Josh Morris (footballer, born 1991)

Joshua Francis Morris (born 30 September 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays for Fleetwood Town as a left sided defender or midfielder, but can also play as a central midfielder.

Josh Morris
Personal information
Full name Joshua Francis Morris[1]
Date of birth (1991-09-30) 30 September 1991[2]
Place of birth Preston, England
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Club information
Current team
 Fleetwood Town
Number 11
Youth career
0000–2010 Blackburn Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2015 Blackburn Rovers 20 (0)
2012 → Yeovil Town (loan) 5 (0)
2012 → Rotherham United (loan) 5 (0)
2013 → Carlisle United (loan) 6 (0)
2014 → Fleetwood Town (loan) 14 (2)
2014–2015 → Fleetwood Town (loan) 45 (8)
2015–2016 Bradford City 13 (1)
2016–2019 Scunthorpe United 107 (35)
2019– Fleetwood Town 41 (7)
National team
2011 England U20 3 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:22, 22 November 2020 (UTC)

Club career

Blackburn Rovers

Born in Preston, England, Morris joined Blackburn Rovers when he was thirteen.[3]

On 15 September 2010, Morris signed a two-year deal until the summer 2012 with an option of a further year at Ewood Park.[3] A product of Rovers youth system, he made his first league appearance in the 7–1 defeat by Manchester United on 27 November 2010, supplying the assist for Rovers' goal.[4] Morris went on to make four appearances for the club in the 2010–11 season.

His first appearance in the 2011–12 season was as a substitute in Blackburn's 3–2 victory against Manchester United.[5] With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, on 22 February 2012, Morris signed a new ​2 1⁄2-year deal at the club.[6] With Blackburn Rovers already relegated, Morris made another appearance in the last game of the season, coming on as a substitute for Mauro Formica, in a 2–1 loss against Chelsea.[7]

In the 2012–13 season, Morris spent the first half of the season being at the reserve and was loaned out to Rotherham United. Morris made his first appearance for Blackburn Rovers, where he came on as a substitute for Rubén Rochina in the 80th minutes, in a 1–1 draw against Wolves on 11 January 2013.[8] Towards the end of the 2012–13 season, Morris became a regular starter as a left-back following defensive crisis and went on to make seven starts.[9]

In the 2013–14 season, Morris made his first Blackburn Rovers appearance, coming on as a substitute for Jason Lowe in the 74th minutes, in a 5–2 win over Barnsley on 24 August 2013.[10] By the first half of the season, Morris went on to make four appearances for the club. Following his return from Carlisle United, Morris was an un-used substitute for five matches, as well as, playing in the reserve once.[11]

Loan spells

On 22 March 2012, Morris signed for League One club Yeovil Town on loan until the end of the 2011–12 season.[12] Morris made his Yeovil Town two days later, playing as a left-midfielder, in a 1–0 loss against Hartlepool United.[13] Morris made five appearances for the club despite suffering an illness that saw him missed three matches before returning to his parent club.[14][15]

Morris signed for Rotherham United on loan on 25 October 2012, until January with the potential for an extension of until the end of the season.[16] Morris made his Rotherham United debut the next day, playing as a left-back, in a 1–0 win over Plymouth Argyle.[17] However, Morris suffered a knock, which put an end to his loan spell at Rotherham United and made five appearances for the club.[18]

On 28 November 2013, Morris joined League One club Carlisle United on loan until 1 January 2014.[19] Morris made his Carlisle United debut two days later, coming on as a substitute for Matty Robson in the 55th minutes, in a 3–1 loss against Swindon Town.[20] Morris made his final appearance for the club, in a 2–1 loss against Crewe Alexandra before returning to his parent club.[21]

On 25 February 2014, Morris joined League Two club Fleetwood Town on a one-month loan.[22] On the same day, Morris made his Fleetwood Town debut, coming on as a substitute for Mark Roberts in the 64th minutes, in a 4–0 loss against Plymouth Argyle.[23] After making seven appearances, it was announced on 27 March 2014, Morris agreed to stay with Fleetwood until the end of the 2013–14 season.[24] Morris then scored two goals in two matches against Cheltenham Town[25] and Wycombe Wanderers.[26] His performance in April saw Morris being awarded for Sky Bet League 2 Player of the Month for April.[27] Morris was also involved in three matches in the play-offs, including the final, where he started, as Fleetwood won 1–0 against Burton Albion on 26 May, which won promotion to League One.[28] Following this, Morris made his return to his parent club, with Manager Gary Bowyer considered using Morris next season.[29][30]

On 10 July 2014, it was announced that Morris would be joining Fleetwood on loan again until January 2015, who are now playing in League One.[31] Upon joining the club for the second time, Morris expressed his delight to make a return to the club.[32] Morris was also given number twelve shirt ahead of the new season.[33] Morris' first appearance in his second spell at Fleetwood Town came in the opening game of the season, in 2–1 win over Crewe.[34] It took until 20 September 2014 for Morris scored his first goal of the season and providing an assist for Jamie Proctor, in a 3–3 draw against Bristol City.[35] Morris scored three goals in two consecutive matches between 28 December 2014 and 3 January 2015 against Rochdale[36] and scoring a double against Swindon Town[37] Five days after scoring a brace, it was announced on 8 January 2015, Morris returned to Fleetwood on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season.[38] Morris then scored three goals in three consecutive appearances between 3 March 2015 and 14 March 2015 against Scunthorpe United,[39] Sheffield United[40] and Rochdale.[41] On the last game of the season, Morris scored his eighth goal of the season, in a 2–1 win over Port Vale.[42] Morris made forty-five appearances and scored eight times. Following this, Morris returned to his parent club.[43]

Bradford City

With his contract at Blackburn Rovers at the end of the 2014–15 season,[44] On 1 July 2015, Morris signed for Bradford City on a three-year deal.[45] Upon joining the club, Morris was given number fourteen shirt.[46]

Morris scored four minutes into his debut for the club against Swindon Town on the opening day of the season, but a second-half hat-trick from Nathan Byrne eventually condemned Bradford to a 4–1 defeat.[47]

Scunthorpe United

He signed for Scunthorpe United on a free transfer on 15 June 2016.[48] He scored on his debut in a 3–1 win over Bristol Rovers on 6 August 2016.[49] Morris had a remarkable first season with the Iron; having scored only 11 career goals prior to joining Scunthorpe, the midfielder went on to net an incredible 19 league goals throughout the 2016–17 season. He scored his first career hat-trick in a 1–4 victory over Walsall on 27 September 2016.[50]

He was released by Scunthorpe at the end of the 2018–19 season.[51]

Return to Fleetwood Town

Morris re-joined Fleetwood Town on a two-year deal following his release from Scunthorpe.[52]

International career

In February 2011, Morris was called up by England U20 and made his England U20 debut against France U20 on 9 February 2011.[53] Morris was called up by FIFA U-20 World Cup in July 2011 and went on to make two appearances.[54]

Controversies

On 4 May 2019, Morris was involved in a controversial incident described as "The most unsporting goal in Home Park history".[55]

During an EFL League One fixture between Plymouth Argyle and Scunthorpe United, Plymouth goalkeeper Matt Macey attempted to throw the ball out of play so he could receive treatment for a suspected broken ankle. However, Morris ran to retrieve the ball to keep it in play and subsequently chipped the injured keeper to equalise.

In what has been described as an "appalling lack of sportsmanship" [56] and condemned by Scunthorpe United chairmen Peter Swann,[57] Scunthorpe refused to allow Plymouth to score a conciliatory goal. Plymouth won the match, but the result saw both teams relegated to the fourth tier.

Following the match, Swann stated he was "very disappointed" with both Morris and the senior players involved and apologised "wholeheartedly" to everyone who had witnessed the event.[57][55]

Club career statistics
As of match played 21 November 2020
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Blackburn Rovers 2010–11[58] Premier League 401000—50
2011–12[59] Premier League 200000—20
2012–13[60] Championship 100—00—100
2013–14[61] Championship 400010—50
2014–15[62] Championship 00———00
Total 2001010—220
Yeovil Town (loan) 2011–12[59] League One 50———50
Rotherham United (loan) 2012–13[60] League Two 5010——60
Carlisle United (loan) 2013–14[61] League One 60———60
Fleetwood Town (loan) 2013–14[61] League Two 142——3[lower-alpha 1]0172
2014–15[62] League One 45800101[lower-alpha 2]0478
Total 59100010406410
Bradford City 2015–16[63] League One 131201000161
Scunthorpe United 2016–17[64] League One 441910215[lower-alpha 3]05220
2017–18[65] League One 441120203[lower-alpha 4]15112
2018–19[66] League One 19510101[lower-alpha 5]0225
Total 1073540519112537
Fleetwood Town 2019–20[67] League One 33731104[lower-alpha 6]24310
2020–21[68] League One 8010322[lower-alpha 5]0142
Total 4174142625512
Career total 2565312112319329960
  1. Appearances in League Two play-offs
  2. Appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. Three appearances in EFL Trophy, two appearances in League One play-offs
  4. One appearance and one goal in EFL Trophy, two appearances in League One play-offs
  5. Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  6. Four appearances and two goals in EFL Trophy, two appearances in League One play-offs

Honours

Individual

References
  1. "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  2. "Josh Morris". 11v11. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  3. "Morris signs Rovers deal". Sky Sports. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  4. "Dimitar Berbatov scores five as Manchester United thrash Blackburn". The Guardian. 27 November 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  5. Match winner Grant Hanley hails Blackburn Rovers youth BBC Sport, 31 December 2011
  6. "Rovers starlet agrees new deal". Sky Sports. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  7. "Chelsea 2 – 1 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  8. "Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 1 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 11 January 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  9. "Kean wants Blackburn Rovers to repeat Emirates Stadium giantkilling efforts". Lancashire Telegraph. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  10. "Blackburn Rovers 5 – 2 Barnsley". BBC Sport. 24 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  11. "Rovers u21s 0 Norwich u21s 5". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 20 January 2014. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  12. "Glovers loan Morris from Rovers". Sky Sports. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  13. "Yeovil Town 0, Hartlepool United 1: Wasted chances prove costly for Glovers". Western Gazette. 24 March 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  14. "We can kick on next year, says Yeovil Town's Luke Ayling". Western Gazette. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  15. "Squad for Swansea clash". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 8 May 2012. Archived from the original on 13 June 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  16. "Millers snap up Morris". Rotherham United. 25 October 2012. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  17. "Rotherham United 1 – 0 Plymouth Argyle". BBC Sport. 26 October 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  18. "MEmergency Loan Deadline – Clockwatch". Rotherham United F.C. 22 November 2012. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  19. "LOAN: Left sided player signs up". Carlisle United F.C. 28 November 2013. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  20. "Swindon Town 3 – 1 Carlisle United". BBC Sport. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  21. "MATCH REPORT: Crewe 2 – 1 United". Carlisle United F.C. 1 January 2014. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  22. "Fleetwood capture Morris". Fleetwood Town FC. 25 February 2014. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014.
  23. "Fleetwood Town 0–4 Plymouth Argyle". BBC Sport. 25 February 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  24. "Morris loan extended". Fleetwood Town FC. 27 March 2014.
  25. "Cheltenham Town 1–2 Fleetwood Town". BBC Sport. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  26. "Fleetwood Town 1–0 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  27. "Morris scoops League Two Player of the Month award". Fleetwood Town F.C. 2 May 2014. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  28. "Sky Bet League Two play-off final: Fleetwood beat Burton 1–0 to earn promotion". Sky Sports News. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
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  30. "http://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/news/article/retained-list-announced-1593551.aspx". Fleetwood Town F.C. 2 June 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015. External link in |title= (help)
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  32. "Morris: The Club's success was a big pull". Fleetwood Town F.C. 11 July 2014. Archived from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  33. "Squad numbers confirmed". Fleetwood Town F.C. 28 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
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  35. "Fleetwood Town 3 – 3 Bristol City". BBC Sport. 20 September 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  36. "Rochdale 0 – 2 Fleetwood Town". BBC Sport. 28 December 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  37. "Fleetwood Town 2 – 2 Swindon Town". BBC Sport. 3 January 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
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  39. "Fleetwood Town 3 – 3 Scunthorpe United". Sky Sports. 3 March 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  40. "Sheffield United 1 – 2 Fleetwood Town". Sky Sports. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  41. "Fleetwood Town 1 – 0 Rochdale". Sky Sports. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  42. "Port Vale 1 – 2 Fleetwood Town". Sky Sports. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  43. "Fleetwood Town squad update". Fleetwood Town F.C. 6 May 2015. Archived from the original on 15 July 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  44. "Josh Morris set for Bradford City as Blackburn Rovers aim to move on unwanted trio". Lancashire Telegraph. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  45. "Josh Morris: Bradford City sign former Blackburn midfielder". BBC Sport. 1 July 2015.
  46. "SQUAD NUMBERS CONFIRMED". Bradford City A.F.C. 4 August 2015. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
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  50. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2016/17". Soccerbase. 3 February 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  51. "Josh Morris: Scunthorpe midfielder one of three released as Iron unveil retained list". BBC Sport. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
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  53. "Blackburn Rovers keeper Kean happy with debut". Lancashire Telegraph. 9 February 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
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  55. "Scunthorpe sorry for 'unsporting' goal" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  56. "WATCH: Contender for most unsporting goal in history in EFL relegation battle". JOE.co.uk.
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  60. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  61. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  62. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  63. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
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  66. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  67. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  68. "Games played by Josh Morris in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  69. "PFA teams of the year: Chelsea and Tottenham dominate Premier League XI". BBC Sport. 20 April 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
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