Gozie Ugwu
Chigozie Eze Ugwu (born 22 April 1993) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers. He made his debut in the Football League in 2012, and his debut in the Scottish Professional Football League in 2014.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Chigozie Eze Ugwu[1] | ||
Date of birth | [1] | 22 April 1993||
Place of birth | Oxford,[1] England | ||
Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Forward | ||
Club information | |||
Current team | Raith Rovers | ||
Number | 23 | ||
Youth career | |||
2006–2011 | Reading | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2011–2014 | Reading | 0 | (0) |
2012 | → Ebbsfleet United (loan) | 9 | (4) |
2012–2013 | → Yeovil Town (loan) | 15 | (3) |
2013 | → Plymouth Argyle (loan) | 6 | (0) |
2013–2014 | → Shrewsbury Town (loan) | 7 | (1) |
2014 | Dunfermline Athletic | 14 | (7) |
2015 | Yeovil Town | 22 | (5) |
2015–2016 | Wycombe Wanderers | 29 | (2) |
2016–2017 | Woking | 43 | (21) |
2017–2019 | Chesterfield | 19 | (0) |
2018–2019 | → Boreham Wood (loan) | 21 | (4) |
2019 | → Ebbsfleet United (loan) | 8 | (2) |
2019–2020 | Ebbsfleet United | 38 | (15) |
2020– | Raith Rovers | 3 | (1) |
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 6 February 2021 (UTC) |
Club career
Reading
Ugwu was born in Oxford, Oxfordshire.[3][4] He began his career with Reading and progressed through the club's academy to sign a first professional contract in June 2011.[2][5][6] He joined Conference National side Ebbsfleet United on a one-month loan in January 2012,[7] and made his debut in a 1–0 FA Trophy defeat at York City.[8] Ugwu his first goal for the club in a 3–2 win at Bath City,[9] and two more in his next three appearances, against Southport and Gateshead, before the loan was extended by a further month.[3][10] He returned to Reading at the start of April to try and earn a new contract after scoring four goals in ten league and cup appearances for Ebbsfleet.[11][12]
He signed a new two-year contract with Reading in July 2012 and joined League One side Yeovil Town on loan for six months.[13][14] Ugwu made his debut in a 3–0 League Cup win against Colchester United in August,[15] and scored his first two goals for Yeovil in a 4–0 win at Scunthorpe United eleven days later.[16][17] He scored one more goal, against Doncaster Rovers,[18] and returned to Reading at the start of January 2013 after making five starts and 13 substitute appearances for Yeovil.[19][20] Soon after his return, Ugwu was included in a Reading match-day squad for the first time ahead of an FA Cup tie with Crawley Town.[21] He was named among the substitutes but did not make an appearance in a 3–1 win for Reading.[22]
Later in January, Ugwu joined League Two club Plymouth Argyle on a one-month youth loan.[6][23][24] In his second week with the club, he injured his ankle and was unavailable for two matches.[25] He resumed training in February and made his debut for Argyle two days later in a 2–1 win at Aldershot Town as a second-half substitute.[26][27] Despite his injury hit start, manager John Sheridan was keen to extend Ugwu's stay and on 19 February his loan was extended for a further month.[28][29] Having started only two games, and with Reading keen for Ugwu to get playing time,[30] he was recalled from loan on 11 March.[31]
On 14 November 2013, Ugwu signed on loan for Shrewsbury Town until January and made his debut two days later in a 3–1 defeat to Port Vale.[32][33] He returned to Reading having scored once in seven appearances after Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner decided against renewing his loan.[34] On his decision not to extend Ugwu's stay, Turner commented that despite a positive start, he felt criticism from the fans had impacted on his performances.[35]
In May 2014 he left Reading following the expiry of his contract,[36][37] going on to have trials with Oxford United and Dagenham & Redbridge.[38][39]
Dunfermline Athletic
On 2 August 2014, Ugwu joined Scottish League One side Dunfermline Athletic.[40] He made his debut days later, coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute of the Scottish Challenge Cup match against Raith Rovers.[41] On 23 August 2014, Ugwu scored twice in 3–0 home victory over Airdrieonians, netting in the 24th and 80th minute.[42] On 22 November 2014, Ugwu scored his first career hat-trick in a 4–0 home victory against Stirling Albion, netting all three goals in the space of 60 minutes.[43]
Yeovil Town
Following his release from Dunfermline, Ugwu rejoined Yeovil Town on 15 January 2015 until the end of the season.[44] Despite finishing the season as Yeovil's joint top goalscorer with five, Ugwu was released by Yeovil at the end of the 2014–15 season following their relegation to League Two.[45]
Wycombe Wanderers
On 9 September 2015, Ugwu signed a permanent deal with Wycombe Wanderers to the end of the 2015–16 season.[46] Three days later, Ugwu was given his debut by manager Gareth Ainsworth in Wycombe's 2–1 home defeat against Plymouth Argyle, playing the full 90 minutes.[47] A week later, Ugwu went onto score his first goal for Wycombe Wanderers in their 1–1 draw with Leyton Orient, opening the scoring just before half time.[48] On 30 January 2016, Ugwu scored the winner in Wycombe's reverse fixture against Plymouth Argyle, netting the only goal of the game in the 3rd minute.[49]
On 9 May 2016, it was announced that Ugwu would leave the club upon the expiry of his contract on 30 June 2016, along with team-mates; Max Kretzschmar, Alex Lynch and Ryan Sellers.[50]
Woking
On 15 July 2016, Ugwu joined National League side Woking on a one-year deal.[51] On 6 August 2016, Ugwu made his Woking debut in a 3–1 home defeat against Lincoln City, playing the full 90 minutes.[52]
On 27 August 2016, Ugwu scored his first Woking goal in a 4–1 defeat against York City, netting the opener in the 8th minute.[53] Two days later, Ugwu went on to score Woking's third against Chester, in the Cards first victory of the 2016–17 campaign.[54] On 18 October 2016, in an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay against Torquay United, Ugwu scored a brace to send Woking through to the first round.[55] In following round of the FA Cup, Ugwu once again scored a brace to assist Woking to a 4–2 victory over Stockport County.[56] On 26 November 2016, Ugwu scored his first Woking hat-trick in a 3–0 home victory against Gateshead, sealing his 12th goal of the season.[57] On 1 April 2017, Ugwu came off the bench to score the winner in Woking's 2–1 victory over Sutton United, after being dropped for new signing Jamie Lucas.[58] On 17 April 2017, Ugwu scored his 20th goal of the campaign, in Woking's 3–2 away victory against Chester, converting a penalty in the 91st minute.[59]
Chesterfield
On 25 May 2017, Ugwu joined League Two side Chesterfield on a two-year deal.[60] On 5 August 2017, Ugwu made his Chesterfield debut during their 3–1 home defeat against Grimsby Town, featuring for the entire 90 minutes.[61] Following sustaining a long-term thigh injury in late 2017, Ugwu returned to action during Chesterfield's penultimate fixture of the season, replacing Jerome Binnom-Williams with nineteen minutes to play in the 2–1 defeat.[62]
Ebbsfleet United
Having finished the 2018–19 season on loan at Ebbsfleet United, Ugwu joined the club on a permanent basis on 24 June 2019.[63]
Raith Rovers
Ugwu returned to Scotland on 20 August 2020, joining Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers.[64]
Career statistics
Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Ebbsfleet United (loan) | 2011–12 | Conference Premier | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 1[lower-alpha 1] | 0 | 10 | 4 | |
Yeovil Town (loan) | 2012–13 | League One | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1[lower-alpha 2] | 0 | 18 | 3 |
Plymouth Argyle (loan) | 2012–13 | League Two | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
Shrewsbury Town (loan) | 2013–14 | League One | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
Dunfermline Athletic | 2014–15 | Scottish League One | 14 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[lower-alpha 3] | 0 | 18 | 7 |
Yeovil Town | 2014–15 | League One | 22 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 5 |
Wycombe Wanderers | 2015–16 | League Two | 29 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 2 |
Woking | 2016–17 | National League | 43 | 17 | 4 | 4 | — | 2[lower-alpha 1] | 0 | 49 | 21 | |
Chesterfield | 2017–18 | League Two | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[lower-alpha 4] | 0 | 14 | 0 |
2018–19 | National League | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
Total | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 0 | ||
Boreham Wood (loan) | 2018–19 | National League | 21 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 22 | 4 | |
Ebbsfleet United (loan) | 2018–19 | National League | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | |
Ebbsfleet United | 2019–20 | National League | 24 | 13 | 3 | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | 28 | 16 | |
Career total | 217 | 58 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 239 | 65 |
- Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy
- Appearance(s) in the Football League Trophy
- Appearance(s) in the Scottish Challenge Cup
- Appearance(s) in the EFL Trophy
Honours
References
- "Gozie Ugwu". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- "Gozie Ugwu". Reading F.C. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- Munford, Colin (8 March 2012). "Ebbsfleet United striker Gozie Ugwu hails team-mates and fans after extending loan". The Reporter. Ilford. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Terry Skiverton: Reading striker Gozie Ugwu a great addition to Yeovil Town squad". Western Morning News. Plymouth. 20 July 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Icelandic defender Ivar Ingimarsson to leave Reading". BBC Sport. BBC. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Striker Ugwu gets second shot at becoming a Pilgrim". The Herald. Plymouth. 18 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Ebbsfleet United sign Gozie Ugwu from Reading". BBC Sport. BBC. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- Flett, Dave (15 February 2012). "Match report: York City 1, Ebbsfleet United 0 – FA Trophy third round". The Press. York. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- Rose, Neil (18 February 2012). "Sorry City are given the Shakes by ten-man Ebbsfleet". Bath Chronicle. Bath. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- Munford, Colin (5 March 2012). "Reading loanee Gozie Ugwu extends loan with Ebbsfleet United". The Reporter. Ilford. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- Munford, Colin (4 April 2012). "Ugwu loan not extended at Ebbsfleet". The Reporter. Ilford. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Gozie Ugwu". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
- "Ugwu pens new deal". Reading F.C. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
- "Yeovil Town sign Reading striker Gozie Ugwu on loan". BBC Sport. BBC. 19 July 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Yeovil Town 3, Colchester United 0: Richard Hinds double sees Glovers through". Western Daily Press. Bristol. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Scunthorpe 0–4 Yeovil". BBC Sport. BBC. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Gozie Ugwu: Yeovil Town's League One climb is no surprise to me". Western Gazette. Yeovil. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Yeovil 2–1 Doncaster". BBC Sport. BBC. 1 September 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- Sweet, Chris (1 January 2013). "Yeovil Town close in on permanent deal for striker Paddy Madden". Western Gazette. Yeovil. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Plymouth Argyle sign new striker". The Herald. Plymouth. 18 January 2013. Archived from the original on 20 January 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
- "Team News: Seven changes". Reading F.C. 5 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- "Crawley 1–3 Reading". BBC Sport. BBC. 5 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- "Ugwu joins Argyle on loan". Reading F.C. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Good Gozie". Plymouth Argyle F.C. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Gozie Ugwu is in frame for first call to action for Plymouth Argyle". The Herald. Plymouth. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- Errington, Chris (9 February 2013). "Jason Banton scores twice to secure a crucial win for Plymouth Argyle". The Herald. Plymouth. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- Parsons, Chris (14 February 2013). "More Gozie". Plymouth Argyle F.C. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- Cowdery, Rick (19 February 2013). "Gozie Extends Stay". Plymouth Argyle F.C. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
- "Plymouth: Gozie Ugwu extends loan from Reading". BBC Sport. BBC. 19 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
- "Reading recall striker Gozie Ugwu from Plymouth Argyle". The Herald. Plymouth. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- Media, Argyle (11 March 2013). "Gozie Ugwu Returns to Reading". Plymouth Argyle F.C. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- "Reading striker joins on loan". Shrewsbury Town F.C. 14 November 2013.
- "Port Vale 3–1 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
- "Gozie Ugwu". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
- "Graham Turner Post Oldham Athletic". Shrewsbury Town F.C. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
- "18 contracts offered". Reading F.C. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- Watts, Charles (13 May 2014). "Departures continue at Reading FC as Gozie Ugwu is released". Reading Post. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- "Strike duo to join Daggers on Spain pre-season trip". Barking and Dagenham Post. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- "Watch: Farnborough 1 Oxford United 2 + extended highlights". oxfordmail.co.uk. Oxford Mail. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- "Ugwu for Dunfermline". Dunfermline Athletic F.C. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
- Hart, Ross (5 August 2014). "Dunfermline Athletic send Raith Rovers out of Petrofac Training Cup". Dunfermline Press. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
- "Dunfermline Athletic vs. Airdrieonians". Soccerway. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
- "Dunfermline Athletic vs. Stirling Albion". Soccerway. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
- "Gozie Ugwu: Yeovil Town hand short-term deal to forward". BBC Sport. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
- "Yeovil Town: Paul Sturrock releases 11 players". BBC Sport. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- "Ainsworth lands exciting striker on permanent deal". Wycombe Wanderers Official Site. 9 September 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- "Wycombe Wanderers vs. Plymouth Argyle". Soccerway. 12 September 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- "Leyton Orient vs. Wycombe Wanderers". Soccerway. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- "Plymouth Argyle vs. Wycombe Wanderers". Soccerway. 30 January 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- "Ainsworth holds contract talks". Wycombe Wanderers Official Site. 9 May 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
- "Cards make third signing of the day". Woking F.C. 15 July 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
- "Woking 1-3 Lincoln City". BBC Sport. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- "York City 4-1 Woking". BBC Sport. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- "Woking 3-1 Chester". BBC Sport. 29 August 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- "Woking vs. Torquay United". Soccerway. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2016.
- "Stockport County 2-4 Woking". BBC Sport. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
- "Woking 3-0 Gateshead". BBC Sport. 26 November 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- "Woking 2-1 Sutton United". BBC Sport. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- "Chester 2-3 Woking". BBC Sport. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- "Gozie Ugwu: Chesterfield agree deal with former Woking striker". BBC Sport. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
- "Chesterfield vs. Grimsby Town". Soccerway. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 19 August 2017.
- "Chesterfield vs. Wycombe Wanderers". Soccerway. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- "Ebbsfleet United sign former Chesterfield striker Gozie Ugwu". Kent Messenger. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
- "Gozie Ugwu". Raith Rovers. 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
External links
- Gozie Ugwu at Soccerbase