Reece Staunton
{{Short description|Footballer (born 2001)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
|name = Reece Staunton
|image = Reece Staunton 2021-07-11 1.jpg
|image_size =
|caption = Staunton with Bradford City in 2021
|fullname = Reece Joseph Staunton{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Bradford City |publisher=English Football League |page=11 |accessdate=19 September 2020}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|12|10|df=y}}
|birth_place = Bradford, England
|height =
|position = Defender, defensive midfielder
|currentclub = Spennymoor Town
|clubnumber = 3
|youthyears1 =
|youthclubs1 = Bradford City
|years1 = 2017–2022
|clubs1 = Bradford City
|caps1 = 10
|goals1 = 1
|years2 = 2019
|clubs2 = → Ossett United (loan)
|caps2 = 3
|goals2 = 0
|years3 = 2019–2020
|clubs3 = → Bradford (Park Avenue) (loan)
|caps3 = 6
|goals3 = 0
|years4 = 2021
|clubs4 = → Bradford (Park Avenue) (loan)
|caps4 = 4
|goals4 = 0
|years5 = 2022–2023
|clubs5 = Bradford (Park Avenue)
|caps5 = 35
|goals5 = 0
|years6 = 2023–
|clubs6 = Spennymoor Town
|caps6 = 62
|goals6 = 2
|nationalyears1 =
|nationalteam1 = Republic of Ireland U18
|nationalcaps1 =
|nationalgoals1 =
|club-update = 16:35, 27 December 2024 (UTC)
}}
Reece Joseph Staunton (born 10 December 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for Spennymoor Town.
Born in England, he represents Ireland at youth international level.
Early and personal life
Club career
=Bradford City=
He made his senior debut for Bradford City on 7 November 2017, at the age of 15 years 332 days, becoming the club's youngest ever player.{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15646823.No_pressure_on_young_Bantams_record_breaker_Staunton/|title=No pressure on young Bradford City record-breaker Reece Staunton|date=8 November 2017|accessdate=8 November 2017|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15646825.Teenager_Staunton_enters_Bantams_record_books_but_nobody_there_to_see_it/|title=Teenager Reece Staunton adds name to Bradford City record books|date=8 November 2017|accessdate=8 November 2017|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/bradford-city-0-rotherham-united-3-night-to-remember-for-staunton-15-but-record-low-for-city-1-8845806|title=Bradford City 0 Rotherham United 3: Night to remember for Staunton, 15, but record low for City|date=7 November 2017|accessdate=8 November 2017|newspaper=Yorkshire Post}} He signed a two-year academy scholarship with the club in September 2017, having first joined at under-12 level.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2017/september/reece-staunton/|title=YOUNG PROSPECT HANDED NEW CLUB DEAL|date=19 September 2017|accessdate=8 November 2017|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.}}
He made his first appearance of the 2018–19 season in a 4–1 home defeat in the EFL Trophy on 9 October 2018. He was praised by manager David Hopkin for his performance in the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16971932.hopkin-impressed-with-teenage-duo-in-bantams-loss/|title=Hopkin impressed with teenage duo in Bantams loss|date=10 October 2018|accessdate=10 October 2018|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}
In August 2019 he moved on loan to Ossett United.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2019/august/staunton-to-continue-ossett-loan-spell/|title=STAUNTON TO CONTINUE OSSETT LOAN SPELL|website=www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk}} He returned to Bradford City on 23 September 2019.{{Cite tweet|user=officialbantams|number=1176202067096035330|title=NEWS | @reece_staunton has returned to the club, following a successful work experience spell with @OssettUnited. / #BCAFC | #OurCitypic.twitter.com/oMTb6W8lxK|first=Bradford|last=City|date=23 September 2019}} He made his first City appearance of the 2019–20 season a few days later, in the EFL Trophy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17933390.local-loans-paying-off-bradford-city-youngsters/|title=Local loans pay off for Bradford City youngsters|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}
In November 2019 he moved on loan to Bradford (Park Avenue).{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18055172.bradford-park-avenue-loaned-reece-staunton-neighbours-bradford-city/|title=Bradford (Park Avenue) loan in Bantams youngster|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} The loan was extended in December 2019 for a further month, with Park Avenue manager Mark Bower praising Staunton.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18126099.bradford-city-defender-staunton-gets-big-away-days-avenue/|title=Bantams boy Reece is showing pieces of quality for Avenue|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Later that month he turned professional with Bradford City, signing a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18121839.bantams-youngster-reece-staunton-signs-professional-deal/|title=Bantams starlet signs professional contract|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} On 8 January 2020 the loan deal was ended early.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18146729.bradford-park-avenue-lose-youngsters-early-loan-endings/|title=City recall youngster early from Avenue loan|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}
At the end of the 2019–20 season he was praised by new City manager Stuart McCall, who said Staunton was one of potentially four youngsters who would join the first-team for the 2020–21 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18487238.mccall-impressed-bradford-city-youngster-staunton/|title=Staunton seen as one for Bradford City future|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Staunton was praised by club captain Richard O'Donnell after an impressive performance on the opening day of the 2020–21 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18701635.odonnell-praises-young-duo-bantams-carabao-cup-win/|title=Bantams young guns earn shot as Liverpool beckon in cup|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} In September 2020 he signed a new four-year contract with the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18732321.staunton-signs-new-contract-bradford-city-2024/|title=New contract for Bradford City rising star Staunton|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Later that month he suffered an ankle injury,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18734871.staunton-ankle-injury-leaves-bantams-facing-defensive-crisis/|title=Staunton injury leaves Bantams facing defensive crisis|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} missing matches before being back in first-team contention towards the end of October.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18815117.bradford-city-defender-staunton-contention-face-newport/|title=Fit-again Staunton back in the mix for Bradford City|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}
In November 2020 he was one of a number of young Bradford City players playing in the first team who were praised by manager Stuart McCall.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18841563.bradford-city-boss-backs-boys-taking-first-team-chance/|title=McCall insists age is irrelevant as young guns look to help City turn a corner|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Later that month Staunton spoke about how his first-team run was improving his skills. On 30 November he was ruled out for 3 months due following a hamstring injury sustained in a match the week before.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18908496.bradford-city-defender-staunton-ruled-three-months/|title=New blow for Bradford City as expected length of Staunton's absence revealed|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} By March 2021 he was still continuing his recovery from the injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city-refusing-to-rush-back-injured-youngsters-3171187|title=Bradford City refusing to rush back injured youngsters|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}}
In July 2021, ahead of the start of the 2021–22 season, Staunton's teammate Niall Canavan told him to remain positive as he continued his rehabilitation from injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19452380.canavan-urges-bantams-team-mate-staunton-think-positive/|title="Think positive": Advice for Bradford City starlet Staunton after long-awaited comeback|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}
He was made available for loan to National League clubs in September 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19556124.adams-loan-time-will-help-bradford-city-youngsters/|title=Why time away from Bradford City can help young trio develop|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} He moved on loan to Bradford (Park Avenue) in November 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19713578.bradford-citys-staunton-loaned-bradford-park-avenue/|title=Staunton swaps Bantams for Park Avenue as second young player to go out on loan|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} After returning from his loan in late 2021, he was made available for loan again in January 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19853929.bradford-city-want-send-staunton-scales-loan/|title=Adams on Bradford City's plans for Staunton and Scales as Sikora departs|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} The next month, following the departure of club captain and fellow defender Canavan, Staunton was challenged by manager Derek Adams to "push forward" and challenge for a first-team spot.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19892414.staunton-challenged-step-bradford-city-role/|title=Adams earmarks Staunton for long-term role in City defence|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}
=Bradford (Park Avenue)=
In August 2022 he moved to Bradford (Park Avenue) for an undisclosed transfer fee, his third spell with the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/20629035.staunton-joins-bradford-park-avenue-bradford-city/|title=Staunton quits Valley Parade to make permanent move to Bradford (Park Avenue)|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}
=Spennymoor Town=
On 8 June 2023, Staunton signed for National League North side Spennymoor Town.{{cite web |url=https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2023/06/08/reece-staunton-signs-for-spennymoor/ |title=Reece Staunton Signs For Spennymoor |publisher=Spennymoor Town |date=8 June 2023 |access-date=21 April 2024}} At the end of the 2023–24 season, he won the Supporters' Player and Players' Player of the Year awards.{{cite web |url=https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2024/04/21/staunton-proud-after-triple-award-joy/ |title=Staunton Proud After Triple Award Joy |publisher=Spennymoor Town |date=21 April 2024 |access-date=21 April 2024}}
International career
In November 2018 he was called up by the Republic of Ireland under-18 team,{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17219017.bradford-city-devines-chance-to-impress-hopkin/|title=Bradford City: Devine's chance to impress Hopkin|date=13 November 2018|accessdate=13 November 2018|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}} having first been involved with the national team set-up since the previous year.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2018/december/young-bantams-enjoy-international-involvement/|title=YOUNG BANTAMS ENJOY INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT|date=9 December 2018|accessdate=14 December 2018|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.}}
Style of play
Speaking in May 2020, Bradford City manager Stuart McCall described Staunton by saying "he's adaptable because he can play left back, left centre half in a three and can sit in front of the back four. He's got a really good passing range".
Career statistics
{{updated|27 December 2024}}
| 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|EFL Cup !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan=6|Bradford City
|2017–18{{soccerbase season|108938|2017|accessdate=8 November 2017}} |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{Efn|name=FLT|Appearance(s) in the EFL Trophy.}} | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2018–19{{soccerbase season|108938|2018|accessdate=1 August 2018}}
|League One |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{Efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2019–20{{soccerbase season|108938|2019|accessdate=25 September 2019}}
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{Efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2020–21{{soccerbase season|108938|2020|accessdate=5 September 2020}}
|League Two |8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3{{Efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2021–22{{soccerbase season|108938|2021|accessdate=4 August 2021}}
|League Two |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2{{Efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| colspan=2|Total
!10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 21 | 1 | |
| Ossett United (loan)
|2019–20{{Cite web|url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/ossett-united/appearances/2019-2020/reece-staunton/461802|title=Ossett United | Appearances | Reece Staunton | 2019-2020 | Football Web Pages|website=www.footballwebpages.co.uk}} |Northern Premier League Division One North West |3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Bradford (Park Avenue) (loan)
|2019–20{{soccerway|reece-staunton/521380|accessdate=27 December 2024}} |6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| Bradford (Park Avenue) (loan)
|National League North |4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{Efn|name=FAT|Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy.}} | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| Bradford (Park Avenue)
|National League North |35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{Efn|name=FAT}} | 0 | 36 | 0 | |
| rowspan=3|Spennymoor Town
|National League North |42 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{Efn|name=FAT}} | 0 | 43 | 2 | |
| 2024–25
|National League North |20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2{{Efn|name=FAT}} | 0 | 23 | 0 | |
| colspan=2|Total
!62 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 66 | 2 | |
| colspan=3|Career total
!120 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 137 | 3 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
Individual
- Spennymoor Town Supporters' Player of the Year: 2023–24
- Spennymoor Town Players' Player of the Year: 2023–24
References
{{reflist}}
{{commons category}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Staunton, Reece}}
Category:Footballers from Bradford
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers
Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players
Category:Ossett United F.C. players
Category:Bradford (Park Avenue) A.F.C. players
Category:Spennymoor Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Northern Premier League players