Billy Paynter
{{Short description|English former association football player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Billy Paynter
| image = Billy Paynter 15-08-2015 1.jpg
| caption = Paynter playing for Hartlepool United in 2015
| fullname = William Paul Paynter{{Hugman|15460|access-date=9 March 2017}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|7|13|df=y}}{{cite web |title=FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2001/02 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2001-2002/d2/portv.htm |website=footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=24 June 2019}}
| birth_place = Liverpool, England
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}
| position = Striker
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1994–2000
| youthclubs1 = Port Vale
| years1 = 2000–2006
| years2 = 2005–2006
| years3 = 2006
| years4 = 2006
| years5 = 2006–2007
| years6 = 2007
| years7 = 2007–2010
| years8 = 2010–2012
| years9 = 2011–2012
| years10 = 2012–2014
| years11 = 2014
| years12 = 2014–2015
| years13 = 2015–2017
| years14 = 2017
| clubs1 = Port Vale
| clubs2 = → Hull City (loan)
| clubs3 = Hull City
| clubs4 = → Southend United (loan)
| clubs5 = Southend United
| clubs6 = → Bradford City (loan)
| clubs7 = Swindon Town
| clubs8 = Leeds United
| clubs9 = → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)
| clubs10 = Doncaster Rovers
| clubs11 = → Sheffield United (loan)
| clubs12 = Carlisle United
| clubs13 = Hartlepool United
| clubs14 = Warrington Town
| caps1 = 144
| goals1 = 30
| caps2 = 9
| goals2 = 3
| caps3 = 13
| goals3 = 0
| caps4 = 1
| goals4 = 0
| caps5 = 8
| goals5 = 0
| caps6 = 15
| goals6 = 4
| caps7 = 122
| goals7 = 45
| caps8 = 27
| goals8 = 3
| caps9 = 10
| goals9 = 0
| caps10 = 46
| goals10 = 13
| caps11 = 13
| goals11 = 0
| caps12 = 18
| goals12 = 1
| caps13 = 53
| goals13 = 17
| caps14 = 1
| goals14 = 0
| totalcaps = 479
| totalgoals = 116
| nationalyears1 = 2006
| nationalteam1 = Football League England U21
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| club-update =
| manageryears1 = 2023–2024
| managerclubs1 = Runcorn Linnets
| managerclubs2 = Connah's Quay Nomads
| manageryears2 = 2024–2025
}}
William Paul Paynter (born 13 July 1984) is an English football manager and former footballer who was most recently the manager of {{Welsh football updater|ConnahQ}} club Connah's Quay Nomads. In a 17-year professional career in the English Football League, he played as a striker and scored 131 goals in 529 league and cup appearances.
Born in Liverpool, Paynter started his career with Port Vale in 2000 and made over 150 appearances in his six years with the club, being voted Player of the Year in 2005. He was sold to Hull City in January 2006 before moving on to Southend United eight months later. His career stalled, and following a loan spell with Bradford City, he moved on to Swindon Town in August 2007. Averaging more than a goal every three games with the club, he transferred to Leeds United in June 2010. He joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan in October 2011 before taking a free transfer to Doncaster Rovers in August 2012. He helped Rovers to win the League One title in 2012–13. He was loaned to Sheffield United in January 2014. He signed with Carlisle United in June 2014, moving on to Hartlepool United twelve months later. He dropped into non-League football for a brief spell with Warrington Town in November 2017.
After retiring as a player, he moved into coach and has coached at the academies at Everton, RIASA, and Port Vale. He was appointed first-team manager at Runcorn Linnets in March 2023 and stepped down in May 2024. He took charge at Connah's Quay Nomads in August 2024 but was relieved of his duties eight months later.
Club career
=Port Vale=
Paynter started his career at Port Vale after being scouted in his native Liverpool at the age of ten.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Port Vale v Hartlepool: Return means so much to Billy Paynter|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-v-hartlepool-vale-return-means-so-much-to-billy-paynter/story-29947885-detail/story.html|access-date=1 December 2016|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=1 December 2016}} He signed professional forms in 2000, and manager Brian Horton gave Paynter his debut against Walsall at Vale Park on 3 May 2001. At only 16 years and 294 days old, he was the youngest Vale player for twenty years.
Horton went on to give the young striker seven further Second Division games in the 2001–02 season. He scored his first senior goal past Notts County on 17 September 2002, making him the club's youngest goalscorer for 24 years. By the end of the season, he had scored five goals in 34 appearances. Still a teenager during the 2003–04 season, he hit 14 goals in 48 games despite being played mostly on the right wing, leaving him second in the club's scoring charts behind the prolific Stephen McPhee. He was rewarded with a long-term contract at the season's end.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3533937.stm|title=Duo boost Port Vale|date=4 March 2004|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}}
He opened the 2004–05 season by being sent off for over celebrating after scoring Vale's first goal in a 3–2 defeat at Walsall on 7 August; he went on to criticize referee Lee Probert for ruining the game with the red card decision.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale diary: Record start and Aspin enjoys Leeds game with Stoke fans |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-diary-record-start-1871377 |access-date=7 August 2018 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=7 August 2018}} He went on to end the campaign as the club's top-scorer with thirteen goals in fifty games; this came despite criticism from some supporters for a mini-goal drought in mid-season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4243071.stm|title=Foyle pleased with Paynter effort |date=7 February 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} In March, manager Martin Foyle dismissed rumours of Paynter moving to nearby Crewe Alexandra.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/4355377.stm|title=Foyle dismisses Paynter rumours |date=16 March 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} At the end of the season, fans voted Paynter as the club's Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/PortValeVolunteers/0,,10381~2060238,00.html |title=Player of the Year Awards |date=10 May 2011 |work=port-vale.co.uk |access-date=24 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609230455/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/PortValeVolunteers/0%2C%2C10381~2060238%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012}} He started the 2005–06 season with just two goals in sixteen League One games, but had still done enough in his Port Vale career to justify a move into Championship football. The club reported Tony Pulis' Plymouth Argyle to The Football Association for an alleged illegal approach for the player,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/4352296.stm|title=Pulis confirms Vale duo interest |date=18 October 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} but accepted a bid from Hull City.
=Hull City=
In November 2005, Hull City manager Peter Taylor signed Paynter on loan,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/4401546.stm|title=Hull snap up Port Vale's Collins |date=2 November 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} then later negotiated a permanent transfer for an initial fee of £150,000 in the January transfer window.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/4418788.stm|title=Vale's Paynter agrees Hull switch |date=8 November 2005|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} Teammate Sam Collins also moved to Hull at the same time. Again, Paynter mainly played as a striker but also made some appearances as a right midfielder. He scored three times in his 23 appearances before moving on again at the end of the season.
=Southend=
Paynter joined Southend United on a three-year contract on 7 August 2006 for an undisclosed fee,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/5252600.stm|title=Paynter wants first-team football |date=7 August 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} although he actually joined the Shrimpers a few days earlier on loan, to enable him to play in their match against Stoke City.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/5248572.stm|title=Southend swoop for Hull's Paynter |date=5 August 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} Paynter scored his first and what turned out to be only Southend goal in a 3–2 League Cup victory over Brighton,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/5351646.stm|title=Southend 3–2 Brighton |work=BBC Sport|date=19 September 2006|access-date=12 February 2010}} but lost his place in the first-team due to a lack of goals.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/7171323.stm|title=Paynter eager to end goal drought|date=4 January 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} Paynter's stay at Southend was brief, interrupted by a hamstring injury, and on the last day of the January transfer window of the 2006–07 season he was loaned out to Bradford City for a month,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/6317871.stm|title=Bantams get Paynter, Dyer & Youga|date=31 January 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} having made just eleven appearances for Southend.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/6400599.stm|title=Bradford want Paynter for longer|date=27 February 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}}
Paynter made his debut for Bradford City against Nottingham Forest on 3 February 2007, scoring a last-minute equaliser to earn the Bantams a 2–2 draw.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6305199.stm|title=Bradford 2–2 Nottm Forest |date=3 February 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} He played fifteen times for Bradford, scoring four goals, after his loan was extended to the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/6403795.stm|title=Bradford extend Paynter loan stay |date=28 February 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}}
=Swindon Town=
In August 2007, Paynter signed for Swindon Town on transfer deadline day on a three-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/6973434.stm|title=Swindon boss seals triple swoop |date=1 September 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} He made his debut on 9 September, coming on as a substitute in a televised defeat against Yeovil.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6973876.stm|title=Swindon 0–1 Yeovil |date=9 September 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} He hit a hat-trick against AFC Bournemouth on 22 September,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6996404.stm|title=Swindon 4–1 Bournemouth |date=22 September 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} his first game at the County Ground.{{cite web |title=Swindon-Town-FC.co.uk - Billy PAYNTER - Player Profile |url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Person.asp?PersonID=PAYNTERB |website=www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk |access-date=2 November 2022}} He followed this up with a brace against Gillingham in a 5–0 win on 6 October, as a strong partnership with loan signing Simon Cox began to develop.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7019637.stm|title=Swindon 5–0 Gillingham |date=6 October 2007|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} Following Paul Sturrock's departure, caretaker managers David Byrne and Maurice Malpas dropped him over concerns that he had lost confidence following a run of one goal scored in nine games. He was soon returned to the starting line-up after Bradley Orr picked up a suspension. In January, he scored a goal and an own goal in an FA Cup replay with Barnet,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7197842.stm|title=Barnet 1–1 Swindon (aet) |date=22 January 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} before he was sent off in a League One game with Crewe Alexandara for an elbow on Michael O'Connor.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7197690.stm|title=Crewe 0–0 Swindon |date=26 January 2008|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} He was sent off again in March for a deliberate handball against Huddersfield Town and ended the 2007–08 season with ten goals in forty games.
Paynter made 42 league starts in the following 2008–09 season for Swindon, scoring eleven goals and providing vital support for the league's joint top-scorer Simon Cox. His strong play was a good foil for the pace and intelligent running shown by Cox. However, another sending off against Crewe Alexandra tarnished his reputation for new manager Danny Wilson. He did though regain his first-team spot after Barry Corr picked up an injury in January.
Cox was sold to West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2009, and Paynter was given a more prominent role in attack due to his departure. He netted fifteen goals in a seventeen-match run from the end of November through to April. Paynter was named as the League One Player of the Month for January{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/8502000.stm|title=Blackpool's Charlie Adam wins player of the month award |date=6 February 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} – an award he was also nominated for again in March. At this point, Paynter also entered negotiations over a new contract with Swindon. On 3 April 2010, Paynter scored a brace for Swindon in their 3–0 rout of Leeds United at Elland Road – the win gave Swindon some hope of achieving automatic promotion. He had also previously scored twice against Leeds that season in a 3–0 win at the County Ground.{{cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Person.asp?PersonID=PAYNTERB|title=Billy PAYNTER|work=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|access-date=15 November 2010}} Swindon reached the League One play-offs, and won their play-off semi-final after beating Charlton Athletic on penalties – Paynter had missed the first leg through injury, but returned for the second leg which saw Swindon edge into the final at Wembley. He overcame a slight injury doubt and managed to play from the start in Swindon's 1–0 defeat to Millwall, with Paynter being replaced late in the second half. During the 2009–10 season, Paynter also managed to form a formidable strike partnership with fellow striker Charlie Austin, as the pair scored a total of 49 goals between them.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2010/02/the_story_of_swindons_scoring.html|title=The story of Swindon's scoring sensation|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|date=5 February 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 November 2010}} In total Paynter scored 29 goals for Swindon during the 2009–10 season, representing his best goal scoring ratio in a single season. He was named as League One Player of the Month for January 2010.{{cite web |title=Coca-Cola Player of the Month – Season 2009/10 |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/archive/20100501/coca-cola-player-of-the-month-season-200910_2293451_2072307 |publisher=The Football League |date=1 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125235027/http://www.football-league.co.uk/archive/20100501/coca-cola-player-of-the-month-season-200910_2293451_2072307 |archive-date=25 November 2011}}
=Leeds United=
In June 2010, after turning down a new deal at Swindon Town,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8717142.stm|title=Leeds United sign Swindon Town's Billy Paynter|date=2 June 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2011}} Paynter accepted a three-year deal with newly promoted Leeds United.{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20100602/billys-the-boy-_2247585_2063633|title=Billy's the Boy|date=2 June 2010|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|access-date=15 November 2010}} In late July however, it was reported that Paynter would be ruled out for two months after suffering a stress fracture of the shin that he had picked up during Leeds' pre-season schedule. The injury ruled him out of the rest of the pre-season, with manager Simon Grayson suggesting that the club could not provide timescales for Paynter's recovery from the injury. Paynter finally returned to training at the start of September, and played 90 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly,{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101113/becchio-hat-trick-sinks-bristol-city_2247585_2218514|title=Becchio hat-trick Sinks Bristol City|date=13 November 2010|work=leedsunited.com|access-date=15 November 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20100914/good-news-as-united-beat-boro_2247585_2153881|title=Good News as United Beat Boro|date=14 September 2010|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|access-date=15 November 2010}} however, Paynter later suffered a reaction to his injury, keeping him out of action longer than had been expected.{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leedsunited/Leeds-United-Testing-time-for.6548719.jp|title=Leeds United: Testing time for Paynter|date=24 September 2010|newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post|access-date=15 November 2010}}
Having finally returned to fitness and having appeared for Leeds' reserve team,{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101012/paynter-set-for-elland-road-debut_2247585_2181980|title=Paynter set for Elland Road debut|date=12 October 2010|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|access-date=15 November 2010}} Paynter finally made his first-team debut on 10 October 2010, as a second-half substitute in a 4–1 defeat of Scunthorpe United.{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20101030/howson-hat-trick-seals-away-success_2247585_2200860|title=Howson Hat-Trick Seals Away Success|date=30 October 2010|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|access-date=15 November 2010}} Paynter eventually scored his first goal for Leeds in a 2–1 win at Preston North End on 8 March.{{cite news|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110308/united-end-the-tuesday-drought_2247585_2311131|title=United End the Tuesday Drought!|date=8 March 2011|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|access-date=7 August 2011}} Paynter had a disappointing first season with Leeds, scoring just once in 23 games, and was linked with a move to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United during the following the summer.{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_sheffield_united_move_for_paynter_1_3483321|title=Leeds United: Sheffield United move for Paynter |date=7 August 2011|newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post|access-date=7 August 2011}}
Having remained at Leeds despite interest from elsewhere, Paynter came on as a substitute for Leeds on the opening day of the 2011–12 season as they suffered a 3–1 defeat against Southampton.{{cite news|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20110806/united-crash-at-southampton_2247585_2411474|title=United Crash at Southampton|date=6 August 2011|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|access-date=7 August 2011}} Paynter was unable to establish himself in the Leeds first-team however, as he picked up another injury, sidelining him for a further spell.{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_v_hull_city_latest_whites_team_news_1_3682694|title=Leeds United v Hull City: Latest Whites team news|date=16 August 2011|work=Yorkshire Evening Post|access-date=16 August 2011}} At the end of August, Paynter was permitted to speak with Brighton & Hove Albion regarding a move to the club. However, he decided to stay at Leeds and fight for his place in the team.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11741_7147054,00.html|title=Grayson confirms giving striker chance to discuss move|publisher=Sky Sports|date=3 September 2011|access-date=17 September 2011}} With Luciano Becchio returning from injury and the signing of Mikael Forssell, Paynter's playing opportunities diminished further, and manager Simon Grayson hinted that he would allow Paynter to go out on loan.{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds_united_grayson_drops_a_hint_over_paynter_s_future_1_3782977|title=Grayson drops a hint over Paynter's future|newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=16 September 2011|access-date=16 September 2011}}
Having not played since the season's opening day for Leeds in October 2011, reports circulated that several Championship clubs were interested in taking Paynter on loan.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11715_7249280,00.html|title=Championship clubs hunt Leeds striker|publisher=Sky Sports|date=18 October 2011|access-date=18 October 2011}} but Leeds insisted they would not loan him to a rival club in the same division, and were currently considering an offer from an unnamed League One side.{{cite news|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20111020/united-boss-considers-billy-move_2247585_24882557|title=United Boss Considers Billy Move|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|date=20 October 2011|access-date =20 October 2011}} On 27 October 2011, Paynter signed for Brighton & Hove Albion on loan until the start of January 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~2496703,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028231218/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~2496703,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 October 2011|title=Paynter Signs Until January – Brighton & Hove Albion|publisher=Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|date=27 October 2011|access-date=27 October 2011}} He made his debut for the club on 29 October, as a second-half substitute against Birmingham City.{{cite news|title=Birmingham 0 – 0 Brighton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15413516.stm|access-date=3 November 2011|work=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2011}} He played a total of ten games for Brighton without scoring before he returned to Elland Road.
Paynter finally made his first start of the season for Leeds, and his first start under new manager Neil Warnock in mid-April 2012, coming into the side against Peterborough United, scoring twice in a 4–1 home win.{{cite news|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120414/peterborough-live_2247585_2735152|title=United V Peterborough|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|date=14 April 2012|access-date=14 April 2012 }} He was given a second consecutive start in the following game against Blackpool, however, he picked up an Achilles injury in the game which ended his season prematurely.{{cite news|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120420/odeas-days-at-leeds-are-done-boss_2247585_2741976|title=O'Dea's Days at Leeds are done - Boss|publisher=Leeds United A.F.C.|date=20 April 2012|access-date=20 April 2012 }} Neil Warnock subsequently placed Paynter on the transfer list at the end of the 2011–12 season.{{cite news |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120502/eleven-told-they-can-go_2247585_2757295|title=Eleven Told They Can Go|publisher=LUFC|date= 2 May 2012 |access-date=2 May 2012}}
Doncaster Rovers boss Dean Saunders was strongly linked with a move for the striker at the end of July.{{cite news|title=Doncaster Rovers hopeful of signing Billy Paynter|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19016277|access-date=27 July 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=27 July 2012}} However, Paynter instead joined Blackpool for a week-long trial.{{cite news|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/striker-on-trial-for-the-week-1-4789934|title=Striker on trial for the week|newspaper=Blackpool Gazette |date=31 July 2012|access-date=31 July 2012}} The trial was cut short after a few days. He began training with Doncaster Rovers.{{cite news|title=Now Paynter heads from Leeds to Doncaster|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster/now-paynter-heads-from-leeds-to-doncaster-1-4797786|access-date=2 August 2012|newspaper=The Yorkshire Post|date=2 August 2012}} When Leeds issued their squad numbers for the 2012–13 season on 3 August, it was revealed that Paynter, previously the club's number nine, had not been allocated a number.{{cite news| url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120803/new-squad-numbers-announced_2247585_2867955| title = New Squad Numbers Announced| access-date =3 August 2012| publisher = Leeds United Official Website| date = 3 August 2012}}
=Doncaster Rovers=
Following a trial spell, Paynter completed a free transfer to League One side Doncaster Rovers on 13 August 2012, signing a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/7987043/Rovers-agree-Paynter-deal|title=Rovers agree Paynter deal|publisher=SkySports|date=13 August 2012|access-date=13 August 2012}} Paynter scored 13 goals in 40 games during the 2012–13 campaign, and on the last day of the season he provided the pass to James Coppinger which was converted for the late winning goal over Brentford that won Doncaster promotion to the Championship as champions of League One.{{cite news|title=Brentford 0 - 1 Doncaster|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22228814|access-date=28 April 2013|work=BBC Sport|date=27 April 2013}}
On 10 January 2014, Paynter signed on loan for Sheffield United.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United sign Doncaster's Billy Paynter|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25686850|access-date=10 January 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=10 January 2014}} He spent most of his time on the bench as Nigel Clough chose to use Jose Baxter as a false number nine in a highly successful run that took the club up the table and into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Paynter frustrated yet happy at Sheff Utd|url=http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/doncaster-rovers/doncaster-rovers-paynter-frustrated-yet-happy-at-sheff-utd-1-6580299|access-date=18 May 2014|newspaper=Doncaster Free Press|date=25 April 2014}} played 13 games for the "Blades" in the second half of the 2013–14 campaign, without scoring a goal. He was released by Doncaster manager Paul Dickov in May 2014.{{cite news|title=Doncaster Rovers offer deals to eight including James Coppinger|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27447667|access-date=18 May 2014|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=16 May 2014}}
=Carlisle United=
Paynter signed a two-year contract with newly-relegated League Two club Carlisle United in June 2014.{{cite news|title=Carlisle United: Gary Dicker and Billy Paynter join Cumbrians|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28055059|access-date=29 June 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=27 June 2014}} It was reported that he decided to reject higher paid offers from clubs in higher divisions in join the "Cumbrians" after being convinced to come to Brunton Park by manager Graham Kavanagh.{{cite news|title=Carlisle Utd land Billy Paynter and Gary Dicker|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-united/latest/carlisle-utd-land-billy-paynter-and-gary-dicker-1.1144976?cache=cachehiguain%2525253fresourceview%2525253dvideo%2523.u1ij_f_vyhm.twit%2Frk%3D|access-date=29 June 2014|work=News & Star|date=27 June 2014}} However, Carlisle struggled during the 2014–15 season, and after being fined by new manager Keith Curle for refusing to take part in extra training sessions put on for players not in the first-team, both Paynter and Gary Dicker took representation from the Professional Footballers' Association to dispute the legality of their fines.{{cite news|last1=Townsend|first1=Joe|title=Carlisle United: Billy Paynter & Gary Dicker call PFA over fine|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31589744|access-date=6 May 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2015}} He was transfer listed by Curle in May 2015.{{cite news|title=Carlisle United offer deals to six players, with six to leave club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32583851|access-date=10 May 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2015}}
=Hartlepool United=
Paynter had his contract with Carlisle United cancelled by mutual consent and joined League Two rivals Hartlepool United on 27 June 2015.{{cite news|title=Billy Paynter: Hartlepool United sign striker after Carlisle exit|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33299490|access-date=27 June 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=27 June 2015}} He was appointed as club captain by manager Ronnie Moore.{{cite news|title=Billy Paynter named Hartlepool United captain|url=http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/billy-paynter-named-hartlepool-united-captain-1-7391600|access-date=4 August 2015|work=Hartlepool Mail|date=4 August 2015}} He made his debut in the 2–0 win over Morecambe in the first game of the 2015–16 season, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist for Rakish Bingham.{{cite news|title=Hartlepool 2 Morecambe 0|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33744361|access-date=10 August 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2015}} Three days later, Paynter scored in his second game to help Hartlepool beat Fleetwood Town 1–0 in the first round of the League Cup.{{cite news|title=Pools Progress in Capital One Cup|url=http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/news/article/pools-progress-in-capital-one-cup-2611521.aspx|access-date=13 August 2015|work=Hartlepool United|date=13 August 2015}} His total of 15 goals in 35 appearances in the 2015–16 season made him the club's top-scorer and caused new manager Craig Hignett to exercise a contract clause to keep Paynter at the club for another year.{{cite web |title=SMI World · Players |url=https://smiworld.co.uk/players/billy-paynter-2 |website=smiworld.co.uk |access-date=20 June 2020}}{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United boss thrilled to keep 15-goal Billy Paynter |url=http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/hartlepool-united-boss-thrilled-to-keep-15-goal-billy-paynter-1-7895806|access-date=23 May 2016|work=Hartlepool Mail|date=6 May 2016}} He was out injured in January with an Achilles problem, and underwent surgery to correct the issue two months later.{{cite news|title=Billy Paynter: Hartlepool captain out for the season after surgery|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39294720|access-date=14 May 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2017}} Hartlepool were relegated into non-League at the end of the 2016–17 season, and Paynter admitted that he did not know what manager Dave Jones had been doing with his tactics.{{cite news|title=Billy Paynter: I don't know what Dave Jones was doing with his tactics – now we need men to stand up and fight, not freeze|url=http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united/billy-paynter-i-don-t-know-what-dave-jones-was-doing-with-his-tactics-now-we-need-men-to-stand-up-and-fight-not-freeze-1-8508706|access-date=14 May 2017|work=Hartlepool Mail|date=24 April 2017|language=en}} Paynter was one of three men – along with Stuart Parnaby and Ian Gallagher – tasked with assisting caretaker manager Matthew Bates for the final two games of the season, which ended in a defeat and a victory, but ultimately relegation.{{cite news|last1=Kelly|first1=Roy|title=Hartlepool United club captain Billy Paynter says farewell to Pools|url=http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united/hartlepool-united-club-captain-billy-paynter-says-farewell-to-pools-1-8548854|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Hartlepool Mail|date=18 May 2017|language=en}} Paynter was released in May 2017.{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United: Billy Paynter among departures as trio are offered new deals|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39961802|access-date=20 May 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=18 May 2017}}
=Warrington Town=
On 26 November 2017, Paynter signed with Northern Premier League Premier Division club Warrington Town.{{cite news|last1=Turner|first1=Matt|title=Carden boosts Yellows squad with Paynter signing|url=http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/15684980.Carden_boosts_Yellows_squad_with_Paynter_signing/|access-date=3 December 2017|work=Warrington Guardian|date=26 November 2017|language=en}} He had previously been training with AFC Fylde and Southport.{{cite news|last1=Gordon|first1=James|title=Yellows snap up former Leeds and Hartlepool striker - Warrington Worldwide|url=http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/2017/11/26/yellows-snap-up-former-leeds-and-hartlepool-striker/|access-date=3 December 2017|work=Warrington Worldwide|date=26 November 2017}} However, he announced his retirement from football the following month.[https://twitter.com/Official_HUFC/status/940184205975224320 Hartlepool United FC at Twitter]‚ twitter.com, 11 December 2017
International career
Paynter played for a Football League England U21 team (selected and managed by Peter Taylor) in a game against an Under-21 Italy squad containing players from Serie B side's, a match which took place at the KC Stadium in February 2006. Paynter played as a right-midfielder.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4662826.stm|title=Taylor reveals U-21 League squad|date=30 January 2006|work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 November 2010}}
Coaching career
Paynter was appointed as an academy football coach at Everton in February 2018 and also spent six months as a coach at RIASA.{{cite web |title=Billy Paynter |url=https://uk.linkedin.com/in/billy-paynter-084055173 |website=LinkedIn |access-date=18 June 2020}} He returned to former club Port Vale as the academy's professional development phase lead coach in October 2020.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='A joy to be back' - Billy Paynter's new role at Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/a-joy-back-billy-paynters-4570926 |access-date=3 October 2020 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=2 October 2020}} Interim manager Danny Pugh had to start self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on 18 January 2021, leaving Paynter, Frank Sinclair and Anthony Griffith to take over first-team duties in his absence.{{cite news |title=Vale's Pugh tests positive for Covid-19 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55708274 |access-date=18 January 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2021}} New manager Darrell Clarke kept Paynter on as an assistant in the first-team.{{cite news |last1=Mail |first1=Harry |title=Port Vale announce former striker will assist Darrell Clarke |url=https://the72.co.uk/222951/port-vale-name-darrell-clarkes-assistant-manager/ |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=The 72 |date=19 February 2021 |language=en}} He left the club in May 2022.{{Cite tweet |user= Paynts13|number= 1531551189896204288|title=I would like to wish Port Vale FC and Port Vale Academy all the best for the future. Tough decision, but I've decided to step away from my position.}}
=Runcorn Linnets=
He joined the coaching staff at Northern Premier League Division One West side Runcorn Linnets the following month from his Port Vale departure.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Billy Paynter joins Runcorn Linnets after leaving Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/billy-paynter-back-coaching-after-7214479 |access-date=16 June 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=16 June 2022 |language=en}} On 31 March 2023, Runcorn Linnets sacked manager Dave Wild and appointed Paynter as his replacement.{{cite news |last1=Killen |first1=Stephen |title=Billy Paynter's first words as Runcorn Linnets manager following Dave Wild's shock dismissal - Off The Park |url=https://off-the-park.co.uk/billy-paynter-runcorn-linnets-manager-dave-wild |access-date=1 April 2023 |work=Off the Park |date=31 March 2023}} In May 2023, he was given a new two-year contract as manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk/NSeJi|title=Manager Billy Paynter signs two-year contract|website=www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk|date=9 May 2023|accessdate=10 May 2023}} He announced his resignation on 3 May 2024 following their play-off semi-final defeat to City of Liverpool.{{cite web|url=https://www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk/post/linnets-boss-billy-paynter-resigns|title=Linnets boss Billy Paynter resigns|website=www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk|date=3 May 2024|accessdate=6 May 2024}} Chairman Peter Cartledge said that "the achievement of finishing second in in[sic] Northern Premier League West Division should not be underestimated or go without high praise".{{cite news |title=Billy Paynter resigns from Runcorn Linnets |website=cumbriacrack.com |url=https://cumbriacrack.com/2024/05/07/billy-painter-resigns-from-runcorn-linnets/ |access-date=8 May 2024 }}
=Connah's Quay Nomads=
On 24 August 2024, Paynter was appointed manager of Cymru Premier side Connah's Quay Nomads, following the resignation of previous manager Neil Gibson.{{Cite web |date=24 August 2024 |title=Connah's Quay Nomads appoint Billy Paynter new head coach |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1d70g4lwvyo |access-date=25 August 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Paynter was one of 25 applicants for the role, and was one of six shortlisted for interview.{{Cite web |title=Paynter appointed Nomads' new Head Coach {{!}} Connah's Quay Nomads Football Club |url=https://www.the-nomads.co.uk/news/2024-08-24/paynter-appointed-nomads-new-head-coach/ |access-date=25 August 2024|website=the-nomads.co.uk}} On 13 April 2025, he was sacked after the club failed to reach the play-offs despite reaching the final of the Welsh Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.the-nomads.co.uk/news/2025-04-13/club-statement-billy-paynter/ |title=Club Statement: Billy Paynter |publisher=Connah's Quay |date=13 April 2025 |accessdate=18 April 2025}}{{cite news |title=Nomads part company with head coach Paynter |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqx427wrdv2o |access-date=18 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 April 2025}}
Personal life
Paynter was born in the Norris Green area of Liverpool, moving to Litherland during his early childhood, and is a keen fan of boxing.{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheff-utd/sheffield-united-boxing-fan-billy-is-ready-for-a-chance-1-6578880|title=Boxing fan Billy is ready for a chance|newspaper=The Sheffield Star|date=25 April 2014|access-date=26 April 2014}}
Career statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
Doncaster Rovers
Individual
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Connah's Quay Nomads F.C. managers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paynter, Billy}}
Category:People from Norris Green
Category:Footballers from Liverpool
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Southend United F.C. players
Category:Hull City A.F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players
Category:Swindon Town F.C. players
Category:Leeds United F.C. players
Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players
Category:Doncaster Rovers F.C. players
Category:Sheffield United F.C. players
Category:Carlisle United F.C. players
Category:Hartlepool United F.C. players
Category:Warrington Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:English football coaches
Category:Hartlepool United F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Everton F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Port Vale F.C. non-playing staff
Category:English football managers
Category:Connah's Quay Nomads F.C. managers
Category:Northern Premier League managers