David Perkins (footballer)

David Perkins

Perkins playing for Rochdale in 2007
Personal information
Full name	David Philip Perkins [1]
Date of birth	(1982-06-21) 21 June 1982 (age 42) [2]
Place of birth	Heysham, England
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.67 m) [2]
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Exeter City (first-team player coach and U23s coach)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2000–2007	Morecambe	178	(1)
2007–2008	Rochdale	60	(5)
2008–2011	Colchester United	79	(7)
2009–2010	→ Chesterfield (loan)	13	(1)
2010	→ Stockport County (loan)	22	(0)
2011–2014	Barnsley	91	(2)
2014–2015	Blackpool	65	(0)
2015–2018	Wigan Athletic	85	(1)
2018–2019	Rochdale	18	(0)
2019–2020	Tranmere Rovers	44	(2)
2020–2022	AFC Fylde	36	(2)
2022	Bamber Bridge	19	(0)
2024–	Exeter City	0	(0)
Total		710	(21)
International career
2003–2006	England C	9	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:45, 01 January 2024 (UTC)

David Philip Perkins (born 21 June 1982) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder who is currently first-team player coach and U23s coach at Exeter City.

Career

Morecambe

Perkins started his career with Morecambe, for whom he played 170 league games.

Rochdale

In 2007, he moved to League Two side Rochdale. On 17 May 2008 he scored a deflected goal from 30 yards which put Rochdale level on aggregate with Darlington in a semi-final play-off, during which he was later shown a red card. Rochdale went through on penalties. ^[3] Rochdale appealed to his red card which was rejected by the FA, meaning he missed the League Two play-off final against Stockport County at Wembley Stadium and also the first four games of the 2008–09 season. ^[4]

Colchester United

Perkins signed for Colchester United on 8 July 2008 for an undisclosed six-figure fee, citing the potential of another promotion push as the leading reason for his move to the U's. ^[5]

Chesterfield

On 2 October 2009 Perkins signed on loan for Chesterfield.

Stockport County

On 18 January 2010 he signed on loan for Stockport on a deal until the end of the season. ^[6]

Return to Colchester

After becoming an outcast in the U's squad under Aidy Boothroyd his career at the club looked bleak until John Ward was appointed as new boss in May 2010. After regaining his first team place and making over 40 appearances Perkins was being scouted by a number of Championship clubs. At the end of the season with Colchester he won four awards: Player of the Year; Player's Player of the Year; CUSA (Colchester United Supporters' Association) Home Player of the Year and CUSA Away Player of the Year. Teammate Anthony Wordsworth said of Perkins, "He was simply amazing this season". ^[7]

Barnsley

On 7 June 2011, he rejected the opportunity to extend his deal at Colchester United and subsequently signed for Championship side Barnsley; signing a 2-year contract with the Tykes. ^[8] He had previously worked with ex Barnsley manager Keith Hill at Rochdale. He made his debut on 6 August 2011, in a 0–0 draw against Nottingham Forest. ^[9] On 9 April 2012 he scored his first goal for Barnsley, coming in a 1–1 draw away to Blackpool. ^[10] The goal was described as a "face volley" by football correspondent Conor Breen.

His bright blonde hair, similar to that of London Mayor Boris Johnson's, led to Charlton Athletic supporters nicknaming him 'Barnsley Boris' after Barnsley's visit to The Valley in October 2012.

Due to his consistently solid performances throughout the season in midfield, he received the Supporters' Player of the Year Award for the 2012–13 Season.

The energetic midfielder penned an extension to his contract in August, 2012, keeping him at the club until at least the summer of 2014. ^[11]

Blackpool

On 17 January 2014, Perkins signed an 18-month deal with Blackpool on a free transfer. ^[12] He was released in May 2015. ^[13]

Wigan Athletic

On 20 May 2015, Perkins signed a one-year deal with newly relegated side Wigan Athletic after his release from Blackpool. ^[14]

David Perkins scored his only goal and most memorable in his career whilst playing for Wigan against his former team Blackpool, scoring the 3rd goal in a 3–1 victory.

Wigan entered into contract talks with him at the end of the 2017–18 season. ^[15]

Return to Rochdale

On 24 May 2018, it was announced that Perkins had signed a new two-year deal with Rochdale, ^[16] which would be effective from July 1, moving from Wigan Athletic where he spent 3 years. It is Perkins' second spell at the club, after a season long stay in the 2007–08 season. ^[17]

Speaking about the move, Perkins said "I've had a good three years at Wigan. We got promoted during my first year, relegated during my second and then promoted this season. I've had some great times there and I've enjoyed every minute of it. The fans have been unbelievable with me, all the staff and the Chairman, so I can't thank them enough." ^[18]

Tranmere Rovers

On 5 January 2019, Perkins joined Tranmere Rovers on an 18-month contract from Rochdale. ^[19]

AFC Fylde

On 16 August 2020, Perkins signed for AFC Fylde. ^[20] He was released on 21 May 2022.

Bamber Bridge

On 2 August 2022, Perkins signed for Bamber Bridge. ^[21]

Exeter City

On 1 January 2024, Perkins was an unused substitute for Exeter's League One fixture away at Reading due to a shortage of available first-team players. He was given the number 18 shirt. Perkins would feature in an Exeter City match during the 2024–25 season, coming on as a 67th minute substitute in a EFL Trophy home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur; consequently, he became their oldest player at the age of 42. Exeter City won the match 2–0. ^[22]

Coaching career

On 10 November 2022, Perkins was appointed first team coach and Under 23s manager at Exeter City. ^[23]

Career statistics

As of match played 24 September 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Season	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Morecambe	2000–01 [24]	Conference National	4	0	1	0	0	0	1 [a]	0	6	0
	2001–02 [25]	Conference National	21	0	1	0	0	0	2 [b]	0	24	0
	2002–03 [26]	Conference National	23	0	1	0	0	0	1 [b]	0	25	0
	2003–04 [27]	Conference National	39	0	1	0	0	0	1 [a]	0	41	0
	2004–05 [28]	Conference National	35	0	1	0	0	0	3 [c]	0	39	0
	2005–06 [29]	Conference National	36	1	1	0	0	0	4 [d]	0	41	1
	2006–07 [30]	Conference National	20	0	2	0	0	0	1 [b]	0	23	0
	Total		178	1	8	0	0	0	13	0	199	1
Rochdale	2006–07 [30]	League Two	18	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	18	0
	2007–08 [31]	League Two	42	5	1	0	1	1	1 [a]	0	45	6
	Total		60	5	1	0	1	1	1	0	63	6
Colchester United	2008–09 [32]	League One	38	5	1	0	1	0	3 [a]	1	43	6
	2009–10 [33]	League One	5	1	0	0	1	0	1 [a]	0	6	1
	2010–11 [34]	League One	36	1	3	0	2	0	0	0	41	1
	Total		79	7	4	0	4	0	4	1	91	8
Chesterfield (loan)	2009–10 [33]	League Two	13	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	14	1
Stockport County (loan)	2009–10 [33]	League One	22	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	22	0
Barnsley	2011–12 [35]	Championship	33	1	1	0	1	0	—		35	1
	2012–13 [36]	Championship	35	1	4	0	1	0	—		40	1
	2013–14 [37]	Championship	23	0	1	0	1	0	—		25	0
	Total		91	2	6	0	3	0	0	0	100	2
Blackpool	2013–14 [37]	Championship	20	0	0	0	0	0	—		20	0
	2014–15 [38]	Championship	45	0	1	0	1	0	—		47	0
	Total		65	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	67	0
Wigan Athletic	2015–16 [39]	League One	45	0	1	0	1	0	1 [a]	0	48	0
	2016–17 [40]	Championship	27	0	1	0	1	0	—		29	0
	2017–18 [41]	League One	13	1	5	0	1	0	2 [e]	0	21	1
	Total		81	1	7	0	4	0	4	0	98	1
Rochdale	2018–19 [42]	League One	17	0	1	0	1	0	2 [e]	0	21	0
Tranmere Rovers	2018–19 [42]	League Two	17	2	0	0	0	0	3 [f]	0	20	2
	2019–20 [43]	League One	27	0	5	0	1	0	0	0	33	0
	Total		44	2	5	0	1	0	3	0	53	2
Exeter City	2024–25 [44]	League One	0	0	0	0	0	0	1 [e]	0	1	0
Career total			662	19	34	0	15	1	28	1	730	21

1. Appearances in Football League Trophy
2. Appearances in FA Trophy
3. One appearance in Football League Trophy and two in FA Trophy
4. Two appearances in Football League Trophy and two in Conference play-offs
5. Appearance in EFL Trophy
6. Two appearances in League Two Play Offs

Honours

Wigan Athletic

• League One: 2015–16, 2017–18 ^[45]

Tranmere Rovers

• EFL League Two play-offs: 2019 ^[46]

Individual

• Barnsley Player of the Year: 2012–13 ^[47]

References

1. "EFL Released and Retained List 2017–18" (PDF). English Football League. p. 103. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
2. "David Perkins". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
3. "Rochdale 2–1 Darlington (agg 3–3)". BBC Sport. 17 May 2008. Retrieved 18 May 2008.
4. "Rochdale fail in red card appeal". BBC Sport. 20 May 2008. Retrieved 21 May 2008.
5. "Promotion Push Pleases Perkins". Colchester United. 7 July 2008. Archived from the original on 27 September 2008. Retrieved 7 July 2008.
6. "U's Flash: Perks heads to stockport". Colchester United. Archived from the original on 20 January 2010.
7. Colchester United News ^{[ dead link ‍]}
8. "Barnsley to sign David Perkins and Craig Davies" BBC Sport. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
9. "Nott'm Forest 0–0 Barnsley" BBC Sport. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
10. "Blackpool 1–1 Barnsley" BBC Sport. 9 April 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
11. "Player Profiles". Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
12. "Seasiders Snap Up Perkins". Blackpool FC. 17 January 2014.
13. "Retained List Announced" – Blackpool F.C.'s official website, 19 May 2015
14. "David Perkins: Midfielder agrees one-year Wigan Athletic deal " – BBC Sport website, 20 May 2015
15. "Wigan Athletic in talks with five out-of-contract players after League One title win". BBC Sport. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
16. "David Perkins Returns To Rochdale" . Retrieved 24 May 2018.
17. "Rochdale: David Perkins returns to club for second spell after leaving Wigan". BBC Sport. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
18. "I'm Very Pleased To Be Back – David Perkins" . Retrieved 24 May 2018.
19. "Rovers sign David Perkins" . Retrieved 5 January 2019.
20. "Midfielder with over 700 appearances in his career arrives at Mill Farm". AFC Fylde Official Site. 16 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
21. "Brig will be viewed as a team to beat". Lancashire Post. 5 August 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
22. "Match Report: Exeter City 2 Tottenham Hotspur U21 0". Exeter City F.C. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
23. "Update on the bootroom staff" . Retrieved 10 November 2022.
24. "Games played by David Perkins in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
25. "Games played by David Perkins in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
26. "Games played by David Perkins in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
27. "Games played by David Perkins in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
28. "Games played by David Perkins in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
29. "Games played by David Perkins in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
30. "Games played by David Perkins in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
31. "Games played by David Perkins in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
32. "Games played by David Perkins in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
33. "Games played by David Perkins in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
34. "Games played by David Perkins in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
35. "Games played by David Perkins in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
36. "Games played by David Perkins in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
37. "Games played by David Perkins in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
38. "Games played by David Perkins in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
39. "Games played by David Perkins in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
40. "Games played by David Perkins in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
41. "Games played by David Perkins in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
42. "Games played by David Perkins in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
43. "Games played by David Perkins in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
44. "Games played by David Perkins in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
45. Anderson, John, ed. (2018). Football Yearbook 2018–2019. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 382–383. ISBN   978-1-4722-6106-9.
46. Pearlman, Michael (25 May 2019). "Newport County 0–1 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
47. "Barnsley Player of the Season". Barnsley FC. Retrieved 2 January 2024.

External links

• David Perkins at Soccerbase