Lewis Spence (footballer)

This article is about the Scottish footballer. For the English footballer, see Lewwis Spence.

Lewis Spence

Personal information
Full name	Lewis Robert Spence [1]
Date of birth	(1996-01-28) 28 January 1996 (age 28)
Place of birth	Kirkcaldy, [2] Scotland
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	East Kilbride
Number	25
Youth career
–2007	Heart of Midlothian
2007–2012	Rangers
2012–2013	Dunfermline Athletic
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2013–2017	Dunfermline Athletic	34	(0)
2016	→ Brechin City (loan)	13	(3)
2016	→ Brechin City (loan)	7	(0)
2017–2019	Dundee	31	(0)
2019–2020	Ross County	30	(0)
2020–2021	Scunthorpe United	41	(1)
2021–2023	Hamilton Academical	23	(1)
2023	Edinburgh City	13	(0)
2023–	East Kilbride	23	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:00, 14 December 2024 (UTC)

Lewis Robert Spence (born 28 January 1996) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for East Kilbride. Spence has previously played for Dunfermline Athletic, two short loan spells with Brechin City, Dundee, Ross County, Hamilton Academical and Edinburgh City.

Career

Dunfermline Athletic

Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Spence played for Cowdenbeath-based Blue Brazil Boys Club, before playing youth football with Heart of Midlothian and Rangers. ^[2] In 2012, he joined Dunfermline Athletic, playing for their under-20 squad during the 2012–13 season. In the next season, Spence began to become involved with the Dunfermline first team. He appeared on the substitutes' bench on a number of occasions, before making his debut as an 89th-minute substitute for Ryan Williamson in a 0–4 defeat to Rangers at East End Park. ^{[3] [4]} His first starting appearance came in Scottish League One against Ayr United, with Spence playing 78 minutes of the 1–1 draw, before being replaced by Andy Geggan. ^{[5] [6]} In total, Spence made six appearances for Dunfermline during the 2013–14 season, with more than half being made as a substitute.

Spence played in Dunfermline's first match of the 2014–15 season, a 5–1 win over Annan Athletic in the Scottish League Cup. ^{[7] [8]} He scored his first goal for the club in a loss to St Mirren at St Mirren Park, also in the League Cup. ^{[9] [10]} Spence played 31 times for Dunfermline during the season, scoring once, as the team finished in seventh position in League One. ^[11]

Following John Potter's resignation as manager and the appointment of Allan Johnston, ^[12] Spence found himself on the fringes of the first team squad and made just one appearance for the club in the 2015–16 season, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute for Geggan in a 4–1 victory over Arbroath in August 2015. ^{[13] [14]} In January 2016, Spence was sent to fellow Scottish League One team Brechin City on a development loan to provide him with more game time. ^[15] He made 13 appearances for Brechin and scored 3 goals, including an "outstanding" 35-yard lob against Airdrieonians, ^[16] which was nominated in April 2016 as one of the club's goals of the season. ^[17] His contribution helped Brechin avoid relegation, ^[18] after they had been bottom of the league for the majority of the season. ^[19]

At the end of the 2015–16 season, Spence signed a new one-year contract with Dunfermline which would see him remain at the club until the end of the 2016–17 season. ^[18] After making a handful of appearances for the first-team, Spence returned to Brechin on a one-month loan in September 2016, ^[20] which was subsequently extended for an additional month. Returning to Dunfermline, Spence made only seven appearances in the two seasons in which Johnston was in charge. He left the club in May 2017 when his contract expired, ^[21] having made 45 appearances in his five years with Dunfermline.

Dundee

On 22 June 2017, Spence signed a one-year contract with Scottish Premiership club Dundee, under manager Neil McCann who had previously coached him at Dunfermline. ^[22] After impressing in his first season, Spence signed a two-year contract extension in April 2018, which was due to keep him at the club until summer 2020. ^[23] McCann was replaced as manager by Jim McIntyre during the 2018–19 season, and Spence was released from his contract in January 2019. ^[24]

Ross County

After his release by Dundee, Spence signed for Scottish Championship club Ross County. ^[24] In his first season, he played 21 games, including 15 in the league. He helped Ross County win the title and therefore promotion into the Scottish Premiership. ^[25] He was also a part of the Scottish League Challenge Cup final squad, that Ross County won 3–1 against Connah's Quay. ^[26] He spent another year at the club, only making 15 appearances.

Scunthorpe United

Spence made his move to England after signing a two-year contract with Scunthorpe United in August 2020. ^[27] In his first season at the club, he started in 44 games, including 41 league games. He scored his only goal for Scunthorpe in a 3–1 win over Harrogate Town. ^[28] After Scunthorpe poor season, which saw them narrowly avoid relegation, ^[29] he asked to leave because he believed "Scunthorpe wasn't for [him]." ^[30] His wish was granted and he moved back to Scotland.

Hamilton Academical

In July 2021, Spence confirmed that he had joined Hamilton Academical; ^[31] he signed a two-year contract. ^[32] He scored his first goal for the Accies in a Scottish Challenge Cup tie against Hearts U20s. ^[33] Spence left the club by mutual consent in June 2023. ^[34]

Edinburgh City

On 4 August 2023, Spence joined Scottish League One club Edinburgh City. ^[35] He made his debut the following day in a league game away to Stirling Albion. ^[36] Spence would be released by the Citizens in December 2023 following budget cuts amid financial turmoil. ^[37]

East Kilbride

On 29 December 2023, Spence joined Lowland Football League club East Kilbride. ^{[38] [37]} Spence would win the Lowland League title with East Kilbride in April 2024.

Spence scored his first goal with Kilby in a Scottish Challenge Cup game against East Stirlingshire. ^[39]

Career statistics

As of match played 14 December 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Scottish Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Dunfermline Athletic	2013–14 [40]	Scottish League One	6	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	7	0
	2014–15 [41]		26	0	1	0	2	1	2	0	31	1
	2015–16 [42]		0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	0
	2016–17 [43]	Scottish Championship	2	0	0	0	4	0	0	0	6	0
	Total		34	0	1	0	6	1	4	0	45	1
Brechin City (loan)	2015–16 [42]	Scottish League One	13	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	13	3
	2016–17 [43]		7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0
	Total		20	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	3
Dundee	2017–18 [44]	Scottish Premiership	18	0	1	0	2	0	–		21	0
	2018–19 [45]		13	0	0	0	3	1	–		16	1
	Total		31	0	1	0	5	1	0	0	37	1
Ross County	2018–19 [45]	Scottish Championship	15	0	3	0	0	0	1 [a]	0	19	0
	2019–20 [46]	Scottish Premiership	15	0	0	0	0	0	–		15	0
	Total		30	0	3	0	0	0	1	0	34	0
Scunthorpe United	2020–21 [47]	League Two	41	1	1	0	1	0	1 [b]	0	44	1
Hamilton Academical	2021–22 [48]	Scottish Championship	20	1	0	0	2	0	1 [a]	1	23	2
	2022–23		0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	0
	Total		20	1	0	0	4	0	1	1	25	2
Edinburgh City	2023–24	Scottish League One	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	13	0
East Kilbride	2023–24	Lowland League	10	0	0	0	0	0	6 [c]	0	16	0
	2024–25		13	0	3	0	4	0	7 [d]	2	27	2
	Total		23	0	3	0	4	0	12	2	43	2
Career total			212	5	9	0	20	2	19	3	262	10

1. Appearance(s) in the Scottish Challenge Cup
2. Appearance(s) in the Football League Trophy
3. Appearance(s) in the South Challenge Cup, the Lowland League Cup and the Scottish League Two play-offs
4. 5 appearances and 1 goal in the Scottish Challenge Cup, 2 appearances and 1 goal in the South Challenge Cup

Honours

Dunfermline Athletic

• Scottish League One: 2015–16 ^[49]

Ross County

• Scottish Championship: 2018–19 ^[50]
• Scottish Challenge Cup: 2018–19 ^[26]

Hamilton Academical

• Scottish Challenge Cup: 2022–23 ^[51]

East Kilbride

• Lowland Football League: 2023–24
• SFA South Region Challenge Cup: 2023–24

References

1. "Notification of shirt numbers: Scunthorpe United" (PDF). English Football League. p. 62. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
2. "First team squad - Lewis Spence". Dunfermline Athletic FC. dafc.co.uk. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
3. Crawford, Kenny (30 December 2013). "Dunfermline 0–4 Rangers". BBC Sport . BBC . Retrieved 23 July 2016.
4. "Dunfermline 0 Rangers 4". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
5. "Ayr United 1–1 Dunfermline". espnfc.co.uk. ESPN. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
6. "Ayr United 1 Dunfermline 1". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
7. "Dunfermline 5–1 Annan Athletic". BBC Sport . BBC. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
8. "Dunfermline 5 Annan Athletic 1". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
9. "St Mirren 2–1 Dunfermline". BBC Sport . BBC. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
10. "St Mirren 2 Dunfermline 1". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
11. "Airdrieonians 3–2 Dunfermline". BBC Sport . BBC. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
12. "DAFC appoint new first team manager". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
13. "Starting Lineups - Arbroath vs Dunf'mline". Sky Sports . Sky. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
14. "Arbroath 1 Dunfermline 4". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
15. "Lewis Spence goes out on loan". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
16. "Airdrie 0 Brechin 2: Outstanding effort helps City's bid to beat drop". The Courier . DC Thomson Co Ltd. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
17. "Vote For Your Goal of the Season". Brechin City FC. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
18. Hart, Ross (16 May 2016). "Dunfermline Athletic duo David Hutton and Lewis Spence pen one year deals". Dunfermline Press . Newsquest . Retrieved 23 July 2016.
19. "Brechin City 2015–16 statistics". Statto. Statto Organisation Ltd. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
20. "Spence joins Brechin City". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
21. "Player update". Dunfermline Athletic FC. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
22. "Lewis signs". Dundee FC. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
23. "Lewis signs extension". Dundee FC. 5 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
24. "Andrew Davies: Dundee sign defender after Hartlepool agree to terminate contract". BBC Sport. 10 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
25. Paterson, Colin (2 August 2019). "Scottish Championship 2019-20 preview: Club-by-club guide to new season". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
26. "Ross County lifted the Challenge Cup for a third time". BBC Sport. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
27. "Spence joins the Iron". Scunthorpe-United. 3 August 2020. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
28. "🥅⚽ Goal: Lewis Spence v Harrogate Town". One Football. 21 February 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
29. Gibson, Ross William (27 May 2021). "Three Teams Who Could Compete For League Two Promotion in 2021/22". Any Old Iron Blog. Archived from the original on 29 May 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
30. McGilvray, Andy (25 September 2021). "Scunthorpe wasn't for me, I'm happy at Hamilton Accies, says Lewis Spence". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 20 November 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
31. Moody, James (13 July 2021). "Lewis Spence signs for Hamilton". Scunthorpe-United. Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
32. "Hamilton Academical FC is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Scunthorpe United for the transfer of Scottish midfielder Lewis Spence". Hamilton Accies FC. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
33. McPherson, Chris (1 September 2021). "HAMILTON 3-2 HEARTS B". Hearts FC. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
34. Thomson, Paul (19 June 2023). "Hamilton Accies announce midfielder exits as star has contract ripped up". Daily Record. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
35. "Scottish League 1 ins & outs - summer 2023". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
36. "Stirling Albion v Edinburgh City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
37. Thomson, Paul (2 January 2024). "EK signing ex-Accies player was a deal that "fell into our laps" says boss". Daily Record. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
38. "@officialEKFC on Twitter". twitter.com. 29 December 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
39. "SPFL Trust Trophy Results | SPFL". spfl.co.uk. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
40. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
41. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
42. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
43. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
44. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
45. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
46. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
47. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
48. "Games played by Lewis Spence in 2021/2022". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
49. McLaughlin, Brian (26 March 2016). "Dunfermline 3 – 1 Brechin City". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
50. "Ross County Secure title and promotion". BBC. 26 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
51. "Hamilton Accies win SPFL Trust Trophy | SPFL". spfl.co.uk. Retrieved 5 August 2023.

External links

• Lewis Spence at Soccerbase