Marco Gabbiadini
Encyclopedia
Marco Gabbiadini is an English
former footballer whose career lasted 18 years from 1985 to 2003. He totalled nearly £3 million in transfer fee
s and played for 12 different clubs, scoring a total of 226 league goals.
mother and an Italian
father in Nottingham
, and was educated at Nunthorpe Grammar School in York. He started his professional career at York City
after being signed as an apprentice by Denis Smith
at the age of 16 in 1982. His talent was spotted immediately and shortly afterwards he was quickly drafted into the England Under 18
team in order to avoid being tied to playing for Italy
, the birthplace of his father. By the time Gabbiadini was 17 he had made his York City debut in the 3–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers
. From then on he quickly established himself in the first team and went onto notch 18 goals in 50 starts and 21 sub appearances for the Minstermen. He also scored his first hat-trick at the age of 18 during York's 4–1 Freight Rover Trophy victory against Darlington
.
for a transfer fee of £80,000. Sunderland had been relegated to Third Division
and needed a goalscorer to help fire them back to Second Division
and Gabbiadini was seen by Smith as the perfect signing. Despite this Gabbiadini's signing was seen as risky, as in order to raise funds to sign him, Smith had to sell one of Sunderland's most popular players, midfielder Mark Proctor
, to Sheffield Wednesday
. Gabbiadini made his Sunderland debut in the 2–0 defeat to Chester City
. In the match after, he scored his first two goals against Fulham
. He would quickly establish himself as a key player and a crowd favourite for Sunderland by scoring on a regular basis. In his first season at the club Gabbiadini scored 21 goals in 31 appearances to help fire Sunderland to the Third Division championship and he became such an important player that manager Denis Smith once said, "If I agreed to sell Marco, then I might as well sack myself". Gabbiadini's form for Sunderland earned him a place in the England under-20 team and he went on tour with them in Brazil
.
Gabbiadini's second season at Sunderland was just as successful in the Second Division and he proved that he could score at a higher level. However his disciplinary record was brought to light as he received his first red card in the FA Cup
replay defeat to Oxford United
. Gabbiadini's red card was blamed for Sunderland's defeat as it made them a man down and put them at a disadvantage. Months later, Gabbiadini's discipline would once against be put under the spot light when he lashed out and assaulted an Ipswich Town
player while celebrating a hat-trick. Despite missing 11 games through suspension Gabbiadini finished as Sunderland's top scorer, notching 18 goals. He also became Sunderland's first player to win the North East
Player of the Year award, which was decided by football writers.
Next season would see his form continue as Sunderland followed up their previous year with another promotion challenge, and Gabbiadini contributed with a lot of goals.
Gabbiadini found it more difficult in the First Division
and he would struggle to score as regularly as previous seasons. He notched just 9 goals in 31 games, which at the time was his lowest total for any club and Sunderland were relegated. Despite his lack of form, Gabbiadini still managed to get a call up to the England B
squad.
season, Gabbiadini was sold to Crystal Palace
for a club record transfer fee of £1.8 million. He was seen as a replacement for Ian Wright
, who joined Arsenal
for £2.5 million in September 1991.
for £1 million four months later, which made Derby the third club that he had played for in the space of a season. In its bid to mount a serious promotion challenge, Derby County invested heavily in players around the period of Gabbiadini's arrival. Gabbiadini's first full season at the Baseball Ground
, saw him featuring up-front alongside fellow million pound and strikers Paul Kitson
and Tommy Johnson, signings from Leicester City and Notts County, respectively. During Gabbiadini's first full season at Derby, he was named Derby's Player of the Year. He would become an established first team player for Derby up until the team got promoted to the Premiership
.
In order to survive relegation Derby sought to bring in new players and Gabbiadini found his first team opportunities limited and he was also hampered by knee injuries. He played just 14 games for the rams and saw himself being loaned out to Birmingham City
and Oxford United
. His loan spell at Birmingham was cut short after he suffered another injury.
on a monthly basis. Gabbiadini failed to impress for Stoke and scored just once in nine appearances and he was not offered a permanent contract.
in order to resurrect his career. However while at York he only made 7 appearances, scoring just one goal. York manager, Alan Little, told the board that Gabbiadini was "past his best" and they decided not to offer him an extended contract.
, where he spent a further two-years of his career. Gabbiadini was an immediate success for Darlington and he went on to score more than 50 goals for the club. During his second season, Gabbiadini helped Darlington reach the play-offs. However after the first semi-final leg against Hartlepool
, Gabbiadini was assaulted by a fan. During that season he was also named as Sky Sports
Division Three Player of the Season and he would later be named as Darlington's greatest ever player. Despite his success at Darlington, Gabbiadini decided to leave the club in order to play at a higher level with Northampton Town
.
at Ninian Park
where he managed to score from the halfway line. However, he only managed to score six league goals. During the next two seasons for Northampton, injuries stalled Gabbiadini's progress and he would find it more difficult to establish himself as a regular first team player. He also found himself often used as a midfield rather than as a striker. At the end of Gabbiadini's third season his contract was not renewed despite him scoring 14 goals and finishing as Northampton's top scorer. Gabbiadini participated in over 100 league and cup games for Northampton and scored over 30 goals.
, who offered him a contract and even let him train with them. However, Gabbiadini decided to sign for arch rivals Hartlepool United
instead. Gabbiadini's signing was initially met with discontent as a Hartlepool fan had previously assaulted him and he was considered an enemy of the club. However, Gabbiadini won the fans over by scoring seven goals in 12 starts and six substitute appearances. His final two goals were in Hartlepool's 4–0 FA Cup victory over Whitby Town
. Gabbiadini then suffered knee injuries and was advised by doctors not to continue playing and was then denied to play against his old club Sunderland
in Hartlepool's FA Cup match. Gabbiadini announced his retirement in January 2004 after making over 750 appearances in all competitions.
with his family. The hotel won Guest House of the Year in the 1999 at the York Tourism Awards. Gabbiadini has also hinted that he would be interested in television work and was a Sky pundit for Hartlepool's play-off match against Bristol City
in 2004.
Since August 2009, Gabbiadini has co-presented Total Sport on BBC Newcastle with Simon Pryde and John Anderson
. The show is on air every weeknight between 5:30 and 7:30.
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...
former footballer whose career lasted 18 years from 1985 to 2003. He totalled nearly £3 million in transfer fee
Fee
A fee is the price one pays as remuneration for services. Fees usually allow for overhead, wages, costs, and markup.Traditionally, professionals in Great Britain received a fee in contradistinction to a payment, salary, or wage, and would often use guineas rather than pounds as units of account...
s and played for 12 different clubs, scoring a total of 226 league goals.
York City
Marco Gabbiadini was born to an EnglishEnglish people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
mother and an Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
father in Nottingham
Nottingham
Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group...
, and was educated at Nunthorpe Grammar School in York. He started his professional career at York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
after being signed as an apprentice by Denis Smith
Denis Smith (football manager)
Denis Smith is an English football manager and former player.-Playing career:Smith began his playing career with Stoke City on leaving school in 1963 and played 488 games for the club until hanging up his boots in 1982 having scored 41 goals. During his time at Stoke he helped them to League Cup...
at the age of 16 in 1982. His talent was spotted immediately and shortly afterwards he was quickly drafted into the England Under 18
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...
team in order to avoid being tied to playing for Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
, the birthplace of his father. By the time Gabbiadini was 17 he had made his York City debut in the 3–0 defeat to 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....
. From then on he quickly established himself in the first team and went onto notch 18 goals in 50 starts and 21 sub appearances for the Minstermen. He also scored his first hat-trick at the age of 18 during York's 4–1 Freight Rover Trophy victory against Darlington
Darlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
.
Sunderland
However the departure of manager and mentor Denis Smith would see him leave York in order to follow Denis Smith to SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
for a transfer fee of £80,000. Sunderland had been relegated to Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
and needed a goalscorer to help fire them back to Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
and Gabbiadini was seen by Smith as the perfect signing. Despite this Gabbiadini's signing was seen as risky, as in order to raise funds to sign him, Smith had to sell one of Sunderland's most popular players, midfielder Mark Proctor
Mark Proctor (footballer)
Mark Proctor is an English former footballer and former football manager. He is currently first team coach of Middlesbrough.-Playing career:...
, to Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
. Gabbiadini made his Sunderland debut in the 2–0 defeat to 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...
. In the match after, he scored his first two goals against Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
. He would quickly establish himself as a key player and a crowd favourite for Sunderland by scoring on a regular basis. In his first season at the club Gabbiadini scored 21 goals in 31 appearances to help fire Sunderland to the Third Division championship and he became such an important player that manager Denis Smith once said, "If I agreed to sell Marco, then I might as well sack myself". Gabbiadini's form for Sunderland earned him a place in the England under-20 team and he went on tour with them in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.
Gabbiadini's second season at Sunderland was just as successful in the Second Division and he proved that he could score at a higher level. However his disciplinary record was brought to light as he received his first red card in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
replay defeat to Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
. Gabbiadini's red card was blamed for Sunderland's defeat as it made them a man down and put them at a disadvantage. Months later, Gabbiadini's discipline would once against be put under the spot light when he lashed out and assaulted an Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
player while celebrating a hat-trick. Despite missing 11 games through suspension Gabbiadini finished as Sunderland's top scorer, notching 18 goals. He also became Sunderland's first player to win the North East
North East England
North East England is one of the nine official regions of England. It covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside . The only cities in the region are Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland...
Player of the Year award, which was decided by football writers.
Next season would see his form continue as Sunderland followed up their previous year with another promotion challenge, and Gabbiadini contributed with a lot of goals.
Gabbiadini found it more difficult in the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
and he would struggle to score as regularly as previous seasons. He notched just 9 goals in 31 games, which at the time was his lowest total for any club and Sunderland were relegated. Despite his lack of form, Gabbiadini still managed to get a call up to the England B
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...
squad.
Crystal Palace
Shortly after the start of the 1991–921991-92 in English football
- First Division :The last-ever league championship before the creation of the Premier League was won by Leeds United who overhauled Manchester United thanks to the efforts of, among others, Gordon Strachan, Lee Chapman, David Batty, Gary Speed and Gary McAllister...
season, Gabbiadini was sold to 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...
for a club record transfer fee of £1.8 million. He was seen as a replacement for Ian Wright
Ian Wright
Ian Edward Wright, MBE is a retired English footballer turned television and radio personality.Wright enjoyed success with London clubs Crystal Palace and Arsenal, spending six years with the former and seven years with the latter. With Arsenal he has lifted the Premier League title and both major...
, who joined 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...
for £2.5 million in September 1991.
Derby County
However, Gabbiadini failed to live up to expectation and he made just 25 starts and scored just seven goals before transferring to Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
for £1 million four months later, which made Derby the third club that he had played for in the space of a season. In its bid to mount a serious promotion challenge, Derby County invested heavily in players around the period of Gabbiadini's arrival. Gabbiadini's first full season at the Baseball Ground
Baseball Ground
The Baseball Ground was a stadium in Derby, England. It was first used for baseball as the home of Derby County Baseball Club from 1890 until 1898 and then for football as the home of Derby County from 1895 until 1997. It was commonly referred to as the "BBG".As the name suggests, the stadium was...
, saw him featuring up-front alongside fellow million pound and strikers Paul Kitson
Paul Kitson
For the English footballer who spent most of his career in the United States, see Paul Kitson .Paul Kitson is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker...
and Tommy Johnson, signings from Leicester City and Notts County, respectively. During Gabbiadini's first full season at Derby, he was named Derby's Player of the Year. He would become an established first team player for Derby up until the team got promoted to the Premiership
FA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
.
In order to survive relegation Derby sought to bring in new players and Gabbiadini found his first team opportunities limited and he was also hampered by knee injuries. He played just 14 games for the rams and saw himself being loaned out to Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
and Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
. His loan spell at Birmingham was cut short after he suffered another injury.
Panionios
Gabbiadini then decided to move abroad and signed for the Greek side Panionios. Despite signing a year contract, he became unsettled and moved back to England.Stoke City
He was then offered a contract at Stoke CityStoke 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...
on a monthly basis. Gabbiadini failed to impress for Stoke and scored just once in nine appearances and he was not offered a permanent contract.
York City
This saw Gabbiadini return to YorkYork City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
in order to resurrect his career. However while at York he only made 7 appearances, scoring just one goal. York manager, Alan Little, told the board that Gabbiadini was "past his best" and they decided not to offer him an extended contract.
Darlington
Gabbiadini then joined his eighth club DarlingtonDarlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
, where he spent a further two-years of his career. Gabbiadini was an immediate success for Darlington and he went on to score more than 50 goals for the club. During his second season, Gabbiadini helped Darlington reach the play-offs. However after the first semi-final leg against Hartlepool
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
, Gabbiadini was assaulted by a fan. During that season he was also named as Sky Sports
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is the brand name for a group of sports-oriented television channels operated by the UK and Ireland's main satellite pay-TV company, British Sky Broadcasting. Sky Sports is the dominant subscription television sports brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
Division Three Player of the Season and he would later be named as Darlington's greatest ever player. Despite his success at Darlington, Gabbiadini decided to leave the club in order to play at a higher level with Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
.
Northampton Town
During his first season at Northampton, Gabbiadini established himself in the first team and played in all of their league teams and scored a memorable goal against Cardiff CityCardiff city
Cardiff City may refer to:* Cardiff city centre* Cardiff City Council* Cardiff City F.C.* Cardiff City L.F.C.* Cardiff City Stadium...
at Ninian Park
Ninian Park
Ninian Park was a football stadium in Leckwith, Cardiff, Wales. Until 2009, it was the home ground of Cardiff City F.C., who compete in the English Football League Championship...
where he managed to score from the halfway line. However, he only managed to score six league goals. During the next two seasons for Northampton, injuries stalled Gabbiadini's progress and he would find it more difficult to establish himself as a regular first team player. He also found himself often used as a midfield rather than as a striker. At the end of Gabbiadini's third season his contract was not renewed despite him scoring 14 goals and finishing as Northampton's top scorer. Gabbiadini participated in over 100 league and cup games for Northampton and scored over 30 goals.
Hartlepool United and Retirement
Gabbiadini's availability alerted his former club, DarlingtonDarlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
, who offered him a contract and even let him train with them. However, Gabbiadini decided to sign for arch rivals Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
instead. Gabbiadini's signing was initially met with discontent as a Hartlepool fan had previously assaulted him and he was considered an enemy of the club. However, Gabbiadini won the fans over by scoring seven goals in 12 starts and six substitute appearances. His final two goals were in Hartlepool's 4–0 FA Cup victory over Whitby Town
Whitby Town F.C.
Whitby Town Football Club is an English football club based in Whitby, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Northern Premier League, the seventh tier of English football...
. Gabbiadini then suffered knee injuries and was advised by doctors not to continue playing and was then denied to play against his old club Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
in Hartlepool's FA Cup match. Gabbiadini announced his retirement in January 2004 after making over 750 appearances in all competitions.
Life after football
Since retiring, Gabbiadini is now currently running a restored Victorian hotel in YorkYork
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
with his family. The hotel won Guest House of the Year in the 1999 at the York Tourism Awards. Gabbiadini has also hinted that he would be interested in television work and was a Sky pundit for Hartlepool's play-off match against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
in 2004.
Since August 2009, Gabbiadini has co-presented Total Sport on BBC Newcastle with Simon Pryde and John Anderson
John Anderson (Irish footballer)
John Christopher Patrick Anderson is a former Irish international footballer who played as a defender. His clubs included West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End and Newcastle United.-Club career:...
. The show is on air every weeknight between 5:30 and 7:30.
Honours
SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
- Third DivisionFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
winner: 1987–88
News Articles
- Marco calls it quits, Evening Press
- Knee problem forces Marco to hang up boots, Northern Echo
- Career Retrospective: Marco Gabbiadini, PoolsOnline.tk
- BBC.co.uk: Gabbiadini quits football