Simon Rusk

Simon Rusk

Rusk after playing for York City in the 2009 FA Trophy Final
Personal information
Full name	Simon Edward Rusk [1]
Date of birth	(1981-12-17) 17 December 1981 (age 42) [1]
Place of birth	Peterborough, England
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Southampton U-21 (head coach)
Youth career
1995–2000	Peterborough United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2000–2001	Peterborough United	0	(0)
2000	→ Cambridge City (loan)
2001–2007	Boston United	140	(12)
2007–2008	Northwich Victoria	16	(2)
2007	→ Rushden & Diamonds (loan)	6	(0)
2008–2009	York City	51	(0)
2009–2011	Crawley Town	54	(0)
Total		267	(14)
International career
	Scotland U18	3	(0)
Managerial career
2015–2021	Brighton & Hove Albion U-23
2021	Stockport County
2022	Dundee (assistant manager)
2022–2023	England U19s
2024–	Southampton U-21
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Simon Edward Rusk (born 17 December 1981) is a professional football manager and former professional footballer, and is currently head coach of the Southampton U-21s. He holds a UEFA pro licence. Previously manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Under 23s, Rusk was responsible for the progression of many young talents to the Brighton first-team in recent years, including Aaron Connolly, Steven Alzate, Solly March and Ben White. ^[2] As a player, he played as a midfielder, notably for Boston United. Born in England, he made three appearances for the Scotland U18 national team.

Playing career

Boston United

Born in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, ^[3] Rusk joined the Peterborough United youth system in 1995 and had a spell on loan in the Southern Football League Premier Division with Cambridge City during the 1999–2000 season. ^{[4] [5]} He was signed on a free transfer by Boston United in March 2001 after being released by Peterborough. ^[6] His Boston debut came in March 2001 in a match at Doncaster Rovers. He was fined by manager Steve Evans for receiving a red card against Shrewsbury Town in December 2005. ^[7] He had surgery on a knee injury in December 2006, which ruled him out until after Christmas. ^[8]

Northwich Victoria

He left Boston to join Northwich Victoria on a free transfer on 2 July 2007, being signed by former Boston teammate Neil Redfearn. ^{[9] [10]} Rusk scored on his debut for Northwich, in the 2–1 loss against Ebbsfleet United, which was the first game for Ebbsfleet under this name, having previously been known as Gravesend & Northfleet. ^[11] In September 2007, Rusk was placed on the club's transfer list and joined Rushden & Diamonds on a one-month loan later that month. ^{[10] [12]}

York City

Manager Dino Maamria confirmed in January 2008 he was to move, with Weymouth believed to be his next destination. ^[10] However, he signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with York City on a free transfer on 8 January. ^[13] He made his debut in the team's 2–0 win against Aldershot Town in January and finished the season with 14 appearances for the club. ^{[14] [15]} He suffered a medial knee ligament injury during York's 1–1 draw with Torquay United on 28 August, ^[16] which saw him substituted for Niall Henderson in the 73rd minute. ^[17] He made his return on 20 September in a 1–1 with Salisbury City. ^[18] He scored the winning penalty for York in a 4–2 penalty shoot-out victory against Mansfield Town in the Conference League Cup third round on 4 November, which finished 1–1 after extra time. ^[19] He started in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium on 9 May 2009, which York lost 2–0 to Stevenage Borough. ^[20] He was released by York following the end of the 2008–09 season, ^[21] during which he made 47 appearances and scored one goal. ^[22]

Crawley Town

Rusk joined Conference Premier team Crawley Town on 27 May 2009. ^[23] He made his debut as a 22nd-minute substitute in a 4–0 defeat against Mansfield Town. ^[24] Rusk went on to feature regularly during his first season for the club, making 42 appearances, many of which were at right-back. He was offered a new one-year contract in April 2010, which he signed in May. ^{[25] [26]} In February 2011, Rusk was an 81st minute substitute in Crawley Town's 1–0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. ^[27]

Due to a number of serious injuries, he retired following the end of the 2010–11 to take a role with Crawley's Centre of Excellence ahead of their first season in the Football League. ^[28] He was appointed a youth team coach at Brighton & Hove Albion on 6 March 2012, a role involving overseeing the development of the club's scholars and managing the under-18 team. ^[29]

Coaching career

Brighton & Hove Albion U23s

Rusk was appointed U23s Head coach in March 2015, stepping up from his role as U18s coach. ^[30]

In February 2016, he was promoted to first-team coach by Chris Hughton until the end of the season, replacing the outgoing Nathan Jones. In the sixteen remaining games of the season, they lost just once as they sealed third-place in The Championship, missing out on automatic promotion by goal difference. ^[31]

In the first year of Premier League 2's current format - he guided the Seagulls to an 8th-placed finish and reached the last sixteen of the EFL Trophy. ^[30]

The following year, his side finished third in the league and won promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 - the highest level for U23s football - for the first time ever, following a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa in the play-offs. ^[32]

The 2018–2019 season saw a string of impressive results, including a 5–0 win over Manchester City ^[33] , as they went unbeaten in their first six games. Rusk's side finished the season in third-place, higher than a number of established academies, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham. ^[34]

Despite losing a number of key players to the senior squad in 2019–20, the side continued their good form and reached the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy for a second time under Rusk's management. ^[35]

Stockport County

On 27 January 2021, Rusk became the manager of National League side Stockport County. ^[36] On 27 October 2021, the club confirmed they had parted ways with Rusk. ^[37]

Dundee

On 17 February 2022, Rusk was announced as assistant manager of Scottish Premiership side Dundee under his assistant manager at Stockport, Mark McGhee until the end of the season. ^[38] After the side was relegated with just one win in the duo's time there, it was confirmed in May 2022 that Rusk would take up a role with the English FA. ^{[39] [40]}

England

On 13 May 2022, Rusk was appointed a national coach with England men's teams. ^[41] On 16 August 2022, it was confirmed that Rusk would take charge of the England U19s. ^[42]

Nottingham Forest

On 13 December 2023, it was revealed that Rusk had been hired as a specialist set-piece coach at Premier League side Nottingham Forest. ^[43]

Southampton

On 1 July 2024, he was announced as head coach of Southampton U21s. ^[44]

International career

Despite being born in England, Rusk was capped three times by the Scotland national under-18 team. ^[3]

Career statistics

Rusk playing for York City in 2008

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League [A]		FA Cup		League Cup		Other [B]		Total
		Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Boston United	2000–01 [45]	8	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	2
	2001–02 [46]	27	2	1	0	0	0	1	0	29	2
	2002–03 [47]	18	2	1	0	1	0	1	0	21	2
	2003–04 [48]	19	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	20	0
	2004–05 [49]	31	3	4	0	2	0	1	0	38	3
	2005–06 [50]	34	3	2	1	1	0	1	0	38	4
	2006–07 [51]	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	4	0
	Total	140	12	8	1	5	0	5	0	158	13
Northwich Victoria	2007–08 [52]	16	2	2	0	0	0	1	0	19	2
Rushden & Diamonds (loan)	2007–08 [52]	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	0
York City	2007–08 [15]	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	14	0
	2008–09 [22]	37	0	2	0	0	0	8	1	47	1
	Total	51	0	2	0	0	0	8	1	61	1
Crawley Town	2009–10 [53]	38	0	2	0	0	0	2	0	42	0
	2010–11 [54]	16	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	17	0
	Total	54	0	3	0	0	0	2	0	59	0
Career total		267	14	15	1	5	0	16	1	303	16

A.  ^ The "League" column constitutes appearances and goals in the Football League and Football Conference.

B.  ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the Conference League Cup, FA Trophy and Football League Trophy.

Managerial Statistics

As of match played 26 October 2021

Managerial record by team and tenure

Team	From	To	Record
			P	W	D	L	Win %
Stockport County	27 January 2021	27 October 2021	41	20	12	9	048.8
Career Total			41	20	12	9	048.8

Honours

Player

Boston United

• Football Conference: 2001–02

Crawley Town

• Conference Premier: 2010–11

Coach

Brighton & Hove Albion U23s

• Premier League 2: Division 2 Play-Off Winner 2017–18

References

1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 539. ISBN   1-85291-665-6.
2. "This is why Cambridge United are so determined to land Brighton under-23s manager Simon Rusk". Brighton & Hove Independent. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
3. "Simon Rusk Biography". Up The Posh!. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
4. "Simon Rusk Career History". Up The Posh!. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
5. "1999/00 Transfers". Up The Posh!. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
6. "Boston United Squad 2001/2002". Boston United FC – The Original Website. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
7. "Talbot and Rusk have to pay price". BBC Sport. 12 December 2005. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
8. "Rusk sidelined until the New Year". BBC Sport. 2 November 2006. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
9. "Rusk becomes Vics' latest signing". BBC Sport. 2 July 2007. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
10. Simpson, Andrew (5 January 2008). "Rusk heads for Vics exit". Northwich Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2010.
11. "Ebbsfleet 2–1 Northwich". BBC Sport. 11 August 2007. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
12. "Rushden recruit Northwich's Rusk". BBC Sport. 14 September 2007. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
13. "York recruit Vics midfielder Rusk". BBC Sport. 8 January 2008. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
14. "York 2–0 Aldershot". BBC Sport. 26 January 2008. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
15. Batters, Dave (2008). York City The Complete Record. The Breedon Books Publishing Company Limited. pp. 411–421. ISBN   978-1-85983-633-0.
16. "York City v Woking". Blue Square Premier. 5 September 2008. Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2008.
17. "Torquay 1–1 York". BBC Sport. 28 August 2008. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
18. "York 1–1 Salisbury". BBC Sport. 20 September 2008. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
19. Flett, Dave (5 November 2008). "Setanta Shield: York City 1, Mansfield Town 1 (4–2 on pens)". The Press. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
20. "Stevenage Borough 2–0 York City". BBC Sport. 9 May 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
21. "York City release seven players". BBC Sport. 12 May 2009. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
22. "Season 2008/2009". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
23. "Midfielder Rusk joins Crawley". BBC Sport. 27 May 2009. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
24. "Mansfield 4–0 Crawley". BBC Sport. 8 August 2009. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
25. "Crawley Town release Simon Rayner and Karl Broadhurst". BBC Sport. 28 April 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
26. "CTFC – Posted 7th May 2010". Crawley Town F.C. 7 May 2010. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
27. "Man Utd 1-0 Crawley". BBC Sport. 19 February 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
28. "Craig McAllister rejects Crawley Town deal". BBC Sport. 13 May 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
29. "Rusk is new Albion youth team coach". The Argus. Brighton. 6 March 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
30. "Brighton appoint Rusk". Brighton & Hove Albion FC. 27 May 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2020.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
31. "Rusk on board". The Argus. Brighton. 20 February 2016. Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
32. "Brighton earn P2 promotion". Premier League. 13 May 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
33. "Brighton 5-0 Man City". Brighton & Hove Albion. 31 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
34. "Premier League 2 2018/19 Standings". Odds Portal. 31 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
35. "Aaron Connolly". Brighton & Hove Albion FC. 18 October 2019. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
36. "Rusk, McGhee and Conlon form new Management Team". Stockport County FC. 27 January 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
37. "Club Statement: Simon Rusk". Stockport County FC. 27 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
38. "Mark McGhee appointed manager". Dundee Football Club - Official Website. 17 February 2022. Archived from the original on 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
39. Cran, George. "Dundee assistant Simon Rusk set to leave Dens Park after landing England youth role". The Courier. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
40. "Club Statement | Mark McGhee". Dundee Football Club - Official Website. 14 May 2022. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
41. "Ryan and Rusk join as national coaches". England Football. 13 May 2022. Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
42. "England youth team coaches appointed for 2022-23 season". 16 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
43. John Percy [@JPercyTelegraph] (13 December 2023). "#nffc have appointed their first ever specialist set-piece coach. England u19s head coach Simon Rusk - a former Brighton u23s manager - has started his role this week" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
44. "Simon Rusk appointed U21s Head Coach". Southampton FC. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
45. "Season 2000/2001". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
46. Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Season 2001/2002". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
    "Boston 3–1 Telford". BBC Sport. 16 March 2002. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
47. Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Season 2002/2003". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
    "Wrexham 1–1 Boston United". BBC Sport. 17 August 2002. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
    "Bristol Rovers 0–2 Boston". BBC Sport. 20 August 2002. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
48. "Season 2003/2004". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
49. "Season 2004/2005". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
50. "Season 2005/2006". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
51. "Season 2006/2007". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
52. "Season 2007/2008". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
53. "Season 2009/2010". Sportbox.tv. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2010.
54. "Season 2010/2011". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 4 October 2010.

External links

• Simon Rusk at Soccerbase