Hladky among 13 departures". BBC Sport. 2 June 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  38. ^ a b Ross Wallace at the Scottish Football Association
  39. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  40. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  41. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  42. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  43. ^ a b "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  44. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  45. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  46. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  47. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  48. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  49. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  50. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  51. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  52. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  53. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2016/2017". Whoscored. –. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  54. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  55. ^ "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  56. ^ a b "Games played by Ross Wallace in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  57. ^ "Wallace, Ross". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
  58. ^ a b c d e "R. Wallace". Soccerway. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
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