Paul Rachubka

Paul Stephen Rachubka (/rəˈhʊpkə/; born 21 May 1981) is an English professional footballer who last played for Indian club Kerala Blasters FC as a goalkeeper in the Indian Super League.

Paul Rachubka
Rachubka playing for Blackpool in January 2010
Personal information
Full name Paul Stephen Rachubka[1]
Date of birth (1981-05-21) 21 May 1981[1]
Place of birth San Luis Obispo, California, United States[1]
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper[1]
Youth career
1997–2000 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2002 Manchester United 1 (0)
2001 → Royal Antwerp (loan) 1 (0)
2001–2002 → Oldham Athletic (loan) 16 (0)
2002–2004 Charlton Athletic 0 (0)
2004 → Burnley (loan) 0 (0)
2004 → Huddersfield Town (loan) 16 (0)
2004 → Milton Keynes Dons (loan) 4 (0)
2004 → Northampton Town (loan) 10 (0)
2004 → Huddersfield Town (loan) 3 (0)
2004–2007 Huddersfield Town 62 (0)
2006–2007 → Peterborough United (loan) 4 (0)
2007 → Blackpool (loan) 8 (0)
2007–2011 Blackpool 110 (0)
2011–2013 Leeds United 6 (0)
2011–2012 → Tranmere Rovers (loan) 10 (0)
2012 → Leyton Orient (loan) 8 (0)
2012 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 4 (0)
2013 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 17 (0)
2013–2015 Oldham Athletic 32 (0)
2015 Crewe Alexandra 15 (0)
2015–2016 Bolton Wanderers 7 (0)
2016–2017 Bury 1 (0)
2017–2018 Kerala Blasters 12 (0)
National team
England U16 ? (?)
England U18 ? (?)
1999 England U20 1 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 09:25, 16 April 2020 (UTC)

Born in San Luis Obispo, California, to an English mother and an American father, Rachubka possesses dual nationality, having moved to England with his family when he was seven years old.[3] He has represented England at under-16, under-18 and under-20 levels.

Club career

Early career at Manchester United and Charlton Athletic

Born in the United States, Rachubka grew up in England from the age of seven. He started playing football for a Stockport club called Norbury Moor Rangers. At the age of nine, after three months there, he was invited to join Manchester United by youth coach Brian Kidd.[4] He signed a trainee contract in 1997 before turning professional in July 1999.[5] He was included in the club's squad for the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship in Brazil and made his debut as a substitute in their final group match against South Melbourne on 11 January 2000. He made two more first-team appearances the following season, against Watford in the League Cup and Leicester City in the league. The 2001–02 season saw Rachubka go on a three-month loan to Manchester United's Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp, followed by six months with Oldham Athletic. At the end of the season, Manchester United received a £200,000 bid for Rachubka from Charlton Athletic, and he left the club without having conceded a goal in any of his three appearances.

After failing to dislodge Dean Kiely in his two years at Charlton, Rachubka was loaned out five times, all in 2004; firstly to Burnley in February, then from March to the end of the 2003–04 season he was at Huddersfield Town. On 6 August, at the start of the 2004–05, he was loaned out to Milton Keynes Dons for one month. He then spent October and November with Northampton Town before returning again to Huddersfield Town, for a further month, on 5 December.

Huddersfield Town

Rachubka earned promotion with Huddersfield on loan during the 2003–04 season when they won the Division Three playoffs. After his contract expired with Charlton Athletic in 2004, Rachubka took the option to re-sign for Huddersfield Town.[6] He was the first-choice goalkeeper at the Galpharm Stadium until Matt Glennon was signed during the summer of 2006.

Rachubka was sent on loan to Peterborough United as cover for Mark Tyler and played four League Two matches over the Christmas and New Year period of 2006–07.

Blackpool

On 31 January 2007, he went on loan to Blackpool as back-up for Rhys Evans, the ninth loan move of his career. He made his debut for the Seasiders on 27 February and kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win at his former club Oldham Athletic.[7] On 2 April he was named in the Press Association's League One "Team of the Week", alongside Blackpool teammate Wes Hoolahan, for his performance in the 2–1 win over Crewe Alexandra.[8]

Also in April, Rachubka picked up an injury that kept him out of the team for six weeks.[9] Blackpool's other 'keepers, Rhys Evans and Lewis Edge, also picked up concurrent injuries, which led to Seasiders boss Simon Grayson bringing in Manchester City's Joe Hart on loan as an emergency stand-in.

When Hart returned to Manchester City, Rachubka returned to the Blackpool first team on 13 May 2007, for the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final against Oldham Athletic. Blackpool won both legs, and Rachubka played in the final on 27 May at the newly renovated Wembley Stadium. Blackpool won 2–0 against Yeovil Town, gaining promotion to The Championship.

On 5 June 2007, five days after his contract at Huddersfield expired, Blackpool signed Rachubka on a permanent two-year deal.[9] On 13 August 2007 he was named in The Championship "Team of the Week" for his performance on the opening day of the 2007–08 season, two days before, in the Seasiders' single-goal victory over Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium.[10]

Rachubka was one of two ever-present players during Blackpool's 2007–08 League season, the other being Shaun Barker. Rachubka won the 2007–08 Blackpool Player Of The Year.[11]

He made his 100th appearance for the Legendary Seasiders early in the 2009–10 season, in a 2–2 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road. In April 2009 Rachubka signed a new two-year deal at Blackpool.[12]

Following his performance in Blackpool's 2–0 win over Peterborough United on 26 September 2009 at Bloomfield Road, Rachubka was named in The Championship "Team of the Week".[13][14] On 8 December, Rachubka made his 100th League appearance for Blackpool since making the permanent switch, in a 3–0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Rachubka started the season as Blackpool's first choice goalkeeper, however after being sent off in a 4–1 loss against Crystal Palace, substitute goalkeeper Matt Gilks came into the side and managed to displace Rachubka who dropped to second choice due to the impressive form of Gilks. He made 20 league appearances for Blackpool that season as they earned promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs after beating Cardiff City.[15]

After being promoted to the Premier League with Blackpool, Blackpool manager Ian Holloway confirmed that Rachubka would be out of action for some time following a knee operation.[16] As such, he was not named in Blackpool's 24-man squad for the start of their Premier League campaign the following season. Blackpool signed Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson who became the club's number two during Rachubka's time out injured. Even after returning to fitness, he had to wait until January 2011 to be registered in the Blackpool 25 man squad, when squads to see clubs through until the end of the season were named.[17] Manager Ian Holloway said it was an error not to have named Rachubka in his initial 25 man squad for the first half of the season.[18]

On 8 January 2011, Rachubka made his first start for Blackpool in a year, against Southampton in the Third Round of the FA Cup.[19] In February 2011, Rachubka suffered another knee injury which ruled him out for large parts of the second half of the season.[20] He returned to light training for Blackpool in mid-March.[21] After only making three appearances during the 2010–11 season,[11] Rachubka was released by Blackpool after they decided not to take up the one-year contract extension they had on Rachubka.[22]

Leeds United

On 23 June 2011, Rachubka put pen to paper and signed for Leeds United on a two-year contract as the backup goalkeeper, he linked up with Simon Grayson who was the manager that signed Rachubka for Blackpool.[11][23] Rachubka revealed that despite being brought in as a number two he was looking to compete and win the number one shirt.[24]

Rachubka made his debut for Leeds on 23 August against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup.[25] Rachubka made his league debut for Leeds against Doncaster Rovers on 14 October as a substitute replacing the injured Andy Lonergan.[26]

On loan transfer deadline day, 24 November, Rachubka joined Tranmere Rovers on loan until January to help recapture some form.[27] This was then extended by 2 months.[28]

After returning to Leeds, Rachubka joined Leyton Orient on loan until 6 April.[29]

On 1 December 2012, Rachubka joined Accrington Stanley initially on a week-long emergency loan basis due to an injury sustained to first choice goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin.[30] He made his debut for Stanley the same day in their second round FA Cup tie against Oxford United and was named man-of-the-match.[31][32] The loan was extended twice, on 6 December,[33] and 14 December,[34] and continued into 2013 after Dunbavin's injury ruling him out for most of the season.

On 3 May, it was announced that Rachubka would be released by Leeds upon the expiry of his two-year contract.[35]

Oldham Athletic

On 7 September 2013, Rachubka joined Oldham Athletic for the second time in his career, signing a short-term deal until January 2014.[36]

After establishing himself as the number one goalkeeper towards the end of the season ahead of Mark Oxley, and a string of excellent performances, Rachubka was rewarded with a new one-year contract extension.[37] On 2 February 2015, Rachubka had his contract cancelled by the club after Kean was brought into the club as the new number one goalkeeper.[38]

Crewe Alexandra

On 21 February 2015, Rachubka made his debut for Crewe as a substitute in their 2–0 defeat at Barnsley, scoring an own goal.[39]

Bolton Wanderers

On 5 September 2015, Bolton Wanderers signed Rachubka on a one-year contract to provide cover for Ben Amos.[40]

He made his debut for the Wanderers on 16 January 2016, when coming on as a 12th-minute substitute for midfielder Josh Vela in a 3–0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground after Amos had been sent off for a foul on Jamie Ward.[41] At the end of the 2015–16 season, the club confirmed that he would be leaving when his contract expired at the end of June.[42]

Kerala Blasters

After spending a season with Bury following his release by Bolton, Rachubka signed for Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters in August 2017, linking up with former Manchester United teammate Wes Brown. He made his debut for the Kerala club in the opening match of the 2017–18 season against ATK in Kochi, where the match ended in a 0–0 draw.[43]

International career

Rachubka has represented England at under-16, under-18 and under-20 levels.[44] He was in the England under-20 squad that played at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria. He started the last game against Japan under-20s. Rachubka also witnessed the United States' 1–0 victory over England in the group opener in the same tournament.

Honours

Individual

References
  1. "Paul Rachubka". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  2. "Premier League Player Profile". Premier League. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  3. Wagman, Robert (26 April 2001). "Rachubka, Ricketts and Cunningham demonstrate complexity of determining soccer nationality". Soccer Times. Archived from the original on 14 May 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  4. Drewett, Jim, ed. (July 2000). "Catchin' the Eye – Paul Rachubka". Glory Glory Man United. Bath: Future Publishing (75): 39.
  5. "Paul Rachubka". redStat. Archived from the original on 29 April 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
  6. Bailey, Graeme. "Town seal Rachubka deal". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting.
  7. "Oldham 0–1 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 27 February 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  8. "League One Team Of The Week (02/04/2007)" (PDF). The Football League. 2 April 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 April 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  9. "Blackpool secure Rachubka signing". BBC Sport. 6 June 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2007.
  10. "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week (13/08/2007)". The Football League. 13 August 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 May 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  11. "United capture goalkeeper". leedsunited.com. Leeds United A.F.C. 23 June 2011.
  12. "Rachubka signs Blackpool deal". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. 23 April 2009.
  13. "Chubs Named In Team Of The Week". blackpoolfc.co.uk. Blackpool F.C. 28 September 2009. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  14. "Championship Team Of The Week (28/09/2009)" (PDF). The Football League. 28 September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  15. "LUFC Vital Blackpool Paul Rachubka Q & A - Vital Leeds United". 24 June 2011. Archived from the original on 27 June 2011. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
  16. "LATEST @ BLOOMFIELD ROAD = 19 AUGUST". blackpoolfc.co.uk. Blackpool F.C. 19 August 2010. Archived from the original on 20 August 2010. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
  17. "Rachubka returns for Seasiders". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. 4 January 2011.
  18. "Holloway admits keeper error". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. 19 November 2010.
  19. "Rachubka targets starting spot". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. 10 January 2011.
  20. "Injury blow for Rachubka". The Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media. 10 February 2011.
  21. "Rachubka back to boost Blackpool". The Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media. 10 March 2011.
  22. Kaplan, Debbie (25 May 2011). "Blackpool make changes". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting.
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  24. "Paul can't wait to get cracking!". leedsunited.com. Leeds United A.F.C. 23 June 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
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  26. "Three and easy for Leeds at Doncaster". leedsunited.com. Leeds United A.F.C. 14 October 2011.
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  29. "Leeds stopper joins Os on loan". leytonorient.com. Leyton Orient F.C. 6 March 2012.
  30. "Accrington Stanley sign keeper Paul Rachubka". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  31. "Match Report: Accrington Stanley 3 – 3 Oxford United". Sky Sports. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  32. "Rachubka eyes longer Stanley stay". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
  33. "KEEPERS LOAN EXTENDED". leedsunited.com. Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  34. "Rachubka Loan Extended". accringtonstanley.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  35. "10 PLAYERS NOT OFFERED NEW DEALS". Leeds United AFC. 3 May 2013.
  36. "Paul Rachubka: Oldham sign goalkeeper on short-term contract". BBC Sport. 7 September 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  37. "Rachubka Signs New Contract". Oldham Athletic AFC. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  38. "Rachubka Departs". Oldham Athletic AFC. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  39. "Barnsley 2–0 Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. 21 February 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  40. "Wanderers sign former Manchester United and Leeds United keeper". The Bolton News. 5 September 2015. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  41. "Nottingham Forest 3–0 Bolton". BBC Sport. 16 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
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  43. Trehan, Dev (19 August 2017). "Manchester United connection grows at Kerala Blasters as Paul Rachubka signs". Sky Sports (BSkyB). Retrieved 19 August 2017.
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