Luke Rodgers
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Luke Rodgers
| image = LukeRodgers (cropped).jpg
| caption = Rodgers playing for New York Red Bulls in 2011
| fullname = Luke John Rodgers{{Hugman|17030|accessdate=9 March 2017}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|1|1|df=y}}{{cite web |title=profile |url=http://pompeyrama.com/pompey-fc-players-648-Luke-Rodgers.html |website=pompeyrama.com |access-date=31 October 2022}}
| birth_place = Birmingham, England{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/compare/story-12972997-detail/story.html|title=How they compare|date=20 July 2011|work=The Sentinel|accessdate=1 August 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001103006/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/compare/story-12972997-detail/story.html|archivedate=1 October 2012}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}{{cite web|title=Red Bulls sign forward Luke Rodgers|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2011/01/red-bulls-sign-forward-luke-rodgers|work=newyorkredbulls.com|accessdate=20 January 2013}}
| position = Striker
| currentclub =
| years1 = 1999–2005| clubs1 = Shrewsbury Town | caps1 = 176| goals1 = 65
| years2 = 2005–2007| clubs2 = Crewe Alexandra | caps2 = 38| goals2 = 9
| years3 = 2007–2009| clubs3 = Port Vale | caps3 = 59| goals3 = 16
| years4 = 2008–2009| clubs4 = → Yeovil Town (loan) | caps4 = 6| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2009 | clubs5 = Yeovil Town | caps5 = 16| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2009–2010| clubs6 = Notts County | caps6 = 46| goals6 = 13
| years7 = 2011–2012| clubs7 = New York Red Bulls | caps7 = 23| goals7 = 9
| years8 = 2012 | clubs8 = Lillestrøm | caps8 = 7| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2012–2013| clubs9 = Portsmouth | caps9 = 10| goals9 = 2
| years10= 2012 | clubs10 = → Shrewsbury Town (loan) | caps10 = 9| goals10 = 2
| years11= 2013 | clubs11 = Shrewsbury Town | caps11 = 6| goals11 = 0
| years12= 2013 | clubs12 = Hammarby IF | caps12 = 6| goals12 = 0
| years13= 2014 | clubs13 = Forest Green Rovers | caps13 = 20| goals13 = 0
| years14= 2015–2016| clubs14 = Sutton Coldfield Town| caps14 = 23| goals14 =12
| years15= 2016–2017| clubs15 = Solihull Moors | caps15 = 3| goals15 = 0
| years16= 2017 | clubs16 = Hednesford Town | caps16 = 6| goals16 = 1
| years17= 2017–201?| clubs17 = Highgate United | caps17 = | goals17 =
| totalcaps = 453+| totalgoals = 133+
| nationalyears1 = 2003| nationalteam1 = England C| nationalcaps1 = 1| nationalgoals1 = 1
}}
Luke John Rodgers (born 1 January 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker.
He played in England's Football League, starting at Shrewsbury Town in 1999. Rodgers spent six years with the Shropshire side and made over 200 appearances as they were relegated and then promoted back to the English Football League. In the summer of 2005, he moved to Crewe Alexandra, where he stayed until a January 2007 switch to Port Vale. Two years later, he moved on to Yeovil Town following a short loan spell. His permanent spell at Yeovil was brief; he soon transferred to Notts County in the summer of 2009, whom he helped fire to promotion in his first season.
He completed a move to Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls in January 2011. In March 2012, he was released by the Red Bulls after his work visa renewal was denied and transferred to the Norwegian club Lillestrøm. He returned to the English league with Portsmouth in August 2012 before joining Shrewsbury Town on loan two months later in a permanent deal the following January. He signed with the Swedish club Hammarby IF in July 2013 and stayed until the end of the calendar year. He signed with Forest Green Rovers in February 2014 and joined Sutton Coldfield Town the following year. He joined Solihull Moors in December 2016, and then Hednesford Town and Highgate United in 2017.
Club career
=Shrewsbury Town=
Rodgers joined Shrewsbury Town at 17. He first established himself as a goal-scorer during the 2000–01 season, as he bagged seven goals in 27 games (half of which were as a substitute). Three of his goals came against Rochdale in a 7–1 romp at Spotland on 24 February.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/1185689.stm|title=Rochdale 1-7 Shrewsbury|date=24 February 2001|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} The 2001–02 season showed Rodgers' potential, as he hit 22 goals in 41 games, this time never being used as a substitute.
In 2002–03 he hit twenty goals in 47 games. Rodgers also played in the club's giant-killing over Premier League Everton in the FA Cup,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2607229.stm|title=Shrews shock Everton|date=4 January 2003|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} but despite this Shrewsbury suffered relegation out of the English Football League having finished bottom of the Third Division. At the end of the season the club insisted that Rodgers was 'not for sale';{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/3106863.stm|title=Shrews block Rodgers interest|date=29 July 2003|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} this was proved to be true when First Division Crewe Alexandra had a £200,000 bid for Rodgers rejected by manager Jimmy Quinn.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/3129937.stm|title=Shrews reject Rodgers approach|date=6 August 2003|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Hull City also had a £200,000 bid of their own rejected, as Quinn persuaded Rodgers to remain in Shropshire.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/2963790.stm|title=Quinn holds Rodgers talks|date=4 June 2003|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Earlier in the season there was also unconfirmed speculation that Southampton had offered as much as £600,000 for the player.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/2319227.stm|title=Rodgers stays put|date=11 October 2002|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/2253787.stm|title=Shrews cool on Saints talk|date=12 September 2002|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}
Despite being limited to 26 league starts in 2003–04, he still bagged fifteen goals in his 41 games. He also scored both goals past Barnet in the play-off semi-final aggregate victory that took Shrewsbury into the play-off final with Aldershot Town at the Britannia Stadium. The final itself went to a penalty shoot-out. Though Rodgers missed his penalty, Town won the match as all three Aldershot penalty-takers missed theirs.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/3713971.stm|title=Shrews secure promotion|date=16 May 2004|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} In 2004–05, his final season with the "Shrews", he managed just eight goals in forty games. However, he had long become a fan favourite at Gay Meadow as he scored 67 goals in 204 appearances for the Shropshire side in all competitions, also managing four club hat-tricks.
=Crewe Alexandra=
Rodgers turned down Shrewsbury's offer of a one-year contract,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/4465067.stm|title=Rodgers rejects new Shrews offer |date=20 April 2005|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} and was initially linked with a move to SPL high-flyers Hibernian.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/4095184.stm|title=Hibs linked to Shrewsbury striker |date=15 June 2005|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Instead he moved to Championship club Crewe Alexandra on a two-year contract for a tribunal-decided fee in July 2005.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/4707979.stm|title=Rodgers signs two-year Crewe deal |date=22 July 2005|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Shrewsbury received £100,000 from the tribunal with two add-ons of £20,000 based on appearances; however, due to his brief spell at Crewe, Shrewsbury only received the first of these. Crewe went on to suffer relegation in 2005–06, and though Rodgers was limited to six goals in his 26 games, he was forced to come off the bench in half of these games.
Despite being popular with supporters,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/5251750.stm|title=Gradi in plea to Crewe supporters |date=7 August 2006|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} he was never a favourite of Dario Gradi,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/6162109.stm|title=Crewe will allow Rodgers to leave |date=8 December 2006|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} and was third-choice behind free-scoring Luke Varney and Nicky Maynard at the start of the 2006–07 season. Rodgers asked for a transfer to a club that would provide him with regular football, and in January 2007, after just 39 appearances and 9 goals, he moved to local rivals Port Vale for a £30,000 fee. This came after he chose to sign for Vale ahead of Paul Sturrock's Swindon Town, who had also agreed a fee with Crewe;{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/6242651.stm|title=Swindon bid for Rodgers accepted |date=8 January 2007|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} as well as Chester City;{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chester/5363066.stm|title=James' nephew gets Chester chance|date=20 September 2006|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} and an unnamed League Two club who offered £40,000 for the striker.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/6204275.stm|title=Rodgers opts to stay with Crewe |date=22 December 2006|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}
=Port Vale=
He got injured after just three appearances for the "Valiants" and only played a total of eight games before the end of the season, though he still managed to score three goals. His first goal for the club came against Crewe in a 3–0 win at Vale Park. During the 2007–08 season, Rodgers was the club's top scorer with twelve goals in 41 games, but famously missed two penalties in Vale's defeat to Southern Football League minnows Chasetown in the Second Round of the FA Cup.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7146937.stm|title=The defeat of Port Vale |date=16 December 2007|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7140212.stm|title=Chasetown dream on after Cup win |date=12 December 2007|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}
Unhappy on the club's bench,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7733778.stm|title=Rodgers is unhappy to be on bench |date=17 November 2008|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} in November 2008 there was talk of Rodgers moving to Yeovil Town, yet the move stalled as the two clubs had difficulties reaching a transfer fee.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/7721834.stm|title=Yeovil want Vale striker Rodgers |date=11 November 2008|publisher=BBC|accessdate=12 November 2008}} However, a loan deal was made which would take Rodgers to Yeovil until the January transfer window,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/7746390.stm|title=Vale's Rodgers moves to Glovers |date=24 November 2008|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} when the club would have the option of purchasing him for £30,000 fee, with a 10% sell-on clause (an offer Yeovil boss Russell Slade described as "the final throw of the dice").{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Rodgers-set-join-Yeovil/article-484642-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Rodgers set to join Yeovil|last=Baggaley|first=Michael|date=19 November 2008|publisher=The Sentinel|accessdate=19 November 2008|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727022259/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Rodgers-set-join-Yeovil/article-484642-detail/article.html|archivedate=27 July 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/7734062.stm|title=Yeovil make last bid for Rodgers |date=17 November 2008|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Despite all this, when January came he was released from his contract by mutual consent,{{cite web|url=http://www.thewonderofyou.co.uk/news/Breaking-News--Rodgers-has-contract-terminated.aspx|title=Breaking News: Rodgers has contract terminated|date=9 January 2009|work=The Sentinel|accessdate=9 January 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203100618/http://thewonderofyou.co.uk/news/Breaking-News--Rodgers-has-contract-terminated.aspx|archivedate=3 February 2009}} having had a disagreement with manager Dean Glover.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7826806.stm|title=Rodgers row behind me says Glover |date=14 January 2009|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Glover claimed the decision was motivated by a desire to free up the wage bill.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7819990.stm|title=Vale terminate Rodgers contract |date=9 January 2009|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}
=Yeovil Town=
Rejecting an approach from Northampton Town,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/7823863.stm|title=Cobblers target striker Rodgers |date=12 January 2009|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Rodgers instead signed with Yeovil Town until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/7829011.stm|title=Rodgers completes Yeovil switch|date=15 January 2009|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=15 January 2009}} He left the club at the end of his contract, having scored three goals in 22 games for the League One club.
=Notts County=
After leaving Yeovil, Rodgers had planned to remain in League One,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/8121923.stm|title=Rodgers wants new League One club |date=26 June 2009|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} but instead signed for Notts County in July 2009 on a two-year deal.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8161936.stm|title=Notts County sign striker Rodgers |date=21 July 2009|work=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=3 October 2009}} Rodgers made a slow start to the season, making eight appearances without scoring, only to break out of the barren spell with a hat-trick past Lincoln City on 29 September.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8271084.stm|title=Lincoln City 0–3 Notts County |date=29 September 2009|work=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=3 October 2009}} He played in 42 league matches for Notts County, scoring 13 league goals in helping the club to gain promotion out of League Two.
At the end of the season it was reported that Rodgers was set to leave Notts County to join former Magpies' boss Hans Backe at New York Red Bulls,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/sport/Rodgers-set-leave-Notts-New-York/article-1991667-detail/article.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505093914/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/sport/Rodgers-set-leave-Notts-New-York/article-1991667-detail/article.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|title=Magpies star set to leave Notts for New York|date=9 April 2010|work=thisisnottingham.co.uk|accessdate=9 April 2010}} a move his club permitted.{{cite news|url=http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2010/04/red-bulls-updates-nielsen-deal-done-rodgers-deal-alive-and-more.html|title=Red Bulls updates: Nielsen deal done, Rodgers deal alive and more|date=15 April 2010|work=soccerbyives.net|accessdate=1 August 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8615866.stm|title=Notts County's Luke Rodgers set for move to the US |date=12 April 2010|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} However, this move was put in jeopardy after his initial application for a US work permit was turned down.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8638115.stm|title=Luke Rodgers' move from Notts to New York collapses |date=22 April 2010|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} Nevertheless, Backe was confident that Rodgers would join the club in the January 2011 transfer window,{{cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/soccerblog/rbny_expects_luke_rodgers_gunnar_Z2OpW0nRY6GfUq7ycIsxjK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020182335/http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/soccerblog/rbny_expects_luke_rodgers_gunnar_Z2OpW0nRY6GfUq7ycIsxjK|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2012|title=RBNY expects Luke Rodgers in Jan., hope to add Jan Gunnar Solli|last=Lewis|first=Brian|date=5 October 2010|work=New York Post|accessdate=12 October 2010}} and after Rodgers had reached an agreement with Notts County for a mutual termination of his contract at Meadow Lane,{{cite web|url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10426~2251404,00.html|title=Rodgers leaves Notts Coonty|date=24 December 2010|work=nottscountyfc.co.uk|accessdate=24 December 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228023804/http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10426~2251404,00.html|archivedate=28 December 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/9320978.stm|title=Striker Luke Rodgers to leave Notts County |date=26 December 2010|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} the move did go through as predicted.
=New York Red Bulls=
File:Luke Rodgers RBNY Section 104 Supporter Banner.png
After a lengthy process, Rodgers eventually signed with Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls in January 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2011/01/red-bulls-sign-forward-luke-rodgers|title=Red Bulls sign forward Luke Rodgers|date=27 January 2011|accessdate=31 March 2012}} He made his MLS debut two months later, in a goalless draw with the Columbus Crew.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/decimated-red-bulls-hold-crew-scoreless-tie |title=Decimated Red Bulls hold Crew to scoreless tie |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502002136/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/decimated-red-bulls-hold-crew-scoreless-tie |archivedate=2 May 2011 }} The following month, Rodgers scored his first two goals and assisted strike-partner Thierry Henry in a 3–0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/rodgers-henry-dominating-red-bulls-trounce-quakes |title=Rodgers, Henry dominating as Red Bulls trounce Quakes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420124731/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-recap/rodgers-henry-dominating-red-bulls-trounce-quakes |archivedate=20 April 2011 }}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9465723.stm|title=Luke Rodgers enjoying life with New York Red Bulls |last1=Cartwright|first1=Phil|first2=Rob |last2=Adcock |date=26 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} For this feat he was named as the MLS 'player of the week'.{{cite news|title=Red Bulls forward Luke Rodgers named MLS Player of the Week for Week 5|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2011/04/red-bulls-forward-luke-rodgers-named-mls-player-week-week-5|accessdate=31 March 2012|newspaper=newyorkredbulls.com|date=18 April 2011}} Rodgers told reporters that "this is the happiest I've been in football."{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rodgers-hits-big-time-Big-Apple/story-12973340-detail/story.html|title=Port Vale: Rodgers hits the big time in the Big Apple|date=20 July 2011|work=The Sentinel|accessdate=1 August 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012165604/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rodgers-hits-big-time-Big-Apple/story-12973340-detail/story.html|archivedate=12 October 2011}} He scored nine goals in 23 league games, as head coach Hans Backe tended to select Rodgers ahead of USA international Juan Agudelo as Henry's strike partner. This was despite Rodgers missing two months of the campaign with plantar fasciitis.{{cite web|title=Red Bulls energized by timely return of Luke Rodgers to starting lineup|url=http://www.nj.com/redbulls/index.ssf/2011/09/red_bulls_energized_by_timely_return_of_luke_rodgers_to_starting_lineup.html|work=nj.com|date=21 September 2011|accessdate=31 March 2012}} His "feisty nature" led him to become a fan's favourite at the Red Bull Arena.{{cite news|last=Bell|first=Jack|title=U.S. Denies Visa Renewal for Red Bulls' Rodgers|url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/u-s-denies-visa-renewal-for-red-bulls-rodgers/|work=blogs.nytimes.com|accessdate=31 March 2012|date=30 March 2012}}
=Lillestrøm=
On 30 March 2012, the New York Red Bulls had to end their contract with Rodgers as he was unable to secure a visa to play in the United States,{{cite news|title=Release Regarding Status of Luke Rodgers|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/2012/03/release-regarding-status-luke-rodgers|accessdate=2 December 2014|work=newyorkredbulls.com|date=30 March 2012}} and the same day he signed a contract with Norwegian Tippeligaen club Lillestrøm SK lasting till the end of the 2012 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/sport/fotball/norsk/artikkel.php?artid=10072740 |language=Norwegian |title=Lillestrøm signerte Henry-kompis |first=Stein-Erik |last=Stormoen |work=vg.no |publisher=Verdens Gang|date=30 March 2012 |accessdate=30 March 2012}} He scored four minutes into his debut two days later, in a 2–2 draw with Rosenborg at the Åråsen Stadion.{{cite news|title=Luke Rodgers fikk en fin debut med nettkjenning mot RBK. - Synd vi ikke holdt ledelsen, sier han.|url=http://www.lsk.no/no/sportslig/a-laget/nyheter/-+Vi+var+et+bedre+lag.b7C_wtjO2_.ips|accessdate=1 April 2012|date=2 April 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403004911/http://www.lsk.no/no/sportslig/a-laget/nyheter/-+Vi+var+et+bedre+lag.b7C_wtjO2_.ips|archivedate=3 April 2012}} However, after failing to cement his place in the first-team, Rodgers and Lillestrøm decided to part ways during the summer break of Tippeligaen.{{cite news |url=http://www.rb.no/lsk-magasinet/article6123003.ece |language=Norwegian |title=Helstad blir LSK-spiller i juli |work=rb.no |publisher=Romerikes Blad |first=Morten |last=Svesengen |date=26 June 2012 |accessdate=7 July 2012}}
=Portsmouth=
On 16 August 2012, Portsmouth signed Rodgers and nine other players on a one-month contract.{{cite news|title=Portsmouth announce 10 new signings on short-term deals|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19284581|accessdate=16 August 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2012}} Five days later, he scored for the club in a 2–2 draw with Colchester United, and also set up a goal for Jordan Obita.{{cite news|title=Colchester 2 - 2 Portsmouth|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19252494|accessdate=5 September 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=21 August 2012}} He scored his first goal at Fratton Park on 4 September, in a 2–2 draw with AFC Bournemouth in the Football League Trophy, before converting the winning penalty in the resulting shoot-out.{{cite news|title=Portsmouth win 4-3 on penalties|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19394756|accessdate=5 September 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=4 September 2012}} Five days later, Rodgers scored a {{convert|25|yd}} free kick in a 3–0 win over Crawley Town.{{cite news|title=Crawley Town 0 - 3 Portsmouth|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19454700|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 September 2012|accessdate=3 October 2012}} Rodgers suffered an injury on his left thigh at the end of September, ruling him out action for three weeks.{{cite news|title=Pompey suffer Rodgers injury blow|url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/pompey-past/pompey-suffer-rodgers-injury-blow-1-4299916|publisher=Portsmouth News|date=26 September 2012|accessdate=3 October 2012}}
=Return to Shrewsbury Town=
On 9 November, he returned to the club where he started his career, Shrewsbury Town, on loan, with the move set to become permanent in the January transfer window.{{cite news|title=Luke Rodgers: Shrewsbury Town sign Portsmouth striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20241644|accessdate=10 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=9 November 2012}} On returning to the New Meadow, Rodgers said that: "People do say 'don't ever go back', but what's the worst that can happen?"{{cite news|title=Luke Rodgers challenged to earn new Shrewsbury town deal|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2012/11/10/luke-rodgers-challenged-to-earn-new-shrewsbury-town-deal/|accessdate=10 November 2012|newspaper=Shropshire Star|date=10 November 2012}} After the move was made permanent in January, Rodgers said that he hoped to stay beyond the end of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news|title=Luke Rodgers wants a longer stay at Shrewsbury|url=http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2013/01/04/luke-rodgers-wants-a-longer-stay-at-shrewsbury/|accessdate=7 January 2013|newspaper=Shropshire Star|date=4 January 2013}} He left the club in March 2013, after scoring just twice in 15 appearances and failing to win a place in the starting line-up in six weeks.{{cite news|title=Luke Rodgers: Shrewsbury Town striker leaves club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21879194|accessdate=21 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=21 March 2013}}
=Later career=
He signed with Swedish Superettan club Hammarby IF in July 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/Article.aspx?id=3500a094-7e27-4e68-b659-a6e9f35dd233 |title=Engelsmannen Luke Rodgers klar för Hammarby |last=Augustsson |first=John |date=9 July 2013 |website=Hammarbyfotboll.se |publisher=Hammarby Fotboll |accessdate=9 July 2013 |language=Swedish |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712114648/http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/Article.aspx?id=3500a094-7e27-4e68-b659-a6e9f35dd233 |archivedate=12 July 2013}} He was one of Gregg Berhalter's last signings before the American was sacked.{{cite news |title=Luke Rodgers' Swedish adventure |url=https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2013/09/luke-rodgers-swedish-adventure/ |accessdate=6 June 2020 |work=onevalefan.co.uk |date=11 September 2013}}
Rodgers signed with Conference National club Forest Green Rovers in February 2014.{{cite news|last=Orchard|first=Pete|title=Striker Luke Rodgers joins Rovers|url=http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Forest-Green-Striker-Luke-Rodgers-joins-Rovers/story-20735970-detail/story.html|accessdate=2 March 2014|newspaper=Gloucester Citizen|date=1 March 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304121310/http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Forest-Green-Striker-Luke-Rodgers-joins-Rovers/story-20735970-detail/story.html|archivedate=4 March 2014}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26419005 |title=Forest Green sign ex-New York Red Bulls striker |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 March 2014 |accessdate=3 March 2014}} He made his debut at The New Lawn on 8 March as a late substitute for Lee Hughes in a 3–2 win over Cambridge United.{{Cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26396567 |title=Forest Green 3-2 Cambridge United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2014 |accessdate=8 March 2014}} He scored his first competitive goal for Rovers in an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie 4–1 win over Gloucester City on 25 October 2014.{{Cite web| url=http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/sport/11559759.Forest_Green_win_FA_Cup_fourth_qualifying_round__El_Glosico__against_plucky_Gloucester_City/ |title=Forest Green win FA Cup fourth qualifying round 'El Glosico' against plucky Gloucester City |publisher=Stroud News & Journal |date=25 October 2014 |accessdate=2 November 2014}} On 1 December 2014, it was confirmed that he had agreed to part ways with Forest Green by mutual consent.{{Cite web| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30283793 |title=Luke Rodgers: Forest Green Rovers part company with striker |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 December 2014 |accessdate=1 December 2014}}
He played for Sutton Coldfield Town of the Northern Premier League Premier Division in the 2015–16 season.{{cite news|last1=Beardmoore|first1=Michael|title=Rodgers' return against Darlington to boost Sutton Coldfield Town for Trophy tester|url=http://www.suttoncoldfieldobserver.co.uk/Rodgers-return-boosts-Town-Trophy-tester/story-28163761-detail/story.html|accessdate=23 November 2015|work=Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer|date=13 November 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116163209/http://www.suttoncoldfieldobserver.co.uk/Rodgers-return-boosts-Town-Trophy-tester/story-28163761-detail/story.html|archivedate=16 November 2015}} He signed with National League side Solihull Moors in December 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=12482|title=Moors sign experienced striker Rodgers|publisher=Solihull Moors F.C.|date=8 December 2016|accessdate=11 December 2016}} He joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Hednesford Town in June 2017.{{cite news|title=Five new faces arrive at Keys Park|url=http://www.hednesfordtownfc.com/2017/06/five-new-faces-arrive-at-keys-park|accessdate=2 June 2017|work=Hednesford Town FC|date=2 June 2017}} He scored one goal in six games for the "Pitmen", picking up one man of the match award.{{cite web |title=Player Stats 2017-2018 |url=https://www.pitmenweb.co.uk/player-stats-1 |website=pitmenweb |access-date=20 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028172233/https://www.pitmenweb.co.uk/player-stats-1 |url-status=dead }}
In September 2017, Rodgers moved to Highgate United of the Midland League Premier Division, making his debut on 30 September in a 3–1 victory over Coventry Sphinx.{{cite web|title=Highgate united 3 vs. 1 Coventry Sphinx - 30 September 2017 - First Team - Highgate United FC|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/highgateunitedfc/teams/24788/match-centre/0-3728269|website=www.pitchero.com|accessdate=7 March 2018|language=en}}
International career
On 4 November 2003, whilst with Shrewsbury Town in the Conference National, Rodgers won one cap for England under Paul Fairclough at semi-professional level.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/3204821.stm|title=Fairclough names England squad|date=22 October 2003|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}} A 2–2 draw with Belgium under-20s, Rodgers provided an assist for Sam Ricketts before grabbing a goal himself with a {{convert|25|yd}} free kick two minutes before the final whistle.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/3243119.stm|title=Rogers inspires England|date=5 November 2003|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 August 2011}}
Style of play
Personal and later life
In April 2003, Rodgers was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service and pay £5,000 in compensation by Warwick Crown Court after a firework set by Rodgers misfired and hit a 16-year-old girl, causing significant damage to the girl's face. Rodgers stated, "It was a complete accident... I am glad it's all over, although it's never been about the sentencing, I was more concerned about the girl."{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2982161.stm|title=Footballer's pay out to firework victim |date=28 April 2003|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 September 2009}} Rodgers was given an 'adult caution for a public order offence' by the Somerset Police Force, after an incident in April 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/westerngazette/news/Police-caution-Yeo%20vil-Town-footballer/article-955992-detail/article.html|title=Police caution Yeovil Town footballer|date=1 May 2009|work=thisisdorset.co.uk|accessdate=1 May 2009}} On 1 October 2009, Rodgers was arrested and bailed in connection with a disturbance in Nottingham city centre, following a drinking session with his Notts County teammates.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Magpies-star-arrested-city-bar-violence/article-1388066-detail/article.html|title=Magpies star arrested over city bar violence|date=2 October 2009|work=thisisnottingham.co.uk|accessdate=2 October 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005001920/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Magpies-star-arrested-city-bar-violence/article-1388066-detail/article.html|archivedate=5 October 2009}}
After retiring as a player, Rodgers worked as a football consultant, representing the Sports Management International agency firm in Birmingham and the Midlands.{{cite web |title=SMI World · Team Member |url=https://smiworld.co.uk/team/luke-rodgers |website=smiworld.co.uk |accessdate=20 June 2020}}
Career statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rodgers, Luke}}
Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:English men's footballers
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers
Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players
Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:New York Red Bulls players
Category:Lillestrøm SK players
Category:Portsmouth F.C. players
Category:Hammarby Fotboll players
Category:Forest Green Rovers F.C. players
Category:Sutton Coldfield Town F.C. players
Category:Solihull Moors F.C. players
Category:Hednesford Town F.C. players
Category:Highgate United F.C. players
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Norway
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Sweden
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Major League Soccer players