Luke Charman

Luke Charman

Personal information
Full name	Luke Bowler Charman [1]
Date of birth	(1997-12-09) 9 December 1997 (age 26)
Place of birth	Durham, England
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) [2]
Position(s)	Striker
Team information
Current team	Hartlepool United
Number	11
Youth career
0000–2017	Newcastle United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2017–2020	Newcastle United	0	(0)
2018–2019	→ Accrington Stanley (loan)	0	(0)
2020–2022	Darlington	22	(12)
2022	Rochdale	20	(2)
2022–2024	AFC Fylde	55	(7)
2024–	Hartlepool United	0	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:48, 5 June 2024 (UTC)

Luke Bowler Charman (born 9 December 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for National League club Hartlepool United.

He began his career with Newcastle United, but never played for their first team, and made his professional debut in the EFL Trophy while on loan at Accrington Stanley. Released by Newcastle in 2020, he joined National League North club Darlington, for whom 19 goals from 33 appearances earned him a move to the Football League with Rochdale. He signed a two-year contract with AFC Fylde in 2022, before joining Hartlepool United in 2024.

Life and career

Newcastle United

Charman was born in 1997 in Durham. ^[2] He lived in nearby Sherburn Village and attended Belmont Community School. ^[2] He joined Newcastle United's Academy at 15, ^[3] made his debut for their under-18s in a 1–0 loss away to Arsenal U18 in April 2014, ^[4] and took up a two-year scholarship in July after he left school. ^[5] He was told in February 2016 that he would not be kept on at the end of the season, ^[6] but the club had a change of heart and offered several scholars an extra year; ^[7] coach Dave Watson picked him out as the player who had shown most improvement over the past year. ^[8]

He continued to progress, and signed his first professional contract in 2017. ^[9] During the 2017–18 season, he played twice for Newcastle U21 in the EFL Trophy, top scored for their under-23 team, ^[10] and at the end of a season when 18 reserve players were released in a "major shake-up" when "all those who United do not consider to have a future at the club have been allowed to go", his contract was extended. ^[11]

In August 2018, Charman joined League One club Accrington Stanley on loan for the season. ^[12] Partly through injury, ^[13] and partly because the rules limited the number of loanees in a matchday squad to five –Stanley had seven players on loan ^[14]  –he did not make his senior debut until 6 November, in the EFL Trophy in a 2–1 win against West Bromwich Albion U21s. ^[15] Four days later, he started against Colchester United in the first round of the FA Cup, in which fellow Newcastle loanee Dan Barlaser scored the only goal. ^[16] Shortly after coming on for his first league appearance, as a second-half substitute on 8 December at home to Sunderland in atrocious weather conditions, Charman was involved in the equaliser, which was Connor Hall's first league goal. Five minutes later, the referee abandoned the match, so neither Hall's goal nor Charman's appearance count towards their records. ^[17] He was recalled by Newcastle in January 2019. ^[18]

Charman captained Newcastle U23s at the start of the 2019–20 season, and scored a spectacular goal against Macclesfield Town in the EFL Trophy, ^[19] but although he was hopeful of impressing manager Steve Bruce, ^[20] he got no closer to the first team, and was released at the end of the season. ^[21]

Darlington

On 14 July 2020, Charman joined National League North side Darlington on a free transfer. ^[22] He made his debut in the first match of the season, and scored both his side's goals in a 2–2 draw with Prescot Cables in the FA Cup, but had been substituted by the time Darlington won the tie on penalties. ^[23] He made six appearances in the National League North without scoring, ^[24] but contributed six goals from eight cup matches. In the last of those, he suffered a medial ligament injury that was expected to keep him out for several weeks, ^[25] by which time the season had been abandoned because of issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. ^[26] Charman signed a new two-year contract in July 2021, ^[27] his fitness improved, and he scored freely during the first half of the season, with 12 goals from 16 league appearances. ^{[28] [24]} Charman was keen to return to full-time football, and his club's refusal to accept an offer from a National League team had led to "tough conversations" with the player. Manager Alun Armstrong told him that "if he works his socks off and does well", there would be interest from clubs at Football League level, and "then we'll wish him all the best and he'll move on". ^[28] In the expectation of his imminent departure, Darlington signed striker Tyrone O'Neill in early January 2022. ^[29]

Rochdale

Amid interest from clubs including Bradford City and Hartlepool United, Charman signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Rochdale of League Two on 20 January 2022; the fee was undisclosed. ^[30] After completing a four-match suspension imposed for a second sending-off while at Darlington, Charman made his Rochdale and Football League debut on 1 February, replacing Alex Newby after 58 minutes of a 1–1 draw away to Colchester United. ^{[31] [32]} Charman finally scored for Rochdale on 30 April, with two goals in the first 17 minutes of the match at home to Bristol Rovers, but the match ended as a 4–3 defeat. ^[33] After a brief substitute appearance in the opening match of the 2022–23 season, a hamstring injury was to keep him out for some time. ^{[34] [35]}

AFC Fylde

Charman left Rochdale on 14 October to sign a two-year contract with National League North club AFC Fylde, who paid an undisclosed club-record fee for his services. ^{[36] [37]}

Hartlepool United

Charman signed for National League club Hartlepool United on 5 June 2024, his contract to begin after his existing deal with AFC Fylde expires at the end of the month. ^[38]

Career statistics

As of end of 2023–24 season

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Newcastle United U21	2017–18 [39]	—			—		—		2 [lower-alpha 1]	0	2	0
	2019–20 [40]	—			—		—		3 [lower-alpha 1]	1	3	1
	Total		—		—		—		5	1	5	1
Newcastle United	2018–19 [15]	Premier League	0	0	—		0	0	—		0	0
	2019–20 [40]	Premier League	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	Total		0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
Accrington Stanley (loan)	2018–19 [15]	League One	0	0	1	0	—		3 [lower-alpha 1]	0	4	0
Darlington	2020–21 [24] [41]	National League North	6	0	5	4	—		3 [lower-alpha 2]	2	14	6
	2021–22 [24] [42]	National League North	16	12	2	0	—		1 [lower-alpha 2]	1	19	13
	Total		22	12	7	4	—		4	3	33	19
Rochdale	2021–22 [43]	League Two	19	2	—		—		—		19	2
	2022–23 [34]	League Two	1	0	—		0	0	0	0	1	0
	Total		20	2	—		0	0	0	0	20	2
AFC Fylde	2022–23 [24]	National League North	30	4	3	1	—		1 [lower-alpha 2]	0	34	5
	2023–24 [24]	National League	25	3	2	0	—		2 [lower-alpha 2]	1	29	4
	Total		55	7	5	1	—		3	1	63	9
Career total			97	21	13	5	0	0	15	5	125	31

1. Appearance in EFL Trophy
2. Appearance(s) in FA Trophy

References

1. "Squad lists 2022/23 & U21 registered contract players" (PDF). EFL. September 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
2. Ryder, Lee (15 November 2014). "Newcastle United's 20 best players under 20 – who fans should be keeping tabs on". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
3. Knight, Chris (15 July 2020). "Why former Newcastle United striker holds no regrets about his Magpies release". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
4. "Toon's fortune shot down by Gunners" . Evening Chronicle. Newcastle. 9 April 2014. p. 12. Retrieved 11 October 2020– via Gale OneFile: News.
5. King, Dan (11 June 2014). "United welcome new scholars". Newcastle United F.C. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
6. Ryder, Lee (1 March 2016). "Newcastle United set to release clutch of youngsters from development squad". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
7. "Defender extends stay at Newcastle". The Shields Gazette. 3 June 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
8. Waugh, Chris (9 June 2016). "Newcastle youth coach admits lack of victories is affecting 'confidence' of young United players". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
9. Wilson, Scott (9 June 2017). "Newcastle United offer Yoan Gouffran a new deal - but release Vurnon Anita". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
10. James, Alex (31 August 2018). "Accrington Stanley sign striker from Newcastle United". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
11. Waugh, Chris (8 June 2018). "Newcastle United reveal retained list - as Rafa Benitez sends farewell message to released players". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
12. Easterby, Tom (31 August 2018). "Stanley sign Charman on loan". Newcastle United F.C. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
13. Geldard, Suzanne (20 September 2018). "Dons not a benchmark for Stanley – Coleman". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
    James, Alex (8 October 2018). "Stanley boss John Coleman dreaming of Wembley ahead of Checkatrade Trophy". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
14. James, Alex (5 November 2018). "John Coleman on his Stanley selection for West Brom visit". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
15. "Games played by Luke Charman in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
16. "Accrington Stanley 1–0 Colchester United". BBC Sport. Press Association. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
17. Mitchinson, Rory (10 December 2018). "Loan Watch: Dwight hits double figures". Newcastle United F.C. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
    Coates, Charlotte (10 December 2018). "Connor Hall 'gutted' as first league goal won't count". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
18. James, Alex (7 January 2019). "Stanley boss Coleman provides January transfer window update". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
19. Ryder, Lee (9 September 2019). "Can Newcastle United youngster Luke Charman be the next cab off the rank in the Under-23s?". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
20. Ryder, Lee (8 October 2019). "Newcastle United striker Luke Charman thanks Longstaff brothers for paving way to first team for second string hopefuls" . The Chronicle. Newcastle. Retrieved 14 October 2020– via Gale OneFile: News.
21. Ryder, Lee (25 June 2020). "Newcastle United confirm released players as Matty Longstaff talks continue". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
22. "Quakers sign Luke Charman from Newcastle". Darlington F.C. 14 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
23. Simpson, Ray (3 October 2020). "Quakers win penalty shootout to go through in Cup". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
24. "L. Charman". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
25. Simpson, Ray (6 February 2021). "Luke Charman injury update". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
26. Williams, Adam (19 February 2021). "National League North and South seasons null and void: 'It's a bit of a nightmare'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
27. Simpson, Ray (23 July 2021). "Luke Charman signs a new contract". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
28. Stoddart, Craig (31 December 2021). "Darlington prepare to lose Charman". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
29. Stoddart, Craig (7 January 2022). "O'Neill returns to Darlington reckoning". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
30. Jones, Matty (20 January 2022). "Luke Charman has left Darlington and completed a move to Rochdale". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
31. Stoddart, Craig (6 January 2022). "Darlington lose Luke Charman's red card appeal". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
32. "Match Report: Colchester United 1–1 Rochdale". Rochdale A.F.C. 1 February 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
33. "Rochdale 3–4 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
34. "Games played by Luke Charman in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
35. "Injury update". Rochdale A.F.C. 6 August 2022. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
36. "Luke Charman departs". Rochdale A.F.C. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
37. Browne, Gavin (16 October 2022). "AFC Fylde bring in former Newcastle United youngster for a club record fee". Blackpool Gazette. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
38. Stelling, Robbie (5 June 2024). "Hartlepool United land first summer signing with the capture of AFC Fylde forward Luke Charman". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
39. "Games played by Luke Charman in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
40. "Games played by Luke Charman in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
41. For FA Cup 2nd and 3rd qualifying rounds: Simpson, Ray (3 October 2020). "Quakers win penalty shootout to go through in Cup". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
    Simpson, Ray (13 October 2020). "Early Liddle goal sets up Quakers goal spree". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
42. For FA Cup 2nd qualifying round: Simpson, Ray (18 September 2021). "Quakers held to a goalless draw in FA Cup". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
    Simpson, Ray (21 September 2021). "Quakers knocked out of Cup by lucky goal". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
43. "Games played by Luke Charman in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 July 2022.

External links

• Luke Charman at Soccerway