Rob Lainton
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2014}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Rob Lainton
| image = Rob Lainton 06-08-2011 1.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Lainton playing for Bolton Wanderers during pre-season in 2011
| fullname = Robert Paul Lainton{{Hugman|26212|accessdate=23 June 2015}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1989|10|12}}
| birth_place = Ashton-under-Lyne, England
| height = {{convert|1.93|m|order=flip|abbr=on}}{{cite web |title=Rob Lainton |publisher=Wrexham F.C. |accessdate=13 September 2018 |url= https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/player/rob-lainton}}
| position = Goalkeeper
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2004–2010
| youthclubs1 = Bolton Wanderers
| years1 = 2010–2013
| clubs1 = Bolton Wanderers
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2013–2016
| clubs2 = Bury
| caps2 = 31
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2014
| clubs3 = → Burton Albion (loan)
| caps3 = 14
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2016–2017
| clubs4 = Bury
| caps4 = 7
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2017
| clubs5 = → Cheltenham Town (loan)
| caps5 = 1
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2017–2018
| clubs6 = Port Vale
| caps6 = 6
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2018
| clubs7 = → Wrexham (loan)
| caps7 = 20
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2018–2024
| clubs8 = Wrexham
| caps8 = 124
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2025
| clubs9 = Altrincham
| caps9 = 7
| goals9 = 0
| club-update = 14:27, 15 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Robert Paul Lainton (born 12 October 1989) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper.
Lainton turned professional at Bolton Wanderers in March 2011 but never played a first-team game for the club. He joined Bury in July 2013 and would go on to play 45 games for the club over the next four seasons, 22 of which came in their 2014–15 promotion campaign out of League Two; he was a free agent for the first half of the 2016–17 season in between being released and re-signed by Bury. He also played 14 games on loan at Burton Albion in the second half of the 2013–14 season and played one game on an emergency loan at Cheltenham Town in April 2017. He signed with Port Vale in June 2017. After struggling with injury during his first season at the club, he was allowed to sign with Wrexham after a spell on loan at the Welsh club. He was named Wrexham's Player of the Season for the 2018–19 campaign. Wrexham won the National League title at the end of the 2022–23 campaign. He spent six years with Wrexham and signed with Altrincham in February 2025.
Career
=Bolton Wanderers=
Lainton came through the Academy at Bolton Wanderers, and began the 2009–10 season as the club's first choice goalkeeper in the Premier Reserve League under coach Alan Cork.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers Reserves 1 Manchester United Reserves 3|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/4564729.display/|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=The Bolton News|date=25 August 2009}} In March 2011, Lainton signed his first (two-year) professional contract with the club.{{cite news|url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2315567,00.html|title=Quartet Agree Professional Deals|publisher=Bolton Wanderers F.C.|accessdate=31 March 2015|date=14 March 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317035053/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2315567,00.html|archivedate=17 March 2011| url-status= dead}} Although a regular in the first-team squad and on the bench, he never made a senior appearance for the "Trotters". Lainton was also listed on loan on two occasions, but no clubs were interested.{{cite news|title=Trotters keeper set for loan|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11774/7308607/trotters-keeper-set-for-loan|publisher=Sky Sports|date=14 November 2011|accessdate=31 March 2015}}{{cite news|title=Wanderers plan loan switch for young keeper Lainton|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/10151087.Wanderers_plan_loan_switch_for_young_keeper_Lainton/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=10 January 2013|accessdate=31 March 2015}} Speaking in July 2012, manager Owen Coyle said that Lainton "had a terrible time with injuries last year".{{cite news|last1=Iles|first1=Marc|title=Whites target top class keeper|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/9811811.amp/|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=The Bolton News|date=12 July 2012}} Following nine years at the Reebok Stadium, Lainton was released by manager Dougie Freedman in summer 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/lainton-to-depart-25.6.13-879346.aspx|title=Lainton to depart|publisher=Bolton Wanderers F.C.|date=25 June 2013|accessdate=31 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627223125/http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/lainton-to-depart-25.6.13-879346.aspx|archivedate=27 June 2013 |url-status=live}}
=Bury=
After leaving Bolton Wanderers, Lainton had a trial spell at Championship side Doncaster Rovers.{{cite web |url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/10524690.Rob_Lainton_gets_Doncaster_Rovers_trial/ |title=Rob Lainton gets Doncaster Rovers trial |accessdate=3 August 2013 |date=4 July 2013 |publisher=The Bolton News}} In July 2013, he signed a two-year contract at League Two club Bury after a successful trial to become "Shakers" boss Kevin Blackwell's sixth summer signing.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23227991|title=Bury: Rob Lainton signs after Bolton Wanderers departure|accessdate=3 August 2013 |date=8 July 2013 |publisher=BBC}} He made his Football League debut in a 2–0 home to Chesterfield at Gigg Lane on 3 August.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23474821|title=Bury 0 – 2 Chestefield|accessdate=3 August 2013 |date=3 August 2013 |publisher=BBC}} After making six straight appearances in all competitions from the start of the 2013–14 season, Lainton suffered a shoulder injury.{{cite news|title=Bury boss Kevin Blackwell open to offers for fringe players|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/football/shakers/10647074.Bury_boss_Kevin_Blackwell_open_to_offers_for_fringe_players/|publisher=The Bolton News|date=1 September 2013|accessdate=31 March 2015}} After recovering from his injury, Lainton struggled to make a return to the first-team after being dislodged by newly signed goalkeeper Brian Jensen.{{cite news|title=Beast will be hard to dislodge at Bury|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/beast-hard-dislodge-bury-5841436|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=5 September 2013|accessdate=31 March 2015}}
Lainton remained as a second-choice goalkeeper at Bury until 8 February 2014, when he joined divisional rivals Burton Albion on a one-month loan to fill in for injured custodian Dean Lyness; he kept a clean sheet on his debut in a 1–0 victory at Morecambe later that same day.{{Cite web |title=Albion complete Lainton deal |url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140208-lainton-1346726.aspx |work=Burton Albion FC |date=8 February 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222142345/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140208-lainton-1346726.aspx|archivedate=22 February 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Morecambe 0 – 1 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25994559|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 February 2014|accessdate=31 March 2015}} However, ten days later he punched a high ball into his own net to gift Rochdale the equaliser in a 1–1 draw at Spotland; manager Gary Rowett backed Lainton, saying "we write it off and move on".{{cite news|title=Gary Rowett backs Rob Lainton to recover from Spot of bother|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/gary-rowett-backs-rob-lainton-recover-spot-bother/story-21536119-detail/story.html|accessdate=21 June 2017|date=20 February 2014}} On 11 March, Lainton extended his loan stay with the "Brewers" until the end of the 2013–14 season.{{Cite web |title=Lainton extends loan deal |url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140311-laintonloan-1413349.aspx |work=Burton Albion FC |date=11 March 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311194241/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140311-laintonloan-1413349.aspx|archivedate=11 March 2014 |url-status=live}} Lainton remained the first choice goalkeeper at the Pirelli Stadium, making 14 appearances until he came off as a substitute at half-time after dislocating his thumb during a 1–0 defeat to Northampton Town on 12 April.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3633033&tcmuri=924245|title=Match Report: Northampton Town 1–0 Burton Albion|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=12 April 2014|accessdate=31 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331164837/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3633033&tcmuri=924245|archivedate=31 March 2015|url-status=live}} The injury caused him to miss the last seven matches of the campaign, including the play-off final defeat to Fleetwood Town.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140417-rowetthartlepoolpreview-1495231.aspx|title=Rowett: It's All About Us|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=18 April 2014|accessdate=31 March 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331164906/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/20140417-rowetthartlepoolpreview-1495231.aspx|archivedate=31 March 2015|url-status=live}}
Upon his return to Bury, Lainton competed with Shwan Jalal for the position of first-choice goalkeeper and made his first appearance against his former club Bolton in the opening round of the League Cup, coming on as a substitute for Jalal after he was injured during the match; the game ended in a 3–2 defeat following extra time.{{cite web|url=http://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/article/shakers-bow-out-1824287.aspx|title=Shakers bow out|publisher=Bury F.C.|date=13 August 2014|accessdate=9 January 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331170109/http://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/article/shakers-bow-out-1824287.aspx|archivedate=31 March 2015|url-status=live}} Lainton continued to be the first choice goalkeeper for the club until the arrival of Scott Loach and Nick Pope, at which point manager David Flitcroft placed Lainton as second-choice goalkeeper and listed him as available to be loaned out.{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Bury ready to let goalkeeper Rob Lainton leave on loan|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11774/9568722/transfer-news-bury-ready-to-let-goalkeeper-rob-lainton-leave-on-loan|publisher=Sky Sports|date=18 November 2014|accessdate=31 March 2015}} He stayed put however and made a total of 17 league appearances during the 2014–15 campaign as Bury secured automatic promotion to League One.{{cite web|url=http://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/article/the-retained-list-2456791.aspx|title=The Retained List|publisher=Bury F.C.|date=14 May 2015|accessdate=9 July 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514192457/http://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/article/the-retained-list-2456791.aspx|archivedate=14 May 2015 |url-status=live}} He signed a new one-year contract in May 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/article/rob-lainton-signs-2466585.aspx|title=Rob Lainton signs|publisher=Bury F.C.|date=21 May 2015|accessdate=9 July 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522184353/http://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/article/rob-lainton-signs-2466585.aspx|archivedate=22 May 2015 |url-status=live}} He began the 2015–16 season in excellent form after taking over from the injured Christian Walton, and was named in the Football League Team of the Week after making "a number of superb stops" in a 1–0 win at Colchester United on 3 October.{{cite news |last1=Butcher |first1=Alex |title=Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2015/october/sky-bet-football-league-team-of-the-week/ |accessdate=9 October 2019 |work=www.efl.com |date=5 October 2015 |language=en-gb}} However, he was sidelined with a groin tear he picked up in October.{{cite news|last1=Nelson|first1=Craig|title=Christian Walton injury gives Rob Lainton an opportunity, says Bury manager David Flitcroft|url=http://www.burytimes.co.uk/sport/football/13643110.Christian_Walton_injury_gives_Rob_Lainton_an_opportunity__says_Bury_manager_David_Flitcroft/|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=Bury Times|date=3 September 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Ben|title=Bury boss David Flitcroft laments Rob Lainton loss|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bury-boss-david-flitcroft-laments-10349442|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=Manchester Evening News|date=28 October 2015}} He failed to win back his first-team spot after recovering from his injury.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Scouting report on Port Vale signing Rob Lainton|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/scouting-report-on-port-vale-signing-rob-lainton/story-30401207-detail/story.html|accessdate=22 June 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=20 June 2017}}
In April 2016, he was told that his Bury contract would not be renewed.{{cite news|last1=Nelson|first1=Craig|title=Ryan Lowe offered new Bury deal but Chris Eagles and Rob Lainton among six players released|url=http://www.burytimes.co.uk/sport/football/14462289.Ryan_Lowe_offered_new_Bury_deal_but_Chris_Eagles_and_Rob_Lainton_among_six_players_released/|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=Bury Times|date=29 April 2016}} He was however, re-signed on a pay-as-you-play deal by Chris Brass in December, and was described as looking "surprisingly sharp" as he kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw at Fleetwood Town on Boxing day.{{cite news|last1=McKenzie|first1=Mikael|title=Lainton return inspires Shakers to end dire run|url=http://www.burytimes.co.uk/sport/14989038.Lainton_return_inspires_Shakers_to_end_dire_run/|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=Bury Times|date=27 December 2016}} The next month he signed a contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2016–17 season.{{cite news|title=CONFIRMED: Keeper commits to Shakers|url=https://www.buryfc.co.uk/news/2017/january/confirmed-keeper-commits-to-shakers/|accessdate=22 June 2017|work=buryfc.co.uk|date=30 January 2017}} However, he picked up another injury and lost his first-team place to new signing Joe Murphy.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Pope on Port Vale: Glad to be reunited with Lainton and Davis|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/tom-pope-on-port-vale-why-i-m-glad-to-be-reunited-with-rob-lainton-and-joe-davis/story-30404519-detail/story.html|accessdate=23 June 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=23 June 2017}} On 7 April 2017, he joined Gary Johnson's Cheltenham Town on a seven-day emergency loan deal, as Calum Kitscha was injured and loanee Scott Brown was unavailable to play against his parent club Wycombe Wanderers.{{cite news|title=Rob Lainton: Cheltenham Town sign Bury keeper on emergency loan deal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39528023|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=7 April 2017}} He did not feature at Bury after Lee Clark was appointed manager in February, and was released by the club for a second time three months later.{{cite news|title=Andrew Tutte and Craig Jones sign new Bury deals while 11 players released|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39820344|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=5 May 2017}}
=Port Vale=
Lainton signed a two-year contract with newly-relegated League Two side Port Vale in June 2017.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Port Vale sign ex Bolton Wanderers and Bury keeper Rob Lainton|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-sign-former-bolton-wanderers-and-bury-keeper-rob-lainton/story-30399916-detail/story.html|accessdate=20 June 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=20 June 2017}} He started the 2017–18 season as the club's first choice goalkeeper, but had to be taken off with a thigh injury at half-time during the opening round of the EFL Cup and was ruled out of action for four weeks.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Port Vale fear lengthy injury lay-off for Anton Forrester|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/port-vale-fear-lengthy-injury-lay-off-for-anton-forrester/story-30479747-detail/story.html|accessdate=13 August 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=12 August 2017}} He returned to action for two more games before he was forced to leave a 1–0 defeat at Coventry City early in the second half after damaging his ankle; he was subsequently ruled out of action for two months.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Injury update on Port Vale's Rob Lainton|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/injury-update-port-vales-rob-452339|accessdate=10 September 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=9 September 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale expect Rob Lainton to be out for two months|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-expect-rob-lainton-458487|accessdate=11 September 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=11 September 2017}} Following his return to fitness he found himself on the bench behind Ryan Boot.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale boss Neil Aspin backing Ryan Boot|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/port-vale-boss-neil-aspin-894134|accessdate=16 December 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=7 December 2017}} Manager Neil Aspin put him back into the starting eleven on 27 January in a 2–2 draw with Colchester United at Vale Park, and though Lainton put in a poor display he kept his place for the following home game with Morecambe, and rewarded Aspin's faith in him with an excellent performance a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Comment as Hugill jackpot contrasts with Port Vale's bog-standard Morecambe draw|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/comment-hugill-jackpot-contrasts-port-1163946|accessdate=5 February 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=4 February 2018}} However, after picking up yet another injury he dropped behind Sam Hornby and Ryan Boot in the first-team pecking order by the end of the 2017–18 season and was transfer-listed in May 2018.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=The transfer decisions for Port Vale's Neil Aspin this summer|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/port-vale-neil-aspin-transfers-1490894|accessdate=24 April 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=23 April 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale retained list RECAP as Valiants release 10 and transfer list four|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/port-vale-retained-list-live-1545214|accessdate=8 May 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=8 May 2018}}
=Wrexham=
On 6 July 2018, Lainton signed for National League side Wrexham on a season-long loan, where he was expected to compete with Christian Dibble for the first-team spot.{{cite news|title=Rob Lainton: Wrexham sign keeper on loan from Port Vale|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44745030|accessdate=6 July 2018|work=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2018}} He made his debut for Sam Ricketts's "Dragons" on the opening day of the 2018–19 season, and kept a clean sheet after saving a penalty from Inih Effiong during a 1–0 victory at Dover Athletic.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44989668 |title=Dover 0–1 Wrexham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 August 2018 |accessdate=4 August 2018}} On 22 November 2018, Lainton made his move a permanent one as he enjoyed a successful start to life at Wrexham, keeping 14 clean sheets in all competitions in the opening three months of the campaign {{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46303380 |title=Wrexham FC: Goalkeeper Rob Lainton signs permanent contract |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2018 |accessdate=22 November 2018}} He was named Wrexham's Player of the Season for 2018–19 after keeping 25 clean sheets in all competitions, with 21 of those being in the league, which equalled the club record.{{cite web|url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/wrexham_afc/latest/17603443.rob-lainton-wins-the-wrexham-afc-player-of-the-season-award/ |title=Rob Lainton wins the Wrexham AFC player of the season award |publisher=Leader Live |date=28 April 2019 |accessdate=28 April 2018}} Wrexham qualified for the play-offs under manager Bryan Hughes, where they were knocked out following a home defeat to Eastleigh.{{cite news |last1=Sheehan |first1=Rory |title=Wrexham AFC fans have targeted their anger over season at the wrong people |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17628648.wrexham-afc-fans-have-targeted-their-anger-over-season-at-the-wrong-people/ |accessdate=9 May 2019 |work=The Leader |date=9 May 2019 |language=en}}
He struggled with injuries in the 2019–20 season, leaving deputy Christian Dibble a chance to stand in his place for some matches.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Richard |title=Mark Griffiths' column: The Wrexham AFC Player of the Year award is surely Luke Young's when he gets it |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/18343206.mark-griffiths-column-wrexham-afc-player-year-award-surely-luke-youngs-gets/ |accessdate=3 April 2020 |work=The Leader |date=29 March 2020 |language=en}} Speaking in March, manager Dean Keates said that "Rob has been outstanding for us, he has made good saves and stuff like that".{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Richard |title=Wrexham AFC boss Dean Keates gives Rob Lainton his full backing |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/18285969.wrexham-afc-boss-dean-keates-gives-rob-lainton-full-backing/ |accessdate=3 April 2020 |work=The Leader |date=6 March 2020 |language=en}} He made 26 appearances in the 2019–20 season, which was permanently suspended on 26 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England, with Wrexham in 20th-place.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52381612 |title=National League clubs vote to end regular season immediately |work=BBC Sport |accessdate=22 March 2020}} He featured 26 times in the 2020–21 season as Wrexham missed out on a play-off place after drawing with Dagenham & Redbridge on the last day of the season.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Richard |title=How the Wrexham AFC players rated in draw against Dagenham |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/19338796.wrexham-come-short-miss-play-offs/ |access-date=31 May 2021 |work=The Leader |date=30 May 2021 |language=en}} He was offered a new contract.{{cite news |title=CLUB NEWS {{!}} Wrexham AFC announce 2021 retained list |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/club-news-wrexham-afc-announce-2021-retained-list |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |date=2021-06-01 |language=en}} He featured 33 times in the 2021–22 campaign, but was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing an operation following a wrist fracture and dislocation in March.{{cite news |last1=Wiliams |first1=Richard |title=Wrexham AFC goalkeeper Rob Lainton is ruled out for the season |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/20014222.wrexham-number-one-rob-lainton-sidelined-wrist-injury/ |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=The Leader |date=23 March 2022 |language=en}} Manager Phil Parkinson signed Lee Camp to act as back-up to Christian Dibble during Lainton's absence.{{cite news |title=SIGNED {{!}} Lee Camp joins Wrexham on short-term deal |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2022/march/signed--lee-camp-joins-wrexham-on-short-term-deal/ |access-date=29 May 2022 |work=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |date=24 March 2022 |language=en-gb}} Lainton made his third appearance of the 2022–23 season in Wrexham's 3–1 replay loss to Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.{{cite web |last1=Winter |first1=Henry |title=Sheffield United vs Wrexham: Late twist denies visitors their Hollywood ending |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/83904ac8-a706-11ed-b9b7-9e487a0455d5?shareToken=f3abe1683fb7c7680fff2c4eed45248e |work=The Times |access-date=Feb 11, 2023 |date=Feb 7, 2023}}
In February 2023, his contract was extended to the end of the 2023–24 season, with the possibility for it to be further extended for an additional year depending on number of appearances.{{cite web |title=Rob Lainton: Goalkeeper signs Wrexham contract extension |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64757749 |publisher=BBC Sports |access-date=25 February 2023 |date=24 February 2023}} However, he picked up a knee ligament injury the following month that saw him ruled out of action for six weeks.{{cite news |title=Wrexham goalkeeper Lainton to miss six weeks |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65030231 |access-date=2 May 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2023}} Wrexham won the National League title to secure a place in the EFL at the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Aled |title=Hollywood star's 'unadulterated joy' as Wrexham return to Football League |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65283910 |access-date=23 April 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2023}} He missed the entirety of the 2023–24 season with what Parkinson described as "an unusual injury" which was corrected with a knee operation.{{cite news |last1=Waters |first1=Matt |title=INJURY UPDATE {{!}} Phil Parkinson provides an update on Arthur Okonkwo and Rob Lainton |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/december/injury-update--phil-parkinson-provides-an-update-on-arthur-okonkwo-and-rob-lainton/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=Wrexham A.F.C. |date=14 December 2023 |language=en-gb}} The team secured promotion into League One, and Lainton was released upon the expiry of his contract.{{cite news |title=Wrexham: Luke Young and Ben Tozer released by Dragons |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cglxezz43k0o |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2024}}
=Altrincham=
On 25 February 2025, Lainton signed for National League side Altrincham.{{cite news |title=Experienced keeper Rob signs for Alty |last1=Edwards |first1=John|url=https://altrinchamfc.com/blogs/news/experienced-keeper-rob-signs-for-alty |access-date=25 February 2025 |work=Altrincham FC |date=25 February 2025 |language=en}} He played nine games before his 2024–25 season came to a premature conclusion due to injury.{{cite news |last1=Light |first1=George |title=Former Wrexham star's injury nightmare continues as player awaits latest verdict |url=https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/news/former-wrexham-stars-injury-nightmare-continues-as-player-awaits-latest-verdict/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Wrexham Insider |date=26 March 2025}} He was released at the end of the season.{{cite news |title=Squad update, including farewell to James, Eddy and George, while Justin joins EFL club |url=https://altrinchamfc.com/blogs/news/squad-update |access-date=6 June 2025 |work=Altrincham FC |date=19 May 2025 |language=en}}
Style of play
Speaking in May 2010, Bolton Wanderers reserve team manager John Henry described Lainton as "an infectious character and a real grafter", "a good all-round keeper... a great shot-stopper and kicks well".{{cite news|last1=Chronnell|first1=Liam|title=Wanderers bank on their gold reserves|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/8161682.Wanderers_bank_on_their_gold_reserves/?ref=mr|accessdate=21 June 2017|work=The Bolton News|date=13 May 2010}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 25 March 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||
| 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="4"|Bolton Wanderers
|2010–11{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2010|accessdate=1 January 2017}} |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2011–12{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2011|accessdate=1 January 2017}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2012–13{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2012|accessdate=1 January 2017}}
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| rowspan="5"|Bury
|4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2014–15{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2014|accessdate=1 January 2017}}
|League Two |17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | |
| 2015–16{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2015|accessdate=1 January 2017}}
|10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=flt|Appearance/s in the EFL Trophy}} | 0 | 12 | 0 | |
| 2016–17
|League One |7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 45 | 0 | |
| Burton Albion (loan)
|2013–14{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2013|accessdate=1 January 2017}} |League Two |14 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 0 | ||||
| Cheltenham Town (loan)
|2016–17{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2016|accessdate=1 January 2017}} |League Two |1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | ||||
| rowspan="3"|Port Vale
|2017–18{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2017|accessdate=1 January 2017}} |League Two |6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2018–19{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2018|accessdate=26 June 2018}} | League Two
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total
!6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| rowspan="7"|Wrexham
|2018–19{{Soccerway|robert-lainton/147115}} |45 | 0 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in the National League play-offs}} | 0 | 51 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20
|National League |21 | 0 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|Appearance(s) in the Scottish Challenge Cup}} | 0 | 26 | 0 | ||
| 2020–21
|National League |25 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | ||
| 2021–22
|National League |28 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3{{efn|name=FAT|Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy}} | 0 | 33 | 0 | ||
| 2022–23
|National League |6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|name=FAT}} | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24{{Soccerbase season|id=56646|season=2023|accessdate=1 January 2017}}
|League Two |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!125 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 145 | 0 | |
| Altrincham
|National League |7 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|1 appearance in the FA Trophy and 1 appearance in the National League Cup}} | 0 | 9 | 0 | |||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!191 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 221 | 0 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Rob Lainton}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Wrexham A.F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lainton, Rob}}
Category:Footballers from Ashton-under-Lyne
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football goalkeepers
Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Burton Albion F.C. players
Category:Cheltenham Town F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players
Category:Altrincham F.C. players
Category:English Football League players