Andrew Driver

Driver was born in Saddleworth, Oldham, Greater Manchester, but moved to Gullane, East Lothian at the age of eleven.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8731562.stm | title=Andrew Driver receives Scotland eligibility boost | publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation | work=BBC Sport | date=9 June 2010 | access-date=21 November 2011}} He began playing for Hutchison Vale AFC{{cite web | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/scotland/2009/10/13/andy-driver-just-another-product-of-incredible-hutchison-vale-youth-set-up-86908-21743408/ | title=Andy Driver just another product of incredible Hutchison Vale youth set-up | publisher=Daily Record | date=13 October 2009 | access-date=21 November 2011}} in Edinburgh, from where he joined the Hearts youth academy.

He first made his mark on Hearts' first team during a pre-season tour of Austria in 2006, where he started all three friendlies, creating four goals in the process with his direct play and crossing ability. In August 2006 Driver signed a five-year extension to his contract with Hearts, committing him to the club until 2011. He made his home debut in the league on 26 August 2006 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, coming on as a substitute with 15 minutes to go and scoring four minutes later.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/5284746.stm | title=Hearts 4-1 Inverness CT | publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation | work=BBC Sport | date=26 August 2006 | access-date=21 November 2011 | first=Julian | last=Taylor}} Driver also scored a free kick in a 3–1 victory over Celtic at Celtic Park on 29 April 2007.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6598847.stm | title=Celtic 1-3 Hearts | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=29 April 2007 | access-date=29 December 2011 | first=Clive | last=Lindsay}} In July 2008 Driver signed an amended contract with the club for another five years committing himself to the club until 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20080730/drivers-delight_2241384_1354729 |title=Driver's delight |publisher=Heart of Midlothian F.C. |date=30 July 2008 |access-date=21 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202171124/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/articles/20080730/drivers-delight_2241384_1354729 |archive-date=2 February 2014 }}

Driver was the subject of two bids totalling £500,000 from Championship club Burnley in the summer of 2008, which was rejected by Hearts.[http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11781_3690989,00.html Burnley fail in latest attempt to snap up Driver] Sky Sports, 14 June 2008 Coventry City too made a £1 million bid in the 2009 January transfer window, which was also rejected. On 6 July, the BBC reported that Burnley had opened signing talks with Hearts.{{cite news| title = Burnley contact Hearts for Driver| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8135884.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 6 July 2009| access-date =7 July 2009| first=Brian| last=McLauchlin}} Joop Munsterman the FC Twente CEO reported on RVT Oost that Hearts had turned down a £3m offer for Driver.{{cite news|title=Andrew Driver gevolgd door Twente|url=http://www.fctwente.net/home_nieuws.php?berichtID=2597|publisher=fctwente.net|language=nl}} In all five clubs enquired about his availability including Chelsea.{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/chelsea_join_race_to_sign_hearts_star_driver_1_1244026 | title=Chelsea join race to sign Hearts star Driver | publisher=Scotsman | date=8 June 2010 | access-date=21 November 2011}}

In his first appearance on his return from injury Driver made his European debut against Paks in the Europa League scoring the third goal in their 4–1 win.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14321318.stm | title=Hearts 4 - 1 Paks (agg 5 - 2) | publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation | work=BBC Sport | date=3 August 2011 | access-date=21 November 2011}} Despite being fit{{cite web | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/hearts/2011/10/22/raging-hearts-star-andy-driver-out-to-prove-he-isn-t-a-crock-86908-23506253/ | title=Raging Hearts star Andy Driver out to prove he isn't a crock | publisher=Daily Record | date=22 October 2011 | access-date=21 November 2011}} Driver only appeared in seven of the first 20 competitive appearances under new manager Paulo Sérgio and a loan deal was considered,{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/football/hearts/spl_loan_is_best_option_for_andy_driver_1_1963011 | title=SPL loan is best option for Andy Driver | publisher=Scotsman Publications | date=12 November 2011 | access-date=21 November 2011}} but did not come to fruition as Hearts were seeking a fee for the loan.{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/other-sport/driver_s_loan_hopes_hit_by_hearts_fee_demands_1_1980673 | title=Driver's loan hopes hit by Hearts fee demands | publisher=The Scotsman | date=23 November 2011 | access-date=18 December 2011}}

On 16 December the press reported that Driver was due to hand in a transfer request{{cite web | url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/hearts/288374-hearts-andrew-driver-to-hand-in-transfer-request | title=Hearts' Andrew Driver to hand in transfer request | publisher=Scottish Television | date=16 December 2011 | access-date=18 December 2011}} as he no longer wished to play under new manager Paulo Sérgio.{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/sport/football/hearts_manager_banishes_andrew_driver_from_squad_and_condemns_his_attitude_1_2014513 | title=Hearts manager banishes Andrew Driver from squad and condemns his attitude | publisher=The Scotsman | date=18 December 2011 | access-date=18 December 2011}} The following day he was included in the squad as a substitute to face Dunfermline but was dropped after confirming to Sergio that he did not wish to play under him.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16231285.stm | title=Axed Andrew Driver's Hearts future in doubt | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=17 December 2011 | access-date=18 December 2011}} Despite this Driver

was a 62nd-minute substitute against Motherwell the following weekend replacing David Templeton.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/16229691.stm | title=Hearts 2 - 0 Motherwell | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=24 December 2011 | access-date=24 December 2011}}

On 20 February 2013, Driver joined MLS side Houston Dynamo on loan until the end of the season with his contract at Hearts due to expire in June.{{Cite web|last=Lovell|first=Darrell|date=20 February 2013|title=Dynamo seal deal to add Hearts winger Driver on loan|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2013/02/20/dynamo-seal-deal-add-hearts-winger-driver-loan|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Major League Soccer}}{{Cite web|last=Ortiz|first=Jose de Jesus|date=21 February 2013|title=Dynamo acquire midfielder Driver from Scottish Premier League|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Dynamo-acquire-midfielder-Driver-from-Scottish-4295277.php|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Chron|language=en-US}} He made his Dynamo debut on 5 March, making a substitute appearance in a 1–0 win over Mexican-side Santos Laguna in leg 1 of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.{{Cite web|title=England - A. Driver - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/andrew-driver/3128/matches/|access-date=20 February 2021|website=int.soccerway.com}} Houston lost leg 2 3–0, with Driver appearing as a sub. Driver made his MLS debut on 17 March, coming off the bench and scoring once in a 3–2 loss to Texas Derby rivals FC Dallas. On 5 May he scored to give the Dynamo a 1–0 win over the LA Galaxy. He then scored against D.C. United on 8 May in a 4–0 Dynamo win.{{Cite web|title=Andrew Driver 2013 Match Logs|url=https://fbref.com/en/players/e1217d12/matchlogs/2013/summary/Andrew-Driver-Match-Logs|access-date=20 February 2021|website=FBref.com|language=en}} Driver ended the MLS regular season with 3 goals and 1 assist from 26 appearances, helping Houston finish 4th in the Eastern Conference and qualify for the playoffs.{{Cite web|title=Andrew Driver|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/andrew-driver|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Major League Soccer}}{{Cite web|title=2013 Major League Soccer Stats|url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/22/643/2013-Major-League-Soccer-Stats|access-date=20 February 2021|website=FBref.com|language=en}} In the playoffs, Driver made 5 appearances, 1 start, as the Dynamo reached the Eastern Conference Final, where they lost to Sporting Kansas City 2–1 over two legs. During the group stage of the 2013–14 CCL, Driver played twice as Houston failed to advance out of their group. He also made 2 appearances in the U.S. Open Cup during the season.

Rumours circulated that he was to rejoin old club Heart of Midlothian; however this did not happen and he went on trial at then EFL Championship club Yeovil Town.{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/former-hearts-player-andy-driver-on-trial-with-yeovil-1-3269658 |title=Former Hearts player Andy Driver on trial with Yeovil |publisher=Scotsman.com |date=15 January 2014 |access-date=27 January 2014}} On 24 January 2014, it was confirmed that Driver has signed a new contract with Houston.{{cite web|date=24 January 2014|title=Houston Dynamo re-sign midfielder Andrew Driver|url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2014/01/houston-dynamo-re-sign-midfielder-andrew-driver|access-date=27 January 2014|website=Houston Dynamo}}

Driver and the Dynamo opened the 2014 season on 8 March with a 4–0 win over the New England Revolution. He got his first start of the season in Houston's next match, a 1–0 victory against the Montreal Impact.{{Cite web|title=Andrew Driver 2014 Match Logs|url=https://fbref.com/en/players/e1217d12/matchlogs/2014/summary/Andrew-Driver-Match-Logs|access-date=20 February 2021|website=FBref.com|language=en}} Driver ended the MLS regular season with 34 appearances and 1 assist as Houston finished 8th in the East, failing to qualify for the playoffs.{{Cite web|title=2014 Major League Soccer Stats|url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/22/708/2014-Major-League-Soccer-Stats|access-date=20 February 2021|website=FBref.com|language=en}}

On 25 November 2014, Houston declined the option on Driver's contract.{{Cite web|last=Lovell|first=Darrell|date=25 November 2014|title=Houston Dynamo keep their core intact, but decline options on Omar Cummings, Andrew Driver|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2014/11/25/houston-dynamo-keep-their-core-intact-decline-options-omar-cummings-andrew-driver|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129123748/http://www.mlssoccer.com:80/news/article/2014/11/25/houston-dynamo-keep-their-core-intact-decline-options-omar-cummings-andrew-d|archive-date=29 January 2015|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Major League Soccer}} On 8 December 2014, his MLS rights were traded along with a 4th round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by Houston to D.C. United in exchange for Samuel Inkoom and Joe Willis.{{Cite web|date=8 December 2014|title=Houston Dynamo acquire Joe Willis, Samuel Inkoom from D.C. United in exchange for midfielder Andrew Driver|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/post/2014/12/08/houston-dynamo-acquire-joe-willis-samuel-inkoom-dc-united-exchange-midfielder-andrew|access-date=20 February 2021|website=Houston Dynamo}}

On 11 March 2015, it was announced that Driver would join Aberdeen on a short-term deal until the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/5823.php#.VQBhFOHLKh5|title=News|date=12 May 2017|access-date=11 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102405/http://www.afc.co.uk/news/5823.php#.VQBhFOHLKh5|url-status=dead}} He made his Aberdeen debut on 21 March, starting a 1–1 draw with Dundee.{{Cite web|title=Andrew Driver 2014-2015 Match Logs|url=https://fbref.com/en/players/e1217d12/matchlogs/2014-2015/summary/Andrew-Driver-Match-Logs|access-date=20 February 2021|website=FBref.com|language=en}} On 14 May Aberdeen announced that Driver would not be offered a new deal and would leave the club at the end of his contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6095.php#.VVfRCvlViko|title=News|date=12 May 2017}}

In July 2015, Driver signed a one-year deal with the Doetinchem club, who had returned to the Eredivisie following promotion in the 2014–15 season. He made his debut in a 3–0 away defeat against Excelsior Rotterdam.{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/08/29/netherlands/eredivisie/sbv-excelsior/bv-de-graafschap/2039280/|title=Excelsior 3-0 De Graafschap|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=5 September 2015}} He signed a two-year extension with the club on 30 May 2016, even with the club on the verge of relegation to the Dutch second tier.

Driver was previously a Scotland schoolboy international,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8489589.stm|title=English-born Andrew Driver commits himself to Scotland|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|work=BBC Sport|date=5 February 2010 | access-date=21 November 2011}}[https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/driver-steers-select-to-scottish-cup-win-1-952856 Driver steers Select to Scottish Cup win], The Scotsman, 25 May 2002 scoring a goal in a 2–1 Victory Shield defeat by England on 22 November 2002.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

England U21 manager Stuart Pearce called the uncapped Driver up for a friendly match against Azerbaijan.{{cite news|title=Driver set for England U21 call|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8052787.stm|date=15 May 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=9 September 2013|first1=Chris|last1=McLaughlin|first2=Clive|last2=Lindsay}} He was then called up for the 2009 European Championships. He made his debut and only appearance at the tournament in the 1–1 draw against Germany on 22 June 2009 during the group stages.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

He was thought to be eligible to play for the Scotland senior team because of the new residency ruling recently introduced.{{cite news|title=Scots could cap Driver if plan succeeds|url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Scots-could-cap-Driver-if.5023053.jp|publisher=Edinburgh Evening News|date=27 February 2009}}{{cite news| title = Driver could still play for Scots| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8103276.stm| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 16 June 2009| access-date =23 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090619093454/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8103276.stm| archive-date= 19 June 2009 | url-status= live}} He was not called up by then-manager George Burley as Burley stated that it was Driver's choice to officially make himself available for selection.{{cite news|title=Driver must confirm his Scots dream|url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/football/Driver-must-confirm-his-Scots.5723950.jp|publisher=Edinburgh Evening News|date=12 October 2009}} On 4 February 2010, Driver committed his international future to Scotland after face-to-face talks with Scotland manager Craig Levein.{{cite news|title=Craig Levein convinces Hearts winger Andrew Driver to commit his international future to Scotland|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/more-scottish-football/craig-levein-convinces-hearts-winger-andrew-driver-to-commit-his-international-future-to-scotland-1.1003905|work=The Herald|date=5 February 2010}} Only one week after opting to represent Scotland, the Scottish FA informed Driver he was not eligible to play for the national team, as he had not been schooled in Scotland for the requisite period of time.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8513463.stm|title=Driver not eligible for Scotland|date=12 February 2010|via=news.bbc.co.uk}} This rule was subsequently altered to allow Driver to play for Scotland,{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/andrew_driver_delighted_after_he_is_finally_cleared_to_be_picked_for_scotland_1_814807 | title=Andrew Driver delighted after he is finally cleared to be picked for Scotland | publisher=The Scotsman | date=9 June 2010 | access-date=21 November 2011}} although he did not do so.

Driver holds a U.S. green card which qualified him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2014/12/08/d-c-united-acquired-andrew-driver-from-houston-for-joe-willis-samuel-inkoom/|title=D.C. United acquires Andrew Driver from Houston for Joe Willis, Samuel Inkoom|first=Steven|last=Goff|newspaper=The Washington Post |date=8 December 2014}}

{{notelist}}

Heart of Midlothian

• Scottish Cup: 2011–12{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/hibernian-vs-hearts/teams/258813 |title=Starting Lineups Hibernian vs Hearts |publisher=Sky Sports |date=19 May 2012 |access-date=1 May 2020}}

Individual

• Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Month: September 2007{{cite web | url=http://www.cbfootball.co.uk/monthlyarchive.aspx?MonthID=9&SeasonID=1 | title=Player Awards | access-date=3 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117184855/http://cbfootball.co.uk/monthlyarchive.aspx?MonthID=9&SeasonID=1 | archive-date=17 January 2011 | url-status=dead }}

• List of sportspeople who competed for more than one nation

{{reflist}}

• {{WorldFootball.net|andrew-driver}}
• {{Soccerbase}}
• {{Cite web |url=http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/andrew-driver-hearts_2241487_30178 |title=Hearts profile |access-date=7 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108195246/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/andrew-driver-hearts_2241487_30178 |archive-date=8 January 2010 |url-status=dead}}
• {{MLS player|andrew-driver}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Driver, Andrew}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from East Lothian

Category:Sportspeople from Saddleworth

Category:Footballers from Greater Manchester

Category:Scottish men's footballers

Category:Scottish expatriate men's footballers

Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers

Category:English men's footballers

Category:English expatriate men's footballers

Category:England men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Footballers from Oldham

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale F.C. players

Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players

Category:Houston Dynamo FC players

Category:De Graafschap players

Category:Scottish Premier League players

Category:Major League Soccer players

Category:Eredivisie players

Category:People educated at North Berwick High School

Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States

Category:Aberdeen F.C. players

Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Anglo-Scots

Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands

Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

Category:21st-century Scottish sportsmen