Andrew Little (footballer)

Andrew Little (born 12 May 1989) is a Northern Irish former footballer who played mainly as a forward.

Andrew Little
Personal information
Full name Andrew Little[1]
Date of birth (1989-05-12) 12 May 1989[2]
Place of birth Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[3]
Position(s) Utility player[4]
Youth career
Ballinamallard United
2006–2008 Rangers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2014 Rangers 65 (33)
2011 → Port Vale (loan) 7 (0)
2014–2016 Preston North End 12 (1)
2015–2016 → Blackpool (loan) 5 (1)
2016 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 0 (0)
2017–2018 Stirling Albion 13 (1)
2018 Dumbarton 6 (0)
Total 108 (36)
National team
Northern Ireland U17 7 (2)
2006–2008 Northern Ireland U19 11 (5)
2008–2010 Northern Ireland U21 6 (3)
2009 Northern Ireland B 1 (0)
2009–2012 Northern Ireland 9 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:40 6 November 2018 (UTC)

A versatile player, he could play in any outfield position, though preferred a more attacking role. He left Ballinamallard United for Rangers in 2006, where he turned professional the following year. He made a number of first team appearances in 2009–10, but was otherwise limited to youth and reserve team football until he won a loan move to Port Vale in August 2011. He returned to Rangers, and was a key player as they won the Scottish Third Division title in 2012–13 and the League One title in 2013–14. He signed with Preston North End in June 2014, and was loaned out to Blackpool in November 2015, and Accrington Stanley in March 2016. He was released by Preston in May 2016, and joined Stirling Albion in February 2017, where he played until May 2018. He signed with Dumbarton in July 2018, but retired in November 2018 following persistent injury problems.

Having represented Northern Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels, as well as making one appearance for the "B" team, he won his first senior cap in March 2009, and appeared nine times in total.

Club career

Rangers

A former Ballinamallard United player, he moved from Northern Ireland to Scotland in 2006 to join the Rangers Academy. He scored for the Gers in the club's Scottish Youth Cup final victory over Old Firm rival's Celtic at Hampden Park in 2008.[5] That season he also helped the club to top the SPFL Development League.

He made his senior debut as a substitute for Kris Boyd in the 3–0 win over St Mirren in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on 25 April 2009.[6] The next month he was selected as a member of Rangers' HKFC Soccer Sevens side; he helped the side to reach the final of the tournament, where they then lost out to Celtic. On 4 October 2009, Little was given his first Rangers start against Celtic at right back, but was substituted eleven minutes in after injuring his hamstring in the opening minute of the match.[7] He scored his first goal for the club on 23 January 2010, in a league game against Hearts which finished 1–1.[8] Overall, he made ten appearances in the 2009–10 season.

He scored his second goal for the club on 27 October 2010, in a League Cup game against Kilmarnock.[9] The goal was later a candidate for the club's goal of the season award.[10] However, he then missed much of the rest of the season with a hip injury that eventually required surgery to correct.[11] Upon his recovery, Little signed a one-year contract extension in July 2011.[12]

Looking for first team football, Little went on loan at Port Vale on 31 August 2011. His loan deal was due to last until 1 January 2012,[13] however he returned on 24 October 2011 after he suffered knee ligament damage.[14] He made two starts and five substitute appearances for the League Two club, with his contribution at Vale Park also limited by call-ups to the Northern Ireland squad. Little played his first SPL game of the 2011–12 season on 26 February, and justified Ally McCoist's selection at the Caledonian Stadium by scoring in a 4–1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[15] On 26 March, he came off the bench to score with his first touch in a 3–2 home win over Celtic.[16] On 21 April, he scored a brace in a 3–0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle.[17]

He was able to leave Rangers following the club's financial meltdown and expulsion from the SPL, but instead signed a new contract with the club in July 2012, having decided to stay and try to help Rangers to win promotion out of the Third Division.[18][19] He agreed to sign the two-year contract (with the option for a third year) after McCoist reassured him that he had big part to play in the club's promotion campaign, and also after Michael O'Neill reassured him that playing in the Third Division would not damage his international prospects.[20] He scored four minutes into the 2012–13 season, in a Scottish Challenge Cup victory over Brechin City.[21]

He scored his first hat-trick at Ibrox on 18 August, in a 5–1 win over East Stirlingshire.[22] With five goals to his name, Little won the SFL Ginger Boot (top goalscorer award) for August 2012.[23] Rangers secured the Third Division title by a comfortable margin, and were confirmed as champions on 30 March.[24] Little was voted onto the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for the Third Division, alongside teammates Lee McCulloch, Lee Wallace, and David Templeton.[25]

Rangers won the League One title in 2013–14, though Little missed much of the campaign after breaking his cheekbone and jaw in a collision with Dunfermline Athletic full-back Alex Whittle in November.[26] He was released from Rangers in May 2014 after being informed that he was no longer a part of manager Ally McCoist's first team plans.[27][19]

Preston North End

Little signed a two-year contract with League One side Preston North End in June 2014; "Lilywhites" manager Simon Grayson stated that "I am delighted that he has chosen us over quite a few other teams".[28] He was limited to 12 league appearances in the 2014–15 campaign as Preston won promotion into the Championship through the play-offs.

Little joined League One side Blackpool on a six-week loan deal on 17 November 2015,[29] which was later extended by a further month.[30] On 24 March, he joined Accrington Stanley of League Two on loan until the end of the 2015–16 campaign; manager John Coleman said "Andy's suffered with injuries this year so this is a chance for him to get some football and get himself back on track".[31] He never featured for Accrington however, and was released by Preston at the end of the season.[32]

Stirling Albion

After several months out of football, Little signed for Scottish League Two club Stirling Albion on a short-term contract in February 2017.[33] He was hospitalised on 11 April after an accidental clash of heads during training left him with a fractured skull and eye socket.[34][19] Little was released by Albion at the end of the season, with manager Dave Mackay expressing his desire to have a smaller squad for the 2017–18 season.[35] Little rejoined Stirling on a one-year contract.[36] However he was unable to feature for the Binos during the first half of the season as he had not yet fully recovered from his head injury.[37] Little left Forthbank Stadium following the end of this contract in May 2018.[38]

Dumbarton

After impressing during a trial period, Little signed a short-term deal with Scottish League One side Dumbarton in July 2018.[39] He left the club and retired from football in November 2018 after making 11 appearances for the Sons.[40][19]

International career

Little won eleven caps for the Northern Ireland under-19s, scoring four goals, including one in the 2008 Milk Cup final victory over Chile. He then moved up to the under-21 side, where he made four appearances, scoring against Scotland and twice against San Marino.[41] He won a cap for the "B team" against Scotland in 2009.

Little made his debut for the senior team on 28 March 2009 in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Poland; he replaced David Healy in the 90th minute of the match and Northern Ireland went on to win 3–2.[42] He picked up further caps in friendlies against Italy, Albania, Turkey, and Chile.[43]

Coaching career

Little returned to Rangers in May 2017 as a part-time coach in the clubs Academy.[44]

Style of play

A utility player, Little could play anywhere in defence and midfield, and could also be used as a striker.[43]

"I don't really have a set position, I have played upfront, right-back and in midfield, but I feel I am more comfortable the further up the pitch I play."

— Little commenting on his preferred playing position in August 2011.[45]

Personal life

Little's older brother Graham is a presenter for Sky Sports.[46]

Career statistics

Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Rangers2008–09[47]SPL0010000010
2009–10[48]SPL61301000101
2010–11[49]SPL0000210021
2011–12[50]SPL105100000115
2012–13[51]Third Division282230312[lower-alpha 1]2[lower-alpha 1]3625
2013–14[52][53]Scottish League One21530104[lower-alpha 1]1296
Total 653311072638938
Port Vale (loan)2011–12[50]League Two70––––0070
Preston North End2014–15[54]League One12110211[lower-alpha 2]0162
2015–16[55]Championship0000000000
Total 121102110162
Blackpool (loan)2015–16[55]League One5100000051
Accrington Stanley (loan)2015–16[55]League Two0000000000
Stirling Albion2016–17[56]Scottish League Two5000000050
2017–18[57]Scottish League Two8100000081
Total 131000000131
Dumbarton 2018–19[58] Scottish League One6000401[lower-alpha 1]0110
Career total 108361201238314142
  1. Appearance/s and goal/s in the Scottish Challenge Cup.
  2. Appearance/s in the EFL Trophy.

International
Northern Ireland national team
YearAppsGoals
200920
201040
201110
201220
Total[53]90

Honours

Club
Rangers

International
Northern Ireland

Individual

References
  1. "Andrew Little". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  2. "Profile of Andrew Little". irishfa.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  3. "FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2011/12". www.footballsquads.co.uk. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  4. "Andrew Little". NIFG. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
  5. Sullivan, Stephen (24 April 2008). "Celtic U19 1 – 3 Rangers U19". The Herald. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  6. "Rangers 3–0 St Mirren". BBC Sport. 25 April 2009.
  7. "Rangers 2–1 Celtic". BBC Sport. 4 October 2009.
  8. "Rangers 1–1 Hearts". BBC Sport. 23 January 2010.
  9. "Kilmarnock 0–2 Rangers". BBC Sport. 27 October 2010.
  10. "Pick Your Goal Of The Season". rangers.co.uk. 7 April 2011. Archived from the original on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  11. "Little By Little". rangers.co.uk. 29 April 2011. Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  12. "Northern Ireland's Andrew Little in new Rangers deal". BBC Sport. 2 July 2011.
  13. "Port Vale take Rangers' Andy Little on loan". BBC Sport. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  14. "Injured Andrew Little returns to Rangers from Port Vale". BBC Sport. 24 October 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  15. Lindsay, Clive (26 February 2012). "Inverness CT 1-4 Rangers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  16. "Rangers 3–2 Celtic". BBC Sport. 25 March 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
  17. Smith, Neil (21 April 2012). "Hearts 0-3 Rangers - Rangers Football Club, Official Website". rangers.co.uk. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  18. "Little signs new deal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
  19. Christopher Jack (4 January 2019). "Former Rangers striker Andy Little on his retirement, injuries and why the sacrifice wasn't worth it in football any more". Evening Times. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  20. "Together We Are Stronger". rangers.co.uk. 28 July 2012. Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  21. Lindsay, Clive (29 July 2012). "Ramsdens Cup: Brechin City 1–2 Rangers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  22. Clark, Gill (18 August 2012). "Rangers 5–1 East Stirling: Little has big impact as hat-trick ensures comfortable victory for Gers". goal.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  23. Dickson, Andrew (24 September 2012). "Little win ginger boots". Rangers F.C. Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
  24. "Rangers celebrate Scottish Third Division title win". BBC Sport. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  25. Ross, Jack. "PFA Scotland Teams of the Year". pfascotland.co.uk. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  26. "Rangers striker Andy Little out for the rest of the year after breaking his cheekbone and jaw in horror collision". Daily Record. 7 November 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  27. "Rangers: Andy Little no longer part of McCoist's plans". BBC Sport. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  28. "Preston North End: Striker Andy Little signs two-year deal". BBC Sport. 21 June 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
  29. "Andy Little: Blackpool sign Preston North End striker on loan". BBC Sport. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  30. Seddon, Dave (5 January 2016). "PNE striker Little stays at Blackpool". Lancashire Evening Post. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  31. "Accrington Stanley: Andy Little and Tarique Fosu join League Two side on loan". BBC Sport. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2016.
  32. "Retained List Confirmed". pnefc.net. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  33. "Little makes SPFL return with Stirling". SPFL. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  34. "Ex-Rangers ace Andy Little shows off injuries after horror training ground clash". Daily Record. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  35. "Stirling Albion manager Dave Mackay prioritising quality over quantity in hunt for new faces". Stirling Observer. Daily Record. 26 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  36. "Little pens new deal". Stirling Albion FC. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  37. Stewart, Craig (18 January 2018). "Ex-Rangers ace Andy Little nears Stirling Albion return after 9 months out". The Scotsman. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  38. "Squad updates and departures". Stirling Albion FC. 10 May 2018. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  39. Galloway, Andy (11 July 2018). "Signing news: Andy Little is next to join". Dumbarton Football Club. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
  40. Findlay, Alan (6 November 2018). "Andy Little". Dumbarton Football Club.
  41. "Northern Ireland Under-21 Results". nifootball.blogspot.com. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  42. "Northern Ireland 3–2 Poland". BBC Sport. 29 March 2009.
  43. "Andrew Little". nifootball.blogspot.com. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  44. "Rangers Academy Coaching Changes". Rangers.co.uk. Rangers Football Club. 24 May 2017.
  45. Questier, Joe (31 August 2011). "Little: Delighted to Sign". port-vale.co.uk. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
  46. Grahame, Ewing (12 July 2011). "Andrew Little keen to get out of Rangers 'comfort zone' and go out on loan". The Telegraph. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  47. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  48. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  49. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  50. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  51. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  52. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  53. "stats". Soccerway. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  54. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  55. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  56. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  57. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  58. "Games played by Andrew Little in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
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