Jake Kirby Explained

Jake Kirby
Fullname:Jake Antony Kirby
Birth Date:9 May 1994
Birth Place:Liverpool, England[1]
Height:[2]
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Nantwich Town
Youthclubs1:Tranmere Rovers
Years1:2012–2018
Clubs1:Tranmere Rovers
Caps1:98
Goals1:8
Years2:2015
Clubs2:Stockport County (loan)
Caps2:11
Goals2:4
Years3:2018–2019
Clubs3:Stockport County
Caps3:42
Goals3:8
Years4:2023–
Clubs4:Nantwich Town
Caps4:0
Goals4:0
Club-Update:10:26, 21 October 2023 (UTC)

Jake Antony Kirby (born 9 May 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Nantwich Town.

Career

Kirby came through Tranmere Rovers's youth system and was awarded his first professional one-year contract by the club in April 2012.[3]

He made his Football League debut against Scunthorpe United on 5 May 2012 as a substitute for Jake Cassidy, playing the last 15 minutes of the match.[4] He made six more appearances in the first half of the next season before being offered a new two-and-a-half-year contract.[5]

The next season Kirby became regular first-team player, making 35 appearances and scoring two first senior goals against Coventry City, one away and one at home as Tranmere finished 21st in the division and relegated to the League Two.[6] [7]

One year until contract expire, Kirby extended it till summer 2017 on 26 May 2014.[8] The 2014/15 campaign saw Rovers relegated from Football League, while Kirby made 20 appearances and scored a goal - winning one against Northampton Town.

On 28 August 2015 Kirby was loaned to the National League North side Stockport County, where he reunited with former teammates Kayode Odejayi, Andy Robinson and Abdulai Bell-Baggie.[9] Following day he made his County debut as a substitute. On 31 September, Stockport beat AFC Fylde 3-2 after Kirby scored the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.[10] Initial one-month loan was later extended to three months. On 26 November he was recalled to the parent club.[11] He was released by Tranmere at the end of the 2017–18 season and went to Stockport County for a second spell in that summer.[12]

He retired in September 2019.[13]

In October 2023, Kirby made his return to football when he joined Northern Premier League Division One West club Nantwich Town.[14]

Playing style

He can play in five positions: central midfield, right midfield, left midfield, behind the striker and as a striker.[15]

Statistics

ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Tranmere Rovers2011–12League One1010
2012–1340101[16] 060
2013–14312201010352
2014–15League Two1711020201
2015–16National League153000010163
Total696401040766
Stockport County (loan)2015–16National League North114000000114
Career total80104010408810

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tranmere Rovers FC manager Ronnie Moore considers first team role for youngster Jake Kirby. Liverpool Echo. 19 April 2012. 6 May 2012.
  2. Book: Glenda. Rollin. Jack. Rollin. Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013. 2012. Headline. London. 978-0-7553-6356-8. 545. 43rd.
  3. Web site: Three Professional Contracts Offered At Tranmere. League Football Education. 6 May 2012. 26 April 2012.
  4. News: Tranmere 1 - 1 Rochdale . 5 May 2012 . BBC Sport . 6 May 2012.
  5. News: New Contract For Kirby . 31 January 2013 . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 4 December 2015.
  6. News: Report: Coventry 1 Tranmere 5 . 23 November 2013 . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 4 December 2015.
  7. News: Report: Tranmere 3 Coventry 1 . 22 February 2014 . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 4 December 2015.
  8. News: Young Star Extends Tranmere Deal . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 26 May 2014 . 30 October 2015.
  9. News: Stockport County Loan Jake Kirby . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 28 August 2015 . 4 December 2015.
  10. News: Loan Watch . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 2 September 2015 . 4 December 2015.
  11. News: Ins And Outs At Prenton Park . Tranmere Rovers F.C. . 26 November 2015 . 7 December 2015.
  12. Web site: Andy Mangan: Tranmere Rovers striker among seven released. 16 May 2018. 16 May 2018. BBC Sport.
  13. News: Jake Kirby: Stockport winger to step away from football. BBC Sport. 12 September 2019.
  14. Web site: Sean Lawton and Jake Kirby join the Dabbers. www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk. 20 October 2023. 21 October 2023.
  15. Web site: Hilton. Nick. Lowdown on Tranmere Rovers' young ones. Wirral News. 6 May 2012. 5 May 2012.
  16. Appearance in the Football League Trophy