Michael Ledger

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Michael Ledger

| fullname = Michael Ledger{{cite web|title=Premier League clubs publish retained lists|url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/408901|language=en}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|11|15|df=y}}{{cite web |title=Michael Ledger |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/michael-ledger-253766/|publisher=11v11 |accessdate=3 October 2017}}

| birth_place = Consett, England

| height = 1.86 m

| position = Centre-back

| currentclub = Spennymoor Town

| clubnumber = 24

| youthyears1 = 2005–2015

| youthclubs1 = Sunderland

| years1 = 2015–2018

| clubs1 = Sunderland

| caps1 = 0

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2017

| clubs2 = → Viking (loan)

| caps2 = 13

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2017–2018

| clubs3 = → Hartlepool United (loan)

| caps3 = 11

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2018–2019

| clubs4 = Notodden

| caps4 = 47

| goals4 = 2

| years5 = 2020

| clubs5 = Queen of the South

| caps5 = 5

| goals5 = 0

| clubs6 = Greenock Morton

| years6 = 2020–2022

| caps6 = 47

| goals6 = 1

| clubs7 = Spennymoor Town

| years7 = 2022–

| caps7 = 95

| goals7 = 0

| club-update = 18:42, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

}}

Michael Ledger (born 15 November 1996) is an English footballer who plays as a centre-back for {{English football updater|SpennymT}} club Spennymoor Town. He has previously played for Sunderland, Notodden, Queen of the South and Greenock Morton, and on loan at Viking and Hartlepool United.

Career

=Sunderland=

Born in Consett, Ledger joined the Sunderland Academy at the age of seven.{{cite web|url=http://www.viking-fk.no/nyheter/mislykket-tokt-i-tigerstaden|title=MISLYKKET TOKT I TIGERSTADEN|publisher=Viking FK|language=Norwegian|date=3 March 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130203904/http://www.viking-fk.no/nyheter/mislykket-tokt-i-tigerstaden|archivedate=30 November 2017|url-status=live}} After progressing through the youth system at Sunderland, Ledger was captain for the under-18 team and his impressive displays resulted in him signing his first professional contract.{{cite news|title=Sunderland agree deals for four players|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-agree-deals-for-four-players-1-7150791|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=11 March 2015|accessdate=28 October 2017}}{{cite news|title=Sunderland youngsters reveal joy after penning first professional contracts|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-youngsters-reveal-joy-after-penning-first-professional-contracts-1-7153278|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=12 March 2015|accessdate=30 November 2017}} Soon after that he was promoted to the development squad in June 2015.{{cite news|title=Congerton: Bringing through quality, home-grown players key for Sunderland|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/congerton-bringing-through-quality-home-grown-players-key-for-sunderland-1-7336996|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=30 June 2015|accessdate=30 November 2017}}

Whilst progressing through the development squad at Sunderland, Ledger started to feature during the 2016-17 season, as he played on four occasions in the EFL Trophy campaign.{{cite news|title=Jason Denayer: An easy decision to leave Man City and join Sunderland|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/jason-denayer-an-easy-decision-to-leave-man-city-and-join-sunderland-1-8109981|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=7 September 2016|accessdate=30 November 2017}}{{cite news|title=Player ratings as Sunderland exit Checkatrade Trophy at Wolves|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/player-ratings-as-sunderland-exit-checkatrade-trophy-at-wolves-1-8275263|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=4 December 2016|accessdate=30 November 2017}} On 2 January 2017, Ledger was called up to the first-team squad for the first time, although he was an unused substitute in the 2–2 draw versus Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Sunderland 2 Liverpool 2: Match ratings, Jermain Defoe and Vito Mannone star|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-2-liverpool-2-match-ratings-jermain-defoe-and-vito-mannone-star-1-8314061|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=2 January 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} After his loan spell with Viking ended, Ledger signed a full-time contract with the Black Cats in June 2017.{{cite news|title=Revealed: Sunderland's retained list|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/revealed-sunderland-s-retained-list-1-8587621|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=9 June 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}}

=Loan Spells=

In November 2016, Ledger was sent out on loan to Norwegian club Viking until their close season in February 2017 {{cite news|title=Football League clubs target Sunderland for January loan swoop|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/football-league-clubs-target-sunderland-for-january-loan-swoop-1-8258164|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=25 November 2016|accessdate=30 November 2017}}{{cite news|title=Sunderland youngster seals Norway switch as team-mate vows improvement|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-youngster-seals-norway-switch-as-team-mate-vows-improvement-1-8427837|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=7 March 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} and debuted for the club on 3 April 2017, in a 1–0 defeat away to Vålerenga.{{cite web|title=Mislykket tokt i Tigerstaden|url=http://www.viking-fk.no/nyheter/mislykket-tokt-i-tigerstaden|website=viking-fk.no|publisher=Viking FK|accessdate=3 April 2017|language=Norwegian|date=3 April 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.tv2.no/a/8941975/|title=Viking henter midtstopper fra Premier League-klubb|last=AS|first=TV 2|work=TV 2|access-date=2017-03-30|language=no-nb}} He then claimed an assist for Samuel Adegbenro in a 4–2 defeat versus Strømsgodset on 29 May 2017.{{cite news|title=FÅ LYSGLIMT I EN TRAGISK AFFÆRE PÅ MARIENLYST|url=http://www.viking-fk.no/nyheter/noen-lysglimt-i-en-ellers-tragisk-affaere-pa-marienlyst|publisher=Viking FK|language=Norwegian|date=29 May 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} During his time at the club Ledger started in every match for Viking,{{cite news|title=Viking-treneren: Trenger fem-seks nye spillere for å overleve|url=https://www.vg.no/sport/fotball/eliteserien/viking-treneren-trenger-fem-seks-nye-spillere-for-aa-overleve/a/24077458/|publisher=Verdens Gang|language=Norwegian|date=20 June 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} with his final appearance coming on 18 June 2017, in a 1–0 defeat against Lillestrøm.{{cite news|title=NEDTUR PÅ OVERTID|url=http://www.viking-fk.no/nyheter/nedtur-pa-overtid|publisher=Viking FK|language=Norwegian|date=18 June 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}}

Despite interest from clubs in the Bundesliga,{{cite news|title=Defender to battle for first team football at Sunderland as clubs across Europe weigh up move|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/defender-to-battle-for-first-team-football-at-sunderland-as-clubs-across-europe-weigh-up-move-1-8615120|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=26 June 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} Ledger was loaned out to Hartlepool United on 31 August 2017, until the end of the season,{{cite news|title=Michael Ledger: Sunderland defender joins Hartlepool United for 2017–18 season|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41098761|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 August 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} debuting in a 3–1 win versus Maidstone United on 14 September 2017.{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United 3 Maidstone United 1 match report|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/sport/report-hartlepool-v-maidstone-131510/|publisher=Kent Online|date=14 September 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}} After suffering an injury set-back in late September 2017,{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United-Eastleigh: Team news, double blow for Pools|publisher=Hartlepool Mail|date=23 September 2017}} Ledger remained in the first-team, despite competition from other squad players.{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United's former Chelsea defender faces surgery question|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united/hartlepool-united-s-former-chelsea-defender-faces-surgery-question-1-8825943|publisher=Hartlepool Mail|date=26 October 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}}{{cite news|title=Winning is all that matters, insists Hartlepool United boss Craig Harrison|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united/opportunity-for-someone-to-stake-their-claim-to-fill-magnay-void-says-hartlepool-united-s-craig-harrison-1-8838994|publisher=Hartlepool Mail|date=4 November 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}}

=Notodden FK=

On 13 March 2018, Ledger signed for Notodden FK in Norway on a two-year contract.{{cite news|title=MICHAEL LEDGER KLAR FOR NFK|url=http://www.notoddenfk.no/nyheter/michael-ledger-klar-for-nfk|publisher=Notodden FK|date=13 March 2018|accessdate=14 March 2018}}

=Queen of the South=

On 31 January 2020, Ledger signed for Dumfries club Queen of the South until 30 June 2020.{{cite web|title=Michael Ledger Signs|url=http://www.qosfc.com/news-4919|website=qosfc.com|date=31 January 2020}}

=Greenock Morton=

On 25 September 2020, Ledger signed for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 September 2020|title='Ton announce signings - in triplicate!|url=https://www.gmfc.net/ton-announce-signings-in-triplicate/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=25 September 2020|website=gmfc.net}}

=Spennymoor Town=

On 20 August 2022, Ledger moved back to England when he signed for National League North side Spennymoor Town.{{cite web|title=Moors Clinch Michael Ledger Signing|url=https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2022/08/20/moors-clinch-michael-ledger-signing/|website=Spennymoor Town|date=20 August 2022}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|National Cup !colspan="2"\|League Cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="3"\|Sunderland \|2016–17{{soccerbase season\|94248\|2016\|access-date=17 April 2021}} \|Premier League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	4{{efn\|name=eft\|Appearances for Sunderland under-23s in the EFL Trophy}}	0	4	0
2017–18{{soccerbase season\|94248\|2017\|access-date=17 April 2021}} \|Premier League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
colspan=2\|Total !0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	4	0
Viking (loan) \|2017{{NFF\|3289724}} \|Eliteserien \|13	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	0	0	14	0
Hartlepool United (loan) \|2017–18{{soccerway\|michael-ledger/452160\|access-date=17 April 2021}} \|National League \|11	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	12	0
rowspan=3\|Notodden \|2018 \|1. divisjon \|21	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	0	0	22	0
2019 \|1. divisjon \|23	1	1	1	colspan="2"\|—	2{{efn\|name=plo\|Appearances in the 2019 1. divisjon relegation play-offs}}	0	26	2
colspan=2\|Total !44	1	2	1	colspan="2"\|—	2	0	48	2
Queen of the South \|2019–20{{soccerbase season\|94248\|2019\|access-date=17 April 2021}} \|Scottish Championship \|5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
rowspan=3\|Greenock Morton \|2020–21{{soccerbase season\|94248\|2020\|access-date=17 April 2021}} \|Scottish Championship \|22	0	3	0	3	0	3	0	31	0
2021–22{{soccerbase season\|94248\|2021\|access-date=21 April 2024}} \|Scottish Championship \|25	1	2	0	3	0	3	0	33	1
colspan=2\|Total !47	1	5	0	6	0	6	0	64	1
rowspan=4\|Spennymoor Town \|2022–23 \|National League North \|24	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	27	0
2023–24 \|National League North \|29	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	29	0
2024–25 \|National League North \|42	0	1	0	0	0	7	0	50	0
colspan=2\|Total !95	0	2	0	0	0	9	0	106	0
colspan=3\|Career total !215	3	11	1	6	0	21	0	253	4

Honours

Spennymoor Town

FA Trophy runner-up: 2024–25{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cz797lwpzd5t |title=Aldershot Town 3-0 Spennymoor Town |website=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2025 |access-date=11 May 2025}}

Personal life

Ledger is a Sunderland supporter.{{cite news|title=Defender reveals why he had to go on loan and how Viking and Hartlepool spells can help achieve Sunderland 'dream'|url=https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/defender-reveals-why-he-had-to-go-on-loan-and-how-viking-and-hartlepool-spells-can-help-achieve-sunderland-dream-1-8790969|publisher=Sunderland Echo|date=6 October 2017|accessdate=30 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2016/october/behind-the-shirt-michael-ledger|title=Get to know Michael Ledger|publisher=Sunderland A.F.C.|date=12 October 2016|accessdate=28 October 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130212516/https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2016/october/behind-the-shirt-michael-ledger|archivedate=30 November 2017|url-status=live}}