Max Power (footballer)

Max Power

Personal information
Full name	Max McAuley Power [1]
Date of birth	(1993-07-27) 27 July 1993 (age 31) [2]
Place of birth	Birkenhead, Merseyside, England [3]
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.81 m) [2]
Position(s)	Midfielder, right back
Team information
Current team	AGF
Number	16
Youth career
2002–2011	Tranmere Rovers
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011–2015	Tranmere Rovers	109	(12)
2015–2019	Wigan Athletic	127	(11)
2018–2019	→ Sunderland (loan)	16	(2)
2019–2021	Sunderland	92	(9)
2021–2023	Wigan Athletic	89	(4)
2023–2024	Al-Qadsiah	10	(0)
2024–	AGF	5	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 3 December 2024

Max McAuley Power (born 27 July 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Danish Superliga club AGF. He began his career with Tranmere Rovers and then spent time with Wigan Athletic and Sunderland, making more than 100 Football League appearances with each club, before rejoining Wigan in 2021.

Career

Tranmere Rovers

Early career

Born in Birkenhead, Wirral, Power joined local Tranmere Rovers' youth set-up at the age of eight and captained the club at every age group including the first team. ^[2] He chose to join the team instead of signing for Liverpool. ^[4] After impressing in the Tranmere Rovers Reserve team he was awarded a professional contract in May 2011. ^[5] Manager Les Parry was confident Power had a bright future in the game, but warned the youngster about his aggression. ^[6] He compared him to Joss Labadie, another young and talented Rovers midfielder with a reputation as a hothead. ^[7] Power spent time on loan at Colwyn Bay in the 2010–11 season. ^[8]

2011–12 season

Power made his first team debut in the Football League Trophy clash with Port Vale on 30 August 2011; he replaced Andy Robinson on 66 minutes before he went on to score a penalty in the penalty shootout victory. ^[9] On 10 September he made his League One debut, starting in a 0–2 defeat away to Huddersfield Town and making way for Labadie after 77 minutes. ^[10] He ended his first season with four league appearances and two in the Football League Trophy.

2012–13 season

Power scored his first goal for the club on 13 November 2012, concluding a 3–0 win against Braintree Town in the FA Cup first round after coming on for James Wallace. ^[11] He scored his first league goal for the club on 26 December, as they came from behind to win 2–1 against Crewe Alexandra at Prenton Park. ^[12] On 4 March, he extended his contract, keeping him at the club until June 2015. ^[13]

2013–14 season

In the following season, Power scored his first goal on 15 March 2014, equalising in the 15th minute of an eventual 1–2 home defeat by Swindon Town. ^[14] His only other goal of the campaign was on 12 April, opening a 2–1 home win over Shrewsbury Town; ^[15] both teams were relegated at the end of the season.

2014–15 season

On 7 October 2014, Power opened the scoring as Tranmere drew 1–1 at home against Carlisle United in the Football League Trophy second round, advancing via a penalty shootout. ^[16] He scored the only goal in the FA Cup first round against Bristol Rovers on 8 November, converting a penalty after handball by Mark McChrystal. ^[17] Three days later, he equalised as Tranmere came from behind to win 2–1 at Bury in the quarter-finals of the Football League Trophy. ^[18]

He opened the scoring in the semi-finals on 9 December, a 2–2 draw against Walsall, and scored in the shootout although his team were knocked out. ^[19] A week later, Power concluded a 2–1 comeback to defeat Oxford United in an FA Cup second round replay. ^[20] He again netted in the third round on 3 January 2015, albeit in a 2–6 defeat to Premier League club Swansea City. ^[21] On his 100th league appearance for Tranmere, he opened the scoring in a 2–1 win away to Cambridge United on 17 March. ^[22] Tranmere needed to win away at Plymouth Argyle on 25 April to retain their place in The Football League, but Power fouled Dominic Blizzard to concede a penalty which Reuben Reid scored. He equalised from the edge of the penalty area, but his team lost 2–3, and thus were relegated to the Conference, ending a 94-year tenure in the league. ^[23]

Wigan Athletic

On 3 July 2015, Power signed for Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract. ^[24] He scored a free-kick in the club's first pre-season match, a 2–1 win against Queen of the South in La Manga Club. ^[25] On 9 August he played the full 90 minutes as Wigan began the League One season with a 2–0 defeat to Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena. ^[26] On 26 September, he scored his first goal for Wigan in a 1–1 draw at Oldham Athletic, opening the scoring from 30 yards. ^[27]

Sunderland

On 9 August 2018, Power signed for Sunderland on loan from Wigan Athletic. ^[28] During his loan spell, Power received three straight red cards against Oxford United, Bradford City and Walsall, although the latter was rescinded 2 days later. ^[29] On 2 January 2019, Power's loan to Sunderland became permanent, signing a 2+1⁄2-year contract. ^[30] Power also went on to make appearances in both the 2019 EFL Trophy Final and the League One play-off final, suffering defeat in both. ^{[31] [32]} Power was named Sunderland's team captain at the beginning of the 2020–21 season. ^[33] He subsequently lifted the trophy following Sunderland's 1–0 win over Tranmere in the 2021 EFL Trophy Final. ^[34] On 25 May 2021 it was announced that he would leave Sunderland at the end of the season, following the expiry of his contract. ^[35]

Return to Wigan Athletic

On 16 June 2021, Power agreed to reunite with manager Leam Richardson ahead of the 2021–22 campaign on a two-year deal. In April 2022 Power picked up his third League One title with Wigan Athletic following a 3–0 victory over Shrewsbury Town. ^[36]

Al-Qadsiah

On 12 July 2023, Power joined Saudi First Division League club Al-Qadsiah. ^[37]

AGF Aarhus

On 2 September 2024, following a successful trial period, Power joined Danish Superliga club AGF on a contract until the end of the season. ^[38]

Personal life

Power attended Wirral Grammar School for Boys, and is named after his parents' pet labrador. ^[4] He once feared that he was named after Homer Simpson's brief name change in The Simpsons episode "Homer to the Max", before discovering that the episode aired when he was six years old. ^[4] He has also posed for a motoring magazine which shares his name. ^[39]

Career statistics

As of match played 1 April 2023

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
Tranmere Rovers	2011–12 [40]	League One	4	0	0	0	0	0	2 [a]	0	6	0
	2012–13 [41]	League One	27	3	3	1	1	0	1 [a]	0	32	4
	2013–14 [42]	League One	33	2	0	0	2	0	1 [a]	0	36	2
	2014–15 [43]	League Two	45	7	4	3	1	0	3 [a]	3	53	13
	Total		109	12	7	4	4	0	7	3	127	19
Wigan Athletic	2015–16 [44]	League One	44	6	1	0	1	0	2 [a]	0	48	6
	2016–17 [45]	Championship	42	0	2	0	1	0	—		45	0
	2017–18 [46]	League One	40	5	7	0	1	0	1 [b]	0	49	5
	2018–19 [47]	Championship	1	0	0	0	0	0	—		1	0
	Total		127	11	10	0	3	0	3	0	143	11
Sunderland	2018–19 [47]	League One	35	4	3	0	1	0	7 [c]	0	46	4
	2019–20 [48]	League One	31	2	2	0	4	1	1 [b]	0	38	3
	2020–21 [49]	League One	42	5	1	0	1	0	9 [d]	1	53	6
	Total		108	11	6	0	6	1	17	1	137	13
Wigan Athletic	2021–22 [50]	League One	44	3	5	1	2	0	3 [b]	1	54	5
	2022–23 [51]	Championship	39	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	41	1
	Total		83	4	7	1	2	0	3	1	95	6
Career total			427	38	30	5	15	1	30	5	502	49

1. Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
2. Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
3. Four appearances in EFL Trophy, three in League One play-offs
4. Seven appearances and one goal in EFL Trophy, two in League One play-offs

Honours

Wigan Athletic

• League One: 2015–16, ^[52] 2017–18, ^[53] 2021–22 ^[36]

Sunderland

• EFL Trophy: 2020–21; ^[54] runner-up: 2018–19 ^[55]

Al-Qadsiah

• Saudi First Division League: 2023–24

References

1. "Max Power". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
2. "Name:Max Power". Tranmere Rovers F.C. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
3. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline Publishing Group. p. 545. ISBN   978-0-7553-6356-8.
4. McCormick, Sean (10 August 2018). "Who is Max Power? The creative midfielder Sunderland have signed on loan". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
5. "Tranmere Offer Pair Professional Contracts". Tranmere Rovers F.C. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
6. "Parry on Power". Tranmere Rovers F.C. 17 June 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
7. "Tranmere Rovers new professional Max Power told to improve discipline". Liverpool Daily Post. 18 May 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
8. "Colwyn Bay title push up to Max Power". North Wales Pioneer. 22 December 2010. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
9. "Rovers spot on". Sky Sports. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
10. "Terriers extend impressive run". Sky Sports. 10 September 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
11. "Braintree Town 0–3 Tranmere" BBC Sport. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
12. "Tranmere 2–1 Crewe" BBC Sport. 26 December 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
13. "Max Power: Tranmere Rovers midfielder extends contract" BBC Sport. 4 March 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
14. "Tranmere 1–2 Swindon". BBC Sport. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
15. "Tranmere 2–1 Shrewsbury". BBC Sport. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
16. "Davies sends Tranmere through". Sky Sports. 8 October 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
17. "Tranmere 1–0 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
18. "Tranmere fight back rocks Bury". Sky Sports. 12 November 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
19. "Walsall book JPT area final spot". Sky Sports. 10 December 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
20. "Tranmere 2–1 Oxford Utd". BBC Sport. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
21. "Tranmere 2–6 Swansea". BBC Sport. 3 January 2015. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
22. "Max Power: Tranmere Rovers have 'nine cup finals' left". BBC Sport. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
23. Moreton, Nick (25 April 2015). "Plymouth 3 Tranmere 2: Defeat ends Rovers' 94-year stay in the Football League". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
24. "Max Power: Wigan Athletic sign Tranmere Rovers midfielder" BBC Sport. 3 July 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
25. "Wigan Athletic win 2–1 against Queen of the South" Wigan Athletic F.C. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
26. "Coventry 2–0 Wigan". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
27. "Oldham 1–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
28. "Max Power: Sunderland sign Wigan midfielder on loan". BBC Sport. 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
29. "Max Power: Sunderland midfielder's red card against Walsall rescinded on appeal". 26 November 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
30. "Sunderland convert midfielder's loan deal into permanent transfer". The Northern Echo. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
31. "Checkatrade Trophy final: Portsmouth 2–2 Sunderland (aet, 5–4 on pens)". 31 March 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
32. "League One play-off final: Charlton Athletic 2–1 Sunderland". 26 May 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
33. "Max Power named as Sunderland's new team captain, as Grant Leadbitter becomes club captain". Chronicle Live. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
34. "Sunderland won at Wembley for the first time in almost 50 years as they beat Tranmere Rovers to claim their first EFL Trophy". BBC Sport. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
35. "2021–22: Retained list confirmed". safc.com. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
36. "Wigan promoted as League One champions". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
37. "الإنجليزي باور يعزز وسط القادسية" (in Arabic). 12 July 2023.
38. "MAX POWER OG AGF LAVER AFTALE" [MAX POWER AND AGF MAKE AGREEMENT]. agf.dk (in Danish). 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
39. "Great footballing names: Max Power". 13 October 2010. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
40. "Games played by Max Power in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
41. "Games played by Max Power in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
42. "Games played by Max Power in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
43. "Games played by Max Power in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
44. "Games played by Max Power in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
45. "Games played by Max Power in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
46. "Games played by Max Power in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
47. "Games played by Max Power in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
48. "Games played by Max Power in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
49. "Games played by Max Power in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
50. "Games played by Max Power in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
51. "Games played by Max Power in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
52. Anderson, John, ed. (2016). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2016–2017. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 382–383. ISBN   978-1-4722-3395-0.
53. Anderson, John, ed. (2018). Football Yearbook 2018–2019. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 382–383. ISBN   978-1-4722-6106-9.
54. Pilnick, Brent (14 March 2021). "Sunderland 1–0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
55. Williams, Adam (31 March 2019). "Portsmouth 2–2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 May 2019.

External links

• Max Power at Soccerbase
• Profile at the Tranmere Rovers official website