Neil Etheridge

Etheridge was born in Enfield, London to an English father, Martin Etheridge, and a Filipino mother, Merlinda Dula, a native of Tarlac.{{cite news |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-times/20110110/281775625601086 |title=Etheridge: A man with vision for Philippine football |newspaper=The Manila Times |first=Emil C. |last=Noguera |date=10 January 2011 |access-date=4 September 2023 |via=PressReader}}{{cite news |first=Cedelf P. |last=Tupas |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080513-136168/Etheridges-goal-in-between-posts |title=Etheridge's goal in between posts |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=13 May 2008 |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006181430/http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080513-136168/Etheridges-goal-in-between-posts |archive-date=6 October 2008 }} He took up football at the age of nine, initially playing as a left midfielder or striker before switching to playing as a goalkeeper in 2000 after volunteering to switch due to an injury to his youth side's regular goalkeeper.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/05/fulham-first-xi |title=Fulham first XI. Fulham and Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge talks footballing beginnings in this week's Fulham First XI |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=5 September 2013 |access-date=4 September 2023}} He attended Court Moor School in Fleet, Hampshire, where he also represented Hampshire Schools and the Aldershot & Farnborough district teams.{{cite news |url=http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/sport/other-sport/keeper-gets-england-call-5364885 |title=Keeper gets England call |website=Get Hampshire |date=11 October 2005 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216044124/http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/sport/other-sport/keeper-gets-england-call-5364885 |archive-date=16 December 2013}}

Having played for local youth sides Cuffy Chiefs and Hart Boys, Etheridge began attending the Chelsea Academy in 2003 at under-14 level, where he was also teammates with eventual Philippine internationals James and Phil Younghusband. He started out as a forward but eventually switched to playing as a goalkeeper at the suggestion of his coach.

File:Neil Etheridge.jpg in 2010]]

In 2006, Etheridge moved to local rivals Fulham, and signed professional terms for the club.{{cite news |url=http://www.fleethants.com/allfleethants/news/news2006.htm |title=Archived local news headlines 2006: 20 July – Dream come true |via=Fleet Hampshire News |access-date=4 September 2023}} Etheridge signed for Isthmian League Division One South club Leatherhead in September 2008 on loan for the 2008–09 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/football-round-up-september-20-4827360 |title=Football round-up, September 20 |website=Get Surrey |first=Sam |last=Blackledge |date=22 September 2008 |access-date=6 December 2013}} During his loan spell, he received the first red card of his career, being sent off for dissent during a 2–1 defeat to Sittingbourne in a preliminary round of the FA Trophy. He made six league appearances.{{cite book |url=http://www.isthmianarchive.co.uk/MWReview08.09.docx |title=The Statistical Review of the Ryman Football League 2008/2009 season |editor-first=Mike |editor-last=Wilson |page=62 |date=July 2009}}

In September 2009, Etheridge underwent surgery on both knees after suffering from tendinitis. He was expected to be out for the entire 2009–10 season but returned in January 2010, eventually making nine appearances for the reserves. By the end of the season he signed a new one-year deal, keeping him at Fulham until the summer of 2011, attributing his contract extension to his quick recovery.{{Cite news |first=Cedelf P. |last=Tupas |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/sportsevents/sportsevents/view/20100625-277407/Fulham-FC-signs-goalie-Etheridge-to-extension |title=Fulham FC signs goalie Etheridge to extension |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=25 June 2010 |access-date=4 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702072759/http://sports.inquirer.net/sportsevents/sportsevents/view/20100625-277407/Fulham-FC-signs-goalie-Etheridge-to-extension |archive-date=2 July 2010}} Etheridge received his first senior team call-up on 11 September 2010, when he was named on the substitutes' bench as cover for Mark Schwarzer in a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to an injury to regular second-choice goalkeeper David Stockdale.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/6367938/fulham-v-wolves-preview |title=Fulham v Wolves preview |first=Steve |last=Pass |publisher=Sky Sports |date=10 September 2010 |access-date=4 September 2023}} In March 2011, Etheridge joined League One club Charlton Athletic on loan,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/9418465.stm |title=Addicks sign young Fulham keeper Neil Etheridge |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2011 |access-date=8 March 2011}} but was recalled six days later without playing for them.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9426491.stm |title=Keeper Neil Etheridge recalled from Charlton by Fulham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 March 2011 |access-date=31 December 2015}} Etheridge signed a new contract in May that would extend his stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2013.{{cite news |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/may/10/etheridge-contract-extension |title=Etheridge contract extension |publisher=Fulham F.C |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212044113/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/may/10/etheridge-contract-extension |archive-date=12 December 2013}}

He made his first senior appearance for Fulham against Odense Boldklub in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League on 14 December.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/match-centre/2011_2012/europa-league/group-k/home/odense-boldklub |title=Fulham 2–2 Odense BK |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=14 December 2011 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212042711/https://www.fulhamfc.com/match-centre/2011_2012/europa-league/group-k/home/odense-boldklub |archive-date=12 December 2013}} On 23 March 2012 upon his return to Fulham after completing his international duties, it was announced that Etheridge would be out for the rest of the season due to a wrist injury that was sustained in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. He recovered quickly and on 9 May he has been able to play in the development squad's last game of the season against the reserves of West Bromwich Albion.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/may/29/summer-action |title=Summer action |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029112735/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/may/29/summer-action |archive-date=29 October 2018}}

He joined League Two club Bristol Rovers on an initial one-month loan on 20 September 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/20/etheridge-loan |title=Etheridge loan deal |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=20 September 2012 |access-date=20 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922234119/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/september/20/etheridge-loan |archive-date=22 September 2012}} He made his first Football League appearance for Rovers against Fleetwood Town on 22 September, which was his and Rovers' first clean sheet of 2012–13 season. His arrival at the club coincided with an improvement in the club's form, leading to his loan deal being extended until December 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/23/etheridge-extends-loan |title=Etheridge extends loan |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=23 October 2012 |access-date=4 September 2023}} On 21 November, Fulham confirmed that Etheridge had been recalled from his loan at Bristol Rovers.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/november/21/etheridge-recalled |title=Etheridge recalled |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=21 November 2012 |access-date=4 September 2023}}

Etheridge signed a one-year extension to his Fulham contract on 8 May 2013, with the option of a further year extension.{{cite web |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/08/etheridges-extension |title=Etheridge's extension |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=8 May 2013 |access-date=4 September 2023}} On 22 November 2013, he joined League One club Crewe Alexandra on loan until 1 January 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/november/22/etheridge-joins-crewe |title=Etheridge joins Crewe |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=4 September 2023}} He rejoined the club on 25 February 2014 on loan until 13 April,{{cite web |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/25/etheridge-rejoins-crewe |title=Etheridge rejoins Crewe |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=25 February 2014 |access-date=4 September 2023}} but was recalled on 4 April by Fulham.{{cite web |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/04/etheridge-recalled |title=Etheridge recalled |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=4 April 2014 |access-date=4 September 2023}} At the end of the 2013–14 season, he was released by Fulham.{{cite web |title=Premier League clubs submit retained and released lists |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/may/premier-league-clubs-submit-retained-and-released-lists.html |publisher=Premier League |access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504185633/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/may/premier-league-clubs-submit-retained-and-released-lists.html |archive-date=4 May 2015}}

Following his release from Fulham, Etheridge used his own money to train with Charlton, one of his former loan clubs, where he knew the goalkeeping coach. Struggling to make a living, he was set to return to the Philippines and had already sold his house and cars before joining League One club Oldham Athletic on a two-month deal on 30 October 2014.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29839695 |title=Neil Etheridge: Oldham sign keeper on short-term deal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2014 |access-date=30 October 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2018/05/08/former-walsall-goalkeeper-neil-etheridge-ready-to-live-his-dream/ |title=Former Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge ready to live his dream |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |date=8 May 2018 |access-date=14 August 2018}} During his time with the club, he lived at his friend's house, sleeping on the sofa, later describing his situation as "what you've got to do to get by."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/07/neil-etheridge-cardiff-city-goalkeeper-week-away-from-going-back-to-philippines |title=Neil Etheridge: 'I was about a week away from going back to the Philippines' |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |first=Stuart |last=James |date=7 May 2018 |access-date=4 September 2023}} Etheridge later reminisced on his circumstances, stating that he questioned whether he would ever play football again.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2017/03/28/walsalls-neil-etheridge-i-doubted-if-i-would-ever-make-it/ |title=Walsall's Neil Etheridge: I doubted if I would ever make it |newspaper=Express & Star |date=28 March 2017 |access-date=22 August 2018}} He made one appearance for Oldham during his time with the club during a Football League Trophy match against Preston North End.

Etheridge rejoined Charlton Athletic on 27 November 2014 on a one-month loan deal.{{Cite news |title=Charlton sign goalkeeper Neil Etheridge on loan |url=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/loan-deadline-day-charlton-sign-neil-etheridge-on-loan-2108834.aspx |first=Iain |last=Liddle |publisher=Charlton Athletic F.C. |date=27 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127190532/http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/loan-deadline-day-charlton-sign-neil-etheridge-on-loan-2108834.aspx |archive-date=27 November 2014 }} He made his league debut for Charlton on 26 December, in a 1–1 draw against Cardiff City. Manager Bob Peeters had opted to play Etheridge, Charlton's third-choice goalkeeper, ahead of second-choice Nick Pope whose performances in previous games Peeters had described as "a bit unlucky".{{cite news |url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/11689347.Peeters__Charlton_should_have_beaten_Cardiff__that_s_the_best_we_ve_played/ |title=Charlton 1–1 Cardiff City |newspaper=News Shopper |location=Petts Wood, Kent |last=Warrington |first=Declan |date=26 December 2014 |access-date=4 September 2023}} After the loan, he signed a signed a short-term contract on 5 January 2015 with Charlton until the end of the 2014–15 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/neil-etheridge-charlton-philippines-goalkeeper-2184326.aspx |title=Neil Etheridge signs permanent contract at Charlton |first=Olly |last=Groome |publisher=Charlton Athletic F.C. |date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105173709/http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/neil-etheridge-charlton-philippines-goalkeeper-2184326.aspx |archive-date=5 January 2015}} He was released on 12 May 2015 following the end of his contract.{{cite web |title=Charlton announce list of released players |url=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-released-players-2015-2452676.aspx |publisher=Charlton Athletic F.C. |date=12 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512194402/http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-released-players-2015-2452676.aspx |archive-date=12 May 2015}}

Etheridge joined League One club Walsall on 2 July 2015 after agreeing a two-year deal.{{cite news |url=http://www.walsalladvertiser.co.uk/Ex-Chelsea-Fulham-keeper-signs-year-deal-Walsall/story-26819944-detail/story.html |title=Ex-Chelsea, Fulham and Charlton keeper signs two-year deal with Walsall |last=Beardmore |first=Michael |newspaper=Walsall Advertiser |date=2 July 2015 |access-date=2 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702185359/http://www.walsalladvertiser.co.uk/Ex-Chelsea-Fulham-keeper-signs-year-deal-Walsall/story-26819944-detail/story.html |archive-date=2 July 2015}} Signed to compete with Craig MacGillivray for the first-choice goalkeeper spot,{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2015/07/15/neil-etheridge-ready-for-battle/ |title=Neil Etheridge ready for battle |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |date=15 July 2015 |access-date=22 August 2018}} he made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2015–16 season in a 1–1 draw with his former club Oldham.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33744288 |title=Walsall 1–1 Oldham Athletic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2015 |access-date=22 August 2018}} Etheridge credits Walsall's goalkeeper coach Neil Cutler with improving his ability, commenting that Cutler had "taken me to another level." Cutler himself praised Etheridge's progression, stating "with a bit more experience he can go as high as he wants because he makes match-winning saves."{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2016/10/20/neil-cutler-neil-etheridge-can-make-it-to-the-top-at-walsall/ |title=Neil Cutler: Neil Etheridge can make it to the top at Walsall |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |date=20 October 2016 |access-date=23 August 2018}} In his first season, he made 50 appearances in all competitions, helping the side reach the League One play-offs where they suffered defeat in the semi-final to Barnsley.

During his second season with Walsall, Etheridge was one of just four senior players retained from the previous year.{{cite web |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2016/09/20/walsall-reaping-the-benefits-of-hard-work/ |title=Walsall reaping the benefits of hard work |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |date=20 September 2016 |access-date=23 August 2018}} He kept 12 clean sheets in 44 appearances as the club finished the season in 14th place,{{cite web |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-53-cap-international-goalkeeper-12991089.amp |title=Who is 53-cap international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and why have Cardiff City bought him? |publisher=WalesOnline |last1=Booth |first1=Dominic |last2=Mitchelmore |first2=Ian |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=14 August 2018}} missing the last five matches of the season due to injury.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2017/05/02/craig-macgillivray-leaving-walsall-fc/ |title=Craig MacGillivray leaving Walsall FC |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |last=Masi |first=Joseph |date=2 May 2017 |access-date=23 August 2018}} In January 2017, Cardiff City approached Walsall over a potential transfer but pulled out due to the asking price.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2017/05/31/etheridge-bids-farewell-to-walsall/ |title=Neil Etheridge bids farewell to Walsall |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |last=Masi |first=Joseph |date=31 May 2017 |access-date=22 August 2018}} He played a total of 94 matches with Walsall during his two seasons at the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2017/05/31/etheridge-bids-farewell-to-walsall/ |title=Neil Etheridge bids farewell to Walsall |last=Masi |first=Joseph |newspaper=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |date=31 May 2017 |access-date=4 April 2018}}

On 30 May 2017, Etheridge signed for Championship club Cardiff City on a free transfer, after rejecting a new three-year contract with Walsall.{{cite news |title=Cardiff City sign Neil Etheridge and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40097728 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2017 |access-date=30 May 2017}} Etheridge made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2017–18 season, keeping a clean sheet during a 1–0 victory over Burton Albion.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40760771 |title=Burton Albion 0–1 Cardiff City |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 August 2017 |access-date=5 August 2017}} Etheridge performed well enough playing for Cardiff that fellow goalkeeper Lee Camp was loaned to Sunderland after recovering from injury.{{cite news |url=https://asiatimes.com/article/filipino-shoots-english-premier-league-stardom/ |title=Filipino shoots for English Premier League stardom |last=Duerden |first=John |website=Asia Times |date=18 February 2018 |access-date=4 April 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/sunderland-sign-lee-camp-loan/ |title=Cardiff City goalkeeper Lee Camp joins Sunderland on loan |website=Inside Wales Sport |last=Jones |first=Jordan |date=31 July 2017 |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404201657/http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/sunderland-sign-lee-camp-loan/ |archive-date=4 April 2018}} He helped his club earn promotion to the Premier League, featuring in 45 out of 46 league matches of the 2017–18 Championship season, keeping 19 clean sheets and conceding 37 goals.{{cite news |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/neil-etheridges-cardiff-city-joins-elite/115848 |title=Neil Etheridge's Cardiff City joins the elite |last=Tamayo |first=Brian |website=Tiebreaker Times |date=6 May 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018}}

Following the club's promotion, Etheridge was rewarded with a new three-year contract by the club.{{cite news |url=http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/907505/azkal-etheridge-commits-cardiff/ |title=Azkals' goalkeeper Neil Etheridge further commits to Cardiff City |publisher=Fox Sports Asia |first=Earl |last=Averilla |date=30 June 2018 |access-date=2 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702064603/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/907505/azkal-etheridge-commits-cardiff/ |archive-date=2 July 2018}} On 11 August 2018, he became the first player from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to play in the Premier League,{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/football-asia/153/post/3589242/philippines-goalkeeper-neil-etheridge-blazing-a-trail-for-south-east-asia-in-the-premier-league |title=Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge blazing a trail for South East Asia in the Premier League |publisher=ESPN |last=Church |first=Michael |date=8 August 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}} in a 2–0 loss to AFC Bournemouth, during which he saved a penalty from Callum Wilson. His penalty save also made him the first goalkeeper to save a penalty on his Premier League debut since Allan McGregor for Hull City in 2013.{{cite news |title=AFC Bournemouth 2–0 Cardiff City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45067370 |first=Dayfdd |last=Pritchard |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=4 September 2023}} A week later, he saved another penalty in injury time, from Newcastle United's Kenedy, to guarantee a goalless draw.{{cite news |title=Cardiff City 0–0 Newcastle United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45153217 |last=Pritchard |first=Dafydd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018}} Etheridge's impressive form led to him being nominated for the August Premier League Player of the Month award.{{cite web |title=Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge nominated for Premier League Player of the Month award – Vote here |url=http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/cardiff-keeper-etheridge-potm-award/ |first=Jamie |last=Kemble |publisher=Inside Wales Sport |date=31 August 2018 |access-date=31 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044607/http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/cardiff-keeper-etheridge-potm-award/ |archive-date=1 September 2018}} Cardiff were relegated from the Premier League after finishing in 18th position and Etheridge won the club's Player of the Year award.{{cite news |title=Cardiff fetes Etheridge |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/348575/cardiff-fetes-etheridge-breaking |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |last=Tupas |first=Cedelf P. |date=7 May 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019}}

On the opening day of the 2019–20 season, Etheridge suffered a hamstring injury during a 3–2 loss at Wigan Athletic, which ruled him out for two months.{{cite news |title=Neil Etheridge: Cardiff City goalkeeper out for up to eight weeks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49292603 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=4 September 2023}} Alex Smithies replaced Etheridge as Cardiff's first-choice goalkeeper for most of the season. Ahead of the 2020–21 season, with Smithies considered the starting goalkeeper, Cardiff made Etheridge available for a possible transfer.{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/neil-harris-admits-cardiff-city-18874027 |title=Neil Harris admits a Cardiff City goalkeeper must leave after Birmingham City make contact with Neil Etheridge |last=Williams |first=Glen |website=WalesOnline |date=3 September 2020 |access-date=11 September 2020}}

Etheridge signed a four-year contract with Championship club Birmingham City on 11 September 2020; the fee was undisclosed.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54100171 |title=Neil Etheridge: Birmingham City sign Cardiff City goalkeeper |last=Phillips |first=Rob |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 September 2020 |access-date=11 September 2020}} He was on the bench for the following day's match, in which the 19-year-old debutant Zach Jeacock kept a clean sheet,{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/i-didnt-care-aitor-karanka-18924392 |title='I didn't care' – Aitor Karanka explains huge Birmingham City selection |first=Brian |last=Dick |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=12 September 2020 |access-date=19 September 2020}} and came into the starting eleven for the goalless draw at Swansea City a week later.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54127585 |title=Swansea City 0–0 Birmingham City |first=Dafydd |last=Pritchard |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 September 2020 |access-date=19 September 2020}}

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Etheridge received hospital treatment in July 2021 after he contracted COVID-19.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11694/12355542/neil-etheridge-birmingham-goalkeeper-being-treated-in-hospital-for-covid-19 |title=Neil Etheridge treated in hospital for COVID-19 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=14 July 2021 |access-date=14 July 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57876698 |title=Neil Etheridge: Birmingham City keeper home after COVID treatment |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 July 2021 |access-date=25 July 2021}} Consequently, Etheridge had not played a single league match for Birmingham by October 2021 despite having featured in the 2021–22 EFL Cup.{{cite news |url=https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/experience-is-hard-to-ignore-neil-etheridges-starting-prospects-on-his-birmingham-city-return-the-verdict/ |title='Experience is hard to ignore' – Neil Etheridge's starting prospects on his Birmingham City return: The verdict |last=Jones |first=Adam |website=Football League World |date=7 October 2021 |access-date=15 February 2022}}

With John Ruddy established as first-choice goalkeeper for the 2022–23 season, Etheridge did not make a Championship appearance until 18 April, when Ruddy was injured during the first half of the visit to Millwall. Between them, they kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win that ensured Birmingham's Championship status for a further season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65236139 |title=Millwall 0–1 Birmingham City |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 April 2023 |access-date=19 April 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/report-millwall-blues-4 |title=Report: Millwall 0–1 Blues |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=18 April 2023 |access-date=19 April 2023}} On 18 May 2024, the club announced he would be leaving in the summer when his contract expired.{{cite web |url=https://www.bcfc.com/news/all/blues-publish-retained-and-released-players |title=Blues publish retained and released players |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=18 May 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024 |language=en}}

Etheridge signed for Thai League 1 club Buriram United on 30 June 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/football/911760/neil-etheridge-speaks-up-about-move-to-thailand/story/ |title=Neil Etheridge opens up about move to Thai club Buriram United |first=Ryan |last=Fenix |website=GMA News Online |date=1 July 2024 |access-date=1 July 2024}} He make his debut for the club on 10 August keeping a clean sheet in a 4–0 win against Nongbua Pitchaya. Etheridge went on to keep 4 clean sheets in 5 matches for the club including a goalless draw in the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite match against Japanese club Vissel Kobe. .

File:Neil Etheridge Ph.jpg in 2015]]

Etheridge is a former England under-16 international, having played in the 2005 Victory Shield, in which England and Wales eventually shared the trophy. Despite having represented England at youth level, he remained eligible to represent the Philippines through his mother.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/march/09/through-the-ranks |title=Through the ranks |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=9 March 2011 |access-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419190304/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2011/march/09/through-the-ranks |archive-date=19 April 2014}}

In 2007, Etheridge received an invitation to play for the Philippines but declined the offer, citing unfamiliarity with the language and the players.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/april/10/etheridge-heads-east |title=Etheridge heads east |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=10 April 2008 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212041613/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/april/10/etheridge-heads-east |archive-date=12 December 2013}} He was again invited in early 2008, this time by the new Philippine Football Federation president Jose Mari Martinez.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/manila-bulletin/mi_7968/is_2008_April_29/4-fil-british-players-join/ai_n35373233/ |title=4 Fil-British players join football team |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |via=Find Articles |date=29 April 2009 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619171612/http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/manila-bulletin/mi_7968/is_2008_April_29/4-fil-british-players-join/ai_n35373233/ |archive-date=19 June 2010}} He eventually accepted the invitation after speaking to the new manager and learning about the setup, and after encouragement from Chelsea youth teammate Phil Younghusband. He officially switched allegiance to the Philippines in April 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/october/09/international-action |title=International action |publisher=Fulham F.C. |date=9 October 2008 |access-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212043508/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/october/09/international-action |archive-date=12 December 2013}} He made his full international debut against Brunei in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19741354 |title=Neil Etheridge's journey from Manila to the Memorial Stadium |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Christine |last=Chapman |date=28 September 2012 |access-date=22 August 2018}} playing in all three of his country's matches. He kept three clean sheets but the Philippines still failed to qualify due to an inferior goal difference to group winners Tajikistan.{{cite news |url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/challenge-cup-previous-competitions/afc-challenge-cup-2008/19225 |title=Tajikistan sail through |publisher=Asian Football Confederation |date=18 May 2008 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203142226/http://www.the-afc.com/en/challenge-cup-previous-competitions/afc-challenge-cup-2008/19225 |archive-date=3 February 2013}}

He was called up again later that year for the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup qualification matches.{{cite news |url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/october/09/international-action |title=International Action |publisher=Fulham F.C.|date=9 October 2008 |access-date=9 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212043508/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2008/october/09/international-action |archive-date=12 December 2013}} In their opening match, Etheridge kept his fourth successive clean sheet, as the Philippines defeated Timor-Leste 1–0.{{cite news |url=http://aseanfootball.org/afc/news_d.asp?id=104 |title=Borromeo breaks Timor's hearts |publisher=ASEAN Football Federation |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217052329/http://www.aseanfootball.org/afc/news_d.asp?id=104 |archive-date=17 December 2010}} However, in their remaining three fixtures, Etheridge conceded five goals as the Philippines won another match, drew one and lost one, before being eliminated on the basis of their goals scored record after finishing tied for second.{{cite web |url=http://insidesports.ph/football/philippines-edged-out-of-suzuki-cup-main-event/ |title=Philippines edged out of Suzuki Cup main event |first=Ronnie |last=Nathanielsz |publisher=Inside Sports |date=26 October 2008 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110716081805/http://insidesports.ph/football/philippines-edged-out-of-suzuki-cup-main-event/ |archive-date=16 July 2011}} Etheridge later credited his debut for the Philippines in 2008 to his later progress in his club career in 2018 due to having experienced playing for the national team before a crowd of up to 90,000.

In 2010, Etheridge was named in the Philippines' squad for the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. The Philippines came in second in their group, with one win and two draws, and conceding only one goal,{{cite web |url=http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_740267/Myanmar_0_Philippines_1_-_Filipinos_through_to_last_four |title=Myanmar 0 Philippines 0 – Filipinos through to last four |publisher=AFF Suzuki Cup |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218230526/http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_740267/Myanmar_0_Philippines_1_-_Filipinos_through_to_last_four |archive-date=18 December 2010}} but both legs of the semi-finals ended in 1–0 defeats for the Philippines against Indonesia.{{cite web |url=http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_749660/Indonesia_1_Philippines_0_-_Gonzales_fires_Indonesia_into_final |title=Indonesia 1 Philippines 0 – Gonzales fires Indonesia into final |publisher=AFF Suzuki Cup |date=19 December 2010 |access-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221113117/http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_749660/Indonesia_1_Philippines_0_-_Gonzales_fires_Indonesia_into_final |archive-date=21 December 2010}} He was then called up for his country for the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers where he conceded only a single goal, enabling the Philippines to qualify for the group stage. Etheridge announced his interest to join the squad for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup but was originally in doubt to be included due to club commitments. However, after receiving clearance from Fulham to travel, he was included in the final 23-man squad.{{cite news |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/38217/out-of-it-all-neil-etheridge-stays-with-team |title=Out of it all, Neil Etheridge stays with team |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |last=Tupas |first=Cedelf P. |date=18 March 2012 |access-date=4 September 2023}}

On 9 March 2012 against North Korea, he saved a penalty taken by Pak Song-chol in the 16th minute as the match ended 2–0.{{cite news |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/37197/spirited-azkals-yield-by-just-2-to-north-koreans |title=Spirited Azkals yield by just 2 to North Koreans |first=Cedelf P. |last=Tupas |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=10 March 2012 |access-date=10 March 2012}} He was sent off in the closing minutes of the semi-final match against Turkmenistan, which the Philippines lost 2–1. Due to the red card, he was suspended for the subsequent third place play-off match, in which the Philippines defeated Palestine 4–3.{{cite web |url=http://m.goal.com/e/en-india/match/philippines-vs-palestine/1265215/report |title=Philippines 4–3 Palestine: The Azkals claim third place in a topsy turvy encounter |last=Bera |first=Kaustav |website=Goal.com |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828134254/http://m.goal.com/e/en-india/match/philippines-vs-palestine/1265215/report |archive-date=28 August 2018}}

File:Neil e gk.jpg

In August 2014, Etheridge was not included in the training squad for the 2014 Peace Cup, which also serves as the country's preliminary squad for the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup, due to a lack of first team club football. He labelled manager Thomas Dooley "disrespectful" over the omission.{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.ph/football/azkals-coach-thomas-dooley-also-criticizes-neil-etheridge |title=Azkals coach Dooley answers Neil Etheridge 'disrespectful' rant over Peace Cup snub |website=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |last=Sacamos |first=Karlo |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=28 August 2018}}

In October 2016, it was announced that Etheridge would not be included in the 2016 AFF Championship squad, because of club commitments with Walsall. Etheridge expressed disappointment of missing out on the regional championship, but added that he was committed to playing for his club.{{cite news |title=Etheridge on missing Suzuki Cup anew: It's frustrating |url=http://www.dugout.ph/2016/09/etheridge-on-missing-suzuki-cup-anew.html |first=Ivan |last=Saldajeno |website=Dugout Philippines |date=1 October 2016 |access-date=1 October 2016}}{{cite news |title=Walsall block Neil Etheridge from playing at AFF Suzuki Cup |url=https://www.footballshock.com/af/asia/walsall-block-neil-etheridge-from-playing-at-aff-suzuki-cup/ |website=FootballShock.com |date=1 October 2016 |access-date=28 August 2018}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In 2018, Etheridge was part of the Philippines' squad that qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in the nation's history.{{cite web |url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/neil-etheridge-the-premier-league-s-first-player-from-the-philippines-1.758282 |title=Neil Etheridge: The Premier League's first player from the Philippines |agency=Reuters |newspaper=The National |date=9 August 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}} However, the national side and his club side Cardiff reached an agreement to allow Etheridge to miss the tournament in order to focus on his place as the Premier League side's first-choice goalkeeper.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46716183 |title=Cardiff City: Neil Warnock happy with Neil Etheridge's Asian Cup absence |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 December 2018 |access-date=4 September 2023}}

In June 2022, Etheridge was appointed by head coach Thomas Dooley as captain of the Philippines national team.{{cite web |url=https://pinoyfootball.com/2022/06/01/dooley-wants-veteran-goalie-etheridge-to-skipper-azkals/ |title=Dooley wants veteran goalie Etheridge to skipper Azkals |first=Jack |last=Biantan |website=Pinoy Football |date=1 June 2022 |accessdate=2 June 2022}}

Etheridge has been married to Alexandra Solera since May 2021 and the two have a daughter.{{cite news |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/451389/neil-etheridge-wife-welcome-daughter-manila-elaine |title=Neil Etheridge, wife welcome daughter Manila Elaine |last=Flores-Colina |first=Celest |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=15 February 2022 |access-date=15 February 2022}} Prior to their marriage, Etheridge was engaged to Solera for three years.{{cite news |url=https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/azkals-keeper-neil-etheridge-married-to-alexandra-solera-a2442-20210520 |title=Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge gets married ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers |last=Reyes |first=Kate |website=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=20 May 2021}} In 2015, he opened the Neil Etheridge Goalkeeping Academy in Manila.

{{updated|match played 16 March 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 4 September 2024}}{{NFT|26057|name=Etheridge, Neil|access-date=10 June 2024}}

Buriram United

• Thai League 1: 2024–25
• Thai FA Cup: 2024–25
• Thai League Cup: 2024–25
• ASEAN Club Championship: 2024–25

Cardiff City

• EFL Championship runner-up: 2017–18{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Anderson |title=Football Yearbook 2018–2019 |year=2018 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-1-4722-6106-9 |pages=106–107}}

Philippines

• AFC Challenge Cup runner-up: 2014{{cite web |url=http://stats.the-afc.com/match_report/8206 |title=Palestine 1–0 Philippines |publisher=Asian Football Conederation |access-date=4 January 2020}}

Individual

• Philippine Sportswriters Association Footballer of the Year (Mr. Football Award): 2018{{cite news |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/02/06/19/june-mar-shares-spotlight-with-jaja-espejo-etheridge-in-psa-awards |title=June Mar shares spotlight with Jaja, Espejo, Etheridge in PSA Awards |publisher=ABS-CBN Sports |date=6 February 2019 |access-date=4 September 2023}}
• Thai League Best XI Mid-Season: 2024–25{{cite news |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxRpa6PkwP/?igsh=MWVoOHVnZWxtNHZ5aw==| title=Instagram }}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20181122221453/https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/goalkeeper/neil-etheridge/ Profile] at the Cardiff City F.C. website
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Buriram United F.C. squad}}

{{Cardiff City F.C. Player of the Year}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Etheridge, Neil}}

Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Enfield

Category:People from Enfield, London

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Filipino men's footballers

Category:England men's youth international footballers

Category:Philippines men's international footballers

Category:Men's association football goalkeepers

Category:Chelsea F.C. players

Category:Fulham F.C. players

Category:Leatherhead F.C. players

Category:Charlton Athletic F.C. players

Category:Bristol Rovers F.C. players

Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players

Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players

Category:Walsall F.C. players

Category:Cardiff City F.C. players

Category:Birmingham City F.C. players

Neil Etheridge

Category:Isthmian League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Premier League players

Category:British Asian footballers

Category:English people of Filipino descent

Category:British people of Filipino descent

Neil Etheridge

Category:Filipino expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Thailand

Category:Filipino expatriate sportspeople in Thailand

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

Category:21st-century Filipino sportsmen