Nathan Shepperd

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Nathan Shepperd

| image = Nathan Shepperd 04052025 (2).jpg

| caption = Shepperd in 2025.

| full_name = Nathan Shepperd{{Cite web |date=1 September 2017 |title=Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists |url=https://pulse-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/premierleague/document/2017/09/03/c38cc993-7682-40ad-80fe-7792d690d2a8/Premier-League-Squad-Lists-September-2017.pdf |access-date=22 June 2019 |page=46}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|2000|9|10}}

| birth_place = Tonypandy, Wales

| height = 1.83m

| position = Goalkeeper

| currentclub = Queens Park Rangers

| clubnumber = 41

| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2012

| youthclubs1 = Cambrian & Clydach Vale

| youthyears2 = 2012–2019

| youthclubs2 = Swansea City

| youthyears3 = 2019–2022

| youthclubs3 = Brentford

| years1 = 2022–2023

| clubs1 = Dundalk

| caps1 = 69

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2024

| clubs2 = Wycombe Wanderers

| caps2 = 0

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2024–

| clubs3 = Queens Park Rangers

| caps3 = 0

| goals3 = 0

| club-update = 12:15, 3 April 2025 (UTC)

| nationalyears1 = 2021–2022

| nationalteam1 = Wales U21

| nationalcaps1 = 4

| nationalgoals1 = 0

}}

Nathan Shepperd (born 10 September 2000) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for {{English football updater|QueensPR}} club Queens Park Rangers.

Shepperd is a product of the Swansea City academy and began his professional career with Brentford in 2019. He began his senior career with Dundalk in 2022 and transferred to Wycombe Wanderers in 2024. Shepperd was capped by Wales at U21 level.

Club career

= Swansea City =

A goalkeeper, Shepperd began his youth career with Cambrian & Clydach Vale and later joined the Swansea City academy.{{Cite web |title=The CamArmy – Official Matchday Programme Issue 1 2019/2020 vs Llantwit Major |url=https://issuu.com/markmorgans/docs/cambrian_fc_programme |access-date=25 August 2020 |pages=17–18 |language=en |publication-date=17 August 2019}} He progressed to sign a scholarship deal at the end of the 2016–17 season.{{Cite web |title=Shepperd's delight with first-team involvement |url=https://www.swanseacity.com/news/shepperds-delight-first-team-involvement |access-date=22 June 2019 |website=www.swanseacity.com}} Shepperd was an unused substitute during the U19 team's 2017–18 FAW Welsh Youth Cup Final win,{{Cite web |last=Mitchelmore |first=Ian |date=1 May 2018 |title=Swansea City v Cardiff City: Swans U19s win on penalties |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-city-cardiff-city-wales-14600535 |access-date=22 June 2019 |website=walesonline}} but he was released upon the completion of his scholarship at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{Cite web |title=Swans reveal retained list |url=https://www.swanseacity.com/news/swans-reveal-retained-list |access-date=22 June 2019 |website=Swansea City FC}}

= Brentford =

On 21 June 2019, Shepperd joined the B team at Championship club Brentford on a one-year contract,{{Cite web |title=Nathan Sheppard joins Brentford B |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/june/nathan-sheppard-signs-brentford-b/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130115734/https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/june/nathan-sheppard-signs-brentford-b/ |archive-date=30 November 2021 |access-date=22 June 2019 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} with the option of a further year. He captained the team on occasion during the 2019–20 season and his performances were recognised with the Players' Player of the Year award.{{Cite web |title=Brentford B in Focus: Nathan Shepperd |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/brentford-b-in-focus-nathan-shepperd/ |access-date=9 August 2020 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} After the break in the season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shepperd was called up to train with the first team group ahead of the season restart in June 2020. His season was ended prematurely by a kidney and spleen injury suffered during the final friendly match of the pre-restart period.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Shepperd Injury News |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/nathan-shepperd-injury-news/ |access-date=26 August 2020 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} In July 2020, the club took up the one-year option on Shepperd's contract.{{Cite web |title=Three contract options taken up |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/july/three-contract-options-taken-up/ |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}

Shepperd returned to match play with the B team in early January 2021 and was an unused substitute for the first team during a 2–1 FA Cup third round win over Middlesbrough on 9 January.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Shepperd: "It feels unbelievable" |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/january/nathan-shepperd-it-feels-unbelievable/ |access-date=7 January 2021 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}}{{Soccerway|id=453057|accessdate=9 January 2021}} After making 9 B team appearances during the remainder of the 2020–21 season, Shepperd signed a new one-year contract, with a one-year option.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Shepperd signs new Brentford B contract |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/june/nathan-shepperd-signs-new-brentford-b-contract/ |access-date=11 June 2021 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} He made 10 appearances for the B team during the first half of the 2021–22 season and transferred away from the club in January 2022.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Shepperd departs for Dundalk on permanent move |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2022/january/nathan-shepperd-departs-for-dundalk-on-permanent-move/ |access-date=7 January 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} Shepperd made 45 B team appearances during his {{frac|2|1|2}} years with Brentford.

= Dundalk =

On 7 January 2022, Shepperd transferred to League of Ireland Premier Division club Dundalk and signed a one-year contract, with a one-year option,{{Cite web |last=Newberry |first=Niall |title=O'Donnell confirms Shepperd will stay at Dundalk but remains tightlipped on others |url=https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/956785/o-donnell-confirms-shepperd-will-stay-at-dundalk-but-remains-tightlipped-on-others.html |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=www.dundalkdemocrat.ie |language=en}} for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite web |title=January Transfer Window recap |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2022/january/transfer-window-recap-january-2022/ |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} In recognition of his performances during the 2022 season, Shepperd was named the club's Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year,{{Cite tweet |number=1590841034766184449 |user=DundalkFC |title=🏆 Nathan Shepperd is the well deserved winner of the @dfcsc1903 Supporters Club Player of the Year award. 🧤 Congratulations, Sheps!!}} was thrice voted the club's Player of the Month and was nominated for the April 2022 League of Ireland Player of the Month and League of Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year awards.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tom |title=League Report: Dundalk 3 – 1 Bohemians |url=http://www.extratime.ie/articles/29019/league-report-dundalk-3---1-bohemians/ |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=ExtraTime.com |language=en}}{{Cite tweet |number=1566526636522086400 |user=DundalkFC |title=🏆 @dfcsc1903 members Mary O'Hanlon, Paddy O'Hanlon and Gerry Lennon presented Nathan Shepperd with the 1903 Supporters Club Player of the Month award for August before Friday night's game with Shelbourne at Casey's Field. 🧤 Well deserved, @njshepps!}}{{Cite web |last=O'Hehir |first=Paul |date=12 May 2022 |title=Derry City's Jamie McGonigle crowned SSE Airtricity / SWI Player of the Month |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/derry-citys-jamie-mcgonigle-crowned-26945687 |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=Irish Mirror |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Nominees for League Awards Revealed |work=Sport For Business |url=https://sportforbusiness.com/nominees-for-league-awards-revealed/ |access-date=21 December 2022}}

The option on Shepperd's contract was exercised for the 2023 season and he made 42 appearances during a campaign which culminated in a mid-table finish.{{Cite web |title=Tables – Premier Division – Republic of Ireland – Results, fixtures, tables and news |url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/ireland-republic/premier-league/2023/regular-season/r73530/tables/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Soccerway}} He was offered a new contract after the season,{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Gerry |title=Exodus of players from Oriel leaves Dundalk fans downbeat about coming season |url=https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/1376460/exodus-of-players-from-oriel-leaves-dundalk-fans-downbeat-about-coming-season.html |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=www.dundalkdemocrat.ie |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=10 January 2024 |title=Dundalk FC still in hunt for new goalkeeper as talks with Nathan Sheppard hit an impasse |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/dundalk-fc-still-in-hunt-for-new-goalkeeper-as-talks-with-nathan-sheppard-hit-an-impasse/a1125516337.html |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=Independent.ie |language=en}} but turned it down and departed the club in January 2024.{{Cite web |date=18 January 2024 |title=Dundalk FC have 'irons in the fire' for new goalkeepers as head coach Stephen O'Donnell confirms Nathan Sheppard's departure |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/sport/soccer/dundalk-fc-have-irons-in-the-fire-for-new-goalkeepers-as-head-coach-stephen-odonnell-confirms-nathan-sheppards-departure/a162512269.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 January 2024 |website=www.independent.ie |language=en}} Shepperd made 79 appearances during his 18 months at Oriel Park.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Shepperd {{!}} Stats {{!}} History {{!}} Career Details |url=https://www.extratime.com/player/stats/11138978/nathan_shepperd/?results=2022#detailed |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=The Home of Irish Football - Extratime.com}}

= Wycombe Wanderers =

On 27 February 2024, Shepperd joined League One club Wycombe Wanderers on a contract running until the end of the 2023–24 season.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2024 |title=Shepperd signs! |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2024/february/27/shepperd-signs/ |access-date=27 February 2024 |website=Wycombe Wanderers}} He was an unused substitute on seven occasions and left the club when his contract expired.{{Cite web |date=2 May 2024 |title=Retained list confirmed |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2024/may/02/matt-reveals-retained-list/ |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Wycombe Wanderers}}

=Queens Park Rangers=

On 26 October 2024, it was announced that Shepperd had signed a contract with Championship club Queens Park Rangers.{{Cite web |date=26 October 2024 |title=Nathan Shepperd joins QPR |url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/2024/october/26/nathan-shepperd-joins-qpr/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=QPR FC |language=en}}

International career

Shepperd was called into the Wales U21 squad for two 2021 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifiers in March 2020, which were later postponed.{{Cite web |title=🗣 Nathan Shepperd: "It's obviously not a nice feeling to find out it's going to be cancelled" |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/march/-nathan-shepperd-its-obviously-not-a-nice-feeling-to-find-out-its-going-to-be-cancelled/ |access-date=21 March 2020 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} In March 2021, Shepperd was called into the Wales U21 squad for a training camp and friendly match versus Republic of Ireland U21.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Shepperd, Joe Adams and Fin Stevens earn Wales U21 call up |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/march/nathan-shepperd-joe-adams-and-fin-stevens-earn-wales-u21-call-up/ |access-date=16 March 2021 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} He played the second half of the 2–1 defeat.{{Cite web |title=Joe Adams nets for Wales U21 as four Brentford B players feature in international friendly |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2021/march/joe-adams-nets-for-wales-as-four-brentford-b-players-feature-in-international-friendly/ |access-date=27 March 2021 |website=www.brentfordfc.com |language=en-gb}} Shepperd made three 2023 European U21 Championship qualifying appearances during the second half of the 2021–22 season.

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|National cup{{efn\|Includes FAI Cup, FA 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"\|Dundalk \|2022 \|League of Ireland Premier Division \|33	0	3	0	colspan="2"\|―	colspan="2"\|―	36	0
2023{{Cite web \|title=Nathan Shepperd {{!}} Stats {{!}} History {{!}} Career Details \|url=https://www.extratime.com/player/stats/11138978/nathan_shepperd/?results=2023#detailed \|access-date=3 April 2025 \|website=The Home of Irish Football - Extratime.com}} \|League of Ireland Premier Division \|36	0	3	0	0	0	4{{efn\|Appearances in Europa Conference League}}	0	43	0
colspan="2"\|Total !69	0	6	0	0	0	4	0	79	0
Wycombe Wanderers \|2023–24{{soccerbase season\|137284\|2023\|accessdate=27 February 2024}} \|League One \|0	0	0	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|―	0	0
Queens Park Rangers \|2024–25{{soccerbase season\|137284\|2024\|accessdate=27 October 2024}} \|Championship \|0	0	0	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|―	0	0
colspan="3"\|Career total !69	0	6	0	0	0	4	0	79	0