Graham Deakin (footballer) explained

Graham Deakin
Fullname:Graham Lee Deakin
Birth Date:24 April 1987
Birth Place:Birmingham, England
Position:Midfielder
Youthyears1:–2006
Youthclubs1:Walsall
Years1:2006–2007
Clubs1:Walsall
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2006
Caps2:5
Goals2:0
Years3:–2014
Clubs3:Sutton Coldfield Town
Years4:2014
Clubs4:Rushall Olympic
Years5:2014–
Clubs5:Sutton Coldfield Town
Manageryears1:2020–
Managerclubs1:Hednesford Town (assistant)
Club-Update:00:00, 23 October 2020 (UTC)

Graham Lee Deakin (born 24 April 1987) is an English footballer assistant manager and former player who is currently assistant manager of side Hednesford Town. As a player, he spent most of his career playing as a midfielder.

Playing career

Walsall

Deakin played one first team match for Walsall in the Football League Trophy semi final on 24 January 2006.

Walsall met Swansea City in the semi-final, Swansea City took an early lead through Leon Knight. Walsall eventually equalised through an Alex Nicholls goal in the second half. Andy Robinson gave Swansea the lead in the 83rd minute but his goal was quickly cancelled out by an equaliser from James Constable which sent the match to extra-time.[1] Deakin was introduced to the action during extra-time, coming on as a 108th-minute substitute for David McDermott. The match eventually required a penalty shoot-out. The opening eight penalties were all successfully converted before the following four were all missed. The shootout ended when Deakin missed his side's eighth penalty, allowing Alan Tate to convert the winning penalty for Swansea.[2]

Tamworth

Deakin signed for Conference National side Tamworth on loan on the 31 August 2006.[3]

Sutton Coldfield Town

Following a brief spell with Rushall Olympic, Deakin returned to sign for Sutton Coldfield Town on 24 August 2014.[4]

Personal life

Deakin's father, Graham Sr., died in 2022 from injuries sustained while trying to take his own life. Subsequently, Deakin has helped to set up a West Midlands mental health hub specifically for men, as well as linking up with non-profit organisation Sport Against Suicide.[5]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Walsall2006–07League 20000001010
Tamworth (loan)2006–07Football Conference50000050
Career total5000001060

Notes and References

  1. News: Swansea 2–2 Walsall . BBC Sport . 24 January 2006 . 16 July 2020.
  2. Web site: Swansea City v Walsall, 24 January 2006 . 11v11.com . AFS Enterprises . 16 July 2020.
  3. News: Saddlers teenager joins Tamworth . 31 August 2006 . bbc.co.uk . 31 August 2006.
  4. News: New Signing . 24 August 2014 . SCTFC.com . 24 August 2014.
  5. News: FA Cup: The former footballer setting up a mental health hub after his father's death . BBC Sport . 19 August 2022.