Drewe Broughton
Encyclopedia
Drewe Oliver Broughton is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Thurrock
. He has made over 400 senior appearances for 20 different clubs in a career spanning 15 years.
in 1996, where he made nine appearances, and had a one-month loan spell at Wigan Athletic
, in two season. He joined Brentford
in October 1998 for a transfer fee of £100,000 and was sold within a month for the same fee to Peterborough United
. He stayed at Peterborough for just over 2 years, making 35 league appearances and scoring eight goals.
and Stevenage Borough during the 1999–00 and 2000–01 seasons, Broughton joined Kidderminster Harriers
on a one-month loan in January 2001 and then joined Kidderminster on a permanent basis in February 2001. He made over 100 league appearances for Kidderminster, scoring 19 goals, before joining Southend United
in June 2003 on a two-year contract after being released by Kidderminster on a free transfer.
on loan in October 2004, where he scored five goals in ten appearances, and then Wycombe Wanderers
, before joining Rushden & Diamonds
permanently in February 2005, where he made 51 appearances in all competitions in two seasons. Despite Broughton scoring ten goals in the 2005–06 season, Rushden were relegated to the Conference National
following their defeat at Boston United
in April 2006.
Broughton joined Chester City
on a two-year contract in June 2006. He made only 14 league appearances for Chester, and in October 2006, he joined Boston United
on loan in October 2006 for the rest of the 2006–07 season, where he scored eight goals in 25 league appearances, but was unable to prevent Boston from being relegated from the Football League.
in July 2007 after impressing during a one-week trial at the club. After starting just six times for MK Dons, he joined Wrexham
on a one-month loan in January 2008. When his loan spell ended, he played in the their Football League Trophy
semi final win over Swansea City in February 2008 and scored the final penalty in a 5-4 penalty shootout that sent them to Wembley for the final. He then returned to Wrexham for a second loan spell, and scored two goals in 16 appearances for Wrexham before being released in April 2008. He was also released by MK Dons at the end of the 2007–08 season. Broughton joined Rotherham United
on a short-term contract in August 2008. This was then extended to a one-year contract. He got his first Rotherham United
goal in the superb 3-1 victory over Championship side Southampton
.
, Broughton joined permanently in June 2010. On 18 February 2011 Broughton signed on loan for Conference National
club AFC Wimbledon
, causing some controversy owed to his time spent with MK Dons. On 19 February, Broughton scored on his debut after coming on as a substitute in a 5-2 away victory against Tamworth
. His second goal for the club came a week later in a 4-1 home victory over Altrincham
. He was recalled by Lincoln on 1 April due to injuries to strikers Delroy Facey
and Ashley Grimes
In May 2011, he was not offered a new contract after a mass clear out of players following the club's relegation from the Football League
. After being released, Broughton went on trial at Luton Town
scoring two goals in a 4–2 victory over Hitchin
in a pre-season friendly.
as a free agent, having been without a club since being released by Lincoln City. He had shaken off a minor hamstring injury which saw him have to be substituted during two run-outs in pre-season friendlies with Alfreton (against Sheffield United and Matlock Town). He debuted for the club in their 3-1 Conference
defeat at his former club Kidderminster Harriers
on 17 September 2011, scoring a 31st minute penalty before attracting attention for an alleged elbow on Luke Jones
. The incident was missed by the match referee but not by the referee's assessor who later requested a copy of the matchday DVD from Alfreton Town
and, upon reviewing the incident, reported Broughton to the
Football Association who took immediate action and banned him for three games. He returned from suspension to appear in the 5-2 defeat at Grimsby Town
on 1 October 2011 but was sent-off for elbowing Gary Silk
in the 86th minute. After being handed a four match ban for the offence, Broughton was sacked by the club on 5 October 2011, with Alfreton chairman Wayne Bradley commenting that "the actions of Drewe Broughton on Saturday were wholly unacceptable and the club has made a decision to sever relationships with the player. He was a non-contract player and, while we understand his disappointment with himself and his pleas that it was completely out of character for him, we have made our decision and he has kicked his last ball for Alfreton Town".
On 21 October 2011, it was announced that he had signed for Thurrock
.
Thurrock F.C.
Thurrock F.C. are an English football club based in Aveley, Thurrock, Essex. Known as Purfleet until 2003, the club are currently members of the Conference South and play at Ship Lane.-History:...
. He has made over 400 senior appearances for 20 different clubs in a career spanning 15 years.
Earlier years
Broughton began his career as a trainee with Norwich CityNorwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
in 1996, where he made nine appearances, and had a one-month loan spell at Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, in two season. He joined 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....
in October 1998 for a transfer fee of £100,000 and was sold within a month for the same fee to Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
. He stayed at Peterborough for just over 2 years, making 35 league appearances and scoring eight goals.
Kidderminster
After spells on loan at non-league Nuneaton Borough, Dagenham & RedbridgeDagenham & Redbridge F.C.
Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club , informally known as Daggers, is an English association football club based in Dagenham, in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, East London. It was formed in 1992 after a merger between Redbridge Forest and Dagenham...
and Stevenage Borough during the 1999–00 and 2000–01 seasons, Broughton joined Kidderminster Harriers
Kidderminster Harriers F.C.
Kidderminster Harriers F.C. are an English football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire formed in 1886 They currently play in the Conference National and have played at Aggborough Stadium since they were formed...
on a one-month loan in January 2001 and then joined Kidderminster on a permanent basis in February 2001. He made over 100 league appearances for Kidderminster, scoring 19 goals, before joining 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...
in June 2003 on a two-year contract after being released by Kidderminster on a free transfer.
Southend, Rushden and Chester
At Southend, Broughton scored perhaps his most famous ever goal against the club's Essex rivals Colchester United in the League Trophy Area Final of 2004, sending Southend United to the first National Final of their then 98 year history. He did not feature regularly in the first team at Southend and joined Rushden & DiamondsRushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
on loan in October 2004, where he scored five goals in ten appearances, and then Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
, before joining Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
permanently in February 2005, where he made 51 appearances in all competitions in two seasons. Despite Broughton scoring ten goals in the 2005–06 season, Rushden were relegated to the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
following their defeat at Boston United
Boston United F.C.
Boston United Football Club are an association football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. They currently play in the Conference North. The club is known as 'the Pilgrims' in reference to the Pilgrim Fathers, who fled from Boston to the USA and founded Boston, Massachusetts. The club's...
in April 2006.
Broughton joined Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
on a two-year contract in June 2006. He made only 14 league appearances for Chester, and in October 2006, he joined Boston United
Boston United F.C.
Boston United Football Club are an association football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. They currently play in the Conference North. The club is known as 'the Pilgrims' in reference to the Pilgrim Fathers, who fled from Boston to the USA and founded Boston, Massachusetts. The club's...
on loan in October 2006 for the rest of the 2006–07 season, where he scored eight goals in 25 league appearances, but was unable to prevent Boston from being relegated from the Football League.
Milton Keynes Dons
Broughton was released by Chester upon his return, and joined Milton Keynes DonsMilton Keynes Dons F.C.
.Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire...
in July 2007 after impressing during a one-week trial at the club. After starting just six times for MK Dons, he joined Wrexham
Wrexham A.F.C.
Wrexham Football Club are a professional football team based in Wrexham, north-east Wales, who play in the English football pyramid.Founded in 1872, they are one of the oldest surviving football clubs in Britain and the oldest professional club in Wales...
on a one-month loan in January 2008. When his loan spell ended, he played in the their Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
semi final win over Swansea City in February 2008 and scored the final penalty in a 5-4 penalty shootout that sent them to Wembley for the final. He then returned to Wrexham for a second loan spell, and scored two goals in 16 appearances for Wrexham before being released in April 2008. He was also released by MK Dons at the end of the 2007–08 season. Broughton joined Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
on a short-term contract in August 2008. This was then extended to a one-year contract. He got his first Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
goal in the superb 3-1 victory over Championship side Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
.
Lincoln City
After a loan spell during the 09/10 season with Lincoln CityLincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
, Broughton joined permanently in June 2010. On 18 February 2011 Broughton signed on loan for Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
club AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon is a professional English football club that traces its origins to Wimbledon in the London Borough of Merton. Based at Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, the club are members of Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football....
, causing some controversy owed to his time spent with MK Dons. On 19 February, Broughton scored on his debut after coming on as a substitute in a 5-2 away victory against Tamworth
Tamworth F.C.
Tamworth Football Club are an English semi-professional football club based in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire. Nicknamed 'The Lambs', they are currently members of the Conference National, the fifth highest tier in the English league system....
. His second goal for the club came a week later in a 4-1 home victory over Altrincham
Altrincham F.C.
Altrincham Football Club is an English association football club from Altrincham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Conference North, having been relegated from the Conference National at the end of the 2010–11 season.-History:...
. He was recalled by Lincoln on 1 April due to injuries to strikers Delroy Facey
Delroy Facey
Delroy Michael Facey is a British-Grenadian professional footballer. He currently plays as a centre forward for Hereford United...
and Ashley Grimes
Ashley Grimes
Ashley Grimes can refer to:*Ashley Grimes , former Irish footballer*Ashley Grimes , English footballer...
In May 2011, he was not offered a new contract after a mass clear out of players following the club's relegation from the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. After being released, Broughton went on trial at Luton Town
Luton Town F.C.
Luton Town Football Club is an English professional football club based since 1905 at Kenilworth Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. The club currently competes in the fifth tier of English football, the Conference National, for the third consecutive season during the 2011–12 season.Formed in 1885, it was...
scoring two goals in a 4–2 victory over Hitchin
Hitchin F.C.
Hitchin Football Club were an English professional football club based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Formed in 1865 and based at Top Field, Hitchin took part in the inaugural FA Cup competition in 1871–72. Turning professional early in the twentieth century, financial worries were compounded by...
in a pre-season friendly.
Return to non-League
On 8 September 2011, he joined Alfreton TownAlfreton Town F.C.
Alfreton Town F.C. is an English football club based in Alfreton, Derbyshire. The club was reformed after a merger between Alfreton Miners Welfare and Alfreton United in 1959...
as a free agent, having been without a club since being released by Lincoln City. He had shaken off a minor hamstring injury which saw him have to be substituted during two run-outs in pre-season friendlies with Alfreton (against Sheffield United and Matlock Town). He debuted for the club in their 3-1 Conference
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
defeat at his former club Kidderminster Harriers
Kidderminster Harriers F.C.
Kidderminster Harriers F.C. are an English football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire formed in 1886 They currently play in the Conference National and have played at Aggborough Stadium since they were formed...
on 17 September 2011, scoring a 31st minute penalty before attracting attention for an alleged elbow on Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is an English footballer who plays for Kidderminster Harriers. He plays in the position of central defence but can also operate at right back...
. The incident was missed by the match referee but not by the referee's assessor who later requested a copy of the matchday DVD from Alfreton Town
Alfreton Town F.C.
Alfreton Town F.C. is an English football club based in Alfreton, Derbyshire. The club was reformed after a merger between Alfreton Miners Welfare and Alfreton United in 1959...
and, upon reviewing the incident, reported Broughton to the
Football Association who took immediate action and banned him for three games. He returned from suspension to appear in the 5-2 defeat at Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
on 1 October 2011 but was sent-off for elbowing Gary Silk
Gary Silk
Gary Silk is an English footballer who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for Conference National side Grimsby Town. He has previously played for Portsmouth, Barnet, Wycombe Wanderers, Boston United, Notts County and Mansfield Town.-Portsmouth:Born in Newport, Isle of Wight, Silk started...
in the 86th minute. After being handed a four match ban for the offence, Broughton was sacked by the club on 5 October 2011, with Alfreton chairman Wayne Bradley commenting that "the actions of Drewe Broughton on Saturday were wholly unacceptable and the club has made a decision to sever relationships with the player. He was a non-contract player and, while we understand his disappointment with himself and his pleas that it was completely out of character for him, we have made our decision and he has kicked his last ball for Alfreton Town".
On 21 October 2011, it was announced that he had signed for Thurrock
Thurrock F.C.
Thurrock F.C. are an English football club based in Aveley, Thurrock, Essex. Known as Purfleet until 2003, the club are currently members of the Conference South and play at Ship Lane.-History:...
.