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Liam McAlinden

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Liam McAlinden
McAlinden playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014
Personal information
Full name Liam James McAlinden[1]
Date of birth (1993-09-26) 26 September 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Cannock, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Rushall Olympic
Youth career
2001–2010 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2016 Wolverhampton Wanderers 14 (1)
2013 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) 9 (3)
2014 → Fleetwood Town (loan) 5 (2)
2015 → Fleetwood Town (loan) 14 (2)
2015 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) 8 (0)
2016 → Crawley Town (loan) 6 (1)
2016–2018 Exeter City 61 (7)
2018–2019 Cheltenham Town 6 (0)
2018–2019 → Brackley Town (loan) 5 (1)
2019 → Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 15 (0)
2019–2020 FC Halifax Town 27 (10)
2020 Stockport County 9 (2)
2020–2021 Morecambe 28 (2)
2021–2024 Wrexham 46 (1)
2024 Scunthorpe United 11 (2)
2024– Rushall Olympic 0 (0)
International career
2012 Northern Ireland U21 3 (0)
2014 Republic of Ireland U21 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:01, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

Liam James McAlinden (born 26 September 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for National League North club Rushall Olympic.

McAlinden is a youth exponent of Wolverhampton Wanderers and has played for Exeter City, Cheltenham Town, Halifax Town, Stockport County, Morecambe and Wrexham, as well as a host of other clubs on loan. Born in England, McAlinden has represented both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the youth levels.

Club career

[edit]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

[edit]

McAlinden joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as an 8-year-old.[3] At 17-years-old, in 2010, McAlinden signed his first professional contract with Wolves.[4] He made his senior debut on 27 April 2013 as a substitute in a 1–2 defeat to Burnley.[5] He scored his first senior goal on 3 September 2013 in an EFL Trophy tie against Walsall.[6]

In October 2013, McAlinden joined fellow EFL League One club, Shrewsbury Town, on a three month loan deal.[7] He scored on his club debut after coming on as a substitute against Gillingham,[8] the first of three goals in nine appearances before being recalled by Wolves in early December.[9]

McAlinden scored his first league goal for Wolves, to earn them a 1–0 victory at MK Dons in March 2014.[10] He would play seven times in League One for Wolves, as they finished first, winning the league and earning promotion to the EFL Championship. McAlinden signed a new two-year deal with Wolves following their promotion.[11]

In October 2014, McAlinden moved on a three-month-loan deal to League One club, Fleetwood Town.[12] However, after scoring twice in his first 5 appearances for Fleetwood, he was recalled to cover injuries at his parent club. On 15 January 2015, McAlinden returned on loan to Fleetwood for the remainder of the season,[13] where he scored two further goals during 14 appearances.

McAlinden returned to Shrewsbury Town for a second time on a half-season loan in July 2015.[14] In March 2016, he signed a loan deal with Crawley Town until the end of the 2015–16 season.[15] He scored his first and only goal for Crawley in a 2–2 draw against York City.[16]

Upon the expiration of his contract, McAlinden was released by Wolves at the end of the 2015–16 season, after he wasn't offered a renewal.[17]

Exeter City

[edit]

On 31 May 2016, McAlinden signed for League Two club Exeter City.[18] He made his debut for Exeter on the 6 August 2016, in a 2–0 loss to Blackpool. A week later, he scored his first goal for Exeter in a 2–1 defeat to Hartlepool United.[19] Over his two year stint at the club, McAlinden scored 7 goals in 61 appearances, including one against Grimsby Town, which would later be voted the Goal of the Month by Exeter fans.[20] He was released by Exeter at the end of the 2017–18 season.[21]

Cheltenham Town

[edit]

Follow his release from Exeter, McAlinden joined Chesterfield Town as a trailist, scoring in a 4–0 victory against Gainsborough Trinity in a pre-season friendly.[22] Ultimately, McAlinden signed a two-year deal with League Two side Cheltenham Town on 28 July 2018.[23] He made his debut for Cheltenham on 4 August 2018, in a 1–0 loss to Crawley Town.[24] With game time limited, on 15 December 2018, McAllinden joined Brackley Town on an initial one month loan.[25] On 22 December 2018, he made his debut in a 2–1 loss to York City. On 29 December 2018, he scored his first goal for Brackley in a 3–1 win against Nuneaton Borough.[26] Following his loan deal, he returned to Cheltenham, but two days later he joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan for one month.[27] The club announced on 21 February 2019, that the loan deal had been extended until the end of the season.[28] At the end of the 2018–19 season, Cheltenham announced they had transfer listed McAlinden.[29] His contract with Cheltenham was cancelled in June 2019.[30]

FC Halifax Town

[edit]

On 6 August 2019, McAlinden joined National League side, FC Halifax Town.[31][32] He made his debut on the same day, as an 83rd minute substitute in a 2–0 win against Hartlepool United.[33] He made his first league start and scored in a 1–0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge.[34] On 31 August 2019, McAlinden scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over Solihull Moors.[35] McAlinden left partway through the season, however his contribution helped Halifax finish 6th and in the play-offs. In his time at Halifax, McAlinden scored 10 times in 27 appearances.[36]

Stockport County

[edit]

Despite interest from football league clubs,[37] on 14 January 2020, he signed for fellow National League side, Stockport County.[38] On 18 January 2020, McAlinden made his debut for Stockport in a 0–0 draw against Sutton United.[39] On 8 February 2020, he scored his first goal for Stockport in 1–1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge.[40] Stockport's season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and McAlinden was released upon the expiry of his contract.[41]

Morecambe

[edit]

On 4 August 2020, McAlinden signed for League Two club Morecambe.[42] On 12 September 2020, McAlinden made his debut in a 2–1 win against former club Cheltenham.[43] In the reverse fixture against Cheltenham, McAlinden scored his first goal for Morecambe as they won 1–0.[44] He featured in a 4–0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup and a 7–0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup.[45][46] In the league, Morecambe finished fourth and qualified for the play-offs. In the play-off semi-finals, Morecambe were placed against 7th place Tranmere Rovers. In the first-leg, McAlinden scored the second goal, as Morecambe won 2–1.[47] In the second leg, McAlinden provided the assist for Aaron Wildig's 9th minute strike.[48] Morecambe drew the second-leg 1–1, but won the tie 3–2 on aggregate. McAlinden also featured in the play-off final against Newport County, but was substituted in the 75th minute. Morecambe won 1–0 after extra time and were promoted League One.[49] He was released at the end of the season.[50]

Wrexham

[edit]

On 9 July 2021, McAlinden signed for National League side Wrexham on a two-year deal.[51] Upon his arrival, manager Phil Parkinson revealed that Wrexham had to fight off league clubs to bring in McAlinden.[52] On 21 August 2021, he made his debut as a 70th minute substitute in a 2–2 draw against Solihull Moors.[53] McAlinden scored his first and only league goal for Wrexham in a 6–0 victory over Barnet.[54] Wrexham finished in second place, qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, where they faced sixth placed Grimsby Town. McAlinden featured off the bench as Wrexham lost 5–4 after extra time and were knocked out the play-offs.[55] McAlinden also started in the FA Trophy final against Bromley, though Wrexham lost 1–0.[56]

In the 2022–23 season, McAlinden featured less in the league, though played in 5 of the 7 FA Cup games, which saw Wrexham reach the fourth round and take Championship side, Sheffield United, to a replay.[57] In the league, Wrexham pipped Notts County to the title, which meant Wrexham were promoted to League Two. With promotion to League Two confirmed, McAlinden was offered a one-year contract extension, which he agreed to.[58]

In the 2023–24 season, McAlinden struggled even more for game time in League Two and agreed to a mutual termination of his contract on 1 February 2024.[59] McAlinden played 46 times in the league and scored once.

Scunthorpe United

[edit]

On 15 February 2024, McAlinden signed for National League North side Scunthorpe United on a short term contract until the end of the season.[60] On the 17 February 2024, he made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Scarborough Athletic.[61] On 2 March 2024, McAlinden scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against Chester. However, in the same game, he mistimed his tackle Harrison Burke, arriving late and high, with studs showing, resulting in the referee showing him a red card.[62] Scunthorpe United finished second in the league, qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, where they faced sixth placed Boston United. McAlinden came on off the bench during the 0–0 draw, which saw the tie go to penalties. He took the sixth penalty for Scunthorpe, but his effort was saved by Boston 'keeper Cameron Gregory.[63] The missed penalty saw Scunthorpe knocked out of the play-offs.[64] Scunthorpe will not renew McAlinden's contract and he will become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract.[65]

Rushall Olympic

[edit]

On 9 August 2024, McAlinden signed for National League North side Rushall Olympic.[66]

International career

[edit]

Although born in England, McAlinden can represent Northern Ireland - through his grandfather - and the Republic of Ireland - through his parents.[67] He represented Northern Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 levels. However, in June 2013, he switched his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland,[68] whom he has also represented at Under-21 level.

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 27 April 2024
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
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2012–13[69] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
2013–14[70] League One 7 1 0 0 1 0 2[a] 1 10 2
2014–15[71] Championship 6 0 1 0 1 0 — 8 0
2015–16[72] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 14 1 1 0 2 0 2 1 19 2
Shrewsbury Town (loan) 2013–14[70] League One 9 3 — — — 9 3
Fleetwood Town (loan) 2014–15[71] League One 19 4 — — — 19 4
Shrewsbury Town (loan) 2015–16[72] League One 8 0 1 0 0 0 2[a] 1 11 1
Crawley Town (loan) 2015–16[72] League Two 6 1 — — — 6 1
Exeter City 2016–17[73] League Two 32 5 0 0 2 0 3[b] 2 37 7
2017–18[74] League Two 29 2 4 1 1 0 2[b] 1 36 4
Total 61 7 4 1 3 0 5 3 73 11
Cheltenham Town 2018–19[75] League Two 6 0 0 0 1 0 1[b] 0 8 0
Brackley Town (loan) 2018–19[76] National League North 5 1 — — 1[c] 0 6 1
Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 2018–19[76] National League North 15 0 — — — 15 0
FC Halifax Town 2019–20[76] National League 27 10 1 0 — 0 0 28 10
Stockport County 2019–20[76] National League 9 2 — — 0 0 9 2
Morecambe 2020–21[77] League Two 28 2 1 0 3 0 5[d] 1 37 3
Wrexham[78] 2021–22[76] National League 32 1 3 0 — 2[c] 0 37 1
2022–23 National League 11 0 5 0 — 0 0 16 0
2023–24 League Two 2 0 0 0 0 0 4[b] 0 6 0
Total 45 1 8 0 0 0 6 0 59 1
Scunthorpe United 2023–24 National League North 10 2 — — 1[e] 0 11 2
Career total 229 33 11 1 9 0 18 6 267 40
  1. ^ a b Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b c d Appearances in EFL Trophy
  3. ^ a b Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  4. ^ Two appearances in EFL Trophy, three appearances and one goal in EFL League Two play-offs
  5. ^ Appearance in National League North play-offs

Honours

[edit]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Morecambe

Wrexham

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Morecambe" (PDF). English Football League. p. 44. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  2. ^ Liam McAlinden at Soccerbase Edit this at Wikidata
  3. ^ Adrian, Agius (6 December 2012). "Liverpool Monitoring Progress of Talented Youngster Liam McAlinden". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Wolves sign up Zeli Ismail and Liam McAlinden". Express and Star. 15 December 2010. Archived from the original on 2 November 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  5. ^ "Wolverhampton 1–2 Burnley". BBC Sport. 27 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Aaron McCarey is hero in Wolves-Walsall JPT shoot-out". BBC Sport. 4 September 2013. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Shrewsbury Town sign Wolves striker on loan". BBC Sport. 11 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Shrewsbury 2–0 Gillingham". BBC Sport. 12 October 2013.
  9. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Wolves recall striker from Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 6 December 2013.
  10. ^ "MK Dons 0–1 Wolves". BBC Sport. 29 March 2014.
  11. ^ "Liam's Delight". Wolves. 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Fleetwood Town bring in Wolves striker". BBC Sport. 2 October 2014.
  13. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Wolves striker returns to Fleetwood Town on loan". BBC Sport. 15 January 2015.
  14. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Wolves striker rejoins Shrewsbury Town on loan". BBC Sport. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  15. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Crawley Town sign Wolves striker on loan". BBC Sport. BBC. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  16. ^ Talbot, Bruce (25 March 2016). "Report: York 2 Reds 2". Crawley Town. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  17. ^ "Contract decisions revealed". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 9 May 2016. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016.
  18. ^ Roderick, Oliver. "Grecians Complete Third Signing Of The Summer". Exeter City FC. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  19. ^ "Exeter 1–2 Hartlepool". BBC. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  20. ^ "Liam McAlinden wins Vospers' Goal of the Month for November". Exeter City FC. 7 December 2017. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  21. ^ "Troy Archibald-Henville: Exeter City defender among seven released by club". BBC Sport. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  22. ^ "England star watches on as Chesterfield cruise to friendly win at Gainsborough". Derbyshire Times. 17 July 2018. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  23. ^ "Liam McAlinden: Cheltenham Town sign former Exeter City striker on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 28 July 2018. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  24. ^ "Cheltenham Town 0-1 Crawley Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  25. ^ Palmer, Jon (15 December 2018). "Cheltenham Town's former Wolves and Exeter City striker makes loan switch to Brackley Town". Gloucestershire Live. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  26. ^ Joyce, Richard (31 December 2018). "Loan watch: McAlinden among the goals". CTFC. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  27. ^ McAlinden joins Harriers, harriers.co.uk, 18 January 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  28. ^ McAlinden extends stay, harriers.co.uk, 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  29. ^ "2018/19 retained and released list". CTFC. 13 May 2019. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  30. ^ "McAlinden leaves the Jonny-Rocks Stadium". CTFC. 20 June 2019. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  31. ^ "FC Halifax Town: Striker McAlinden joins Shaymen". Halifax Courier. 2019. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
  32. ^ Gilchrist, Kelly (6 August 2019). "NEW SIGNING FOR SHAYMEN". FC Halifax Town. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  33. ^ "FC Halifax Town 2-0 Hartlepool United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  34. ^ "FC Halifax Town 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  35. ^ "FC Halifax Town 2-1 Solihull Moors". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  36. ^ "LIAM MCALINDEN". FC Halifax Town. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  37. ^ O'Rourke, Pete. "FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHASE ON FOR HALIFAX ACE MCALINDEN". HITC. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Striker McAlinden joins Hatters!". www.stockportcounty.com. 14 January 2020.
  39. ^ "Stockport County 0-0 Sutton United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  40. ^ "Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Stockport County". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Squad Update From Jim Gannon". Stockport County. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  42. ^ "Liam McAlinden Signs". www.morecambefc.com. 4 August 2020.
  43. ^ "Cheltenham Town 1-2 Morecambe". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  44. ^ "Morecambe 1-0 Cheltenham Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  45. ^ "Werner scores as Chelsea see off Morecambe". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  46. ^ "Newcastle thrash 10-man Morecambe". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  47. ^ "Morecambe gain slender win at Tranmere". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  48. ^ "Shrimps hold Tranmere to reach final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  49. ^ "Shrimps go up with extra-time penalty". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  50. ^ "Retained List". Morecambe F.C. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  51. ^ "Wrexham sign Brisley and McAlinden". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  52. ^ "Forward Liam McAlinden signs for Wrexham AFC". www.wrexhamafc.co.uk. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  53. ^ "Drama as Sbarra denies Wrexham late on". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  54. ^ "Wrexham hit Barnet for six to return to second". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  55. ^ "Grimsby end Wrexham's play-off dreams in thriller". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  56. ^ "Bromley beat Wrexham to lift FA Trophy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  57. ^ "Blades set up Spurs tie by ending Wrexham's run". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  58. ^ Henrys, Colin (23 May 2023). "NEW CONTRACT | Liam McAlinden signs Wrexham AFC contract extension". Wrexham AFC. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  59. ^ "CONTRACT NEWS | Liam McAlinden leaves Wrexham AFC by mutual consent". www.wrexhamafc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  60. ^ "Iron add Liam McAlinden to the ranks". www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  61. ^ Pullan, Jake (17 February 2024). "Report: Scarborough Athletic 0-0 Iron". Scunthorpe United. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  62. ^ Pullan, Jake (2 March 2024). "Report: Iron 2-2 Chester". Scunthorpe United. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  63. ^ Singleton, Craig (27 April 2024). "Scunthorpe United 0-0 Boston United (4-5 on penalties)". Boston United. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  64. ^ Pullan, Jake (27 April 2024). "Report: Iron 0-0 Boston United (4-5 on pens)". Scunthorpe United. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  65. ^ "Iron retained list 2023-24". Scunthorpe United. 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  66. ^ "PICS ADD PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE WITH McALINDEN SIGNING". Rushall Olympic FC. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  67. ^ "Wolves on the fringe". wolves.theoffside.com. 31 May 2012. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013.
  68. ^ "Liam McAlinden quits Northern Ireland for Republic". BBC Sport. 2 June 2013.
  69. ^ "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  70. ^ a b "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  71. ^ a b "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  72. ^ a b c "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  73. ^ "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  74. ^ "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  75. ^ "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  76. ^ a b c d e "L. McAlinden: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  77. ^ "Games played by Liam McAlinden in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  78. ^ "Liam McAlinden | Player Statistics | Wrexham (Wrexham AFC Archive)". www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  79. ^ "Leyton Orient 1–3 Wolverhampton Wanderers". BBC Sport. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  80. ^ "League Two play-off final: Morecambe 1–0 Newport County - Shrimps Win Promotion". BBC Sport. 31 May 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  81. ^ "Mullin the hero as Wrexham win to earn promotion". BBC Sport. 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  82. ^ Aled Williams (22 May 2022). "Bromley beat Wrexham to lift FA Trophy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
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