My Story

As a professional footballer I played most of my career as a left back but could also play as a left-sided central defender. I represented five clubs spanning over 22 years in the Premier League and Football League between 1996-2018. I was also capped three times for England at under-21 level in 1999.

I began my scholarship/professional career with my hometown club Watford, in 1996 I made my first competitive debut at the young age of just 17 against Luton Town. I went on to make 252 appearances for the club, winning two promotions, one play-off final (W) and reaching one FA Cup semi-final.

In October 2003 I signed for West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee. I made 238 appearances winning two promotions, one play-off final (L), one FA Cup semi-final and my biggest achievement being The Great Escape in 2004/05 Premiership season, where we survived on the last day.

In 2009 I joined Premier League side Bolton Wanderers, initially on loan, this became a permanent transfer in January 2010. Having made 87 appearances for Bolton and reaching one FA Cup semi-final, I decided to go on loan to Championship side Leeds United in March 2012, where I made ten appearances. I was released by Bolton at the end of the 2011/12 season.

The next part of my life was my biggest challenge, having no club, training by myself, putting myself forward to having trials at Nottingham Forest, Coventry City and Toronto - all of which did not offer me anything, to say I was frustrated is an understatement, however, I NEVER GAVE UP. I believed in myself and with a strong resilient mindset I was determined to find another club.

That opportunity finally happened in September 2012, I originally signed a month-by-month contract with Birmingham City which lasted for four months, 175 first-team appearances later, I played my final professional football match for Birmingham in May 2018.

My transition from playing into coaching started in the 2018/19 season where I remained at Birmingham City as an Assistant Senior Professional Development Coach working with the U23 team. The following year in 2019/20 I was appointed Lead Professional Development Coach working with the U18s at Birmingham City.