Gary Warren (footballer)

Gary Robert Warren (born 16 August 1984) is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Clachnacuddin. He is also Head of Professional Academy at Scottish Premiership club Ross County.

Gary Warren
Personal information
Full name Gary Robert Warren[1]
Date of birth (1984-08-16) 16 August 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Bristol, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
Clachnacuddin
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2006 Mangotsfield United 164 (11)
2006–2009 Team Bath 111 (8)
2009–2012 Newport County 113 (14)
2012–2018 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 181 (13)
2018–2019 Yeovil Town 26 (0)
2019–2020 Exeter City 1 (0)
2020Torquay United (loan) 3 (0)
2020–2021 Torquay United 19 (1)
2021–2022 Tiverton Town 39 (4)
2022– Clachnacuddin 27 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:09, 15 April 2022 (UTC)

Club career

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Warren's football career began at Mangotsfield United in the Southern League, for whom he played between 2002 and 2006. He rose up through the youth & reserve ranks to the first team and made his debut for Mangotsfield away to Evesham United on 1 April 2003. He played a pivotal role in the team's 2004–2005 Southern League – Western Division championship-winning side. His career record with Mangotsfield totalled 164 appearances with 11 goals.
In the summer transfer window of 2006, Warren went on trial at Bristol Rovers, with a view to permanent contract,[3] but he eventually opted to join Team Bath.

Warren captained Team Bath to play-off promotion and played a pivotal part in the university's rise to conference football. Team Bath folded in his last year and Warren then joined Newport County after interest from a number of clubs including Hereford.

Newport County

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In July 2009, following the disbandment of Team Bath, Warren signed for Newport County, then in the Conference South.[4] He made his debut in a friendly match against Mansfield Town on 19 July 2009.[5] Warren was immediately a regular for Newport and was appointed captain.[6] In the 2009–10 season Newport County were crowned Conference South champions with a record 103 points, 28 points ahead of second-placed Dover Athletic.

During this time Warren was handed the Conference South player of the year and selected as Newport County's Player of the Year for the 2009–10 season.

In the 2010–11 season, Warren was linked with a move to a number of clubs including Blackpool, then managed by Ian Holloway and also a £10k move to League Two side Cheltenham Town. This bid was rejected, with manager Anthony Hudson criticising Cheltenham for their offer, describing it as a 'insult'. Hudson also insisted the club had no plans to sell Warren.[7]

During Warren's time at Newport he was selected for Great Britain in 2009 in Serbia and in China (Shenzhen) 2011 where he finished top scorer and in 4th place and as a silver medalist.

On 12 May 2012, Warren played for Newport in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium – a match they lost 2–0 to York City.[8]

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

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At the end of the 2011–12 season, Warren's contract at Newport expired. Despite being offered a new contract[9] he chose to move on to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[10] For Newport, Warren's departure was the end-of-an-era as he was the last of Dean Holdsworth's team to depart. Upon joining Inverness, Warren said he signed for the club because he 'couldn't say no' to playing under manager Terry Butcher.[11]

In the opening game of the season, Warren made his debut in a 2–2 draw against St Mirren.[12] Two-months later on 22 December 2012, he scored his first goal for Inverness in a 4–1 win over Dundee.[13] In the quarter-final of the Scottish League Cup, he scored his second goal for Inverness in a 3–0 win over Rangers, helping the club to reach the semi-final.[14] In the first part of the season, Warren and his teammates struggled as the club found themselves near the foot of the table, but the fans soon began to see the best of him.[15] His second league goal came in a 3–2 win over Aberdeen on 27 November 2012, followed up two-weeks later when he scored in a 4–4 thriller against Dundee United. In late December 2012, Warren said his future in Scotland was uncertain due to personal issues.[16] However, three-months later, he signed a new two-year deal.[17] Prior to signing the new contract, Warren scored a 'brace' as Inverness beat Heart of Midlothian 3–2.[18]

The 2013–14 season started positively for Warren. Alongside Josh Meekings in central defence and new goalkeeper Dean Brill, he helped Inverness keep three consecutive clean sheets in their opening matches,[19] before eventually conceding in a 2–2 draw against Celtic on 24 August 2013.[20][21] In October, Warren scored his first goal of the season, a header, in a 2–1 loss against Partick Thistle.[22] He then scored in the next match, equalising against Dundee United in the quarter-final of the Scottish League Cup. Inverness CT won through after extra-time to reach the semi-finals.[23] However, in the semi-final against Hearts, he was sent-off. Despite this, Inverness CT won in a penalty-shootout, but Warren's dismissal meant he missed the final through suspension.[24] An attempt to overturn his ban was unsuccessful.[25] On 22 February 2014, he scored in a 1–0 win over St Johnstone, giving Inverness their first victory in Perth in three years.[26] Warren watched from the sidelines in the Scottish League Cup Final against Aberdeen, as Inverness lost 4–2 in the penalty shoot-out.[27] Following this, he made his return to the first team, making forty appearances and scoring three times in all competitions. In May 2014, Warren signed a further contract extension, committing himself to the club until 2017.[28]

The 2014–15 season started positively for Warren. Alongside Josh Meekings in central defence, Warren enjoyed the club's playing style saying it made him a better player.[29] Warren then scored his first Inverness goal on 8 November 2014, in a 4–2 win over Hamilton Academical.[30] He scored his second goal of the season, in a 4–1 win against St Mirren in a fourth round replay in the fourth round replay Scottish Cup, on 2 December 2014.[31] Warren was then sent-off in the last minute of the match against Dundee United after being involved in an incident with Nadir Çiftçi, in a 1–1 draw on 24 February 2015.[32] He was again unfortunate to be suspended for the final of the Scottish Cup, after picking-up a caution in the semi-final against Celtic.[33] After the match, Warren expressed his disappointment that he would be unable to play in a final again, though he accepted the decision.[34] Despite this, Warren assisted a goal for Meekings for the first before scoring the third goal of the game himself, in a 3–0 win over Dundee United.[35] Once again, Warren watched from the sidelines, as Inverness Caledonian Thistle won 2–1 against Falkirk to win the final for the first time.[36] Following the match, Warren celebrated with his teammates and was given a medal.[37] Warren went on to make forty-one appearances, scoring three times in all competitions. He continued to be a stalwart in the side in the following seasons, establishing himself as a club legend.

After being suspended for both the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup, Warren was finally able to play in his first cup final, captaining the club in the Challenge Cup final against Dumbarton He put in a solid performance as the club won 1–0 and he was able to lift the cup as club captain.[38]

Yeovil Town

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Warren was informed that Inverness may not be able to keep him, as his wages were too high and the club had to cut back on costs after a reduced parachute payment after their failed attempt in promotion back to top flight. His exit was not instantaneous, as he was told he could stay on if no club came forward for him. On 28 June 2018, Warren's contract with Inverness was terminated by mutual consent to allow him to join League Two side Yeovil Town on a free transfer.[39] In June 2019, after a campaign disrupted by injury Warren left Yeovil after having his contract terminated by mutual consent.[40]

Exeter City

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On 28 June 2019, Warren joined League Two side Exeter City on a free transfer.[41] On 9 January 2020, Warren joined Torquay United on loan from Exeter City. He was recalled by Exeter on 11 February 2020 and played in the EFL Trophy semi-final against Portsmouth. Warren was released by Exeter City at the end of the 2019–20 season.[42]

Non-League

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In July 2021, Warren joined Southern Football League Premier Division South club Tiverton Town, already at the club as manager of Under-18s.[43] Warren left both of his roles at the club in June 2022 to move back to Scotland.[44]

Clachnacuddin

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On 19 June 2022, Warren returned to Inverness, and signed for Highland League side, Clachnacuddin on a one-year deal.[45]

Coaching career

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In July 2022, having returned to Scotland to join Highland League side Clachnacuddin, Warren was appointed onto the Academy Coaching Team of Ross County, joining as Head of Professional Academy.[46]

Career statistics

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As of match played 2 January 2021.
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Newport County 2009–10[47] Conference South 37 5 0 0 4[a] 0 41 5
2010–11[48] Conference Premier 41 6 1 0 2[a] 0 44 6
2011–12[49] Conference Premier 35 3 1 0 7[a] 0 43 3
Total 113 14 2 0 13 0 128 14
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2012–13[50] Scottish Premier League 31 5 3 0 4 1 38 6
2013–14[51] Scottish Premiership 34 2 4 0 2 1 40 3
2014–15[52] Scottish Premiership 36 2 4 1 1 0 41 3
2015–16[53] Scottish Premiership 25 0 5 0 0 0 2[b] 0 32 0
2016–17[54] Scottish Premiership 33 2 2 0 5 1 40 3
2017–18[55] Scottish Championship 22 2 2 0 2 2 2[c] 0 28 4
Total 181 13 20 1 14 5 4 0 219 19
Yeovil Town 2018–19[56] League Two 26 0 0 0 1 0 1[d] 0 28 0
Exeter City 2019–20[57] League Two 1 0 0 0 1 0 3[d] 0 5 0
Torquay United (loan) 2019–20[57] National League 3 0 1[a] 0 4 0
Torquay United 2020–21[47] National League 11 1 2 0 1[a] 0 14 1
Career totals 335 28 24 1 16 5 23 0 398 34
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearances in FA Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup
  4. ^ a b Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

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Newport County

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

References

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  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Exeter City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 26. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  2. ^ "Gary Warren – Defender – First Team – Exeter City FC". Exeter City F.C. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Warren hopes to seal Rovers move". BBC. 8 July 2006. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  4. ^ "County sign Team Bath skipper". Gazette Series. 1 June 2009. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  5. ^ "County loser in Holdsworth battle". Gazette Series. 19 July 2009. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  6. ^ "FAN-TASTIC – Record crowd cheer County to victory". Gazette Series. 16 November 2009. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  7. ^ "Robins cop Warren bid flack". Sky Sports. 27 May 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  8. ^ 2012 FA Trophy final
  9. ^ "Warren leaves County". Gazette Series. 3 June 2012. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  10. ^ "Inverness seal Warren deal". Sky Sports. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  11. ^ "I couldn't turn down Terry Butcher, says departing Exiles skipper Warren". Gazette Series. 7 June 2012. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  12. ^ "St Mirren 2 Inverness Caley Thistle 2". Daily Record. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  13. ^ "Inverness CT 4 – 1 Dundee". BBC Sport. 22 December 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  14. ^ "Rangers 0 Inverness CT 3: SPL side prove gulf in class as they ease into semi finals". Daily Record. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  15. ^ "Inverness new boy Gary Warren on finally winning over the Thistle faithful". Daily Record. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  16. ^ "Inverness star Gary Warren faces tough talk with wife over future". Daily Record. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  17. ^ "Inverness defender Gary Warren signs a new two-year contract with club". Sky Sports. 6 March 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  18. ^ "Hearts 2 Inverness Caley Thistle 3: Highlanders use their set-piece expertise to put Jambos to the sword". Daily Record. 24 February 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  19. ^ "Warren could prolong ICT stay beyond 2015". Inverness Courier. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  20. ^ "ICT forced to settle for point at Celtic". Inverness Courier. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  21. ^ "Celtic 2–2 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  22. ^ "Inverness CT 1 – 2 Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 20 October 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  23. ^ "Inverness CT 2 – 1 Dundee United (aet)". BBC Sport. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  24. ^ "Heart of Midlothian 2–2 Inverness CT aet (2–4 pens)". BBC Sport. 2 February 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  25. ^ "Inverness to contest Josh Meekings red card". BBC Sport. 3 February 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  26. ^ "Warren wins it for ICT in Perth". Inverness Courier. 22 February 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  27. ^ "Aberdeen 0 – 0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 16 March 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  28. ^ Defender Gary Warren signs new three-year deal BBC Sport. 19 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014
  29. ^ "Inverness brand of total football has helped make me a better player, says Caley Thistle stopper Gary Warren". Daily Record. 16 October 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  30. ^ "Inverness Caledonian Thistle 4 – 2 Hamilton Academical". BBC Sport. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  31. ^ "Inverness Caledonian Thistle 4 – 1 St Mirren". BBC Sport. 2 December 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  32. ^ "Dundee United 1 – 1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 24 February 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  33. ^ Inverness 3–2 Celtic BBC Sport. 19 April 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2015
  34. ^ "Gary Warren: Yellow card rule has destroyed my cup dream – the rule needs changed". Daily Record. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  35. ^ "Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3 – 0 Dundee United". BBC Sport. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  36. ^ Lamont, Alasdair (30 May 2015). "Inverness CT 2–1 Falkirk". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  37. ^ a b "I rattled around s****y grounds in England with barbed wire fences and portakabins.. this is a DREAM for me says Inverness star Ross Draper". Daily Record. 1 June 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  38. ^ a b Crawford, Kenny (24 March 2018). "Dumbarton 0–1 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  39. ^ "Gary Warren: Yeovil Town sign Inverness Caledonian Thistle defender". BBC Sport. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  40. ^ "Gary Warren departs". Yeovil Town F.C. 26 June 2019. Archived from the original on 26 June 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  41. ^ "Exeter City: Defender Gary Warren and goalkeeper Jonny Maxted agree deals". BBC Sport. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
  42. ^ "Exeter City: Dean Moxey and Craig Woodman among eight players released". BBC Sport. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  43. ^ "Vastly Experienced Defender Joins Tiverton". southern-football-league.co.uk. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  44. ^ "Club Statement : Gary Warren". www.tivertontownfc.co.uk. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  45. ^ Law, Danny. "Former Caley Thistle defender Gary Warren signs for Clachnacuddin". Press and Journal. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  46. ^ "Gary Warren joins County Academy". www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  47. ^ a b "England – G. Warren – Profile". Soccerway. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  48. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  49. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  50. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  51. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  52. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  53. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  54. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  55. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  56. ^ "Games played by Gary Warren in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by Gary Warren in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  58. ^ Dulin, David (15 March 2010). "Newport County 2–0 Havant & W". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
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