Conrad Balatoni

Conrad Balatoni (born 27 January 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Edinburgh City. He started his career in the youth teams of Heart of Midlothian. Having failed to break into the Hearts first team, Balatoni joined Partick Thistle in 2012 after spending two loan spells there. After a five-year stint with the Maryhill side, Balatoni joined Kilmarnock in 2015, then moved to Ayr United a year later. Short-term deals with Falkirk in the SPFL Championship and then Torquay United in the National League followed before Balatoni returned to Scottish football with Edinburgh City.

Conrad Balatoni
Personal information
Date of birth (1991-01-27) 27 January 1991
Place of birth Leeds, England
Position(s) Defender
Club information
Current team
 Edinburgh City
Youth career
2007–2010 Heart of Midlothian
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2012 Heart of Midlothian 0 (0)
2010–2011 → Partick Thistle (loan) 22 (1)
2011–2012 → Partick Thistle (loan) 16 (1)
2012–2015 Partick Thistle 100 (10)
2015–2016 Kilmarnock 30 (3)
2016–2017 Ayr United 30 (1)
2017 Falkirk 8 (1)
2018 Torquay United 16 (0)
2018– Edinburgh City 51 (5)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 December 2019

Career

Hearts

Born in Leeds, Balatoni moved to Edinburgh where he attended James Gillespies High School. Balatoni grew up supporting Hearts before becoming a member of the youth team.[1] Balatoni was promoted to the first team squad on 12 November 2008, being named as a substitute against Hamilton but he didn't make an appearance.[2] He was named on the bench on four other occasions.[3] In August 2010, Balatoni was sent on loan to Partick Thistle to gain First team experience. On his return he was included in the first team squad to travel to Hearts pre season camp in Tuscany.[4] In July 2011, he was sent on loan to Partick Thistle for a second spell. During his second term at Partick Thistle, with Hearts in financial difficulty he was informed that he was free to find a new club.[5] Despite this he returned to Hearts at the end of his loan spell.[6]

On 31 January 2012, he became a free agent having negotiated an early release from his contract.[7] He made no first team appearances for the club.

Partick Thistle

Having yet to make a first team appearance for Hearts, Balatoni joined Scottish First Division side Partick Thistle on a season-long loan in August 2010, having impressed in a friendly against Celtic.[8] He made his debut against Raith Rovers on 7 August, as a substitute,[9] He scored his first goal for Thistle against Stirling Albion on 22 March 2011.[10] His appearances were limited due to a hamstring injury that forced him to return to Hearts for treatment.[11] Over the course of the season he made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring 1 goal.

In July 2011, Balatoni rejoined Partick Thistle for a second loan spell until 1 January 2012.[12] He made his second debut on 23 July against Stenhousemuir in the Challenge Cup.[13] His league debut coming on 6 August 2011, as a 56th-minute substitute against Dundee.[14] WIth his Hearts future in doubt, Partick Thistle boss Jackie McNamara expressed his hope that he would be able to keep Balatoni.[15] However, he returned to Hearts at the end of his loan spell.[16]

After being released by Hearts in January 2012, on 16 February 2012, Balatoni signed for Partick Thistle until the end of the season.[17][18] At the end of the 2011–12 season, he signed a two-year contract with the club.[19] In the 2012–13 season, Balatoni quickly became a fans favourite at Firhill scoring goals coming from the back and being solid in the defence. In January 2013, he scored a double, in a 4–1 win against Falkirk, then scored again in the next game, in a 2–1 win over Cowdenbeath. In the final of the Scottish Challenge Cup against Queen of the South, Balantoni missed the seventh penalty in a penalty-shootout following a 1–1 draw after extra-time, allowing Queen of the South to win the penalty shootout.[20] Despite the loss, the club recovered and earned promotion to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in over nine years. Balatoni had a clean sweep of all the club's player of the year awards.[21] Supporters have reworked 1984 Black Lace hit, "Do The Conga", in his honour to now feature the refrain: "Do do do, Conrad Balatoni". Ahead of the new season, Balatoni signed a new two-year contract.[22]

In the 2013–14 season, Balatoni was in central defence alongside Aaron Muirhead, the pair making their Scottish Premiership debut, in the opening game of the season, against Dundee United and after the match, Manager Alan Archibald commented on the partnership as "outstanding".[23] Towards the end of the 2014–15 season, with his contract expiring, Balatoni suggested that he may not stay sign a new contract.[24] At the end of the season, Alan Archibald said it was unlikely that Balatoni would be staying with the club.[25]

After leaving Partick Thistle, Balatoni played for Bradford City during pre-season and had an offer from Dunfermline Athletic.[26]

Kilmarnock

On 12 September 2015, Balatoni signed for Kilmarnock, agreeing a short-term contract until January 2016.[27] He signed a contract extension on 23 November 2015, keeping him at the club until summer 2018.[28] In April 2016, Balatoni was criticised by Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark following a match away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle when, with Kilmarnock 1–0 ahead at the time, his backpass was intercepted leading to a red card for goalkeeper Jamie Macdonald and Kilmarnock went on to lose the match 3–1.[29]

At the end of the 2015–16 season, Kilmarnock announced that Balatoni was one of a number of players they would listen to offers for.[30] On 30 August 2016, he left Kilmarnock, with his contract being cancelled by mutual consent.[31]

Ayr United

On 2 September 2016, Balatoni signed for Ayr United on a contract until the end of the season.[32] Balatoni's contract was not renewed, and in May 2017 he was released after the club's relegation from the Scottish Championship.[33]

Falkirk

During August 2017, Balatoni played as a trialist for Scottish League One side Airdrieonians. He then signed a short-term contract with Falkirk.[34] He made his debut in a 2–1 win against Sligo Rovers in the Challenge Cup on 2 September 2017.[35] Balatoni scored his first goal for the club on the 7 October 2017 in a 2–0 victory over Dunfermline in the Challenge Cup. He left the club at the end of December 2017 after his contract ended and due to fitness issues.[36]

Torquay United

On 10 January 2018, Balotoni signed for National League strugglers Torquay United.[37]

He was released by Torquay at the end of the 2017–18 season.[38]

Edinburgh City

On 16 June 2018, Balatoni signed for Scottish League Two side Edinburgh City on a two-year deal.[39][40]

International career

Although born in Leeds, England, Balatoni is eligible to play for either Scotland, England, Hungary or Austria, as a result of his Hungarian and Austrian grandparents, who moved to England during the outbreak of World War Two. Balatoni has stated that he would be "open to playing for either Austria or Hungary if the chance ever came up."[41]

Career statistics
As of match played 4 November 2017 [42]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Heart of Midlothian 2010–11[43] Scottish Premier League 0000000000
2011–12[44] 0000000000
Total 0000000000
Partick Thistle (loan) 2010–11[43] Scottish First Division 22100102[lower-alpha 1]0251
Partick Thistle (loan) 2011–12[44] Scottish First Division 16110102[lower-alpha 1]0201
Partick Thistle 2011–12[44] Scottish First Division 8000000080
2012–13[45] 29620004[lower-alpha 1]0356
2013–14[46] Scottish Premiership 311102100342
2014–15[47] 323003000353
Total 1001030514011211
Kilmarnock 2015–16[48] Scottish Premiership 303301000343
Ayr United 2016–17[49] Scottish Championship 30161003[lower-alpha 1]1393
Falkirk 2017–18[50] Scottish Championship 8000002[lower-alpha 1]1101
Career total 206161318113224020
  1. Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup

Honours
Partick Thistle
2012–13

References
  1. "Conrad Balatoni Hearts Profile". Heart of Midlothian F.C. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  2. "Hearts 1–0 Hamilton Accies". BBC Sport. BBC. 12 November 2008. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  3. "Conrad Balatoni London Hearts Profile". London Hearts. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  4. "Conrad's chance". Heart of Midlothian F.C. 28 June 2011. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  5. "JANOS BALOGH HEADS FOR HEARTS EXIT". The Express. 8 December 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  6. "Balatoni off back to Hearts with his future up in air". The Evening Times. 26 December 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  7. "Hearts stars could still be tempted away from Tynecastle, warns Paulo Sergio". Daily Record. 3 February 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  8. "Jags Look at Hearts Defender Conrad Balatoni As Bristol Rovers Come To Firhill". The Glaswegian. 20 July 2010. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  9. "Raith Rovers V Partick Thistle". Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 20 August 2010. Retrieved 6 February 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Partick lose on loan Hearts defender to injury". Scottish Football League. 17 November 2010. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  12. "Balatoni loan completed". Partick Thistle F.C. 13 July 2011. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  13. "Partick Thistle 2–1 Stenhousemuir". BBC Sport. BBC. 23 July 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  14. "Partick Thistle 0–1 Dundee". BBC Sport. BBC. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  15. "Jags keen to sign Hearts kid Conrad Balatoni". The Scotsman. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  16. "Darren Barr keen to impress on rare start for Hearts". Edinburgh Evening News. 27 December 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  17. "Familiar Face Returns". Partick Thistle F.C. 16 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 April 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  18. "Partick Thistle boss Jackie McNamara brings in Conrad Balatoni". Daily Record. Trinity Mirror. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  19. "Partick Thistle Boss Jackie McNamara Keen To Get A Head Start in Summer Transfer Market". The Glaswegian. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  20. "Queen of the South 1–1 Partick Thistle (6–5 pens)". BBC Sport. 7 April 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  21. "Player of the Year Awards". Partick Thistle F.C. 5 May 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  22. "Partick Thistle deals for Mark Kerr & Conrad Balatoni". BBC Sport. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  23. "Partick Thistle: Alan Archibald pleased with Jags' energy". BBC Sport. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  24. "Conrad Balatoni set to snub new Partick Thistle contract offer". The Evening Times. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  25. "Balatoni, Fox & Higginbotham likely to leave Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  26. "Kilmarnock's Conrad Balatoni: I jumped at the chance to come to Rugby Park but still want to play abroad". Daily Record. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  27. "NEW SIGNING: Conrad Balatoni". Kilmarnock F.C. 12 September 2015. Archived from the original on 17 May 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  28. "Kilmarnock: Conrad Balatoni secures contract extension". BBC Sport. 23 November 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  29. "Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark lays into defender Conrad Balatoni for pass back mistake in Inverness defeat". Daily Record. 24 April 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  30. "Player Contracts". Kilmarnock F.C. 23 May 2016. Archived from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  31. "Defender Conrad Balatoni leaves Kilmarnock by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 30 August 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  32. "Balatoni signs for United". Ayr United F.C. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  33. "Players leaving". Ayr United FC. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
  34. "Falkirk sign defenders Jordan McGhee and Conrad Balatoni". BBC Sport. BBC. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  35. "Sligo v Falkirk line ups". Falkirk FC. 2 September 2017.
  36. "Bairns complete double derby day signing!". Falkirk FC. 2 January 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  37. "Torquay United sign Conrad Balatoni & Reece Mitchell". BBC Sport. BBC. 10 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  38. "Torquay United release five players and transfer list three more after National League relegation". BBC Sport. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  39. "Welcoming Conrad Balatoni – Edinburgh City FC". www.edinburghcityfc.com. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  40. "Coup for Edinburgh City as they sign Conrad Balatoni". The Scotsman. 16 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  41. McDermott, Scott. "Partick Thistle defender Conrad Balatoni on why he would rather travel the world than go on a lads holiday to Spain". www.dailyrecord.co.uk. Daily Record. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  42. Conrad Balatoni at Soccerway. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  43. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  44. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  45. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  46. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  47. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  48. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  49. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  50. "Games played by Conrad Balatoni in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
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