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Lee Trundle

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Lee Trundle
Trundle playing for Bristol City in 2008
Personal information
Full name Lee Trundle
Date of birth (1976-10-10) 10 October 1976 (age 48)
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Trefelin BGC
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1995 Burscough 10 (5)
1995–1997 Chorley 66 (21)
1997–1998 Stalybridge Celtic 37 (10)
1998–2000 Southport 38 (8)
1999 → Bamber Bridge (loan) 10 (11)
2000–2001 Rhyl 18 (15)
2001–2003 Wrexham 94 (27)
2003–2007 Swansea City 146 (78)
2007–2010 Bristol City 53 (7)
2009 → Leeds United (loan) 10 (1)
2009–2010 → Swansea City (loan) 20 (5)
2010–2012 Neath 59 (26)
2012–2013 Preston North End 1 (0)
2013 Chester 3 (0)
2013 Marine 3 (1)
2016–2018 Llanelli Town 45 (68)
2018 Haverfordwest County 18 (12)
2019 Trefelin BGC 12 (14)
2019–2023 Ammanford 63 (29)
2023–2024 Mumbles Rangers 8 (3)
2024– Trefelin BGC 4 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:02, 12 June 2019 (UTC)

Lee Christopher Trundle (born 10 October 1976) is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Cymru South side Trefelin BGC. He also works as the club ambassador and youth team coach for Championship side Swansea City.

Trundle's career began in the English non-league system, where he played for Burscough, Chorley, Stalybridge Celtic, Southport and Bamber Bridge, before signing for Welsh Premier League side Rhyl. He managed to net 15 goals in 18 matches for Rhyl, and his performances earned him a move to Football League side Wrexham in 2001. Trundle made a name for himself in professional football during a four-year spell for Swansea City, where he scored 78 goals in 146 appearances between 2003 and 2007. In July 2007, he left Swansea and signed with Bristol City, though he only scored 8 times in 3 seasons and was loaned out to both Leeds United and back to Swansea.

In 2010, following his release from Bristol City, Trundle returned to the top tier of Welsh football and signed for Neath. He spent two years with the club, scoring 26 goals in 59 matches, but found himself a free agent once more when Neath were liquidated in 2012. In a surprise move, Trundle rejoined the Football League in the summer of 2012 at the age of 35, signing for League One side Preston North End. However, a lengthy injury saw him lose out on a first team position, and he left Preston in February 2013 through a mutual termination of his contract. Stints with non-league clubs Chester[1] and Marine followed before Trundle retired from football at the age of 36. However, in August 2016, he came out of retirement to sign for Welsh Division Two club Llanelli Town, scoring 86 goals in 59 appearances during back-to-back promotions. In May 2018, Trundle signed for Welsh Division One side Haverfordwest County on a week-by-week basis.[2]

Early life

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Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, Trundle attended St Edmund of Canterbury Catholic High School in Huyton.

Playing career

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Early career

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Trundle was a late entrant into professional and league football, playing for non-league teams Burscough, Stalybridge Celtic, Southport, Bamber Bridge and Chorley before joining Welsh Premier League club Rhyl in 2000.

Wrexham

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Within six months, he had been snapped up by Brian Flynn to play for Wrexham where he played 78 matches (plus a further 24 as substitute) in all competitions and scored 30 goals in a little over two years. A goalscoring account which was started by a bicycle kick to start a second half comeback from 2–0 which culminated in a 3–2 victory for Wrexham against Walsall on 24 February 2001.

Swansea City

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In the summer of 2003, Trundle received a free transfer and moved south to link up with Flynn who had now become manager of Swansea City.[3] Brian Horton had attempted to sign him for Port Vale, though was unable to after the club were placed under a transfer embargo.[4] He instantly became a North Bank favourite with his goalscoring exploits and extraordinary tricks, scoring on his debut at the Vetch against Bury, and netting his first hat-trick for the club in the following match at Cheltenham, becoming the last of the three Swansea players who scored hat-tricks in three consecutive league matches (after James Thomas and Brad Maylett), the only time this has happened for the club.[5][6][7] Trundle scored 78 goals in 146 appearances for Swansea, making it by far the most prolific period of his career.

In his time at Swansea, Trundle became a minor celebrity in the game, with his extrovert displays of skill (or "showboating") bringing him to national attention via the Soccer AM television show on Sky Sports. Tim Lovejoy revealed in his autobiography that Trundle himself regularly contacted the show with footage of himself in action.

In October 2005, he was the subject of a £750,000 transfer bid by Sheffield Wednesday which Swansea rejected. Days later, he signed an image rights contract with his club which offered a portion of revenues from merchandise featuring his image.[8] He was believed to be the first player outside the Premier League to do so.

Bristol City

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Despite the best efforts of Swansea City, Trundle agreed to sign for Bristol City on 27 July 2007, although the deal was not officially completed until 30 July due to an administrative error.[9] He was given permission by Swansea and the Welsh FA to play in Bristol City's pre-season friendly against Yeovil Town before he officially completed the deal, scoring and providing an assist in a 2–2 draw at Ashton Gate. It is believed Bristol City made four offers for the striker. Their final offer of £1,000,000 was accepted after Trundle handed in a transfer request. Trundle scored his first goals, a brace, for Bristol City against Scunthorpe on 25 August 2007.

Leeds United

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Trundle joined Leeds United on a one-month loan on 9 January 2009 and was allocated the number 35 shirt. Former Swansea teammate Andy Robinson played a big part in recommending Leeds to Trundle.[10] He made his debut for Leeds as a second-half substitute in the 2–0 loss to Carlisle United at Elland Road. He scored his only goal for the club on his first starting appearance, in a 2–0 win at Brighton on 17 January.[11] Leeds extended Trundle's stay at Elland Road for a further month, but his loan expired on 10 March 2009 and he returned to Bristol City.[12]

Return to Swansea

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On 27 August 2009, Trundle joined his former club Swansea City on loan until 1 January 2010 and this was later extended till the end of the season. Trundle played 20 league games and scored five goals in just two starts. Since Trundle rejoined Swansea, he failed to play a full 90 minutes. Trundle made no secret that he wanted to earn a permanent deal and wanted to end his career at Swansea City. He was not offered a playing contract by the club but was offered a coaching role. Trundle subsequently refused the role.[13]

Neath

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In July 2010, Trundle returned to the Welsh Premier League with Neath,[14] making his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2010–11 season in a 2–1 defeat to Bangor City.[15]

Neath were wound up at the end of the 2011–12 season due to ongoing financial problems, leaving Trundle without a club.

Preston North End

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On 20 July 2012, Trundle signed a one-year deal with Preston North End.[16] Trundle had impressed on trial at Deepdale after being invited to join up with the club for pre-season training. The 35-year-old featured for North End in their pre-season friendlies against Southport and Chorley and scored a superb solo goal in the draw against Chorley. However, shortly after signing for the Lilywhites, it was announced he had suffered a knee injury which manager Graham Westley believed would keep Trundle out for around 4 months. On 1 December, he appeared on the bench for a Second Round FA Cup tie at home against Gillingham, and he came off the bench in injury time during the 2–0 win for the Lilywhites.

He left Preston on 8 February through a mutual termination of his contract.

Chester

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It was announced on 18 February 2013 that the 36-year-old signed for Conference North side Chester until the end of the 2012–2013 season.

Marine

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On 28 March 2013, Northern Premier League side Marine confirmed that they had completed the signing of Trundle for an undisclosed fee. On 30 March 2013 he scored on his debut on against Nantwich Town. All 3 games he appeared in were played at home. Trundle left Marine and retired from competitive football at the end of the season.

Llanelli Town

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On 21 August 2016, Trundle came out of retirement to sign for Welsh Football League Division Two club Llanelli Town.[17] On 27 August 2016, he scored a hat-trick on his debut in a 3–2 win against Aberdare Town.[18] This was the first of nine hat-tricks across the season in all competitions for the veteran striker, as Llanelli went on to lift both the Division Two title and the Welsh Football League Challenge Cup.[19] Trundle continued his impressive form in his second season at the club, scoring 33 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions[20] as Llanelli won the Division One title by 15 points. However, the team missed out on a 'double-double' by losing 2–1 to third-tier Trefelin BGC in the final of the Welsh Football League Challenge Cup.[21] Following Llanelli's promotion to the Welsh Premier League, Trundle announced on Twitter that he would be leaving the club as his work commitments as club ambassador for Swansea City would prevent him from travelling to away games further afield.[22]

Haverfordwest County

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On 29 May 2018, Welsh Division One side Haverfordwest County announced that Trundle had agreed to join them for the 2018–19 season.[23] He made his debut for the club on 18 August 2018, scoring four goals in a 10–1 home win over Pontypridd Town.[24] Trundle left the club in December 2018 due to work commitments, having scored 12 goals before his departure.[25]

Trefelin BGC

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In December 2018, Trundle signed for Welsh Division Three side Trefelin BGC. Trundle had previously represented Trefelin's veterans' team.[26] He scored on his debut against Trethomas Bluebirds.[27]

Ammanford

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In June 2019 he joined Ammanford.[28]

Mumbles Rangers

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On 12 June 2023, after playing for Wrexham's side in The Soccer Tournament in the United States, he signed for Mumbles Rangers.[29]

Coaching career

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On 25 June 2013, it was confirmed that Trundle was to return to Swansea City, to take on the role as the first official club ambassador and a coach for the 9- to 19-year-olds.[30]

Personal life

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Trundle has been an Everton fan since he was a child.[31]

In March 2007, Trundle moved in with pop singer and Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon. The couple split in November 2007.[32]

Trundle also performed 'Let it Snow' for Preston's 2012 Christmas light switch on, before turning on the lights alongside singers, Matt Cardle and Russell Watson.[33]

Career statistics

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Source:[34]

Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
1995–96 Burscough North West Counties Football League First Division 10 5 — — — — 10 5
1995–96 Chorley Northern Premier League Premier Division 31 8 — — — — 31 8
1996–97 35 13 — — — — 35 13
1997–98 Stalybridge Celtic Conference National 28 10 — — — — 28 10
1998–99 Northern Premier League Premier Division 24 15 — — — — 24 15
1998–99 Southport Conference National 29 6 — — — — 29 6
1999–00 9 2 — — — — 9 2
1999–00 Bamber Bridge (loan) Northern Premier League Premier Division 10 11 — — — — 10 11
Wales League Welsh Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
2000–01 Rhyl League of Wales 18 15 — — — — 18 15
England League[a] FA Cup League Cup Europe Other[b] Total
2000–01 Wrexham Football League Second Division 14 8 — — — — 14 8
2001–02 36 8 — — — 2 2 38 10
2002–03 Football League Third Division/Football League Two 44 11 1 0 2 0 — 3 1 50 12
2003–04 Swansea City 31 17 5 5 1 0 — 1 0 38 22
2004–05 42 22 5 1 1 0 — 1 0 49 23
2005–06 Football League One 39 20 1 0 — — 6 1 46 21
2006–07 34 19 3 1 1 0 — 2 0 40 20
2007–08 Bristol City Football League Championship 38 6 1 0 2 0 — — 41 6
2008–09 19 2 — 2 0 — — 21 2
2008–09 Leeds United (loan) Football League One 10 1 — — — — 10 1
2009–10 Swansea City (loan) Football League Championship 20 5 1 0 — — — 21 5
Wales League Welsh Cup League Cup Europe[c] Other Total
2010–11 Neath Welsh Premier League 29 18 1 0 2 0 — — 32 18
2011–12 30 8 — — 2 1 — 32 9
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
2012–13 Preston North End Football League One 1 0 1 0 — — — 2 0
2012–13 Marine Northern Premier League Premier Division — — — — — –
Wales League Welsh Cup League Cup Europe Other[d] Total
2013-14 Brunswick United[35] Swansea Senior League 0[36] 0
2016–17 Llanelli Town Welsh Football League Division Two 23 45 5 6 — — 3 2 31 53
2017–18 Llanelli Town Welsh Football League Division One 22 23 1 4 — — 5 6 28 33
2018–19 Haverfordwest County Welsh Football League Division One 4 6 0 0 1 1 — 1 1 6 8
Total England 507 192 18 7 9 0 — 15 4 549 203
Total Wales 126 115 6 10 3 1 2 1 9 9 148 139
Career total 633 307 24 17 12 1 2 1 25 16 694 339
  1. ^ Includes play-off matches in 2005–06 and 2007–08
  2. ^ Includes Football League Trophy matches
  3. ^ Includes UEFA Europa League matches
  4. ^ Includes Welsh Football League Challenge Cup matches

Honours

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Wrexham

Swansea City

Llanelli Town

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Chester FC sign striker Lee Trundle". Chester Chronicle. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
  2. ^ "'Magic daps' to grace the Meadow as Lee Trundle signs for Haverfordwest County". Western Telegraph. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  3. ^ "Nationwide Division Two & Three round-up". The Daily Telegraph. 20 September 2003. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  4. ^ Baggaley, Mike (1 July 2024). "Transfer state of play after double signing". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Swansea 4-2 Hull". BBC. 3 May 2003. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Swansea 4-2 Bury". BBC. 9 August 2003. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Cheltenham 3-4 Swansea". BBC. 16 August 2003. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  8. ^ "Trundle secures image-rights deal". BBC Sport. 27 October 2005. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  9. ^ "Trundle seals £1m Bristol C move". BBC Sport. 1 August 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  10. ^ "Trundle joins on loan". Leeds United A.F.C. 9 January 2009. Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  11. ^ "Brighton 0–2 Leeds". BBC Sport. 17 January 2009. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
  12. ^ "Loan striker departs". Leeds United A.F.C. 11 March 2009. Archived from the original on 13 March 2009. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  13. ^ "Trundle is a swan again". Bristol City F.C. 27 August 2009. Archived from the original on 29 August 2009. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
  14. ^ "Trundle completes a shock move to Neath". BBC Sport. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  15. ^ "Bangor silence pre-match Neath hype". welsh-premier.com. 16 August 2010. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  16. ^ "Lee Trundle signs one-year contract at Preston North End". Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  17. ^ "Swansea City legend Lee Trundle comes out of retirement to play for Llanelli Town". South Wales Evening Post. 21 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  18. ^ "Lee Trundle scored this cracking free-kick on his debut for Llanelli Town – and bagged a hat-trick". South Wales Evening Post. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  19. ^ "Swansea City icon Lee Trundle signs off epic season with NINTH hat-trick for invincibles Llanelli Town". South Wales Evening Post. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  20. ^ "Player stats for this season – Llanelli Town AFC". www.llanellitownafc.co.uk. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  21. ^ "Llanelli Town AFC vs Trefelin Boys & Girls Club – Llanelli Town AFC". www.llanellitownafc.co.uk. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  22. ^ "Llanelli Town striker Lee Trundle departs from Stebonheath Park due to work commitments". Y Clwb Pêl-droed.
  23. ^ "Lee Trundle: Former Swansea and Wrexham striker joins Haverfordwest". BBC Sport. 29 May 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  24. ^ "Trundle makes an explosive entrance as Haverfordwest hammer 10 past Ponty". Western Telegraph. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  25. ^ "Lee Trundle leaves Haverfordwest and signs for Trefelin BGC". Western Telegraph. 31 December 2018.
  26. ^ "Lee Trundle leaves Haverfordwest and signs for Trefelin BGC". Western Telegraph. 31 December 2018.
  27. ^ "Trefelin snatch victory and go 8 points clear as Lee Trundle debuts". To The Whistle. 5 January 2019.
  28. ^ Jones, Jordan (7 June 2019). "Ammanford sign Swansea City legend Lee Trundle". Y Clwb Pêl-droed.
  29. ^ "Ex-Bristol City, Leeds United, Swansea City, and Wrexham man joins new club at 46". Y Clwb Pêl-droed. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  30. ^ "Trunds signs for Swans again". Retrieved 25 June 2013.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ Bailey, Graeme. "Everton join Trundle hunt". Sky Sports. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
  32. ^ "Lee Trundle - 'Having someone say you're a rapist was just hell...'". walesonline. 2 October 2010.
  33. ^ "PNE Stars Add Christmas Sparkle". Preston North End. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  34. ^ Lee., Trundle (2010). Lee Trundle : more than just tricks. Wathan, Chris. Edinburgh: Mainstream. ISBN 978-1845966744. OCLC 645705443.
  35. ^ "Swansea City legend Lee Trundle joins up with local league club Brunswick United". Wales Online. 23 July 2013.
  36. ^ "A Swansea City Blog: interview". Forza Swansea. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  37. ^ "Carlisle 1–2 Swansea". BBC Sport. 2 April 2006. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  38. ^ "Henry retains PFA crown". BBC Sport. 25 April 2002. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  39. ^ "Sunderland/Wigan dominate line-up". BBC Sport. 24 April 2005. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  40. ^ "Gerrard named player of the year". BBC Sport. 23 April 2006. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
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