Michael Dobson (footballer)

Last updated

Michael Dobson
Michael Dobson lifting the League 2 Champions Trophy.png
Dobson while with Walsall in 2007.
Personal information
Full name Michael William Dobson [1]
Date of birth (1981-04-09) 9 April 1981 (age 43)
Place of birth Isleworth, England
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) [2]
Position(s) Full back, midfielder
Youth career
1990–1999 Brentford
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1999–2006 Brentford 177 (3)
2006 → Reading (loan) 1 (0)
2006–2008 Walsall 63 (4)
Total241(7)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Michael William Dobson (born 9 April 1981) is an English former professional footballer, who made over 170 appearances in the Football League for Brentford as a full back. He also played League football for Walsall and Reading and was nicknamed "Dobbo". [3]

Contents

Career

Brentford

Youth years (1990–2000)

Born in Isleworth, London, Dobson began his career as a forward in the youth system at Brentford at the age of 9 and also played for Sunday club West Middlesex Colts. [4] [5] He signed a scholarship deal with Brentford at the end of the 1996–97 season and was named as an unused substitute on one occasion during 1998–99. [5] [6] Dobson signed his first professional contract at the end of the 1998–99 season, but was called onto the substitutes' bench just once during 1999–00. [3] [6]

Breakthrough (2000–2002)

Dobson finally made his senior debut as a 71st-minute substitute for Andy Scott during a 0–0 Second Division draw with Swansea City on 19 August 2000. [7] Due to the continued absence of injured right back Danny Boxall, [5] Dobson made his first start for the Bees in a 4–1 Football League Trophy first round victory over Oxford United on 5 December and thereafter became a regular starter in the team at full back on either flank. [3] He starred in Brentford's run to the 2001 Football League Trophy Final and scored Brentford's goals in the 2–1 Southern Area Final first leg win over Southend United and opened the scoring versus Port Vale in the final at the Millennium Stadium, [7] but the match ended in a 2–1 defeat for the Bees. [8] As a reward for his progress, Dobson signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract on 23 March 2001 and he finished the 2000–01 season with 34 appearances and three goals. [7] [9]

Under new manager Steve Coppell, Dobson was Brentford's regular right back during the 2001–02 season, [10] in which the club narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, [11] before advancing to the 2002 Second Division play-off final, which ended in a 2–0 defeat to Stoke City. [8] Despite being plagued by pelvic bruising during the season, which required painkillers, [12] Dobson made 46 appearances and scored one goal, which came in a 3–2 FA Cup second round defeat to Scunthorpe United on 8 December 2001. [10]

Captain (2002–2004)

After the play-off final defeat at the end of the 2001–02 season, financial concerns led new manager Wally Downes to reduce the size of the Brentford squad and at the age of 21, Dobson was named as the new team captain. [3] During the 2002–03 season, Dobson was an ever-present in league matches and made 54 appearances and scored one goal. [13] He made more assists than any other Brentford player, with seven. [14] Dobson signed a new three-year contract in July 2003. [15] The Bees' slump continued into the 2003–04 season and Dobson's form suffered due to a niggling back injury, [3] [16] but the appointment of Martin Allen as manager in March 2004 reinvigorated the team and the club narrowly pulled off "The Great Escape" from relegation to the Third Division. [17] [18] He made 46 appearances and scored one goal during the 2003–04 season. [19]

Injury-affected final seasons (2004–2006)

Dobson began the 2004–05 season as the Bees' regular starting right back, [20] but a torn cartilage suffered in September 2004 saw him lose his place to stand-in right back Kevin O'Connor and the captaincy to midfielder Stewart Talbot. [3] [21] [22] He won back his place upon his return in January 2005, but began to drift out of the starting lineup in February and a broken arm suffered in a match versus Stockport County on 2 April ended his season. [23] [24] He made 23 appearances and scored one goal during 2004–05. [20] Dobson appeared sparingly as a midfielder during the early months of the 2005–06 season and later admitted in 2019 that he and manager Martin Allen "didn't see eye-to-eye". [3] [8] [25] On 24 November 2005, he departed to join high-flying Championship club Reading on loan for the remainder of the campaign. [26] The move which generated funds to extend the loan of Darren Pratley, who had usurped Dobson in the midfield pecking order. [27]

Dobson reunited with his former Brentford management team of Steve Coppell and Wally Downes at Reading, [28] but his only appearance for the Royals came as a 53rd-minute substitute for Steve Sidwell in a 3–1 victory over Stoke City on 17 April 2006. [26] Reading celebrated promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season, though Dobson did not receive a Championship-winners' medal. [29]

Dobson was released by Brentford at the end of the 2005–06 season and ended his career with the club on 211 appearances and seven goals. [8] [30]

Walsall

On 7 June 2006, Dobson signed a two-year contract with newly-relegated League Two club Walsall on a free transfer. [31] He was immediately named captain by manager Richard Money. [32] Despite being "frequently the target of criticism", [33] Dobson had a memorable 2006–07 season, making 42 appearances, scoring three goals and winning the first silverware of his career when the Saddlers clinched the League Two title, [34] which secured an immediate return to League One. [35] A less successful 2007–08 season followed, with Dobson losing his midfield place and suffering from persistent knee issues. [8] [36] He was released in May 2008 and finished his two-season spell with at Bescot Stadium with 68 appearances and four goals. [2] [37] Dobson parted the club with the words "there were a lot of things going on behind closed doors that players weren't happy about and I wasn't really enjoying my football". [38]

Retirement

After receiving advice from two specialists, recurring knee problems forced Dobson into retirement during the 2008 off-season. [8]

Personal life

Dobson is the son of former footballer George Dobson and is the younger brother of football coach Richard Dobson. [5] He attended The Heathland School and as of 2019 was living in Banbury. [5] [8] Dobson currently runs his own business called Flexercise, which specialises in personal training and sports massaging therapy. [39]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Brentford 1998–99 [40] Third Division 0000000000
1999–2000 [41] Second Division 0000000000
2000–01 [7] Second Division26000107 [lower-alpha 1] 3343
2001–02 [10] Second Division39021203 [lower-alpha 2] 0461
2002–03 [13] Second Division46140202 [lower-alpha 1] 0541
2003–04 [19] Second Division42110102 [lower-alpha 1] 0461
2004–05 [20] League One 181401000231
2005–06 [42] League One6010001 [lower-alpha 1] 080
Total1773121701532117
Reading (loan) 2005–06 [42] Championship 10———10
Walsall 2006–07 [34] League Two 393201000423
2007–08 [43] League One241101000261
Total634302000684
Career total24171519015328011

Honours

Brentford

Walsall

Individual

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Douglas</span> Irish association football player

Jonathan Michael Douglas is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He has represented the Republic of Ireland at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin O'Connor (footballer, born 1982)</span> English-Irish footballer

Kevin Patrick O'Connor is a retired professional footballer who made over 500 appearances for Brentford. A utility player and one-club man, at the time of his retirement in May 2015 he was Brentford's longest serving player, having signed his first professional contract in 1999. He is fourth on the most Brentford appearances list, captained the club on over 200 occasions and was inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in 2015. He represented Republic of Ireland U21 at international level and is currently assistant first team coach at Brentford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ricky Newman</span> English footballer

Richard Adrian Newman is an English football coach and former professional footballer who played as a utility player.

Ryan Vincent Peters is a retired English semi-professional footballer who played as a right back. He began his career at Brentford in the Football League and after his release in 2008, he dropped into non-League football and played until his retirement in 2019. He is currently assistant manager at Maidenhead United.

Paul Darren Williams is an English professional football coach and former player who was until August 2022 academy director at Birmingham City.

Craig George Pead is an English former professional footballer who played as a full back in the Football League for Walsall, Coventry City, Brentford and Notts County. He was capped by England at youth level and later became a coach.

Scott Brian Fitzgerald is a football coach and former professional player, who is academy director at Millwall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gary Smith (footballer, born 1984)</span> English footballer

Gary Stephen Smith is an English retired professional footballer who played in the Football League for Milton Keynes Dons, Brentford and Darlington as a midfielder.

Andrew Scott is an English former professional footballer and manager, currently serving as technical director of EFL League One club Charlton Athletic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Saunders (footballer)</span> English footballer (born 1983)

Sam Daniel Saunders is an English professional footballer, who plays for Combined Counties League Division One club Langley and is assistant coach of Brentford B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Grigg</span> Northern Ireland international footballer (born 1991)

William Donald Grigg is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL League Two club Chesterfield.

Ijah Massai Anderson is an English retired professional footballer, who made over 200 appearances as a left back in the Football League for Brentford. He also played League football for Bristol Rovers, Swansea City and Wycombe Wanderers.

Romaine Theodore Sawyers is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Born in England, he represents the Saint Kitts and Nevis national team.

Emmanuel Oyedele Oluwaseun Opeoluwa Akan Oyeleke is an English professional footballer who plays for National League South club Farnborough as a central midfielder or right back.

During the 2001–02 English football season, Brentford competed in the Football League Second Division. The Bees were denied promotion after defeat to Stoke City in the 2002 Second Division playoff Final.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rico Henry</span> English footballer (born 1997)

Rico Antonio Henry is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Premier League club Brentford. He is a product of the Walsall academy and represented England at U19 and U20 level.

During the 2005–06 English football season, Brentford competed in Football League One. For the second season in succession, the club reached the FA Cup fifth round and the play-off semi-finals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reece Cole</span> English footballer

Reece George Cole is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for EFL League One club Exeter City.

Zain Sam Westbrooke is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for EFL League Two club Doncaster Rovers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Forss</span> Finnish footballer (born 1999)

Marcus Uolevi Forss is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL Championship club Middlesbrough and the Finland national team.

References

  1. ↑ "Michael Dobson". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  2. 1 2 Michael Dobson at Soccerbase
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Haynes, Graham; Coumbe, Frank (2006). Timeless Bees: Brentford F.C. Who's Who 1920–2006. Harefield: Yore Publications. pp. 48–49. ISBN   978-0955294914.
  4. ↑ "Michael Dobson". Brentford Football Club Online. Archived from the original on 22 June 2001. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "This Week's Featured Player: Michael Dobson". Archived from the original on 11 August 2002. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  6. 1 2 Croxford, Mark; Lane, David; Waterman, Greville (2013). The Big Brentford Book Of The Nineties. Sunbury, Middlesex: Legends Publishing. pp. 484–485. ISBN   9781906796723.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Long, Dan. "📄 Friday Feature: Michael Dobson". www.brentfordfc.com. Retrieved 16 November 2019.
  9. ↑ "Dobbo Completes Signing". Brentford Football Club Online. Archived from the original on 1 May 2001. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  10. 1 2 3 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  11. ↑ "Brentford results for the 2001–2002 season". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  12. ↑ "Michael Dobson "We Need Eleven Skippers Out There"". brentfordfc.co.uk. 12 August 2002. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  13. 1 2 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  14. ↑ "Club Statistics | Assists". brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  15. ↑ "Fullarton and Marshall go – but Hunt made new offer". This Is Local London. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
  16. ↑ "Contracts will not be renewed". Richmond and Twickenham Times. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  17. ↑ "Allen on a mission to plan the great escape". Evening Standard. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  18. ↑ "Brentford results for the 2003–2004 season". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  19. 1 2 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  20. 1 2 3 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Fitzgerald & Dobson set for moves". 23 November 2005. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  22. ↑ "Dobson justifies Allen's gamble". This Is Local London. 21 January 2005. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  23. ↑ "Michael Dobson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  24. ↑ "Brentford suffer Dobson blow". Evening Standard. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  25. ↑ "Michael Dobson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  26. 1 2 "Dobson loan extension set to be the Royals' only deadline signing today". readingfc.co.uk. 31 January 2006. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  27. ↑ "Pratley key to cup success". Richmond and Twickenham Times. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  28. ↑ "Brentford's Michael Dobson signs two-month loan deal with Royals". readingfc.co.uk. 24 November 2005. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  29. ↑ "Reading Home Page for the 2005–2006 season". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  30. ↑ "Dobbo Moves On". brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  31. ↑ "Saddlers Secure Third Summer Signing". saddlers.co.uk. 7 June 2006. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  32. ↑ "Mooney named Walsall captain". www.expressandstar.com. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  33. ↑ "Dobson unfazed by fans' criticism". 11 April 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  34. 1 2 3 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  35. ↑ "Walsall Complete History". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 13 March 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  36. ↑ Halford, Brian (7 March 2008). "Michael Dobson admits his Walsall days are numbered". birminghammail. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  37. ↑ "Saddlers Announce Departures". saddlers.co.uk. 7 May 2008. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  38. ↑ "Dobson's final blast". Express & Star. Archived from the original on 7 July 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  39. ↑ "Personal Training Banbury". Flexercise. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  40. ↑ "Games played by Michael Dobson in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  41. ↑ "Games played by Michael Dobson in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  42. 1 2 "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  43. ↑ "Games played by Michael Dobson in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  44. ↑ "Vale vault Brentford to lift Vans trophy". BBC Sport. 22 April 2001. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  45. ↑ Wallace, Sam (12 April 2001). "Brentford sponsor accused of racism". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved 26 December 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.