Nick Anderton Explained

Nick Anderton
Fullname:Nicholas Jack Wilmer Anderton[1]
Birth Date:22 April 1996
Birth Place:Preston, England
Height:1.88m (06.17feet)
Position:Left back
Currentclub:AFC Fylde (assistant head coach)
Years1:2014–2016
Clubs1:Preston North End
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2014
Clubs2:→ Chorley (loan)
Years3:2014
Clubs3:→ Gateshead (loan)
Caps3:4
Goals3:0
Years4:2014–2015
Clubs4:→ Barrow (loan)
Caps4:9
Goals4:0
Years5:2015
Clubs5:→ Aldershot Town (loan)
Caps5:11
Goals5:0
Years6:2015–2016
Clubs6:→ Barrow (loan)
Caps6:21
Goals6:0
Years7:2016–2017
Clubs7:Barrow
Caps7:43
Goals7:1
Years8:2017–2020
Clubs8:Blackpool
Caps8:16
Goals8:0
Years9:2018–2019
Clubs9:→ Accrington Stanley (loan)
Caps9:22
Goals9:0
Years10:2020–2021
Clubs10:Carlisle United
Caps10:49
Goals10:4
Years11:2021–2023
Clubs11:Bristol Rovers
Caps11:34
Goals11:1
Totalcaps:209
Totalgoals:6

Nicholas Jack Wilmer Anderton (born 22 April 1996) is an English coach and former professional footballer who played as a left back and is the assistant head coach of AFC Fylde.

Career

Born in Preston, Anderton began his career at Preston North End, moving on loan to Chorley in March 2014 alongside Alex Nicholson.[2] He turned professional in May 2014, at the same time as Jack Ryan.[3] He joined Gateshead on loan in October 2014,[4] and Barrow in December 2014,[5] although the latter loan ended early due to injury.[6] He moved on loan to Aldershot Town in August 2015,[7] before returning to Barrow on loan in November 2015.[5] [8] He signed permanently for Barrow in May 2016, signing a two-year contract.[5] [9] In January 2017 he was linked with a transfer to Bradford City, amongst purported interest from other Football League clubs.[10] He signed for Blackpool in June 2017.[11] He moved on loan to Accrington Stanley in August 2018.[12]

Anderton signed an eighteen-month contract with Carlisle United on 16 January 2020.[13] Ahead of the 2020–21 season, Anderton was appointed as club captain.[14]

Bristol Rovers

On 26 May 2021, Anderton signed a two-year contract with recently relegated League Two side Bristol Rovers, with effect from 1 July 2021.[15] [16] Anderton made his debut for the club on the opening day of the season, starting as a central defender as Rovers' return to League Two started with a late defeat at Mansfield Town.[17] On 30 October 2021, Anderton opened his account for the club when he scored the only goal as Rovers got an impressive away win at high-flying Harrogate Town with his scuffed effort in the 64th minute settling the match.[18] Anderton played an important role as he achieved a first career promotion with Rovers' 7–0 victory over Scunthorpe United on the final day of the season seeing them move into third position on goals scored.[19]

Cancer diagnosis

On 28 July 2022, it was announced that Anderton had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, requiring him to undergo an operation on his femur.[20] [21] On the opening day of the 2022–23 season, as Rovers hosted Forest Green Rovers, both sets of players wore shirts in the warm-up to show their support for Anderton; there was also applause in the sixteenth minute of the match, representing Anderton's shirt number at Rovers. During the match, after Aaron Collins equalised, he dedicated the goal to his teammate, holding up a replica shirt with Anderton's name on the back.[22] After the match, manager Joey Barton said that Anderton's surgery would likely leave him unable to walk for a year, vowing that both he and the club would support the player and his young family with Barton promising to run the London Marathon in order to raise money for him.[23]

Anderton underwent a successful treatment in October 2022 to remove the tumour.[24] However, in December, it was revealed that the tumour had been sent off for further analysis following the operation, revealing that the cancerous cells were more aggressive than previously thought and that Anderton would require chemotherapy treatment.[25] [26] Anderton said he was "taken aback" by the support he received.[27]

In order to raise funds for the player, Bristol Rovers started several local initiatives,[28] while manager Barton, as well as the rest of the playing and coaching staff, decided to shave their heads on 16 January 2023, showing support for Anderton and encouraging the club's supporters to do the same, in order to raise awareness of the subject.[29] [30]

Anderton retired from professional football in April 2023, aged 26.[31] [32] In a message published on social media in June 2023, Anderton revealed that he was entering his final week of chemotherapy.[33] On 1 September 2023, he confirmed that following 28 weeks of chemotherapy and a knee operation, he was free of bone cancer.[34]

Coaching career

In January 2024, Anderton was appointed assistant head coach of National League club AFC Fylde.[35] [36]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Preston North End2014–15Championship000000—00
2015–16Championship000000—00
Total000000—00
Gateshead (loan)2014–15Conference Premier4010—0050
Barrow (loan)2014–15Conference North9000—0090
Aldershot Town (loan)2015–16National League11000—00110
Barrow (loan)2015–16National League21000—20230
Barrow2016–17National League43150—50531
Blackpool2017–18League One40101050110
2018–19League One100001000110
2019–20League One2000102050
Total160103070270
Accrington Stanley (loan)2018–19League One220000030250
Carlisle United2019–20League Two102———102
2020–21League Two392201010432
Total494201010534
Bristol Rovers2021–22League Two341311011393
2022–23League One0000000000
Total341311011393
Career total2096121501912458

Honours

Bristol Rovers

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Notification of shirt numbers: Blackpool . English Football League . 6 . 18 October 2019 . 15 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191015101423/https://www.efl.com/siteassets/image/201920/general-news/efl-squad-numbering-06.09.2019.pdf . live .
  2. Web site: Duo Join Chorley. 27 March 2014. 29 January 2017. Preston North End F.C.. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924074757/http://www.pnefc.net/news/article/duo-join-chorley270314-1450067.aspx. live.
  3. Web site: Nick Anderton Over The Moon With Professional Contract. 20 May 2014. 29 January 2017. Joe Cooper. Preston North End F.C.. 21 May 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140521041954/http://www.pnefc.net/news/article/nick-anderton-over-the-moon200514-1565710.aspx. live.
  4. Web site: Gateshead land left-back Nick Anderton on a month loan from Preston. 31 October 2014. 29 January 2017. Steve Brown. Chronicle Live. 5 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211105143920/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gateshead-land-left-back-nick-anderton-8024825. live.
  5. Web site: Profile. 29 January 2017. Barrow A.F.C.. https://web.archive.org/web/20160914160050/http://barrowafc.com/team-member/nick-anderton/. 14 September 2016. dead.
  6. Web site: PNE ace Anderton back in fine nick!. 5 August 2015. 29 January 2017. Lancashire Evening Post. 5 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042103/https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/pne-ace-anderton-back-in-fine-nick-1-7394388. live.
  7. Web site: Nick Anderton: Aldershot sign Preston North End defender. 11 August 2015. 29 January 2017. BBC Sport. 16 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181016213612/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33865047. live.
  8. Web site: Barrow AFC manager delighted with hunger of loan ace Nick. 11 December 2015. 29 January 2017. Richard Land. North-West Evening Mail. 4 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171204061132/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/Barrow-AFC-manager-delighted-with-hunger-of-loan-ace-Nick-191ee77b-a6cb-451f-af2e-8b3a79310fb9-ds. live.
  9. Web site: Bluebirds complete deal to sign Wilmer-Anderton from Preston. 30 May 2016. 29 January 2017. Richard Land. North-West Evening Mail. 6 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160906005635/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/barrow-afc/Bluebirds-complete-deal-to-sign-Wilmer-Anderton-from-Preston--826dd2ee-c451-4111-b249-799b3b3570f2-ds. live.
  10. Web site: UPDATED: Bantams look elsewhere after Anderton link. 30 January 2017. 30 January 2017. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus. 2 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202105058/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/15056970.Rumoured_Bantams_target_Anderton_attracting_Championship_interest/. live.
  11. Web site: Nick Anderton: Blackpool sign full-back from Barrow ahead of new League One season. 26 June 2017. 26 June 2017. BBC Sport. 1 July 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170701052247/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40406489. live.
  12. Web site: Nick Anderton: Accrington Stanley sign Blackpool defender on loan. 18 August 2018. 18 August 2018. BBC Sport. 16 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181016213639/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45221818. live.
  13. Web site: CONTRACT: Left back joins the Blues. 16 January 2020. 16 January 2020. Carlisle United F.C.. 11 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200911181238/https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2020/january/contract-left-back-joins-the-blues/. live.
  14. Web site: CLUB: Captain and vice-captain positions confirmed. www.carlisleunited.co.uk. 1 August 2020. 12 August 2021. 12 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210812112403/https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2020/august/club-captain-and-vice-captain-positions-confirmed/. live.
  15. Web site: First Summer Signings Announced!. www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 26 May 2021. 26 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526165347/https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2021/may/joey-barton-summer-transfers/. live.
  16. News: Bristol Rovers seal quadruple signing. BBC Sport. 26 May 2021. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526183710/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57256024. live.
  17. Web site: Mansfield Town 2–1 Bristol Rovers. BBC Sport. 7 August 2021. 31 October 2021. 2 May 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220502094129/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58036217. live.
  18. Web site: Harrogate Town 0–1 Bristol Rovers. BBC Sport. 30 October 2021. 31 October 2021. 30 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211030101930/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59019211. live.
  19. Web site: Bristol Rovers 7–0 Scunthorpe United: Joey Barton's side promoted after seven-goal win. BBC Sport. 7 May 2022. 28 July 2022. 15 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220815131642/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61281127. live.
  20. Web site: Club Statement - Nick Anderton. www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 28 July 2022. 28 July 2022. 28 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220728174127/https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2022/july/club-statement-nick-anderton/. live.
  21. News: Bristol Rovers' Anderton diagnosed with bone cancer. BBC Sport. 28 July 2022. 28 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220728202442/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62340308. live.
  22. News: Bristol Rovers goal dedicated to Nick Anderton as they and Forest Green make classy gesture. Bristol World. Jones. Jordan. Bristolworld. 31 July 2022. 31 July 2022. 30 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230430022411/https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-rovers/bristol-rovers-goal-dedicated-to-nick-anderton-as-they-and-forest-green-make-classy-gesture-3788001. live.
  23. Web site: Joey Barton opens up on Nick Anderton's cancer diagnosis and Bristol Rovers' pledge to defender. Bristol Post. Frost. Sam. 31 July 2022. 31 July 2022. 31 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220731193249/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/joey-barton-nick-anderton-cancer-7403765. live.
  24. Web site: Joey Barton wants Nick Anderton back at Bristol Rovers in any capacity after cancer operation. Bristol Post. 6 October 2022. 9 October 2022. 7 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221007210922/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joey-barton-wants-nick-anderton-7674012. live.
  25. Web site: Club Statement: Nick Anderton. www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 14 December 2022. 14 December 2022. 14 December 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221214133418/https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2022/december/nick-anderton-update/. live.
  26. News: Bristol Rovers' Anderton to have chemotherapy. BBC Sport. 17 January 2023. 17 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230117193742/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63973896. live.
  27. News: Anderton 'taken aback' by support in cancer battle. BBC Sport. 17 January 2023. 17 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230117200756/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63993469. live.
  28. Web site: 11 January 2023 . Local Club Helps Nick . 17 January 2023 . Bristol Rovers . en-GB . 17 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230117142433/https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/january/longwell-green-donation/ . live .
  29. Web site: 9 January 2023 . Bristol Razors . 17 January 2023 . Bristol Rovers . en-GB . 17 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230117022653/https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/january/head-shave-for-nick/ . live .
  30. News: Bristol Rovers shave heads in support of Anderton. BBC Sport. 17 January 2023. 17 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230117193748/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64295383. live.
  31. Web site: Anderton retires as he continues cancer treatment. www.bbc.com. 21 April 2023. 21 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230421111314/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65348031. live.
  32. Web site: Nick Anderton announces retirement from football amid cancer battle. James. Piercy. 21 April 2023. BristolLive. 21 April 2023. 21 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230421111325/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-rovers-nick-anderton-retires-8373075. live.
  33. Web site: Nick Anderton's inspirational message as Bristol Rovers hero enters final week of chemotherapy. Bristol Post. Piercy. James. 28 June 2023. 28 June 2023.
  34. Web site: Nick Anderton: Former Bristol Rovers defender says he is free of bone cancer. BBC Sport. 1 September 2023. 4 September 2023.
  35. Web site: New Backroom Stadd Announced. www.afcfylde.co.uk. 18 January 2024. 18 January 2024.
  36. Web site: Anderton new Fylde assistant after cancer all-clear. www.bbc.co.uk.
  37. News: Bristol Rovers go up after extraordinary 7–0 win . BBC Sport . 7 May 2022 . 5 February 2023 . 5 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230205221743/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61281127 . live .

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