Michael Tonge
{{Short description|English footballer (born 1983)}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Michael Tonge
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname = Michael William Eric Tonge{{cite web|title=Statistics |url=http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/c2/3b/0,,12306~146370,00.pdf |publisher=Premier League |access-date=9 March 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|4|7|df=y}}{{cite book |last=Hugman |first=Barry J. |title=The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005 |publisher=Queen Anne Press |year=2005 |page=616 |isbn=1-85291-665-6 }}
| birth_place = Manchester, England{{cite web |title=FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2018/2019 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2018-2019/fltwo/portv.htm |website=www.footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=1 February 2021}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = |youthclubs1 = Manchester United
| youthyears2 = 1999–2001 |youthclubs2 = Sheffield United
| years1 = 2001–2008 |clubs1 = Sheffield United |caps1 = 262 |goals1 = 21
| years2 = 2008–2013 |clubs2 = Stoke City |caps2 = 12 |goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2009–2010 |clubs3 = → Preston North End (loan) |caps3 = 7 |goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2010 |clubs4 = → Derby County (loan) |caps4 = 18 |goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2010 |clubs5 = → Preston North End (loan) |caps5 = 5 |goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2012 |clubs6 = → Barnsley (loan) |caps6 = 10 |goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2012 |clubs7 = → Leeds United (loan) |caps7 = 19 |goals7 = 4
| years8 = 2013–2015 |clubs8 = Leeds United |caps8 = 49 |goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2015 |clubs9 = → Millwall (loan) |caps9 = 6 |goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2015–2017 |clubs10 = Stevenage |caps10 = 56 |goals10 = 3
| years11 = 2017–2019 |clubs11 = Port Vale |caps11 = 34 |goals11 = 3
| totalcaps = 478| totalgoals = 34
| nationalyears1 = 2002 |nationalteam1 = England U20 |nationalcaps1 = 2 |nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2003–2004 |nationalteam2 = England U21 |nationalcaps2 = 2 |nationalgoals2 = 0
}}
Michael William Eric Tonge (born 7 April 1983) is an English football coach and former player. A midfielder, he scored 39 goals in 544 league and cup appearances in a 19-year career in the English Football League.
A former England under-21 international, he began his career in Manchester United's youth team before joining Sheffield United in 2001. He soon became a vital player for Neil Warnock's "Blades". He was named on the First Division's PFA Team of the Year in 2002–03 before he helped the Bramall Lane side achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2005–06. After making 302 appearances for the club, he was sold to Stoke City in August 2008 for £2 million. He struggled to break into the first-team at Stoke, however. He was sent out on loan to Championship teams Preston North End (twice), Derby County, Barnsley and Leeds United. He joined Leeds permanently in January 2013. He joined Millwall on loan in January 2015 before he was released from Leeds in May 2015. He signed with Stevenage five months later and was voted the club's Player of the Year for the 2015–16 season. After his 18-month spell ended, he joined Port Vale in July 2017.
He began his coaching career at Huddersfield Town in November 2020.
Playing career
=Sheffield United=
Born in Manchester, Tonge was signed as a youth team player by Sheffield United manager Steve Bruce when he was released by Manchester United.{{cite news|title=Stoke City: Tonge central to tale of two Citys' transfers|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/stoke-city-tonge-central-tale-citys-transfers/story-12555940-detail/story.html|access-date=10 July 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=6 September 2008}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He made his first-team debut as a 68th-minute substitute for Darren Bullock in a 1–0 defeat to Wimbledon at Bramall Lane.{{cite news|title=Sheff Utd 0-1 Wimbledon|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1280147.stm|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2001}} He made his first senior start in the last game of the 2000–01 season, a 1–1 draw away at Bolton Wanderers.{{cite news|title=Bolton strike late to deny Blades|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1310991.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 May 2001|access-date=3 December 2007}} He scored his first competitive goal for the "Blades" in a 1–0 home victory over Crewe Alexandra on 27 October 2001.{{cite news|title=Sheff Utd 1–0 Crewe|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1620000.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 October 2001|access-date=3 December 2007}} He went on to establish himself in the first-team under manager Neil Warnock, scoring three goals in 32 appearances throughout the 2001–02 season.
On 8 January 2003, he scored both of United's goals in a 2–1 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final of the League Cup.{{cite news|title=Blades cut down Liverpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2635399.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 January 2003|access-date=3 December 2007}} United also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing 1–0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford.{{cite news|title=Arsenal sink brave Blades|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2917575.stm|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=13 April 2003}} United finished third in the First Division, and reached the play-off final, where they again faced disappointment with a 3–0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Millennium Stadium.{{cite news|title=Wolves back in big time|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3050993.stm|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2003}} Having scored eight goals in 58 appearances, Tonge was named on the First Division PFA Team of the Year in 2002–03, alongside midfield teammate Michael Brown.{{Cite book|editor-first=Barry J.|editor-last=Hugman|title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2003/2004|year=2003|publisher=Queen Anne Press|isbn=1-85291-651-6|page=496}}
Tonge scored four goals in 51 games across the 2003–04 campaign as United posted an eighth-place finish, two points outside the play-offs. He then scored three goals in 41 games in the 2004–05 season, as the club again finished in eighth place, this time six points shy of the play-off places. He scored three goals from 33 appearances in the 2005–06 campaign as United secured promotion out of the Championship as runners-up behind Reading. The club lasted just one season in the Premier League, with Tonge scoring twice in 28 matches as United were relegated on the last day of the 2006–07 season following a 2–1 home defeat to Wigan Athletic.{{cite news|title=Blades suffer the cruellest cut|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/may/13/newsstory.wiganathletic|access-date=10 July 2017|work=The Guardian|date=13 May 2007}} He scored in Bryan Robson's first game as manager of the club, a 2–2 home draw with Colchester United on 11 August 2007.{{cite news|title=Sheff Utd 2-2 Colchester|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6931101.stm|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2007}} Tonge made 52 appearances during the 2007–08 campaign, but United struggled. Robson was sacked in February before his replacement, Kevin Blackwell, led the club to a ninth-place finish.
=Stoke City=
On 1 September 2008, Tonge signed for Premier League side Stoke City for a fee of £2 million.{{cite news|title=Transfers - September 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7593527.stm|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=30 September 2008}} He made his "Potters" debut in a 3–2 defeat to Everton at the Britannia Stadium on 14 September.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7601906.stm|title=Stoke 2–3 Everton|publisher=BBC |date=14 September 2008|first=Mandeep|last=Sanghera}} Tonge failed to establish himself in the Stoke squad and only made a further nine appearances in the 2008–09 season, of which only one was as a starter in the league. Having been limited to just three League Cup appearances at the start of the 2009–10 season, he joined Championship side Preston North End on loan on 19 November 2009.{{cite news|title=Tonge seals Preston loan switch|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/8368123.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 November 2009|access-date=19 November 2009}}{{cite news|title=Former Sheffield United man Tonge on the move|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/former-sheffield-united-man-tonge-on-the-move-1-304601|access-date=10 July 2017|work=Sheffield Star|date=19 November 2008}} Manager Alan Irvine attempted to extend the loan deal, but was unsuccessful as Tonge played seven games for the "Lilywhites" before he was recalled from his loan spell at Deepdale on 31 December by Stoke manager Tony Pulis.{{cite news|title=North End keen to extend Tonge's stay|url=http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/north-end-keen-to-extend-tonge-s-stay-1-133791|access-date=9 July 2017|work=Lancashire Evening Post|date=28 December 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2254913,00.html|title=Pugh And Tonge Return|publisher=stokecityfc.com|date=31 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102153321/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2254913%2C00.html|archive-date=2 January 2011}} On 1 February 2010, Tonge signed for Derby County on loan until end of the 2009–10 season, with manager Nigel Clough saying Tonge had "proven pedigree".{{cite news|title=Rams make loan swoop for Tonge|url=http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/rams-make-loan-swoop-tonge/story-11596411-detail/story.html|access-date=9 July 2017|work=Derby Telegraph|date=1 February 2010}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Tonge scored his first goal for the "Rams" in a 2–0 win over Watford on 6 March.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8547995.stm|title=Derby 2–0 Watford|publisher=BBC |date=6 March 2010 |access-date=12 March 2010}} His loan spell proved successful, and after Tonge scored twice in 19 starts, Clough attempted to secure his services on loan for the following campaign.{{Cite web|title=Clough in move to keep Key duo|website=therams.co.uk|url=http://www.therams.co.uk/news/Clough-key-duo/article-2000360-detail/article.html?|date=12 April 2010|access-date=30 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415191248/http://www.therams.co.uk/news/Clough-key-duo/article-2000360-detail/article.html|archive-date=15 April 2010|url-status=live}} Still struggling for first-team appearances at Stoke, Tonge returned to Preston North End on a month long loan on 17 November 2010, along with fellow Stoke teammate Danny Pugh.{{cite news|title=City Pair Head North|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2223583,00.html|work=stokecityfc.com|date=17 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805212044/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2223583,00.html|archive-date=5 August 2012}} This was extended until 16 January 2011 after he impressed manager Darren Ferguson with his consistency.{{cite news |title=Preston extend Danny Pugh and Michael Tonge loan deals|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/9300051.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=18 December 2010}}{{cite news|title=BBC Sport - Football - Preston await Stoke decision on Tonge and Pugh|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/preston/9260727.stm|access-date=9 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=7 December 2010}} He scored his first goal for Preston in a 1–1 draw with Cardiff on 4 December.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9243988.stm|title=Cardiff 1 – 1 Preston |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 December 2010 |access-date=27 September 2011}}
Tonge completed a full pre-season prior to the 2011–12 season, playing in all but one of Stoke's games and scoring in the 3–1 friendly win against Austrian side SV Thal.{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2392688,00.html |title=SV Thal 1 Stoke City 3 |publisher=stokecityfc.com |date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718014521/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2392688%2C00.html |archive-date=18 July 2011 }} On 18 August, he made his first start of the season in Stoke's 1–0 Europa League play-off win against FC Thun, making his European debut in the process.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/14486521.stm|title=FC Thun 0 – 1 Stoke |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2011 |access-date=27 September 2011}} However, Tonge was subsequently left out of Stoke's 25-man Premier League and 23-man Europa League squads for the first half of the season, which meant he was only eligible to play in domestic cup and reserve team games.{{cite news |url=http://www.stokecity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/shocks_as_potters_announce_premier_league_and_europa_league_squads_698723/index.shtml|title=Shocks As Potters Announce Premier League and Europa League Squads|publisher=stokecity-mad.co.uk|date=2 September 2011 |access-date=21 October 2011}} On 24 January 2012, Tonge again returned to the Championship after joining Barnsley on loan until the end of the 2011–12 season.{{cite news|title=Barnsley bring in Stoke City's Michael Tonge on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16698016|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=24 January 2012}} He made his debut seven days later, playing 66 minutes in a 3–2 win over Derby County at Oakwell.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16695889 |title=Barnsley 3–2 Derby |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2012 |access-date=9 April 2012}} He made seven starts and three substitute appearances for Keith Hill's "Tykes". Tonge was again left out of Stoke's 25-man squad for the 2012–13 season.{{cite web|title=25-Man Squad Announced|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/25-man-squad-announced-355031.aspx|work=Stoke City F.C|access-date=13 September 2012}}
=Leeds United=
On 13 September 2012, Tonge linked up with his former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and joined Leeds United on loan until December 2012.{{cite web|title=Midfielder Signs Up In Loan Deal|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120913/midfielder-signs-up-in-loan-deal_2247585_2917723|work=Leeds United F.C|access-date=13 September 2012}} Tonge made his Leeds United debut on 15 September, partnering Rodolph Austin in central midfield during a 2–1 defeat at Cardiff City.{{cite web|title=Leeds leave Cardiff empty handed..|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120915/united-beaten-in-wales_2247585_2918782|work=Leeds United F.C.|access-date=15 September 2012}} He scored his first goal for Leeds when he scored the winner against Bristol City in a 3–2 victory on 29 September.{{cite web|title=Diouf double and stunning Tonge strike secure win...|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20120929/victorious-in-bristol_2247585_2933697|work=Leeds United F.C.|access-date=29 September 2012}} Tonge scored his second Leeds goal with a long range strike against Sheffield Wednesday in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|title=Tonge secures Hillsborough draw|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20121019/tonge-secures-hillsborough-draw_2247585_2953315|work=Leeds United F.C.|access-date=19 October 2012}} He continued his goal scoring form for Leeds against Southampton in a 3–0 League Cup win.{{cite news|title=Leeds 3 – Southampton 0|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20053632|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 October 2012}} After his loan deal expired on 23 December, Warnock revealed he wanted to sign Tonge permanently.{{cite news|url=http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=303314|title=Tonge desperate to return to Leeds|publisher=Vital Leeds|date=23 December 2012 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-tonge-wants-to-return-to-elland-road-permanently-1-5245523|title=Leeds United: Tonge wants to return to Elland Road permanently|publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=21 December 2012 }} Tonge signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Leeds in January 2013.{{cite web|title=Midfielder signs up for long term|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20130110/midfielder-signs-up-for-long-term_2247585_3035872?|work=Leeds United F.C.|access-date=10 January 2013}}{{cite news|title=Leeds United sign Stoke City midfielder Michael Tonge|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20974444?|work=BBC Sport|access-date=10 January 2013}} He ended the 2012–13 campaign with five goals from 39 games.
He struggled to gain a first-team place under manager Brian McDermott during the 2013–14 campaign and made only 15 league starts. He managed to return to the starting line-up under Dave Hockaday's brief reign at the start of the 2014–15 season, but was dropped by his successors Neil Redfearn and Darko Milanič. On 2 February 2015, Tonge was allowed to join Championship rivals Millwall on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-tonge-gone-but-cani-in-as-austin-stays-1-7083978|date=2 February 2015|access-date=3 February 2015|title=Leeds United: Tonge gone but Cani in as Austin stays|publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post}} Manager Ian Holloway said that Tonge's versatility could prove vital following recent injuries to Nicky Bailey and Angel Martinez.{{cite news|title=Holloway: Leeds loanee's versatility will strengthen Millwall|url=https://www.newsatden.co.uk/45807-holloway-leeds-loanees-versatility-will-strengthen-millwall.html|access-date=9 July 2017|work=News at Den|date=4 February 2015}} He played six games for the "Lions" during his stay at The Den, but did not feature after Neil Harris replaced Holloway in April in an unsuccessful attempt to steer the club away from relegation. In May 2015, Leeds announced that they would release Tonge after opting not to be renew his contract.{{Cite web|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/8vnxct5efa2m1vcq9ks3km08f/title/retained-list---summer-2015|title=Austin Released by Leeds United|publisher=Leeds United FC|date=13 May 2015|access-date=12 May 2015}}
=Stevenage=
Tonge joined League Two side Stevenage on an initial three-month deal on 19 October 2015.{{cite web|title=Former Sheffield United, Leeds and Stoke midfielder signs for Stevenage|url=http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Sheffield-United-Stoke-midfielder-signs-Stevenage/story-28012906-detail/story.html?|website=Hertfordshire Mercury|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023215207/http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Sheffield-United-Stoke-midfielder-signs-Stevenage/story-28012906-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 October 2015|url-status=dead}} He made his debut in a 1–1 draw at Portsmouth the following day, and earned praise from assistant manager Kevin Watson, who said: "that is how you play football. He's obviously played at a higher level".{{cite news|title=Stevenage: Michael Tonge debut delights assistant boss Watson|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34602944|access-date=9 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2015}} However, he was sent off for the first time in his career during his third match for the "Boro", after committing a two-footed challenge on John Lundstram during a 5–1 defeat to Oxford United at Broadhall Way.{{cite news|title=Stevenage 1-5 Oxford United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34623795|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2015}} He regained his first-team place after serving his suspension and went on to extend his contract for a further 18 months, leaving manager Teddy Sheringham to remark that "he's a top professional... he's got the enthusiasm of an 18-year-old [and] I think he's come in and he's done a real job for us in midfield".{{cite news|last1=Roberts|first1=Damion|title=Tonge is a 'top professional' says Stevenage boss|url=http://www.thecomet.net/stevenage-fc/tonge-is-a-top-professional-says-stevenage-boss-1-4389980|access-date=9 July 2017|work=The Comet|date=22 January 2016}} He scored two goals from 30 games in the 2015–16 season as Stevenage posted an 18th-place finish. He was named as the club's Player of the Year ahead of defender Fraser Franks, though he finished second to Franks in the Season Ticket Holders Player of the Year, BoroChat Player of the Year and the Players Player of the Year votes.{{cite news| title = Franks and Tonge the end of season award winners| url = https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2016/april/franks-and-tonge-the-end-of-season-award-winners/| publisher = Stevenage F.C.| date = 30 April 2016| access-date = 23 July 2018}}
Tonge struggled for game time at the start of the 2016–17 season but was praised by manager Darren Sarll for working with youngsters Henry Cowans and Dale Gorman in training.{{cite news|last1=Storey|first1=Matt|title=Senior players applauded by Darren Sarll|url=http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/senior-players-applauded-by-darren-sarll-for-attitude-despite-lack-of-minutes-for-stevenage-recently/story-29932037-detail/story.html|access-date=9 July 2017|work=Hertfordshire Mercury|date=24 November 2016}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He scored one goal from 31 games as Stevenage improved on the previous campaign to finish in tenth spot, before he was released in May 2017.{{cite news|title=James Ferry: Stevenage sign Brentford midfielder as six leave club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39896563|access-date=10 July 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=12 May 2017}}
=Port Vale=
Tonge signed a one-year contract with newly relegated League Two side Port Vale on 4 August 2017 after impressing manager Michael Brown – a former Sheffield United teammate – on a trial basis.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Port Vale excited about loan of Huddersfield striker Rekeil Pyke|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-excited-about-loan-deal-for-huddersfield-striker-rekeil-pyke/story-30430267-detail/story.html|access-date=8 July 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=8 July 2017}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He scored on his debut for the "Valiants" with a deflected free kick in a 3–1 win at Crawley Town on 5 August, and also provided an assist for Antony Kay from another set piece.{{cite web |title=Crawley 1-3 Port Vale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40761071 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2017 |access-date=5 August 2017 }} On 26 August, he was sent off for a late challenge on George Cooper in a 1–0 defeat to local rivals Crewe Alexandra at Vale Park.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale boss Michael Brown says Michael Tonge's red card was unlucky|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-boss-michael-brown-386439|access-date=26 August 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=26 August 2017}} He became a first-team regular under new manager Neil Aspin from December, who praised his composure and attitude.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Neil Aspin says Michael Tonge is playing important role for Port Vale|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/neil-aspin-says-michael-tonge-1180274|access-date=8 February 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=8 February 2018}} He scored three goals in 38 matches during the 2017–18 campaign and triggered a one-year extension to his contract after meeting an appearance clause.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale player ratings 2017/18: How ALL the Valiants' 39 players ranked|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/port-vale-player-ratings-1549282|access-date=10 May 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=10 May 2018}} However, he featured for just 16 minutes on the opening day of the 2018–19 season and new Vale manager John Askey confirmed that he would not be offering Tonge a new contract on 16 May.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale's retained list in full as nine players are released |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-retained-list-released-2874111 |access-date=16 May 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=16 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Sherwin |first1=Phil |title=From local heroes who impressed to lost boys: Port Vale class of 2018/19 rated |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-player-ratings-201819-2885390 |access-date=19 May 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=19 May 2019}}
International career
=Under-20s=
Tonge earned his first cap for the England U20 national side in November 2002 when he featured in the Under-20 Four Nations Tournament.{{cite news |title=Michael Tonge |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/michael-tonge-14512/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701123312/http://www.11v11.com/players/michael-tonge-14512/ |archive-date=1 July 2016 |work=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises Ltd |access-date=26 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=West-European Four Nations U-20 2002/03 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/we4n-u20-02.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406064431/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesw/we4n-u20-02.html |archive-date=6 April 2008 |work=RSSSF.com |publisher=The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=3 February 2004 |access-date=26 March 2020}} On 27 November, Tonge started the 5–3 defeat against Italy at the Stadium of Light, he played 68-minutes before being replaced by Jerome Thomas. The following month Tonge played in the 2–0 defeat against Switzerland, he replaced Darren Carter just after half-time at Upton Park. England finished third place in the tournament.
=Under-21s=
On 5 September 2003, Tonge made his debut for the England U21s when he started the 1–1 draw with Macedonia during qualifying for the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.{{cite news |title=Macedonia 1–1 England |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/match/69471--north-macedonia-vs-england/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131133401/http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2004/matches/round=1585/match=69471/index.html |archive-date=31 January 2018 |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=5 September 2003 |url-status=live |access-date=26 March 2020}} He played 73-minutes at the Čair Stadium in Skopje before being replaced by Jermain Defoe. Four days later, Tonge was an unused substitute as England lost 2–1 against Portugal and were eliminated from the tournament.{{cite news |title=England 1–2 Portugal |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/match/69472--england-vs-portugal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131133609/http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2004/matches/round=1585/match=69472/index.html |archive-date=31 January 2018 |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=9 September 2003 |url-status=live |access-date=26 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=England U21s crash out |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3091124.stm |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=9 September 2005 |access-date=26 March 2020}} His last cap came in March 2004 when he started the 2–2 draw with Sweden in Kristianstad.{{cite news |title=Chopra earns U21s draw |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/U21s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2004/03/SwedenU21vEnglandU21_MR.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040417041223/http://www.thefa.com/England/U21s/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2004/03/SwedenU21vEnglandU21_MR.htm |archive-date=17 April 2004 |work=TheFA.com |publisher=The Football Association |date=30 March 2004 |access-date=26 March 2020}}
Coaching career
Tonge was appointed as a coach at the Huddersfield Town Academy in November 2020.{{cite news |last1=Threlfall-Sykes |first1=David |title=Michael Tonge Joins Academy in new coaching role |url=https://www.htafc.com/news/2020/november/michael-tonge-joins-academy-in-new-coaching-role/ |access-date=24 December 2020 |work=www.htafc.com |date=20 November 2020 |language=en-gb}}
Personal life
Tonge was robbed at knife-point in September 2009, alongside fellow footballers Grant Smith, Steven Spencer and Phil Jagielka at Jagielka's Cheshire mansion.{{cite news|title=Footballer held at knifepoint in home|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/footballer-held-at-knifepoint-in-home-930755|access-date=9 July 2017|work=Manchester Evening News|date=25 September 2009}}
Career statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | |||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
| rowspan="10"|Sheffield United
|2000–01{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2000|access-date=1 July 2017}} |2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2001–02{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2001|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|First Division |30 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 3 | ||
| 2002–03{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2002|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|First Division |44 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 3{{efn|name=pof|Includes appearance/s in play-offs.}} | 0 | 58 | 8 | ||
| 2003–04{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2003|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|First Division |46 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 4 | ||
| 2004–05{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2004|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|34 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 3 | ||
| 2005–06{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2005|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Championship |30 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 3 | ||
| 2006–07{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2006|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|27 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 2 | ||
| 2007–08{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2007|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Championship |45 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 1 | ||
| 2008–09{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2008|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Championship |4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!262 | 21 | 19 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 302 | 24 | ||
| rowspan="6"|Stoke City
|10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 11 | 0 | |||
| 2009–10{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2009|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 3 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2010|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Premier League |2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 4 | 0 | |||
| 2011–12{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2011|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{efn|name=uel|Includes appearance/s in UEFA Europa League.}} | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2012–13{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2012|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 0 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 0 | ||
| Preston North End (loan)
|Championship |7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Derby County (loan)
|Championship |18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | ||
| Preston North End (loan)
|Championship |5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 5 | 1 | |||
| Barnsley (loan)
|Championship |10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 10 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="4"|Leeds United
|Championship |35 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 39 | 5 | |||
| 2013–14{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2013|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Championship |23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 25 | 0 | |||
| 2014–15{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2014|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|Championship |10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 12 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!68 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 76 | 5 | ||
| Millwall (loan)
|Championship |6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 6 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="3"|Stevenage
|2015–16{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2015|access-date=1 July 2017}} |29 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 30 | 2 | |||
| 2016–17{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2016|access-date=1 July 2017}}
|League Two |27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=efl|Includes appearance/s in EFL Trophy.}} | 0 | 31 | 1 | ||
| colspan=2|Total
!56 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 61 | 3 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Port Vale
|2017–18{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2017|access-date=1 July 2017}} |League Two |33 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2{{efn|name=efl}} | 0 | 38 | 4 | ||
| 2018–19{{Soccerbase season|id=24554|season=2018|access-date=26 June 2018}} | League Two | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total
!34 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 39 | 4 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!478 | 34 | 26 | 0 | 32 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 544 | 39 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{2002–03 Football League First Division Team of the Year}}
{{Stevenage F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tonge, Michael}}
Category:Footballers from Manchester
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:England men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Manchester United F.C. players
Category:Sheffield United F.C. players
Category:Stoke City F.C. players
Category:Preston North End F.C. players
Category:Derby County F.C. players
Category:Barnsley F.C. players
Category:Leeds United F.C. players
Category:Millwall F.C. players
Category:Stevenage F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English football coaches