Joel Ekstrand

Lars Hening Joel Ekstrand (born 4 February 1989) is a Swedish former footballer who played as a defender. He has represented Sweden at senior international level and at various youth levels.

Joel Ekstrand
Ekstrand in training with Watford.
Personal information
Full name Lars Hening Joel Ekstrand[1]
Date of birth (1989-02-04) 4 February 1989[2]
Place of birth Lund, Sweden
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
1997–2005 Lunds BK
2006–2007 Helsingborgs IF
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2011 Helsingborgs IF 73 (1)
2011–2013 Udinese 12 (0)
2012–2013 → Watford (loan) 32 (1)
2013–2016 Watford 57 (1)
2016–2017 Bristol City 2 (0)
2017 Rotherham United 1 (0)
2018–2019 AIK 1 (0)
Total 178 (3)
National team
2004–2006 Sweden U17 5 (0)
2007–2008 Sweden U19 11 (0)
2009–2010 Sweden U21 9 (1)
2010–2014 Sweden 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

Helsingborgs IF

Ekstrand started playing football for his home town club Lunds BK as a youth player.[3] In 2005, he moved to Helsingborgs IF and two years later, he signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer.[3]

After being called up by the Helsingborgs IF squad in February 2008,[3] Ekstrand made his first team debut against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the UEFA Cup Round of 32, at Philips Stadion, which saw Helsingborgs lose 2–0.[4] He was featured again in the second leg of the UEFA Cup Round of 32, at Olympia stadium, which saw them lose 2–1, putting them eliminated from the tournament.[5] Ekstrand made his Helsingborgs IF debut, where he started the whole game, in a 3–0 win over GIF Sundsvall in the opening game of the season.[6] In a 2–2 draw against IFK Norrköping on 20 April 2008, he started the game but was substituted in the 7th minutes following a collision and suffered a broken nose and concussion.[7] After missing out in the next match, as a result of injuries,[8] Ekstrand made his return to the first team from injury, starting the whole game, in a 4–2 win over Malmö on 28 April 2008.[9] Since then, Ekstrand had developed himself into a key player at Helsingborg IF with the likes of Marcus Nilsson, Andreas Granqvist and Samir Beloufa.[10][11] Despite being absent again this season,[12] he made 28 appearances in all competitions at his first season. At the end of the 2008 season, Ekstrand was nominated for the Newcomer of the Year[13] but lost out to Robin Söder.

In the 2009 season, Ekstrand continued to remain in the first team regular and helped the side go to their winning form in the first three league matches to the season.[14][15] However, he was sent–off just one minute before the half–time, in a 2–0 loss against Örebro on 20 April 2009.[16] After serving a one match ban,[17] Ekstrand returned to the first team and provided a goal for Rasmus Jönsson, who scored a hat–trick, in a 3–0 win over AIK on 29 April 2009.[18] Having regained his first team place since returning from his suspension,[19] Ekstrand signed a contract with the club, keeping him until 2012.[20] He then scored his first goal for the club in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League second round, in a 2–2 draw against Zestafoni to put them through to the next round.[21] However, Ekstrand was once again sent–off when he received a straight red card in the first half, in a 3–0 loss against Örgryte on 18 October 2009.[22] Despite being suspended[23] and injury[24][25][26] on four occasions later in this season, he went on to make 32 appearances in all competitions.

In the 2010 season, Ekstrand was in defensive first team position when he helped the side go on unbeaten run for the first twelve matches to the start season.[27][28] While the club go on the unbeaten run, he received a straight red card in the first half, in a 1–0 win over Mjällby on 26 April 2010 and served a two match suspension.[29][30] After returning to the first team, Ekstrand scored his first league goal for the club, in a 3–1 win over Gefle on 10 May 2010.[31] He was later suspended on two occasions later in the season, including another straight red, in a 0–0 draw against Göteborg on 15 August 2010,[32][33] and injury concerns as well.[34][35] Nevertheless, Ekstrand finished the season, winning the Svenska Cupen Final[36] and making 25 appearances and scoring once in all competitions. At the end of the 2010 season, he was nominated for the player’s back of the year but lost out to Olof Mellberg.[37]

With the 2010 season ended, Ekstrand was linked a move away from Helsingborgs IF, as clubs from Italy were keen on signing him.[38] The club confirmed that Ekstrand was expected to leave the club.[39] After a much speculation over his future,[40] it was announced that Ekstrand joined Udinese in 2011.[41]

Udinese
Ekstrand playing for Udinese in 2011.

On 18 January 2011, Ekstrand penned a four-year deal with Udinese through to 2015.[42] Prior to the move, he spoke out about joining Udinese, quoting: ‘’"It has always been a dream. It is a big football country that took World Cup gold not long ago. Here are big clubs and the best Swedish is playing in Series A."’’[43]

However, Ekstrand did appear in the first team for the first five months into joining the club, as he mostly sat out from the squad, as well as, competition from Andrea Coda.[44] Ekstrand debuted for the club when Udinese faced Lazio in a 2–1 victory in which he came off the bench in the 70th minute on 8 May 2011.[45] This turns out to be his only appearance of the 2010–11 season.

In the 2011–12 season, Ekstrand made his first start for Udinese in a Champions League qualifying game against Arsenal.[46] For this match, Udinese changed from the previous season's 3–5–2 formation to 4–1–4–1, where wing-backs Mauricio Isla and Pablo Armero became midfielders, thus using 4 defenders instead of 3 centre-backs. Ekstrand remained in the starting XI in the return leg a week later with Udinese losing 2–1 (3–1 agg).[47] Despite competitions from Medhi Benatia and Danilo,[48] Ekstrand went on to make a further 17 appearances in all competitions for the 2011–12 season, picking up a total of seven yellow cards.

Watford

On 31 August 2012, Ekstrand joined Championship side Watford on a season-long loan from Udinese.[49] It came after when he informed the Udinese management that he wanted to leave the club for first team football[50] and was close to joining Eredivisie side Groningen but collapsed over transfer demands.[51]

After being absent for several matches, due to illness,[52] though appeared as an unused substitute,[53] Ekstrand made his debut against Charlton Athletic on 2 October 2012, coming on in the second half to replace Neuton.[54] After recovering from an injury setback,[55] Ekstrand scored his first Watford goal in a 2–1 win over Derby County on 23 February 2013.[56] From that moment on, he began to established himself in the first team for the rest of the season.[57] On 12 May 2013, Ekstrand played in the semi-final second leg against Leicester City. In a dramatic finale, after Watford goalkeeper Manuel Almunia saved both a penalty taken by Anthony Knockaert and a rebound which would have sent Leicester through to the final, Troy Deeney scored in the seventh minute of added time to take Watford through to the Championship Play-off Final on aggregate.[58] In the Championship Play–off Final, Ekstrand played the whole game throughout 120 minutes extra time, as Watford lost the final against Crystal Palace.[59] At the end of the 2012–13 season, he went on to make 36 appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

On 24 July 2013, Watford confirmed Ekstrand had signed a three-year deal with the club.[60] His first appearance for Watford since joining them on a permanent basis came on 6 August 2013, where he captained the side and played the whole game, in a 3–1 win over Bristol Rovers in the first round of the League Cup.[61] He made his first start of the season away to Reading on 17 August 2013[62] and following this, Ekstrand continued to remain in the first team regular for the club despite having two managers this season.[63][64] Despite some setback of injuries[65][66][67][68] and suspensions,[69] Ekstrand finished his permanent basis season, making 39 appearances in all competitions.

Prior to the 2014–15 season, Ekstrand was keen on leaving Watford despite having a remaining two years to his contract.[70] Amid to the transfer speculation, Ekstrand made a poor start of the season when he was "sent–off after just two minutes for a collision with Nathan Redmond", in a 3–0 loss against Norwich City on 16 August 2014.[71] After serving a three match suspension,[72] he returned to the first team and continued to regain his first team place despite competitions.[73] However, Ekstrand found himself out of the first team following Slaviša Jokanović’s change of formation 3–5–2 tactics and his own injury concerns.[74][75] After returning to training from injury,[76] Ekstrand scored his first goal as a permanent Watford player, in a 4–3 win against Bolton Wanderers on 14 February 2015.[77] After being sidelined again,[78] it was announced, however on 24 March 2015, that Ekstrand would be out for up to nine months after damaging his cruciate ligament in a Football League Championship match against Ipswich Town on 21 March.[79] Watford gained Promotion to the Premier League, with Ekstrand playing 25 games during the promotion season.

Following this, Ekstrand continued to rehabilitate with his knee injury and was dropped from the Premier League squad.[80][81] He made a playing comeback from injury in January 2016 after being out injured since March 2015, playing two matches for Watford's development squad,[82] however he picked up an injury in an against Boreham Wood.[83] In February 2016, then Watford Manager Quique Sánchez Flores revealed the club were in talks to extend Ekstrand's contract at the club despite Ekstrand still recovering from injury, with Flores describing Ekstrand: Ekstrand could be a very interesting central defender for the future. He has experience and plays football very well.[84] However, this was denied by Ekstrand, although he was keen on staying at the club.[85]

After failing to make a first team appearance during the 2015/16 season due to injury and his contract situation changing after a change in management with Quique Sánchez Flores leaving the club and being replaced by Walter Mazzarri, on 3 June 2016, it was announced that Ekstrand would leave Watford upon the expiry of his contract.[86]

On 13 July 2016, Ekstrand had been set to sign for Championship club Leeds United on a free transfer, however after a medical and negotiations with the player, Leeds then pulled out of the deal [87][88] Following this, Ekstrand later reflected his experience at his medical prior to joining Leeds United.[89]

Bristol City

On 6 September 2016, Ekstrand signed for Championship club Bristol City on a one-year deal, after training with the squad during August.[90] He was previously linked with a move to the club before joining in favour of Leeds United, which was broken down.[91]

Ekstrand made his debut for Bristol City in the 2–2 draw with Rotherham United on 10 September 2016, coming on as a substitute for Scott Golbourne.[92] His second appearance for the club came on 17 September 2016, making his first start, in a 1–1 draw against Derby County.[93] However, Ekstrand was soon sidelined with a hamstring injury and illness, keeping him out for several months.[94] Even after returning from injury, he remained out of the first team until his release by the club.[95][96]

Rotherham United

On 2 February 2017, free agent Ekstrand signed for fellow Championship side Rotherham United on a deal until the end of the season.[97]

Ekstrand made his Rotherham United (and his only appearance) debut, making his first start for the side and played 68 minutes before being substituted, in a 5–0 loss to the hands of Cardiff City on 16 February 2017.[98] After missing out the rest of the season, due to a knee injury,[99] He left the club at the end of his contract.[100]

After leaving Rotherham United, Ekstrand was linked with a move back to Sweden, with IFK Göteborg keen on signing him, but the move was broken down over money problems.[101][102]

AIK

On 15 January 2018, Ekstrand signed a 3-year contract with AIK, making his return to Allsvenskan and Swedish football.[103]

International career

Ekstrand has represented Sweden U15, Sweden U16, Sweden U17, Sweden U18, Sweden U19 and Sweden U21.[104] While at Sweden U21, Ekstrand made nine appearances for the side and scored one goal against Estonia U21 on 9 June 2009.[105]

In December 2009, Ekstrand was called up by Sweden for the first time.[106] After appearing as an unused substitute against Oman for the first time on 20 January 2010,[107] Ekstrand made his full Sweden debut in a friendly against Syria in 2010.[108] Ekstrand's performances with Watford were rewarded with a return to the Sweden squad for the friendly game against Argentina on 6 February 2013.[109] However, he withdrew from the squad due to a knee injury.[110] It wasn’t until on 5 March 2014 when he made his first Sweden appearance in four years, in a 2–1 loss against Turkey.[111]

Personal life

Following his move to Udinese, Ekstrand began to learn Italian three times a week[112] and subsequently learned the language well.[113] In an interview with Watford Observer, he also revealed that he speaks English and grew up supporting Arsenal as a young kid.[114]

References
  1. "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 80. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  2. "Premier League Player Profile Joel Ekstrand". Barclays Premier League. 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  3. "19-årigen inför debuten: "Bara att göra sitt bästa"". Aftonbladet. 19 February 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  4. "En debut som lovar mycket" (in Swedish). hd.se. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2009.
  5. "Helsingborg knockades ut" (in Swedish). Expressen. 21 February 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  6. "Gustav Tägtström: Så krossades Gif Sundsvall - på hemmaplan" (in Swedish). Expressen. 31 March 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  7. "Något är fel – Helsingborgs IF..." (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 20 April 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  8. "Henke efter alla målchanser: Vi har ett otroligt oflyt – jag har ingen annan förklaring" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 20 April 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  9. "HIF straffade MFF i händelserikt derby" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  10. "Nu ska HIF bryta den dåliga trenden" (in Swedish). Helsingborg Dagblad. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  11. "Så ska HIF bli mästare" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 28 July 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  12. "Senaste nytt inför HIF-AIK" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 14 July 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  13. "Fotbollgalans hålltider och nomineringar" (in Swedish). Expressen.se. 18 November 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  14. "Så ska ditt lag räddas" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 2 April 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  15. "HIF kan tvingas rea ut talangerna" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 16 April 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  16. "Örebro fick utdelning till slut" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 20 April 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  17. "Ekstrand avstängd en match" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 22 April 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  18. "Segern lyfte självförtroendet" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  19. "ANALYS: Försvaret har börjat svikta" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  20. "Joel och Marcus förlänger med HIF" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 11 June 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  21. "Inhopparen som frälste HIF" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 24 July 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  22. "Därför förlorade HIF" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 18 October 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  23. "Hannu får bara spela när Joel är avstängd" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 25 May 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  24. "Skadeproblem i HIF inför omstarten" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 4 July 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  25. "HIF orkade inte mot Örebro" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 9 August 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  26. "Skadad Ekstrand missar U21-kval" (in Dutch). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 6 November 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  27. ""Världens bästa målvakt" höll på att straffa HIF" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 14 March 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  28. "HIF störst i derbyt - drar ifrån i tabellen" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 20 April 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  29. "Helsingborg vann toppmötet" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 26 April 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  30. "Joel riskerar missa fler matcher" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  31. "Trots utvisning - HIF vände och vann" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 10 May 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  32. "Allt inför Kalmar FF-HIF" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  33. "Helsingborgs IF tog en poäng på Gamla Ullevi" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 15 August 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  34. "HIF-skador oroar inför omstarten" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 13 October 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  35. "Hannu Patronen med i HIF-truppen" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 30 October 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  36. "HIF vann cupfinalen – läs matchreferatet" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 13 November 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  37. "Många HIF-nomineringar till fotbollsgalan" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 22 October 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  38. "Ekstrand kan vara på väg till Udinese" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 11 November 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  39. "Ekstrand på väg bort" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 2 December 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  40. "HIF förhandlar med Udinese" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 6 December 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  41. "Official: Udinese Sign Joel Ekstrand From Helsingborg". goal.com. 19 January 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  42. "Nöjd Joel andas ut" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 18 January 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  43. "Italien har alltid varit en dröm" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 11 January 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  44. "Ekstrand gjorde sin andra match" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  45. "Ekstrand: "Nu måste jag bjuda på pizza"" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 9 May 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  46. "Ekstrand: Känns helt fantastiskt" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 16 August 2011.
  47. "Udinese 1 - 2 Arsenal (agg 1 - 3)". BBC Sport. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  48. "Nu räknar Joel Ekstrand med mer speltid" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 25 October 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  49. "OFFICIAL: Five New Arrivals". Watford F.C. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  50. "kstrand letar ny klubb" (in Swedish). Helsinborgs Dagblad. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  51. "Joel Ekstrand till Watford" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  52. "Watford's top scorer Matej Vydra fit to face Charlton Athletic". Watford Observer. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  53. "Second goal of Lloyd Doyley's career doesn't hide Watford's defensive frailties at Bolton Wanderers". Watford Observer. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  54. "Charlton Athletic 1 – 2 Watford". BBC Sport. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  55. "Watford's Joel Ekstrand withdraws from Sweden squad ahead of Argentina clash". Watford Observer. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  56. "Watford 2–1 Derby". BBC Sport. 23 February 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  57. "Watford defender Joel Ekstrand believes the Hornets are the strongest side in the Championship play-offs". Watford Observer. 6 May 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  58. Prentki, Tom (12 May 2013). "Watford 3 Leicester City 1 (agg 3–2): match report". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  59. "Jonathan Hogg and Daniel Pudil return for Watford to face Crystal Palace in Championship play-off final at Wembley". Watford Observer. 27 May 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  60. "OFFICIAL: Iriney & Ekstrand Sign". Watford F.C. 24 July 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
  61. "hree first-half goals including a Sean Murray double see Watford beat Bristol Rovers 3-1 in League Cup". Watford Observer. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  62. "Watford come from two goals down twice to draw at Reading". Watford Observer. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  63. "Watford defender Joel Ekstrand admits his injury-hit pre-season was 'very hard' and left him frustrated". Watford Observer. 8 September 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  64. "Joel Ekstrand: Language barrier is not stopping Beppe Sannino getting his message across". Watford Observer. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  65. "Watford's defensive duo should be fit for top-of-the-table clash with Nottingham Forest". Watford Observer. 23 August 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  66. "Gianfranco Zola says the difficulty of Watford's trip to Middlesbrough will depend on the Hornets' performance". Watford Observer. 8 November 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  67. "Watford's Joel Ekstrand forced off against Birmingham City with knee problem but Ikechi Anya injury not serious". Watford Observer. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  68. "Watford are set to be without six players for tomorrow's Championship clash against Charlton Athletic". Watford Observer. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  69. "Watford head coach Beppe Sannino believes putting Lucas Neill straight into his side would disrespect his other defenders". Watford Observer. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  70. "Ekstrand vill lämna Watford" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 4 March 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  71. "Norwich City 3 – 0 Watford". BBC Sport. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  72. "Watford will not be appealing Joel Ekstrand's three-match ban". Watford Observer. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  73. "Watford defender Tommie Hoban: Dealing with competition for places is 'part of the job'". Watford Observer. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  74. "Watford score five against Fulham in special night at Craven Cottage". Watford Observer. 5 December 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  75. "Troy Deeney facing race against time to be fit for Wolverhampton Wanderers clash". Watford Observer. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  76. "Watford's Almen Abdi, Fernando Forestieri and Juan Carlos Paredes could return for Saturday's clash with Blackburn Rovers". Watford Observer. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  77. "Bolton Wanderers 3 – 4 Watford". BBC Sport. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  78. "Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic coy on whether Odion Ighalo is fit enough to start against Fulham". Watford Observer. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  79. "Watford defender Joel Ekstrand out for nine months with knee injury". Sky Sports. 24 March 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  80. "UPDATED: Watford head of medical Richard Collinge discusses Joel Ekstrand, Almen Abdi and Sean Murray's respective injuries". Watford Observer. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  81. "Essaid Belkalem and Lloyd Dyer have been included in Watford's Premier League squad". Watford Observer. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  82. "Troy Deeney and Almen Abdi were interested spectators as Watford's Under-21s left it late to draw 3-3 with Brentford". Watford Observer. 14 January 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  83. "First half penalty sees Watford knocked out of Hertfordshire Senior Cup in 1-0 defeat against Boreham Wood". Watford Observer. 26 January 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  84. "Quique Sanchez Flores says Watford have begun contract talks with Joel Ekstrand but are in no hurry to rush the defender back". Watford Observer. 28 January 2016.
  85. "Joel Ekstrand stresses he wants to stay at Watford but the defender says he hasn't yet been officially offered a new contract". Watford Observer. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  86. "OFFICIAL: Hornets Confirm Retained & Released Players". Watford F.C. 3 June 2016. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  87. "Former Watford defender Joel Ekstrand closing in on Leeds United move". Watford Observer. 10 July 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  88. "Leeds United: Whites decide not to take a risk on defender Ekstrand". Yorkshire Evening Post. 13 July 2016.
  89. "Joel Ekstrand talks about bad experience with Leeds United before signing for Bristol City". Bristol Post. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  90. "Joel Ekstrand: Former Watford defender training with Bristol City". BBC Sport. 6 September 2016.
  91. "Released Watford defender Joel Ekstrand in talks with Bristol City". Watford Observer. 28 June 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  92. "REPORT: ROTHERHAM UNITED 2-2 BRISTOL CITY". Bristol City F.C. 10 September 2016. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  93. "REPORT: BRISTOL CITY 1-1 DERBY COUNTY". Bristol City F.C. 17 September 2016. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  94. "Engvall, Lucic and Brownhill to feature in Bristol City Under 23s showdown against Newcastle United". Bristol Post. 7 November 2016. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  95. "SMITH RULED OUT FOR A MONTH". Bristol City F.C. 11 January 2017. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  96. "Joel Ekstrand lämnar Bristol City" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  97. "Joel Ekstrand: Rotherham United sign ex-Bristol City defender". www.bbc.co.uk/sport. BBC Sport. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  98. "Rotherham United: Millers boss Warne goes easy on Purrington". The Star. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  99. "Rotherham United: Players set for Millers exit, says Warne". The Star. 31 March 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  100. "READ | Eight players released by Millers". Rotherham United Official Site. 11 May 2017. Archived from the original on 11 May 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  101. "Blåvitt backar om Joel Ekstrand, 28" (in Swedish). Expressen. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  102. "Blåvitt ber om pengar – vill värva stjärnan" (in Swedish). Expressen. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  103. "AIK Fotboll värvar Joel Ekstrand" (in Swedish). AIK. 15 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  104. "HIF mönstrar B-lag i genrepet mot Djurgården" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 30 March 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  105. "Helsingborgarna sänkte Estland" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 9 June 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  106. "Joel gör A-landslagsdebut" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  107. "Sverige vann mot Oman" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 20 January 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  108. "HIF:s Joel Ekstrand med från start i matchen mot Syrien" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 23 January 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  109. "INTERNATIONALS: Hornets Called Up". watfordfc.com. 1 February 2013. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  110. "Watford's Joel Ekstrand withdraws from Sweden squad ahead of Argentina clash". watfordobserver.co.uk. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  111. "Sverige föll i Turkiet" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 5 March 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  112. "Joel Ekstrands bästa tid är nu" (in Swedish). Helsingborgs Dagblad. 17 February 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  113. "Ekstrand sparar inte: "Kostade miljonen"" (in Swedish). Expressen. 6 December 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  114. "Defender Joel Ekstrand admits he feels more at home at Watford than at Udinese". Watford Observer. 14 December 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.