Chris Eagles

Chris Eagles

Eagles with Burnley in 2011
Personal information
Full name Christopher Mark Eagles
Date of birth (1985-11-19) 19 November 1985
Place of birth Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Winger, Attacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Accrington Stanley
Number 33
Youth career
1998–2000 Watford
2000–2003 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2008 Manchester United 6 (1)
2005 → Watford (loan) 13 (1)
2005 → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 25 (3)
2006 → Watford (loan) 17 (3)
2006 → N.E.C. (loan) 15 (1)
2008–2011 Burnley 120 (21)
2011–2014 Bolton Wanderers 93 (17)
2014–2015 Blackpool 7 (1)
2015 Charlton Athletic 8 (2)
2015–2016 Bury 4 (0)
2016- Accrington Stanley 6 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 09:27, 6 November 2016 (UTC).


Christopher Mark "Chris" Eagles (born 19 November 1985) is an English footballer who plays for Accrington Stanley. Primarily a winger, he can also play as an attacking midfielder. After coming through the youth system at Watford, he began his professional career with Manchester United, but was unable to break into the first team. He had two loan spells back at Watford, as well as with Sheffield Wednesday and Dutch club N.E.C., before a permanent move to Burnley in 2008. He has also played for Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, Charlton Athletic and Bury.

Career

Early career

Eagles was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, and was a season ticket holder at Tottenham Hotspur, whom he went to see with his family.[1] Originally coming through the youth system at Watford, Eagles left when he was 14 to join the Manchester United academy. The compensation owed to Watford for this move would later form part of the package which took Danny Webber in the opposite direction.[2]

Manchester United

Eagles made his first-team debut for Manchester United on 28 October 2003 as a second-half substitute for Kieran Richardson in an extra-time win away to Leeds United in the League Cup.[3] He played once more that season, this time as a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo as United lost 2–0 away to West Bromwich Albion in a League Cup Fourth Round tie.[4]

On 21 December 2006, Eagles decided to take the option of returning to Manchester United after struggling to get many games on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side N.E.C.[5] He only made 11 appearances for N.E.C., with the majority coming as a substitute. On 13 March 2007, Eagles featured in the second half for United in an exhibition match at Old Trafford against Marcello Lippi's Europe XI.

On 28 April 2007, Eagles scored his first senior goal for United in a 4–2 Premier League win over Everton. After coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored a 93rd-minute goal to put the result beyond doubt and putting Manchester United five points clear in their race for the Premier League title.[6] On 20 July 2007, during Manchester United's tour of Asia, he scored in a friendly match against FC Seoul. He also scored a spectacular 35-yard volley in a friendly match against Shenzhen FC four days later, bringing his total for the tour to three goals in five games. Eagles scored another pre-season goal the following year, netting United's equaliser against Kaizer Chiefs to earn a 1–1 draw. He also started in the pre-season game against Portsmouth in Nigeria, scoring United's opening goal.

Loans

Eagles was loaned to Watford on 21 January 2005,[7] for whom he made 13 appearances and scored one goal (against Gillingham).[8] He was also loaned to Sheffield Wednesday for the first half of the 2005–06 season.[9] He scored his first goal for Sheffield Wednesday in their derby match against Leeds.[10] He ended his loan spell with a total of three goals for Wednesday.

On 6 January 2006, Eagles was again loaned to Watford,[11] making his debut against his future employers Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup, with the Hornets going down 3–0. In his first league appearance for Watford against Stoke City, he scored the only goal of the match for Watford.[12] His winning goal in the 1–0 away win at Brighton & Hove Albion on 18 February from 50 yards (almost the halfway line)[13] – reminiscent of David Beckham's goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon a decade earlier – won him the club's goal of the season award. He also scored the first goal in the 4–1 thrashing away at Sheffield United, and David Unsworth was sent off for elbowing him. Having played almost every game for the Hornets since his loan move, Eagles was put on the bench for the play-off games.

On 31 August 2006, Eagles agreed to spend four months on loan at Dutch outfit N.E.C., in order to gain more experience.[14]

Burnley

Eagles playing for Burnley

On 29 July 2008, Eagles signed for Burnley on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[15] Manager Owen Coyle said, "He can play as a striker, or behind the striker or wide or as a central midfielder. He gives you a host of variations, but outwith that he's a talented footballer and that's what we want – young exciting talents to complement the quality we already have."[15] Eagles made his league debut for Burnley on 9 August 2008 in a 4–1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday.[16] On 27 September 2008, he scored his first goal for Burnley in a 3–1 victory over rivals Preston North End, scoring in the 95th minute.[17]

In July 2010, the Clarets accepted a bid from Scottish champions Rangers to buy Eagles,[18] but the player was unable to agree terms with the Scottish club and remained in England. He went on to score 15 goals in 48 appearances in his final season with Burnley.

Bolton Wanderers

On 29 July 2011, Eagles and his Burnley team-mate Tyrone Mears joined Bolton Wanderers on three-year contract for a joint fee in the region of £3 million, linking up with their ex-manager Owen Coyle for a second time in their careers.[19] He made his debut in a 4–0 away win at Queens Park Rangers on 13 August, where he created an assist for the second goal put in his own net by Danny Gabbidon.[20] On 20 September, he scored his first goal for Bolton, from 25 yards, in the League Cup Third Round 2–0 away win against Aston Villa.[21] His first League goal for Bolton came on 15 October in a 3–1 win away to Wigan Athletic, where he also assisted the first goal, an own goal by Gary Caldwell. He also scored a brace in the 5–0 home win against Stoke City on 6 November.[22] He found himself out of the starting line-up for a few games for a while due to Tuncay Şanlı being in form, but he came back to the starting line-up on 21 April 2012, where he scored in a 1–1 draw at home to Swansea City,[23] and kept his place the following game, in the 2–1 away win to Aston Villa, where he provided the assist for the winning goal from David N'Gog. At the end of the season, Bolton were relegated to the Championship.

Eagles became a key player for Bolton upon their return to the Championship and was Bolton's top scorer from early in the season, scoring six times in the first few months against Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Birmingham City, Millwall and Bristol City but despite being named Player of the Month by the fans for August, September and October of the new season, Bolton were in the bottom half of the table. Following Owen Coyle's sacking Dougie Freedman said that he wanted to base his team around Eagles. In 2013 Bolton's fortunes changed as they went from 20th to 6th within two months. However, come the end of the season they finished seventh meaning that they did not make the play-off places.

Eagles finished the season as Bolton's top goalscorer with twelve goals, and also created the most number of goals, with twelve assists.[24] His form in April earned him a nomination for the Football League Championship Player of the Month.[25]

At the end of the 2013–14 season he was released by the club along with Zat Knight, Tyrone Mears and Jay Lynch.[26] Eagles played only 18 times in his last season at the club.

Shortly after his release from Bolton, he explained that he was disappointed at aspects of his departure, but maintained an affection for both the club's supporters and the town.[27]

Later career

On 18 November 2014, Eagles joined Blackpool on a short term contract until January 2015.[28] After leaving Blackpool, Eagles signed for Charlton Athletic on 19 February 2015 on a free transfer until the end of the 2014–15 season.[29] Eagles was released at the end of his contract[30] and subsequently joined Football League One club Bury in October 2015 on a contract until the end of the season.[31]

Personal life

In July 2014, Eagles was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Bolton for his services to sport.[32]

Honours

Club

Watford
Manchester United
Burnley

Career statistics

As of match played 2 May 2015
Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals
Manchester United 2003–04[33] Premier League 000020000020
2004–05[34] Premier League 0010302[lower-alpha 1]01[lower-alpha 2]070
2005–06[35] Premier League 00000000—00
2006–07[36] Premier League 21000000—21
2007–08[37] Premier League 4000101[lower-alpha 1]00060
Total 6110603010171
Watford (loan) 2004–05[34] Championship 1310000——131
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2005–06[35] Championship 2530000——253
Watford (loan) 2005–06[35] Championship 1731000—1[lower-alpha 3]0193
N.E.C. (loan) 2006–07[36] Eredivisie 15121———172
Burnley 2008–09[38] Championship 4384070—3[lower-alpha 3]0578
2009–10[39] Premier League 3422021——383
2010–11[40] Championship 43113321——4815
Total 1202193112—3014326
Bolton Wanderers 2011–12[41] Premier League 3444131——416
2012–13[42] Championship 43123010——4712
2013–14[43] Championship 1612000——181
Total 93179141——10619
Blackpool 2014–15[44] Championship 710000——71
Total 710000——71
Charlton Athletic 2014–15[45] Championship 1520000——152
Total 1520000——152
Bury 2015–16[46] League One 000000—0000
Total 000000—0000
Career total 31050225213305036258
  1. 1 2 Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  2. ↑ Appearance in FA Community Shield
  3. 1 2 Appearances in Football League Championship play-offs

References

  1. ↑ McVay, David (7 December 2008). "Burnley blunt Sheffield United". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  2. ↑ "Webber poised for Watford". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 4 July 2004. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  3. ↑ "Leeds 2–3 Man Utd". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 28 October 2003. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  4. ↑ "Baggies bounce United out". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 3 December 2003. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  5. ↑ "Man Utd gain work permit for Dong". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 6 December 2006. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  6. ↑ Hughes, Ian (28 April 2007). "Everton 2–4 Man Utd". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 6 September 2009.
  7. ↑ "Eagles moves to Watford on loan". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 21 January 2005. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  8. ↑ "Watford 2–0 Gillingham". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 5 February 2005. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  9. ↑ "Owls swoop to take Eagles on loan". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 20 June 2005. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  10. ↑ "Sheff Wed 1–0 Leeds". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 13 September 2005. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  11. ↑ "Eagles returns to Hornets on loan". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 6 January 2006. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  12. ↑ "Watford 1–0 Stoke". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 14 January 2006. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  13. ↑ "Brighton 0–1 Watford". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 18 February 2006. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  14. ↑ Warren, Dan; Henderson, Charlie (1 September 2006). "Deadline deals as they happened". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  15. 1 2 "Burnley sign Eagles from Man Utd". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 29 July 2008. Retrieved 29 July 2008.
  16. ↑ "Sheff Wed 4–1 Burnley". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 9 August 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  17. ↑ "Burnley 3–1 Preston". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 27 September 2008. Retrieved 27 December 2008.
  18. ↑ Lindsay, Clive; Robbie, Alison (15 July 2010). "Burnley accept Rangers' bid for winger Chris Eagles". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  19. ↑ "Bolton sign Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears from Burnley". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 29 July 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  20. ↑ Dawkes, Phil (13 August 2011). "QPR 0–4 Bolton". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  21. ↑ Rae, Richard (20 September 2011). "Aston Villa 0–2 Bolton Wanderers – Carling Cup match report". The Guardian. London.
  22. ↑ "Bolton 5–0 Stoke" BBC Sport. 6 November 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  23. ↑ "Bolton 1–1 Swansea" BBC Sport. 21 April 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  24. ↑ "In numbers: Season 2012/13". bwfc.co.uk. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  25. ↑ Iles, Marc. "Freedman and Eagles nominated for awards". The Bolton News. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  26. ↑ "Four senior players to be released". bwfc.co.uk. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  27. ↑ "Chris Eagles eyes fresh start but says sour end does not tarnish fond Bolton memories". The Bolton News. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  28. ↑ "Eagles Joins The Seasiders". Blackpool FC officials. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  29. ↑ "Chris Eagles: Charlton sign winger after Blackpool exit". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 19 February 2015. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  30. ↑ "Charlton announce list of released players". cafc.co.uk. Charlton Athletic FC. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  31. ↑ "Soaring Shakers Capture Eagles". Bury FC. 19 October 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  32. ↑ "Former Eastenders star Martine McCutcheon and former Bolton Wanderers star Chris Eagles get honorary degrees from University of Bolton". The Bolton News. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  33. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  34. 1 2 "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  35. 1 2 3 "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  36. 1 2 "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  37. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  38. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  39. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  40. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  41. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  42. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  43. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  44. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  45. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  46. ↑ "Games played by Chris Eagles in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
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