Emmerson Boyce

Emmerson Boyce
Personal information
Full name Emmerson Orlando Boyce[1]
Date of birth (1979-09-24) 24 September 1979
Place of birth Aylesbury, England
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[2]
Playing position Defender
Club information
Current team
 Egerton (assistant manager)
Youth career
1990–1995 Aylesbury Athletic
1995–1998 Luton Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2004 Luton Town 186 (8)
2004–2006 Crystal Palace 69 (2)
2006–2015 Wigan Athletic 263 (13)
2015–2016 Blackpool 26 (0)
Total 544 (22)
National team‡
2008–2016 Barbados 12 (3)
Teams managed
2018– Egerton (assistant manager)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 15:33, 6 May 2016 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 00:27, 29 March 2016 (UTC)

Emmerson Orlando Boyce (born 24 September 1979) is a professional footballer who is currently assistant manager at Cheshire Football League side Egerton FC. He usually played as a right back, but could also be deployed in the centre of defence or at right wingback.

Born in Aylesbury, England, Boyce started his career at the age of sixteen as an apprentice at Luton Town. He rose through the ranks and eventually established himself in the first team, and went on to make 185 league appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.

He joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2004, where he played in the Premier League for the first time, but he and his teammates were unable to prevent the club from being relegated to the Championship. He spent two years at the club, making 69 league appearances and scoring one goal.

After Crystal Palace failed to gain promotion, Boyce returned to Premier League football in 2006, this time with Wigan Athletic after completing a move for a fee of £1 million, and was a key player during his first season when the club narrowly avoided relegation. He remained an active member of the first-team throughout his spell at Wigan, and is the club's Premier League appearance record holder. In May 2013, he captained Wigan Athletic to victory in the 2013 FA Cup Final in a 1–0 win over Manchester City. He last played for Blackpool in the 2015–16 League One season.

Boyce has also represented the Barbados national team, making his debut for the side in 2008.

Club career

Early life and career

Boyce was born on 24 September 1979 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. He grew up in Elmhurst with his parents, Lucille and Melvin,[3] and attended Quarrendon CE Secondary School,[4] where he set athletics records.[5] He began playing football for his local team Aylesbury United F.C. at the age of ten.[6] He played as a striker for two years before being moved to his more familiar position in defence. Boyce was initially unhappy about being moved into his new position, but coach Steve Greenhalf believed Boyce could successfully become a professional footballer as a defender.[3] From the age of twelve, Boyce attended the Luton School of Excellence, and in the summer of 1995 he became an apprentice at Luton Town.[7]

Luton Town

Kenilworth Road, the ground where Boyce made his debut

Boyce spent three years playing for Luton's youth team, where he played alongside Gary Doherty and Matthew Upson. The team reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup in 1997.[8] He signed professional terms with the club in 1998, and made his debut on 5 January 1999 in a 3–0 home defeat against Walsall in the Auto Windscreens Shield.[9] He appeared once more later in the season, making his league debut in April 1999, in a 1–0 defeat against Lincoln City. At the start of the following season, he was regularly on the substitutes bench, but due to the poor form of first choice right-back Stuart Fraser he was given the opportunity to start the match at home against Chesterfield on Boxing Day.[8] He kept his place in the starting lineup and played 30 times in the league during the season, and scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat against Bournemouth in February 2000.[10] Boyce started the 2000–01 season in the centre of defence. New Luton manager Ricky Hill praised Boyce for his "tremendous" displays,[11] and felt he deserved a call-up to the England under-21 squad.[12] He played 42 times in the league, scoring three goals as Luton were relegated to the Third Division.

Boyce was a key figure in the following season for Luton as they gained promotion back into the Second Division, and he was rewarded with a new two-year contract.[13] Despite strong competition for places, he continued playing regularly for Luton in the 2002–03 season, making 34 appearances in the league. During his final season with the club, he made 42 league appearances, scoring four goals, and his performances were recognised when he received the Players' Player, Supporters' Player and Internet Player of the Season awards.[14] In the summer of 2004, he rejected a new contract with Luton and decided to leave the club after his existing contract expired.[7]

Crystal Palace

Following a short trial,[15] Boyce moved to Crystal Palace in July 2004 on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal with the club.[16] He made his debut on 14 August 2004 in Palace's opening Premier League game against Norwich City,[17] and quickly established himself as the club's first-choice right back,[18] and played in almost every league game for the club until a foot injury in March 2005 ruled him out for the rest of the season.[19] The incident occurred during a training session, shortly after Boyce had signed a new deal extending his contract until 2007.[16] Palace were then relegated on the final day of the season after drawing in their match against Charlton Athletic.[20] He returned to the starting line-up in the first game of the new season in the Championship against former club Luton Town.[21] He was a near ever-present throughout the campaign, making 42 league appearances for the club, and scored what would be his only league goal during his time at Palace in a 2–0 win over Coventry City in November 2005.[22] Palace missed out on promotion however, losing in the play-off semi-finals to Watford.[23] Boyce had become a favourite with Palace fans and was voted Player of the Year in 2006.[24]

With 12 months remaining on his current contract, Boyce rejected a new deal with Palace, stating his desire to return to the Premier League.[25] Rather than letting him leave for free at the end of his contract per the Bosman ruling, Palace accepted an offer for Boyce from Wigan Athletic.

Wigan Athletic

Boyce lining up for Wigan Athletic in 2009.

On 1 August 2006, Boyce was signed by Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal for an initial fee of £1 million.[26] He was initially signed as a replacement on the right side of defence for Pascal Chimbonda,[27] but was often deployed as a centre back.[28] He made his debut for the club on 19 August 2006 in a Premier League match against Newcastle United.[29] He made 34 league appearances during the season, helping the club avoid relegation, which was confirmed on the final day of the season in a 2–1 win against Sheffield United.[30] His performances earned him praise from Wigan supporters, and he narrowly missed out on the club's Player of the Year award.[31]

At the start of the 2007–08 season, following the signing of Mario Melchiot as the club's new first choice right-back, Boyce found his first team opportunities more limited. However, after a poor start to the season by Wigan, he returned to the starting line-up, which saw an upturn in results,[32] and the club once again avoided relegation. He made 25 league appearances during the season,[31] most of which came during the second half of the season.

On 15 November 2008, he was sent off for the first time in his career in a 2–2 draw against Newcastle United, after receiving a second yellow card.[33] Replays showed that the decision was harsh, and Wigan manager Steve Bruce called for rule changes to allow clubs to appeal against yellow cards, and also to introduce video technology.[34] Two weeks later, on 29 November 2008, he scored his first goal for Wigan, a header from the edge of the area in a 2–1 win against West Bromwich Albion.[35] He finished the 2008–09 season with 27 appearances.[31]

In July 2009, he signed a new contract at Wigan, keeping him at the club until 2012.[36] The 2009–10 season was a frustrating one for Boyce. Under new manager Roberto Martínez, he was initially part of the starting line-up, but after being replaced by new signing Gary Caldwell in January, his playing time became more limited.[37] He played 24 times in the league, scoring three goals[31] — the most he had scored in a season since leaving Luton.

Boyce was back in the starting line-up at the beginning of the 2010–11 season, but suffered an injury against Bolton Wanderers in October 2010. He was initially expected to recover in two weeks, but was sidelined for considerably longer after aggravating the injury in training.[38] He returned to the side on 8 January 2011 in the 3–2 FA Cup victory against Hull City.[39] He appeared 22 times in the league, and started in the final game of the season against Stoke City, making a goal line clearance in the first half to keep the score level.[40] Wigan went on to win the game 1–0, securing Premier League survival on the last day of the season for a second time. Boyce was the only Wigan player to play in both the Stoke game and the match against Sheffield United in 2007.[41]

In August 2011, Boyce signed a new two-year contract at the club.[42] On 25 February 2012, he made his 146th Premier League appearance in a 0–0 draw against Aston Villa, making him the club's record holder for most appearances in the Premier League.[43] On 21 April, he scored his fifth league goal for Wigan in a 2–1 away defeat to Fulham.[44] On 9 May, Boyce was given the outstanding achievement award at Wigan's end of season awards. He followed this up on 13 May, the final match of the season, by scoring two goals against Wolves, including a spectacular volley from outside the penalty box.

In May 2013 he captained Wigan to win the FA Cup over Manchester City and jointly lifted the cup with non playing club captain Gary Caldwell.[45] In March 2014, he was once again instrumental in captaining Wigan to an upset over Manchester City, this time in the 2014 FA Cup Quarterfinals.

Blackpool

In August 2015, Boyce ended a 9-year stay at Wigan and joined Blackpool on a free transfer. He was then released by Blackpool following their relegation from League One.

International career

Though born in England, Boyce was also eligible to play for the Barbados national team through his parents Melvin and Lucille, who were both born in Barbados. Boyce earned his first international call-up on 20 March 2008, aged 28, stating that "The appeal is to play international football. I consider myself a Barbadian and I feel it's the right thing to do to play for my country. I am really looking forward to it."[46] He made his debut for Barbados in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Dominica on 26 March 2008, in a 1–0 win which advanced Barbados to the second round of qualifying.[47] His other appearance for Barbados that year came on 22 June in a 1–0 defeat against United States.[48] Boyce was called up again for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and captained the squad in a 2–0 loss to Guyana in Bridgetown. He was recalled to the team in 2014 and captained the squad during the 2014 Caribbean Cup qualification. He scored his first international goal in the 4–1 win over Bonaire that qualified them for the next round.[49]

International goals

Scores and Results list Barbados' goal tally first.

#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetitionSource
17 September 2014Stade d'Honneur de Dillon, Fort-de-France, Martinique Bonaire1–04–12014 Caribbean Cup qualification
[50]
210 June 2015Trinidad Stadium, Oranjestad, Aruba Aruba1–0
2–0
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
32–0

Style of play

Boyce is a versatile player who usually plays as a right back, but has also been used as a centre back on many occasions. He has also played at left back,[27] on the right wing and as a makeshift striker during his career.[8] In the past he has stated that he does not have a preferred position and is happy to play wherever the manager wants him to play.[27][32][37] When playing at right back, although Boyce accepts that his more important role in the team is to defend,[51] he has also demonstrated his ability to get forward to contribute to the team's attack.[8][52] His consistent performances have earned him praise on several occasions, and he has been described as a "reliable" and "dependable" player.[24][53][54][55]

Honours

FA Cup 2012–13[56]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Luton Town 1998–99[57] Second Division 1000001[lower-alpha 1]020
1999–2000[58] Second Division 30120201[lower-alpha 1]0351
2000–01[59] Second Division 423304000493
2001–02[60] Third Division 370001000380
2002–03[61] Third Division 34020201[lower-alpha 1]0390
2003–04[62] Second Division 424512000495
Total 1868121110302129
Crystal Palace 2004–05[63] Premier League 2700010—280
2005–06[64] Championship 42230202[lower-alpha 2]0492
Total 692303020772
Wigan Athletic 2006–07[65] Premier League 3401000—350
2007–08[66] Premier League 2501010—270
2008–09[67] Premier League 2711030—311
2009–10[68] Premier League 2432010—273
2010–11[69] Premier League 2202010—250
2011–12[70] Premier League 2631000—273
2012–13[71] Premier League 3645000—414
2013–14[72] Championship 42260108[lower-alpha 3]0572
2014–15[73] Championship 2701000—280
Total 26313200708029813
Blackpool 2015–16[74] League One 2600000—260
Career total 5442335121013061324
  1. 1 2 3 Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ↑ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  3. ↑ Five appearances in UEFA Europa League, one in FA Community Shield, two in Championship play-offs

International

As of match played 29 March 2016.[75]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Barbados 200820
201120
201431
201532
201620
Total123

Personal life

Boyce is married to Lucy, with whom he has three children, two boys and a girl.[76][77]

Boyce became the first international ambassador for Street Soccer USA, an organisation which develops sports programs to help the homeless, and he has made appearances at homeless shelters in various cities across the United States.[78] He was first introduced to the organisation after reading about it during a business trip to the United States. On his new role, Boyce commented that "Soccer is a global sport, it can lift all of our spirits and improve all of our lives and I want to promote the use of the beautiful game in this way. It is a privilege and an honor to be named the first International Ambassador for Street Soccer USA."[79]

References

  1. ↑ "Premier League clubs submit squad lists". Premier League. 1 September 2010. Archived from the original on 4 September 2010. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  2. ↑ "Player Profile | Emmerson Boyce". Premier League. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  3. 1 2 "Boyce done good!". BBC. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  4. ↑ "Aylesbury footballers move up to the Premiership". The Bucks Herald. Johnston Publishing. 4 March 2007. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  5. ↑ "Aylesbury-born footballer set for new Premier League deal". The Bucks Herald. Johnston Publishing. 6 May 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  6. ↑ "Boyce is back in Town!". BBC. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
  7. 1 2 "Boyce agrees to Eagles switch". Luton Town F.C. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Emmerson Boyce". lutonfc.com. Archived from the original on 19 October 2002. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  9. ↑ "Saddlers in control as they cruise past Luton". The Birmingham Post. 6 January 1999. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  10. ↑ "Football: Lennie admits: We're too slow". London, England: Sunday Mirror. 6 February 2000. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  11. ↑ "Boyce's been tremendous". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing. 7 September 2000. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  12. ↑ "Boyce deserves a call-up". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing. 12 September 2000. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
  13. ↑ "Boyce boost for Hatters". BBC Sport. 15 May 2002. Retrieved 28 October 2010.
  14. ↑ "Boyce bags hat-trick". Luton Town F.C. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  15. ↑ "Palace snap up Boyce". BBC Sport. 12 July 2004. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  16. 1 2 Pink, Stuart (30 March 2005). "Boyce aims for Charlton return". Croydon Guardian. Newsquest Media Group. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  17. ↑ "Norwich 1–1 Crystal Palace". BBC Sport. 14 August 2004. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
  18. ↑ Kendall, Mark. "Eagles to reward Boyce". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  19. ↑ Dunn, Alex. "Boyce blow for Eagles". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  20. ↑ "Charlton 2–2 C Palace". BBC Sport. 15 May 2005. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  21. ↑ "Town clip Eagles' wings". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing. 6 August 2005. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  22. ↑ "Crystal Palace 2–0 Coventry". BBC Sport. 22 November 2005. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  23. ↑ "Watford 0–0 C Palace (agg 3–0)". BBC Sport. 9 May 2006. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  24. 1 2 "Player of the Year awards". Crystal Palace F.C. 16 May 2006. Archived from the original on 6 December 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  25. ↑ Rutledge, Lewis. "Boyce tipped for Addicks move". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  26. ↑ "Wigan sign Palace defender Boyce". BBC Sport. 1 August 2006. Retrieved 1 April 2007.
  27. 1 2 3 Marshall, Adam. "Boyce earmarked for right back". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  28. ↑ Bramley, Steve. "Boyce blow for Wigan". Sky Sports. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  29. ↑ Chowdhury, Saj (19 August 2006). "Newcastle 2–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  30. ↑ McNulty, Phil (14 May 2007). "Sheff Utd 1–2 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  31. 1 2 3 4 "Emmerson Boyce 1st Team Profile". Wigan Athletic F.C. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  32. 1 2 "Boyce: We are stronger". Wigan Today. Johnston Publishing. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  33. ↑ Whyatt, Chris (15 November 2008). "Newcastle 2–2 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  34. ↑ "Bruce fumes at 'ridiculous' rules". BBC Sport. 17 November 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  35. ↑ May, John (29 November 2008). "Wigan 2–1 West Brom". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
  36. ↑ "B&B extend stay". Wigan Athletic FC. 14 July 2009. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  37. 1 2 "Boyce raring to go". Wigan Today. Johnston Publishing. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  38. ↑ "Emmerson Boyce's injury woes continue". Mirror Football. 16 December 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  39. ↑ "Hull 2–3 Wigan". BBC Sport. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  40. ↑ Hunter, Andy (22 May 2011). "Hugo Rodallega keeps Wigan in top flight with goal against Stoke City". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  41. ↑ "The Boyce done good". Wigan Today. Johnston Publishing. 25 May 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  42. ↑ "Three new contracts confirmed!". Wigan Athletic FC. 23 August 2011. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  43. ↑ "Point Well Made Says Gaffer". Wigan Athletic F.C. 25 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  44. ↑ "Fulham 2–1 Wigan" BBC Sport. 21 April 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  45. ↑ "Scotland defender Gary Caldwell laughs as he leads Wigan up to lift trophy.. without having played a minute". Daily Record. 12 May 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  46. ↑ "Boycey for Barbados". Wigan Athletic FC. 26 March 2008. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  47. ↑ Barbados v Dominica. FIFA.com
  48. ↑ Barbados v USA. FIFA.com
  49. ↑ Admin, CFU Web. "Men's Caribbean Cup First Round Ends – Caribbean Cup". cfufootball.org.
  50. ↑ "CFD Profile". Caribbean Football Database. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  51. ↑ Mokbel, Sami (10 November 2005). "Boyce admits Palace defence has to tighten". Croydon Guardian. Newsquest Media Group. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  52. ↑ "Boyce – Blues win was crucial". Sky Sports. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  53. ↑ "Titus just needs to learn to concentrate – like Terry, Vidic, and er Rio, says Wigan boss Bruce". Daily Mail. 8 October 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  54. ↑ "The season preview: Wigan Athletic". The Guardian. 9 August 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  55. ↑ "On Soccer AM..." Sky Sports. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  56. ↑ Abraham, Tim (14 May 2013). "Wigan given FA Cup medals two days late" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  57. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  58. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  59. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  60. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  61. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  62. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  63. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  64. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  65. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  66. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  67. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  68. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  69. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  70. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  71. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  72. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  73. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  74. ↑ "Games played by Emmerson Boyce in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  75. ↑ "Boyce, Emmerson". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  76. ↑ "Boyce joy after dream end to 'emotional' year". The Bucks Herald. Johnston Press. 13 May 2012. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  77. ↑ "Q&A's With Emmerson Boyce". Vital Football. 9 September 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2013.
  78. ↑ Fraser, Adam (10 May 2010). "Wigan Athletic's Emmerson Boyce heading to the USA this summer". SportsPro Media. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
  79. ↑ "English Premier League soccer player speaks up for impoverished Americans and Toto". Street Soccer USA. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
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