Nicky Hunt

Nicholas Brett Hunt (born 3 September 1983) is an English professional footballer who plays as a Centre-back[3] for National League North club Darlington. Originally a right-back, he converted to centre-back in 2016 in order to extend his playing career.[3]

For the archer, see Nicky Hunt (archer).

Nicky Hunt
Hunt celebrates Crewe win at Crawley Town, August 2019.
Personal information
Full name Nicholas Brett Hunt[1]
Date of birth (1983-09-03) 3 September 1983[1]
Place of birth Westhoughton,[2] England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Position(s) Right-back / Centre-back
Club information
Current team
 Darlington
Number 6
Youth career
0000–2001 Bolton Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2010 Bolton Wanderers 128 (1)
2008 → Birmingham City (loan) 11 (0)
2010 → Derby County (loan) 21 (0)
2010–2012 Bristol City 7 (0)
2012 Preston North End 17 (1)
2012–2013 Rotherham United 9 (0)
2013 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 11 (0)
2013–2015 Accrington Stanley 66 (0)
2015–2016 Mansfield Town 19 (0)
2016–2017 Leyton Orient 50 (1)
2017–2018 Notts County 13 (0)
2018–2020 Crewe Alexandra 47 (1)
2020– Darlington 6 (0)
National team
2004–2005 England U21 9 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 14:50, 13 January 2021 (UTC)

He made 127 Premier League appearances for Bolton Wanderers and more than 250 in the Football League for a variety of clubs, and represented England at under-21 level.

Club career

Bolton Wanderers

Hunt made his professional debut as a substitute for Colin Hendry in the First Division match against Sheffield United on the final day of the 2000–01 regular season, shortly before Bolton Wanderers won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He had to wait some time for further first-team opportunities, only playing in two FA Cup ties (against Sunderland in January 2003) before making his breakthrough at the start of the 2003–04 season when he became a key part of the defence and a first-team regular for Bolton. His Premier League debut came in the 4–0 defeat at Manchester United on 16 August 2003. He made over a century of appearances for the club, scoring once, against Liverpool in February 2004.[4] His form earned him a four-year contract at Bolton, taking him until the end of the 2010–11 season, which he signed on 30 August 2007.

Birmingham City loan

The departure of Sam Allardyce to Newcastle United and his eventual replacement by Gary Megson saw Hunt fall out of favour at the Reebok Stadium and he joined Championship club Birmingham City on an emergency one-month loan deal as cover for the injured Stuart Parnaby and Stephen Kelly on 3 November 2008.[5] He made his debut the same day, in a 1–0 defeat to Coventry City at St Andrew's.[6] The loan was extended for a further month,[7] but on 30 December, a 24-hour recall clause in the loan agreement was invoked and the player returned to Bolton.[8]

Derby County loan

Despite being recalled Hunt played no further role for Bolton in the ensuing year and was again loaned out to a Championship club, this time Derby County, on 7 January 2010 as competition for the club's sole available rightback, Paul Connolly.[9] Initially a month's loan, it was extended until the end of the season.[10]

Bristol City

On 30 July 2010, Hunt signed a two-year deal with Championship club Bristol City.[11] He made his debut in a 3–0 loss to Millwall. Hunt made seven appearances in the first two months of the season, and an eighth in a 3–1 loss against Leeds United on 13 November, but that was his last for the club.[12] Under Steve Coppell, Hunt was put in the first team which gave Hunt his debut for the club until Coppell's unexpected resignation over his lack of passion for the job. Under Coppell's assistant manager Keith Millen, Hunt was given more playing time until Hunt fell out favour with Millen. Things came to a head when Hunt replaced an injured Louis Carey in a game against Leeds. At the time City were drawing 1–1 in a hard-fought game but went on to lose 3–1. Millen favoured Carey and Jordan Spence at right back until he was sacked. At the start of the 2011–12 season, Millen was keen to offload him but received no offers for the player.[13] On 31 January 2012, Hunt's contract was terminated.[14]

Preston North End

A few days later, Hunt signed a short-term deal with Preston North End as a free agent.[15] He played regularly over the next few months,[16] and was released when his contract expired.[17]

Rotherham United

Hunt signed for Rotherham United on 22 May 2012.[18] A hamstring tear during a pre-season friendly delayed his competitive debut, he played just a few matches before falling out of favour, and he joined Accrington Stanley on loan in January 2013.[19][20]

Accrington Stanley

On his third appearance, Hunt collided with Plymouth Argyle's Ronan Murray, lost consciousness, and was taken to hospital after ten minutes of treatment on the pitch. Once his recovery was well on the way, the loan was extended to the end of the season.[21][22]

He signed for Stanley on a two-year deal in June 2013 after Rotherham released him from his contract.[23]

Hunt chose to leave Stanley at the end of his contract.[24]

Mansfield Town

In June 2015 he signed for Mansfield Town.[24]

Leyton Orient

In the January 2016 transfer window, Hunt joined Leyton Orient until the end of the season with an option for a further year.[25] He scored his first goal for Orient in a 3–0 win at Colchester United on 12 November 2016.[26]

Notts County

On 1 August 2017, Hunt signed for Notts County.[27] He was released at the end of the season.[28]

Crewe Alexandra

On 31 July 2018, Hunt joined Crewe Alexandra on a one-year deal after a successful trial,[29] making his first team debut on 4 August 2018, coming on as a 29th minute substitute for George Ray in a 6–0 win over Morecambe.[30] He signed a new one-year deal in May 2019.[31] On 12 October 2019, he scored his first (and ultimately only) Crewe goal (and fourth professional goal) in a 4-2 Crewe win at Carlisle United.[32] His release by Crewe was announced on 10 June 2020.[33]

Darlington

Hunt joined Darlington in July 2020.[34] On 10 November, in a match against Boston United, Hunt lost consciousness following a collision with another player and received treatment on the pitch for more than an hour before being taken to hospital; the match was abandoned. After scans on his head and neck, Hunt was released from hospital the following morrning.[35][36]

International career

Hunt won ten England U21 caps, the first in February 2004 against the Netherlands.[2][37]

Career statistics
As of match played 6 February 2021
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bolton Wanderers 2000–01[38] First Division1000000010
2001–02[39] Premier League000000—00
2002–03[40] Premier League002000—20
2003–04[41] Premier League3111060—381
2004–05[42] Premier League2904010—340
2005–06[43] Premier League20020102[lower-alpha 1]0250
2006–07[44] Premier League3302020—370
2007–08[45] Premier League14010108[lower-alpha 1]0240
2008–09[46] Premier League000000—00
2009–10[47] Premier League000000—00
Total 12811201101001611
Birmingham City (loan) 2008–09[46] Championship110———110
Derby County (loan) 2009–10[47] Championship21020——230
Bristol City 2010–11[12] Championship700010—80
Preston North End 2011–12[16] League One171———171
Rotherham United 2012–13[48] League Two9000000090
Accrington Stanley (loan) 2012–13[48] League Two110———110
Accrington Stanley 2013–14[49] League Two370101000390
2014–15[50] League Two290001000300
Total 770102000800
Mansfield Town 2015–16[51] League Two190101000210
Leyton Orient 2015–16[51] League Two160———160
2016–17[52] League Two34110102[lower-alpha 2]0381
Total 501101020541
Notts County 2017–18[53] League Two13020103[lower-alpha 2]0190
Crewe Alexandra 2018–19[54] League Two22010101[lower-alpha 2]0250
2019–20[55] League Two25130001[lower-alpha 2]0291
Total 471401020541
Darlington 2020–21[56][57] National League North 6050—4[lower-alpha 3]0150
Career total 40542801802104724
  1. Appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. Appearances in EFL Trophy
  3. Appearance in FA Trophy

References
  1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. "Nicky Hunt". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  3. The Bolton News: Bolton favourite Nicky Hunt on injury scare, retirement thoughts and playing centre half
  4. "Bolton 2–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 7 February 2004. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  5. "Birmingham sign Hunt in loan deal". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  6. "Birmingham 0–1 Coventry". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  7. "Hunt extends Birmingham loan deal". BBC Sport. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  8. "Hunt back to Bolton". Birmingham City F.C. 30 December 2008. Archived from the original on 31 December 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  9. "Rams sign Hunt on loan". Derby County F.C. 7 January 2010. Archived from the original on 31 January 2010.
  10. "Derby County extend Nicky Hunt's loan from Bolton". BBC Sport. 25 January 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  11. "Robins land Hunt and Stewart". Sky Sports. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  12. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  13. "Millen – No Hunt interest". Sky Sports. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  14. "Duo released by Robins". Sky Sports. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  15. "Preston North End sign Nicky Hunt & Aaron Brown". BBC Sport. 5 February 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  16. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  17. "Preston North End announces mass clear-out of players". ITV. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  18. "Rotherham United snap up Nicky Hunt & re-sign Ian Sharps". BBC Sport. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  19. "Nicky's on the Hunt for form". The Star. Sheffield. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  20. Robson, Dany (3 January 2013). "Nicky Hunt looking to kick-start career at Accrington Stanley". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  21. "Richardson is on the Hunt for Nicky". Accrington Observer. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  22. "Accrington Stanley extend Hunt deal". Lancashire Telegraph. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  23. "Accrington Stanley: James Beattie signs up Nicky Hunt". BBC Sport. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  24. James, Alex (23 June 2015). "Nicky Hunt relishing Mansfield move after leaving Accrington Stanley". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  25. "Hunt checks in at Orient". Leyton Orient F.C. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  26. "Colchester United 0–3 Leyton Orient". BBC Sport. 12 November 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  27. "Hodge and Hunt sign deals". Notts County F.C. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  28. "Notts County: Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith leave League Two club". BBC Sport. 22 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  29. "Hunt signs for Crewe". Crewe Alexandra F.C. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  30. "Crewe Alexandra 6-0 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 4 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  31. "Crewe Alexandra: Nicky Hunt signs new deal, but George Ray rejects contract offer". BBC Sport. BBC. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  32. "Carlisle United 2-4 Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. BBC. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  33. Morse, Peter (10 June 2020). "Paul Green and Nicky Hunt released as Crewe Alex announce retained list". Cheshire Live. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  34. Simpson, Ray (14 July 2020). "Quakers sign former Premiership defender Nicky Hunt". Darlington FC. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  35. Wilson, Scott (10 November 2020). "Nicky Hunt suffers serious injury as Darlington game ends early". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  36. Simpson, Ray (11 November 2020). "Nicky Hunt update". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  37. "England U21 3–2 Holland U21". BBC Sport. 17 February 2004. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  38. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  39. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  40. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  41. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  42. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  43. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  44. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  45. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  46. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  47. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  48. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  49. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  50. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  51. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  52. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  53. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  54. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  55. "Games played by Nicky Hunt in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  56. "N. Hunt". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  57. For FA Cup 2nd and 3rd qualifying rounds: Simpson, Ray (3 October 2020). "Quakers win penalty shootout to go through in Cup". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
    Simpson, Ray (13 October 2020). "Early Liddle goal sets up Quakers goal spree". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
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