Frank Simek
Encyclopedia
Franklin Michael "Frank" Simek (born October 13, 1984) is an American
soccer player who plays for English League One
side Carlisle United
.
, Missouri
, Simek played soccer as a child in the United States
, but did not think of the game as a career until his family moved to London
after his father was assigned to a position at the English office of Anheuser-Busch
when Frank was 12. He was signed by Arsenal to a development contract, but decided to move back to St. Louis, where he played at Saint Louis University High School
, as well as Metro F.C., then under the direction of Dave Fernandez and Dale Schilly
. However, during this time Arsenal called him back to play on the youth team.
While at Arsenal he rose to assume the captaincy of the reserve side, but had difficulty breaking into the first team; he found himself behind Lauren
, Kolo Touré
, Emmanuel Eboué
and Justin Hoyte
in the pecking order. He played a single match for Arsenal, in the League Cup
against Wolverhampton Wanderers
on December 2, 2003.
in the summer of 2005 and made his Sheffield Wednesday debut on the opening day of the 2005–06
season away at Stoke City
. He went on to win a regular starting spot, ousting fan-favourite Lee Bullen
from his preferred right-back position. Simek scored his first goal in his first season at Wednesday away at Millwall
. The goal gave the Owls a 1–0 win and helped them in their battle against relegation. Simek then managed to get his first home goal against Colchester
in the 2006–2007. Simek had managed to gain a regular first team place at Hillsborough became a crowd favourite for his tough tackling and powerful running.
Simek signed a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday on 26 July 2007. The contract will see him remain at Hillsborough
until 2010.
Simek suffered a serious ankle injury playing against Crystal Palace
in December 2007. The injury kept him out of the Wednesday first team for over ten months. He made a slow return with a number of reserve team appearances followed by an appearance on the substitutes bench against Birmingham City on 25 October 2008, and then finally a return to first team football three days later when he came on as a substitute against Plymouth.
on a 2 year contract and joined the squad on 1 July 2010. Since then he has been the solid right back that Carlisle had been searching for in recent years, earning the captains arm band on several occasions.
in 2007, and made his full debut on the international stage on March 28 in a 0–0 draw against Guatemala
in Frisco
, Texas
. He currently has five full caps for his country. Simek came on during the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico
when Jonathan Spector
collided heads with Andrés Guardado
and had to be substituted off. The USA went on the win the match 2–1 off of a volley from Benny Feilhaber
immediately after Simek was substituted on.
He received his first call up since 2007 in the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup
after losing his place to Spector and Steve Cherundolo
. He was called in for the USA's friendly against the Netherlands
in March 2010.
Quarter Final
Second Leg on April 15, 2009, in the match of Arsenal
vs. Villareal
on Arsenal TV Online. He would also regularly provide analysis and commentate on Sheffield Wednesday for BBC Radio Sheffield whilst injured.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer player who plays for English League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
.
Playing career
Born in St. LouisSt. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
, Simek played soccer as a child in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, but did not think of the game as a career until his family moved to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
after his father was assigned to a position at the English office of Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. , is an American brewing company. The company operates 12 breweries in the United States and 18 in other countries. It was, until December 2009, also one of America's largest theme park operators; operating ten theme parks across the United States through the...
when Frank was 12. He was signed by Arsenal to a development contract, but decided to move back to St. Louis, where he played at Saint Louis University High School
Saint Louis University High School
St. Louis University High School , a Jesuit Catholic high school for boys founded in 1818, is the oldest secondary educational institution in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River, and one of the largest private high schools in Missouri. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint...
, as well as Metro F.C., then under the direction of Dave Fernandez and Dale Schilly
Dale Schilly
Dale Schilly is the head coach of A.C. St Louis. He holds a USSF "A" coaching license.Upon his appointment Schilly said: "It is particularly exciting to coach in my hometown, and to create an environment that people want to be a part of."He attended Rosary High School.-Florida International...
. However, during this time Arsenal called him back to play on the youth team.
While at Arsenal he rose to assume the captaincy of the reserve side, but had difficulty breaking into the first team; he found himself behind Lauren
Lauren Etame Mayer
Laureano Bisan-Etame Mayer , commonly known as Lauren, is a retired Cameroonian footballer of Equatoguinean origin, who formerly played for the Cameroonian national team.-Early career:...
, Kolo Touré
Kolo Touré
Kolo Habib Touré is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Manchester City and Ivory Coast. Touré is a central defender. He is the elder brother of Manchester City team-mate Yaya Touré and Makasa's Ibrahim Touré.-Arsenal:...
, Emmanuel Eboué
Emmanuel Eboué
Emmanuel Eboué is an Ivorian footballer who plays for Süper Lig club Galatasaray and Ivory Coast. His natural position is at right back, but he is also used in various other positions. Eboué also holds a Belgian passport.-Early career:...
and Justin Hoyte
Justin Hoyte
Justin Raymond Hoyte is an English footballer who plays for Middlesbrough. His younger brother, Gavin Hoyte, plays for Arsenal in the reserve team. His mother is the British sprinter, Wendy Hoyte.-Arsenal:...
in the pecking order. He played a single match for Arsenal, in the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
on December 2, 2003.
Sheffield Wednesday
Simek joined the Owls on a free transfer from ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in the summer of 2005 and made his Sheffield Wednesday debut on the opening day of 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 away at Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. He went on to win a regular starting spot, ousting fan-favourite Lee Bullen
Lee Bullen
Lee Bullen is a Scottish football player and coach. In a career that has spanned more than 20 years, Bullen has played football professionally in Scotland, England, Australia, Greece and Hong Kong...
from his preferred right-back position. Simek scored his first goal in his first season at Wednesday away at Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
. The goal gave the Owls a 1–0 win and helped them in their battle against relegation. Simek then managed to get his first home goal against Colchester
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
in the 2006–2007. Simek had managed to gain a regular first team place at Hillsborough became a crowd favourite for his tough tackling and powerful running.
Simek signed a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday on 26 July 2007. The contract will see him remain at Hillsborough
Hillsborough Stadium
Hillsborough Stadium is the home of Sheffield Wednesday football club, Sheffield, England. Football has been played at the ground since it was opened on 2 September 1899, when Wednesday moved from their original ground at Olive Grove. Today it is a 39,812 capacity all-seater stadium, making it the...
until 2010.
Simek suffered a serious ankle injury playing against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
in December 2007. The injury kept him out of the Wednesday first team for over ten months. He made a slow return with a number of reserve team appearances followed by an appearance on the substitutes bench against Birmingham City on 25 October 2008, and then finally a return to first team football three days later when he came on as a substitute against Plymouth.
Carlisle United
Simek signed for Carlisle UnitedCarlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
on a 2 year contract and joined the squad on 1 July 2010. Since then he has been the solid right back that Carlisle had been searching for in recent years, earning the captains arm band on several occasions.
International career
Simek received his first call up to the United States national teamUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
in 2007, and made his full debut on the international stage on March 28 in a 0–0 draw against Guatemala
Guatemala national football team
The Guatemala national football team is the association football team representing the country of Guatemala and is controlled by the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala. Founded in 1919, it affiliated to FIFA in 1946, and it is a member of CONCACAF....
in Frisco
Frisco, Texas
Frisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 Census, 116,989 people were living in Frisco up from 33,714 in the previous census. Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2009, and also...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. He currently has five full caps for his country. Simek came on during the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
when Jonathan Spector
Jonathan Spector
Jonathan Michael Paul Spector is an American soccer player who plays as a defender for Birmingham City. He started his professional career in England when he was signed by Manchester United as a teenager, but rarely appeared for the club...
collided heads with Andrés Guardado
Andrés Guardado
José Andrés Guardado Hernández is a Mexican footballer who plays for Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain and the Mexican national football team, as a left winger.-Atlas:...
and had to be substituted off. The USA went on the win the match 2–1 off of a volley from Benny Feilhaber
Benny Feilhaber
Benny Feilhaber is Brazilian-born American soccer player currently playing for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.-Early life:...
immediately after Simek was substituted on.
He received his first call up since 2007 in the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
after losing his place to Spector and Steve Cherundolo
Steve Cherundolo
Steven Emil "Steve" Cherundolo is an American soccer defender who is the captain of Hannover 96 of the German Bundesliga, where he has spent his entire club career. He played for the United States men's national soccer team at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.-Early life:Cherundolo grew up in...
. He was called in for the USA's friendly against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
in March 2010.
Media and commentating
Simek was asked to co-commentate in the UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
Quarter Final
Single-elimination tournament
A single-elimination tournament, also called a knockout, cup or sudden death tournament, is a type of elimination tournament where the loser of each match or bracket is immediately eliminated from winning the championship or first prize in the event...
Second Leg on April 15, 2009, in the match of Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
vs. Villareal
Villareal
Villarreal is a town in eastern Spain, in the province of Castellón.Villarreal may also refer to:* Villarreal CF, a football club based in Villarreal, Castellón...
on Arsenal TV Online. He would also regularly provide analysis and commentate on Sheffield Wednesday for BBC Radio Sheffield whilst injured.
Carlisle United
- Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe 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...
winner (1): 20112011 Football League Trophy FinalThe 2011 Football League Trophy Final was the 28th final of the domestic football cup competition for teams from Football Leagues One and Two, the Football League Trophy. The final was played at Wembley Stadium in London on 3 April 2011. The match was contested between Brentford and Carlisle...