Donovan Ricketts
Encyclopedia
Donovan Ricketts is a Jamaica
n footballer who plays as goalkeeper for Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer
. He is also the vice captain of the Jamaica national football team
.
in his native Jamaica. In 2004 he came to England
to sign for Bolton Wanderers
.
initially on a year-long loan in July 2004. He spent most of his first season in English football as understudy to Australian Paul Henderson
before he finally made his debut in April 2005 and played in the final four games. During the season break he signed permanently on a two-year deal keeping him at City until 2007. He missed nine games because of a broken foot early in the 2005–06
season and was replaced by Russell Howarth
. He regained his place against Port Vale
, before he again missed a game in December 2005 after he was sent off for celebrating a City goal in a game at Southend United
. He was immediately recalled to the side following his suspension, and played the following 80 league games, including as ever-present in the 2006–07
season.
His excellent form led to him being called up to the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team, however the nation failed to qualify for the Winter Olympics.
His run of games came to an end when he was dropped in October 2007 after a poor run of form. He was recalled for the game against Brentford
on 3 November 2007 after Rhys Evans
' loan was cut short by injury, playing the next 13 games. He was expected to make a move to Queens Park Rangers
during the January transfer window and was replaced by loan keeper Scott Loach
for Bradford's 4–2 victory over Shrewsbury Town
, but his move collapsed when he was refused a work permit. Despite Ricketts' return, Loach kept his place in the City side for their 1–0 win at Macclesfield Town
, saving a second-half penalty, but manager Stuart McCall
told Ricketts he could still have a future at the club. Loach continued to keep Ricketts out of the team since his arrival on loan from Watford
. And after Ricketts had played for Jamaica
in March 2008, he was stopped by immigration officials at Heathrow Airport and sent back to New York
because he did not have the correct paperwork. Bradford were also told a new work permit application would be turned down. Instead, Ricketts returned to Jamaica to train with the country's under 21 side, before being one of 13 players to be released by Bradford manager Stuart McCall
at the end of the season.
in August 2008, under the management of Dean Weatherly. He lasted only 45 minutes in his return to the Village United side, after he complained of double vision at half-time after he was hit with the ball during the first half of a game with Portmore United
. The game ended 1–1, with Portmore's goal coming from a mistake from Ricketts.
announced they had signed Ricketts for the 2009
Major League Soccer
season. Ricketts also attracted interest from Canadian side Toronto FC
but he opted to join Los Angeles on the advice of his international colleague Tyrone Marshall
, who had played for both sides.
Ricketts enjoyed a very successful first season in Major League Soccer
under Bruce Arena
, leading the Galaxy to the Western Division title. His squad successfully reached the 2009 MLS Cup Final. In that championship final, he sustained a mid-game injury and was replaced backup goalkeeper Josh Saunders
. Saunders filled in well, considering Ricketts started most of the games in the '09 season, but it was not enough to fend off Real Salt Lake
, who won via penalties. In 2010, Ricketts was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
in exchange for allocation money despite Ricketts was protected in MLS Expansion Draft
.
in an international friendly against England
at Old Trafford. Jamaica went on to lose the game 6–0.
Standing at six feet four inches and weighing 92 kg (198 lbs), Ricketts is an imposing figure in goal and has been a big part of the Reggae Boyz programme for sometime now, dating back to the days of former Technical Director Renê Simões
.
Ricketts has not only kept goal for Jamaica at the senior level, but has also done it at various junior levels for his country. He came through the national ranks under the guidance of goalkeeping coach, Paul Campbell. Ricketts is a World Cup veteran, being named to the Jamaican squad that played in the World Cup finals
in France
. However, with Warren Barrett
and Aaron Lawrence
ahead of him in the pecking order, the opportunity never presented itself for him to see any game time.
Ricketts represented Jamaica in all eight of their 2010 World Cup qualifying
matches, where they were eliminated in the third round stage.
Jamaica
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
n footballer who plays as goalkeeper for Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
. He is also the vice captain of the Jamaica national football team
Jamaica national football team
The Jamaica national football team is the national team of Jamaica and is controlled by the Jamaica Football Federation. After decades in CONCACAF obscurity, they gained many fans throughout the world after they qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
.
High School and College
Ricketts attended Herbert Morrison Technical High School where he played on the Dacosta CupTeam.After high school he played for teams such asWadadah and Village UnitedVillage United F.C.
Village United F.C. is a Jamaican football team playing at the top level, the Jamaican National Premier League. It is based in Falmouth.Their current home stadium is the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, which can hold a capacity of up to 25,000...
in his native Jamaica. In 2004 he came to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
to sign for Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
.
Bradford City
Ricketts never played a game at Bolton and instead moved to Bradford CityBradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
initially on a year-long loan in July 2004. He spent most of his first season in English football as understudy to Australian Paul Henderson
Paul Henderson (footballer)
Paul John Henderson is an Australian football goalkeeper who is currently playing for Sydney Olympic.-Club career:Henderson started his career in club football in Australia...
before he finally made his debut in April 2005 and played in the final four games. During the season break he signed permanently on a two-year deal keeping him at City until 2007. He missed nine games because of a broken foot early in the 2005–06
2005-06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
season and was replaced by Russell Howarth
Russell Howarth
Russell Michael Howarth is an English former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.Howarth started his career with the youth system of hometown club York City in 1996 while a schoolboy, before becoming a trainee in 1998...
. He regained his place against Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
, before he again missed a game in December 2005 after he was sent off for celebrating a City goal in a game at Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
. He was immediately recalled to the side following his suspension, and played the following 80 league games, including as ever-present in the 2006–07
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
season.
His excellent form led to him being called up to the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team, however the nation failed to qualify for the Winter Olympics.
His run of games came to an end when he was dropped in October 2007 after a poor run of form. He was recalled for the game against Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
on 3 November 2007 after Rhys Evans
Rhys Evans
Rhys Karl Evans is an English footballer who played for Southend United and is currently on trial at Bradford City, a club he is very much fond of. He is a goalkeeper, who won two England under-21 caps....
' loan was cut short by injury, playing the next 13 games. He was expected to make a move to Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
during the January transfer window and was replaced by loan keeper Scott Loach
Scott Loach
Scott James Loach is an English footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Watford in the Football League Championship, having previously spent loan spells with non-league Stafford Rangers and League Two sides Morecambe and Bradford City. He has played for England at under-21 level, and in August...
for Bradford's 4–2 victory over Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
, but his move collapsed when he was refused a work permit. Despite Ricketts' return, Loach kept his place in the City side for their 1–0 win at Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield Town F.C.
Macclesfield Town Football Club is an English football team. The club was formed in 1874 and is based in the town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The team play its home games at the 6,355 capacity Moss Rose stadium...
, saving a second-half penalty, but manager Stuart McCall
Stuart McCall
Andrew Stuart Murray McCall , usually known as Stuart McCall, is a former footballer who played in central midfield. He played a total of 763 league games during his career, the 13th highest of all British footballers...
told Ricketts he could still have a future at the club. Loach continued to keep Ricketts out of the team since his arrival on loan from Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
. And after Ricketts had played for Jamaica
Jamaica national football team
The Jamaica national football team is the national team of Jamaica and is controlled by the Jamaica Football Federation. After decades in CONCACAF obscurity, they gained many fans throughout the world after they qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
in March 2008, he was stopped by immigration officials at Heathrow Airport and sent back to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
because he did not have the correct paperwork. Bradford were also told a new work permit application would be turned down. Instead, Ricketts returned to Jamaica to train with the country's under 21 side, before being one of 13 players to be released by Bradford manager Stuart McCall
Stuart McCall
Andrew Stuart Murray McCall , usually known as Stuart McCall, is a former footballer who played in central midfield. He played a total of 763 league games during his career, the 13th highest of all British footballers...
at the end of the season.
Return to Jamaica
Having spent the summer, training and playing with the Jamaican international side, he returned to his former side Village UnitedVillage United F.C.
Village United F.C. is a Jamaican football team playing at the top level, the Jamaican National Premier League. It is based in Falmouth.Their current home stadium is the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, which can hold a capacity of up to 25,000...
in August 2008, under the management of Dean Weatherly. He lasted only 45 minutes in his return to the Village United side, after he complained of double vision at half-time after he was hit with the ball during the first half of a game with Portmore United
Portmore United F.C.
Portmore United Football Club is a Jamaican football team who currently play in the Digicel Premier League. The team trains at G.C. Foster College and play home matches at the Ferdi Neita Sports Complex.-History:...
. The game ended 1–1, with Portmore's goal coming from a mistake from Ricketts.
Los Angeles Galaxy
On 23 December 2008, Los Angeles GalaxyLos Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second...
announced they had signed Ricketts for the 2009
2009 Major League Soccer season
The 2009 Major League Soccer season was the 14th season of Major League Soccer. The season began on March 19 and ended with Real Salt Lake winning the MLS Cup 2009, on November 22 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington-Changes from the 2008 season:...
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
season. Ricketts also attracted interest from Canadian side Toronto FC
Toronto FC
Toronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
but he opted to join Los Angeles on the advice of his international colleague Tyrone Marshall
Tyrone Marshall
Tyrone Marshall is a Jamaican footballer who currently plays for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:Marshall moved to the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area when he was twelve years old...
, who had played for both sides.
Ricketts enjoyed a very successful first season in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
under Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena is a former coach of the United States men's national soccer team as well as a former professional soccer and lacrosse player...
, leading the Galaxy to the Western Division title. His squad successfully reached the 2009 MLS Cup Final. In that championship final, he sustained a mid-game injury and was replaced backup goalkeeper Josh Saunders
Josh Saunders
Josh Saunders is an American-born Puerto Rican footballer who currently plays for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.-College:...
. Saunders filled in well, considering Ricketts started most of the games in the '09 season, but it was not enough to fend off Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won...
, who won via penalties. In 2010, Ricketts was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
Montreal Impact
On November 28, 2011 the Montreal Impact acquired Ricketts from the Los Angeles GalaxyLos Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second...
in exchange for allocation money despite Ricketts was protected in MLS Expansion Draft
2011 MLS Expansion Draft
The 2011 MLS Expansion Draft was held on November 23, 2011 as a special draft for the Major League Soccer expansion team Montreal Impact.-Format:* Existing teams were allowed to protect 11 players from their rosters...
.
International
On 3 June 2006 he appeared in goal for JamaicaJamaica national football team
The Jamaica national football team is the national team of Jamaica and is controlled by the Jamaica Football Federation. After decades in CONCACAF obscurity, they gained many fans throughout the world after they qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
in an international friendly against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
at Old Trafford. Jamaica went on to lose the game 6–0.
Standing at six feet four inches and weighing 92 kg (198 lbs), Ricketts is an imposing figure in goal and has been a big part of the Reggae Boyz programme for sometime now, dating back to the days of former Technical Director Renê Simões
Renê Simões
René Rodrigues Simões is a Brazilian football head coach and former footballer.- Coaching career :Born in Rio de Janeiro, he guided Jamaica to the World Cup in France in 1998...
.
Ricketts has not only kept goal for Jamaica at the senior level, but has also done it at various junior levels for his country. He came through the national ranks under the guidance of goalkeeping coach, Paul Campbell. Ricketts is a World Cup veteran, being named to the Jamaican squad that played in the World Cup finals
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. However, with Warren Barrett
Warren Barrett
Warren Barrett is a retired Jamaican football goalkeeper.Nicknamed 'Boopie', he played mostly for Violet Kickers F.C., but also played one season for Wadadah F.C. in the 1999/2000 season....
and Aaron Lawrence
Aaron Lawrence (footballer)
Aaron Lawrence in Jamaica was a professional footballer, he has since retired. During his career he played as a goalkeeper, making over 60 appearances for Jamaica.-Club career:...
ahead of him in the pecking order, the opportunity never presented itself for him to see any game time.
Ricketts represented Jamaica in all eight of their 2010 World Cup qualifying
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONCACAF)
The CONCACAF qualification stage for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa consisted of 35 national teams competing for the three berths given automatically to CONCACAF by FIFA. The United States, Mexico and Honduras qualified...
matches, where they were eliminated in the third round stage.
Los Angeles Galaxy
- MLS CupMLS CupThe MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. As the final match of the MLS Cup playoffs, the winner is crowned the season champion in the same manner as other North American sports leagues...
(1): 20112011 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2011 Major League Soccer season was the 99th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 33rd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 16th season of Major League Soccer. The season marked the arrival of two new league clubs, Portland Timbers and Vancouver... - Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
Supporters' Shield (2): 20102010 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2010 Major League Soccer season was the 98th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 32nd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 15th in MLS history. It began on March 25 at Seattle's Qwest Field with Seattle Sounders FC defeating the expansion...
, 20112011 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2011 Major League Soccer season was the 99th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 33rd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 16th season of Major League Soccer. The season marked the arrival of two new league clubs, Portland Timbers and Vancouver... - Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
Western Conference Championship (2): 20092009 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2009 Major League Soccer season was the 14th season of Major League Soccer. The season began on March 19 and ended with Real Salt Lake winning the MLS Cup 2009, on November 22 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington-Changes from the 2008 season:...
, 20112011 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2011 Major League Soccer season was the 99th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 33rd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 16th season of Major League Soccer. The season marked the arrival of two new league clubs, Portland Timbers and Vancouver...