Simon Heslop
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Simon Heslop
| image = Simon Heslop 2017-08-28 1.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Heslop playing for York City in 2017
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|5|1|df=y}}{{Hugman|23404|accessdate=7 February 2020}}
| birth_place = York, England
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/simon-heslop-42452/ |title=Simon Heslop |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=7 February 2020}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = Pickering Town
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2004
| youthclubs1 = Barnsley
| years1 = 2004–2010
| clubs1 = Barnsley
| caps1 = 1
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2005–2006
| clubs2 = → Kidderminster Harriers (loan)
| caps2 = 22
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2006–2007
| clubs3 = → Tamworth (loan)
| caps3 = 27
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2007
| clubs4 = → Northwich Victoria (loan)
| caps4 = 6
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2007–2008
| clubs5 = → Halifax Town (loan)
| caps5 = 30
| goals5 = 5
| years6 = 2008
| clubs6 = → Grimsby Town (loan)
| caps6 = 8
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2009
| clubs7 = → Kettering Town (loan)
| caps7 = 8
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2010
| clubs8 = → Luton Town (loan)
| caps8 = 11
| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2010–2013
| clubs9 = Oxford United
| caps9 = 91
| goals9 = 7
| years10 = 2013–2014
| clubs10 = Stevenage
| caps10 = 27
| goals10 = 1
| years11 = 2014–2015
| clubs11 = Mansfield Town
| caps11 = 25
| goals11 = 2
| years12 = 2015–2016
| clubs12 = Torquay United
| caps12 = 20
| goals12 = 0
| years13 = 2016
| clubs13 = Wrexham
| caps13 = 20
| goals13 = 3
| years14 = 2016–2019
| clubs14 = York City
| caps14 = 84
| goals14 = 9
| years15 = 2017
| clubs15 = → Eastleigh (loan)
| caps15 = 5
| goals15 = 1
| years16 = 2020
| clubs16 = Boston United
| caps16 = 3
| goals16 = 0
| years17 = 2020–2021
| clubs17 = Blyth Spartans
| caps17 = 16
| goals17 = 3
| years18 = 2021–2023
| clubs18 = Scarborough Athletic
| caps18 = 46
| goals18 = 1
| years19 = 2023–2024
| clubs19 = Liversedge
| caps19 = 30
| goals19 = 1
| years20 = 2024
| clubs20 = Bridlington Town
| caps20 = 0
| goals20 = 0
| club-update = 14:15, 27 July 2024 (UTC)
}}
Simon James Heslop (born 1 May 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Pickering Town.
Heslop started his career at Barnsley, signing his first professional deal with the club in 2005. He made just one first-team appearance during his six-year association with the club. During his time at Barnsley, Heslop was loaned out to Conference National club Kidderminster Harriers during the 2005–06 season, and spent the following season on loan with Tamworth. He then spent time on loan with Northwich Victoria and Halifax Town during 2007–08, before having further loan spells at Grimsby Town, Kettering Town and Luton Town respectively. He was released by Barnsley in May 2010, and signed for League Two club Oxford United shortly after. Heslop made over 100 appearances for Oxford during his three-year stay there. He was released at the end of 2012–13, and subsequently signed for League One club Stevenage on a free transfer in May 2013.
Early life
Heslop was born in York and attended Huntington School.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/14670863.York_City__39_s_new_skipper_Simon_Heslop_expresses__quot_honour_quot__of_captaining_home_town_club/ |title=York City's new skipper Simon Heslop expresses "honour" of captaining home-town club |first=Dave |last=Flett |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=9 August 2016 |access-date=2 May 2017}}
Career
=Barnsley and loan spells=
Heslop began his career at Barnsley, where he progressed through the youth team and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2005.{{cite web |title=Simon Heslop |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=39921 |website=Soccerbase |access-date=24 May 2013}} After playing regularly for Barnsley's reserve team,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tamworth/6154396.stm |title=Lambs swoop for Barnsley's Heslop |website=BBC Sport |date=16 November 2006 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Heslop went on loan to Conference National club Kidderminster Harriers at the start of the 2005–06 season, on an initial one-month deal.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kidderminster_harriers/4187624.stm |title=Heslop in Kidderminster loan move |website=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2005 |access-date=24 May 2013}} The Kidderminster manager, Stuart Watkiss, was formerly Barnsley's academy manager, and stated – "He immediately caught my eye during my time at Barnsley, and he's a lad with a lot of natural ability". He made his debut as a second-half substitute a day later, on 27 August, as Kidderminster drew 1–1 at home with Southport.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/4168736.stm |title=Kidderminster 1–1 Southport |website=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2005 |access-date=24 May 2013}} After impressing during his time with the club, the loan agreement was extended for a further month,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kidderminster_harriers/4275362.stm |title=Kidderminster extend Heslop loan |website=BBC Sport |date=23 September 2005 |access-date=24 May 2013}} and then once again in October.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kidderminster_harriers/4381550.stm |title=Heslop extends deal with Harriers |website=BBC Sport |date=27 October 2005 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Heslop scored his first goal for the club on 5 November 2005, firing home a "sublime shot" in a 2–1 home defeat to Exeter City.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/4406214.stm |title=Kidderminster 1–2 Exeter |website=BBC Sport |date=5 November 2005 |access-date=24 May 2013}} The loan deal was extended until the end of January 2006, and Heslop returned to his parent club having made 27 appearances for Kidderminster during the season. At the end of the season, on 31 May 2006, Heslop signed a new two-year deal at Barnsley.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnsley/5033574.stm |title=Barnsley offer new deals to seven |website=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2006 |access-date=24 May 2013}}
Having made no first-team appearances for Barnsley, Heslop was loaned out for a second time in November 2006, joining another Conference National team in the form of Tamworth. He signed on an initial one-month deal, and made his debut in a 3–1 home victory over Woking.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6138848.stm |title=Tamworth 3–1 Woking |website=BBC Sport |date=18 November 2006 |access-date=24 May 2013}} After making four starting appearances during his month at Tamworth, Heslop's loan was extended for another month,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnsley/6218332.stm |title=Tykes quartet extend loan spells |website=BBC Sport |date=7 December 2006 |access-date=24 May 2013}} before later being extended for the remainder of Tamworth's 2006–07 season. He made 33 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club, scoring two goals. He returned to Barnsley at the end of April 2007, and made his first-team debut for the club a week later, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute with the club already five goals down in an eventual 7–0 away loss to West Bromwich Albion.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6602897.stm |title=West Brom 7–0 Barnsley |website=BBC Sport |date=6 May 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}}
In September 2007, Heslop spent a month on loan at Northwich Victoria, the third time he had been loaned out to a Conference Premier club. He played six times during his time with the club, before returning to his parent club after Northwich's 2–0 away defeat to Weymouth.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7019793.stm |title=Weymouth 2–0 Northwich |website=BBC Sport |date=6 October 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Just a week after returning from his loan spell at Northwich, Heslop joined divisional rivals Halifax Town on a one-month loan agreement.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/halifax_town/7047707.stm |title=Heslop joins Halifax Town on loan |website=BBC Sport |date=16 October 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Aldershot Town on 20 October 2007,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7043172.stm |title=Aldershot 1–0 Halifax |website=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} and scored in the club's next match, a 3–1 win over Evesham United in the FA Cup.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7071008.stm |title=Halifax Town 2–1 Evesham United |website=BBC Sport |date=31 October 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Just four days later, on 3 November, Heslop scored his second goal in as many matches, opening the scoring with a left-footed finish as Halifax comfortably beat Crawley Town at The Shay.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7065161.stm |title=Halifax 3–0 Crawley |website=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Following a successful first month with Halifax, during which he scored twice in four matches, the loan deal was extended on 16 November, for a further two months until January 2008.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/halifax_town/7098199.stm |title=Heslop extends Halifax loan deal |website=BBC Sport |date=16 November 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} A day later, Heslop scored a long-range effort as Halifax came from two goals down to beat Stevenage at Broadhall Way.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7088605.stm |title=Stevenage 2–3 Halifax |website=BBC Sport |date=17 November 2007 |access-date=24 May 2013}} After being a regular fixture in Halifax's midfield for the following two months, Heslop's loan was extended once more, this time until the remainder of 2007–08.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/halifax_town/7193883.stm |title=Halifax extend Heslop loan spell |website=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} He scored twice within the space of two weeks to take his goal tally to five for the season; firstly scoring in a 2–1 reverse to Cambridge United,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7236492.stm |title=Halifax 1–2 Cambridge Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=16 February 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} before scoring the winner with a shot from 20-yards against Weymouth.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7260464.stm |title=Halifax 2–1 Weymouth |website=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} He also scored the only goal of the match in a 1–0 win over Ebbsfleet United on 10 April,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7332178.stm |title=Halifax 1–0 Ebbsfleet |website=BBC Sport |date=10 April 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} and made 40 appearances in all competitions for Halifax.
Ahead of the 2008–09 season, back at Barnsley, Heslop trained with Rochdale with a view to a loan move.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/7496181.stm |title=Rochdale ponder Heslop loan move |website=BBC Sport |date=8 July 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} However, no transfer materialised, and he had a trial with Port Vale later that month, although "budget restrictions" meant the deal collapsed.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7519694.stm |title=Valiants end interest in Tadrosse |website=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} A week before the start of the new season, Heslop joined League Two club Grimsby Town on an initial three-month loan deal, with the option to join permanently after the period was over.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/grimsby_town/7539894.stm |title=Mariners sign midfielder on loan |website=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} On securing the loan signing, Grimsby manager Alan Buckley said – "He is a bit of everything, a box-to-box player. He's got a good chance of starting next week if he impresses in training". He made his debut in a 0–0 home draw with Rochdale on the opening day of the season,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7541145.stm |title=Grimsby 0–0 Rochdale |website=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2008 |access-date=24 May 2013}} and went on to make 11 appearances during the three-month period. Towards the latter stages of that season, in March 2009, Heslop spent a week on trial at Lincoln City, playing in a reserve match against Nottingham Forest.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/lincoln_city/7972775.stm |title=Imps give midfielder Heslop trial |website=BBC Sport |date=30 March 2009 |access-date=24 May 2013}}
In October 2009, over a year since his last first-team appearance for any club, Heslop was loaned out for a sixth time when he joined Kettering Town on a month-long deal. He made his debut on 31 October, playing the whole match in Kettering's 1–1 home draw with Stevenage.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8317074.stm |title=Kettering 1–1 Stevenage |website=BBC Sport |date=31 October 2009 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Heslop made five appearances during the month, including receiving a red card for two bookable offences in a home loss to Kidderminster Harriers,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8353488.stm |title=Kettering 0–2 Kidderminster |website=BBC Sport |date=21 November 2009 |access-date=24 May 2013}} as the loan was extended for a further month.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kettering_town/8380646.stm |title=Kettering extend Heslop loan deal |website=BBC Sport |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=24 May 2013}} He made 12 appearances during his time with Kettering, three of which came in the FA Cup as the club were ultimately knocked out by Championship team Leeds United at Elland Road after extra-time, having taken them to a replay.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8379415.stm |title=Kettering 1–1 Leeds |website=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2009 |access-date=24 May 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8399556.stm |title=Leeds 5–1 Kettering |website=BBC Sport |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Two months later, Heslop signed for fellow Conference Premier club Luton Town on a 28-day emergency loan in March 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8564082.stm |title=Luton Town sign Barnsley's Simon Heslop on loan |website=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2010 |access-date=23 June 2016}} He was brought in to replace Luton captain Kevin Nicholls, who had been ruled out for the rest of the season. Heslop started in Luton's 1–0 win over Wrexham shortly after,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8550109.stm |title=Luton Town 1–0 Wrexham |website=BBC Sport |date=30 March 2010 |access-date=14 December 2012}} and scored his only goal for the club in a 4–0 win against Salisbury City at Kenilworth Road on 30 March.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8570535.stm |title=Luton Town 4–0 Salisbury City |website=BBC Sport |date=30 March 2010 |access-date=14 December 2012}} He made 13 appearances during his time with the club, including two appearances as Luton lost 2–0 on aggregate to York City in the Conference Premier play-off semi-final.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8643867.stm |title=York City 1–0 Luton Town |website=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2010 |access-date=14 December 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8643892.stm |title=Luton Town 0–1 York City (agg 0–2) |website=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2010 |access-date=14 December 2012}} Heslop was released by Barnsley at the end of 2009–10, having made just one appearance during his six-year association with the club.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnsley/8658308.stm |title=Hugo Colace offered new Barnsley contract |website=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2010 |access-date=24 May 2013}}
=Oxford United=
File:Simon Heslop 11-09-2010 1.jpg in 2010]]
Shortly after his release from Barnsley, Heslop joined League Two club Oxford United on a free transfer in June 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/8730332.stm |title=Oxford United snap up midfielder Simon Heslop |website=BBC Sport |date=9 June 2010 |access-date=23 June 2016}} On signing Heslop, Oxford chairman Kelvin Thomas stated – "We are pleased to secure Simon's services. He is an excellent player and the encouraging thing about him signing is that he was made bigger financial offers at other clubs but wanted to come here". He made his debut on the opening day of 2010–11, playing the whole match as Oxford marked their return to the Football League with a 0–0 draw at Burton Albion.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842743.stm |title=Burton Albion 0–0 Oxford Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2010 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Just three days later, on 10 August 2010, Heslop scored twice in the club's 6–1 win over Bristol Rovers in the League Cup.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8893617.stm |title=Oxford Utd 6–1 Bristol Rovers |website=BBC Sport |date=10 August 2010 |access-date=24 May 2013}} He scored his first league goal the following month, netting with a 30-yard drive to open the scoring in an eventual 4–0 win over Morecambe at the Kassam Stadium.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8964272.stm |title=Oxford Utd 4–0 Morecambe |website=BBC Sport |date=4 September 2010 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Heslop then scored with a "drilled right-foot shot" as Oxford secured a 2–1 home victory against Macclesfield Town on 28 December 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9305602.stm |title=Oxford Utd 2–1 Macclesfield |website=BBC Sport |date=28 December 2010 |access-date=24 May 2013}} He added one further goal to his tally that season, scoring in the first-half from Jack Midson's cut-back in a 2–1 home win against Rotherham United in February 2011.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9387900.stm |title=Oxford Utd 2–1 Rotherham |website=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=24 May 2013}} Heslop scored five times, all at the Kassam, and made 40 appearances during his first season with the club.
The 2011–12 season started well for Heslop, scoring twice in the club's opening two home matches of the season. The first of which was courtesy of a "25-yard drive following a surging run" in a 1–1 draw with Bradford City at the Kassam,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14429540 |title=Oxford Utd 1–1 Bradford |website=BBC Sport |date=13 August 2011 |access-date=23 June 2016}} while the second came three days later when he scored a "stunning opener" from 35-yards out in a victory against Shrewsbury Town.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14457326 |title=Oxford Utd 2–0 Shrewsbury |website=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2011 |access-date=23 June 2016}} Heslop scored yet another long-range strike in September that year, "thumping" Oxford ahead with an effort from 25-yards in a 2–0 win over Barnet at Underhill, his first goal away from Oxford's home ground.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14863971 |title=Barnet 0–2 Oxford Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=23 June 2016}} The goal ultimately turned out to be Heslop's last of the season, and he went on to make 32 appearances as Oxford finished ninth in League Two, four points behind the last play-off place.{{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-two/2011-2012 |title=English League Two 2011–2012: Table |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=24 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618105737/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-two/2011-2012 |archive-date=18 June 2012}} He remained at Oxford for 2012–13, and made 30 appearances as Oxford once again finished in a mid-table position.{{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-two/2011-2012 |title=English League Two 2012–2013: Table |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=24 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618105737/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-two/2011-2012 |archive-date=18 June 2012}} His only goal of the season came on 9 March 2013, scoring with a low shot in a 3–1 victory over Torquay United at Plainmoor.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21639531 |title=Torquay 1–3 Oxford Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=23 June 2016}} Shortly after the end of the season, in May 2013, Heslop was released by Oxford upon the expiry of his contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22380979 |title=Oxford United: Michael Duberry among 12 released |website=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2013 |access-date=23 June 2016}} During his three-year stay at Oxford, Heslop made 102 appearances and scored nine goals.
=Stevenage, Torquay United and Wrexham=
Following his release from Oxford, Heslop signed for League One club Stevenage on a free transfer on 21 May 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2013/may/two-more-additions-for-boro/ |title=Two more additions for Boro |publisher=Stevenage F.C. |date=21 May 2013 |access-date=24 June 2018}} He made his debut for the club on the opening day of 2013–14, playing the whole match as Stevenage lost 4–3 to Oldham Athletic at Broadhall Way. He scored his first league goal for the club away to Gillingham on 26 November 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23474975 |title=Stevenage 3–4 Oldham |website=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2013 |access-date=23 June 2016}} On 12 May 2014, Heslop was released by Stevenage.{{cite web |url=https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2014/may/six-depart-the-lamex/ |title=Six depart the Lamex |first=Dave |last=Toyn |publisher=Stevenage F.C. |date=12 May 2014 |access-date=24 June 2018}}
In August 2015, Heslop joined Torquay United.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33978421 |title=Torquay United: Midfielder Simon Heslop signs for Gulls |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2015 |access-date=23 June 2016}}
He signed for Wrexham in January 2016.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35215247 |title=Wrexham: Simon Heslop signs and Rhys Taylor extends loan |website=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2016 |access-date=23 June 2016}}
=York City=
File:Simon Heslop 2017-03-04 1.jpg in 2017]]
Heslop signed for his hometown club York City, who were newly relegated into the National League, on 20 June 2016 on a two-year contract.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/14568602.Midfielder_Simon_Heslop_joins_York_City_after_turning_down_new_deal_with_Wrexham/ |title=Midfielder Simon Heslop joins York City after turning down new deal with Wrexham |first=Dave |last=Flett |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=20 June 2016 |access-date=23 June 2016}} He captained York as they beat Macclesfield Town 3–2 at Wembley Stadium in the 2017 FA Trophy Final on 21 May.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/15299972.York_City_lift_FA_Trophy_to_win_at_Wembley_for_a_fourth_time_in_their_history/ |title=York City lift FA Trophy to win at Wembley for a fourth time in their history |first=Dave |last=Flett |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=21 May 2017 |access-date=22 May 2017}}
Heslop requested a transfer in early November 2017, with manager Martin Gray dropping him from the team as a result.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/15641534.Simon_Heslop_to_leave_York_City_after_asking_for_a_move/ |title=Simon Heslop to leave York City after asking for a move |first=Dave |last=Flett |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=4 November 2017 |access-date=17 December 2017}} Heslop joined National League club Eastleigh on 16 November 2017 on a one-month loan.{{cite web |url=https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/club/heslop-leaves-loan |title=Heslop leaves on loan |first=Phil |last=Howden |publisher=York City F.C. |date=16 November 2017 |access-date=16 November 2017}} He made his debut two days later, starting in a 2–0 home defeat to Barrow.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/15669986.Eastleigh_0_Barrow_AFC_2__Another_gloomy_afternoon_for_the_Spitfires/ |title=Another gloomy afternoon for the Spitfires as they lose 2–0 at home to Barrow |first=Wendy |last=Gee |newspaper=Southern Daily Echo |location=Southampton |date=18 November 2017 |access-date=19 November 2017}} Heslop scored his first goal for Eastleigh in a 3–3 draw away to F.C. Halifax Town on 25 November 2017 with a shot from Chris Zebroski's cross.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/15684134.Both_goalkeepers_see_red_in_Eastleigh_s_dramatic_3_3_draw_at_Halifax/ |title=Both goalkeepers see red in Eastleigh's dramatic 3–3 draw at FC Halifax Town |newspaper=Southern Daily Echo |location=Southampton |date=25 November 2017 |access-date=13 December 2017}} He made five appearances and scored one goal for Eastleigh, with the club opting to not extend his loan.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/15770786.Eastleigh_loan_midfielder_returns_to_parent_club/ |title=Eastleigh loan midfielder Simon Heslop returns to parent club |first=Wendy |last=Gee |newspaper=Southern Daily Echo |location=Southampton |date=13 December 2017 |access-date=13 December 2017}} York manager Martin Gray reiterated that Heslop would not be considered for selection upon his return to the club.{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/15776212.Simon_Heslop_still_out_in_the_cold_at_York_City/ |title=Simon Heslop still out in the cold at York City |first=Dave |last=Flett |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=15 December 2017 |access-date=17 December 2017}}
Heslop was ruled out for the rest of the 2018–19 season in February 2019, with a knee injury that required a second operation.{{cite web |url=https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/heslop-ruled-out-season |title=Heslop ruled out for the season |publisher=York City F.C. |date=21 February 2019 |access-date=7 February 2020}} He was not offered a new contract at the end of the season but was invited to return for pre-season training.{{cite web |url=https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/club-announces-retained-list |title=Club announces retained list |publisher=York City F.C. |date=1 May 2019 |access-date=7 February 2020 |archive-date=7 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207002621/https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/club-announces-retained-list |url-status=dead }}
=Boston United=
Heslop signed for National League North club Boston United on 6 February 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonunited.co.uk/news/united-sign-midfielder-heslop-2510172.html |title=United sign midfielder Heslop |first=Craig |last=Singleton |publisher=Boston United F.C. |date=6 February 2020 |access-date=7 February 2020}}
=Blyth Spartans=
Heslop signed for National League North club Blyth Spartans on 26 August 2020.{{cite web|url=http://www.blythspartans.com/arrival-simon-heslop-signs-for-blyth-spartans/ |title=Arrival {{!}} Simon Heslop signs for Blyth Spartans|first=Jordan |last=Cronin |publisher=Blyth Spartans A.F.C. |date=26 August 2020 |access-date=27 August 2020}}
=Scarborough Athletic=
On 10 August 2021, Heslop signed for Scarborough Athletic.{{cite web | url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/19502729.former-york-city-captain-simon-heslop-joins-scarborough/ | title=Former York City captain Simon Heslop joins Scarborough }} Following promotion to the National League North at the end of his first season, Heslop extended his contract till the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web | url=https://www.scarboroughathletic.com/news/heslop-re-signs | title=Heslop re-signs }} He departed the club in July 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.scarboroughathletic.com/news/simon-heslop-departs-boro|title=Simon Heslop departs Boro|website=www.scarboroughathletic.com|date=28 July 2023|accessdate=27 July 2024}}
=Later career=
In July 2024, Heslop joined fellow NPL Division One East side Bridlington Town.{{cite tweet|number=1815084328457584772|title=We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Simon Heslop. Simon is a very experienced player, previous clubs Barnsley, York City, Wrexham, Grimsby Town and Scarborough Athletic and most recently been with Liversedge, Welcome to Bridlington Simon.|user=BridTownAFC|author-link=Bridlington Town A.F.C.|date=21 July 2024|accessdate=27 July 2024}}
Career statistics
{{updated|end of 2023–24 season}}
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Honours
References
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External links
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- [https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/team/player-profiles/simon-heslop Profile] at the York City F.C. website
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Category:Footballers from York
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Barnsley F.C. players
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Category:Tamworth F.C. players
Category:Northwich Victoria F.C. players
Category:Halifax Town A.F.C. players
Category:Grimsby Town F.C. players
Category:Kettering Town F.C. players
Category:Luton Town F.C. players
Category:Oxford United F.C. players
Category:Stevenage F.C. players
Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players
Category:Torquay United F.C. players
Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players
Category:York City F.C. players
Category:Eastleigh F.C. players
Category:Boston United F.C. players
Category:Blyth Spartans A.F.C. players
Category:Scarborough Athletic F.C. players
Category:Liversedge F.C. players
Category:Bridlington Town A.F.C. players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players