Simon Lappin
{{short description|Scottish footballer}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Simon Lappin
| image = Simon Lappin 2010-05-13 1.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Lappin celebrating promotion to the Championship with Norwich City in 2010
| fullname = Simon Lappin{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=245}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|1|25|df=y}}
| birth_place = Glasgow, Scotland
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}
| position = Defender / Winger
| currentclub = Wroxham
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2001
| youthclubs1 = St Mirren
| years1 = 2001–2007
| clubs1 = St Mirren
| caps1 = 152
| goals1 = 9
| years2 = 2007–2013
| clubs2 = Norwich City
| caps2 = 109
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2008
| clubs3 = → Motherwell (loan)
| caps3 = 14
| goals3 = 2
| years4 = 2012–2013
| clubs4 = → Cardiff City (loan)
| caps4 = 2
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2013–2014
| clubs5 = Cardiff City
| caps5 = 0
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2013–2014
| clubs6 = → Sheffield United (loan)
| caps6 = 9
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2014–2016
| clubs7 = St Johnstone
| caps7 = 50
| goals7 = 3
| years8 = 2016–2017
| clubs8 = York City
| caps8 = 7
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2017–2018
| clubs9 = King's Lynn Town
| caps9 = 30
| goals9 = 3
| years10 = 2018–2019
| clubs10 = Wroxham
| caps10 = 25
| goals10 = 5
| totalcaps = 398
| totalgoals = 24
| nationalyears1 = 2001
| nationalteam1 = Scotland U19
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2002–2003
| nationalteam2 = Scotland U20
| nationalcaps2 = 2
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalyears3 = 2004–2005
| nationalteam3 = Scotland U21
| nationalcaps3 = 10
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| club-update = 8 September 2023 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update =
}}
Simon Lappin (born 25 January 1983) is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a left back and as a left winger during his career.
Lappin began his career with St Mirren before moving to Norwich City in 2007. He had short loan spells at Motherwell and Cardiff City before moving to Cardiff permanently in 2013. He had a loan spell with Sheffield United, before playing for St Johnstone from 2014 to 2016. Lappin played for National League club York City from 2016 to 2017. He was capped 10 times by the Scotland national under-21 team.
Early life
Club career
=St Mirren=
Lappin was an unused substitute in several games during St Mirren's 2000–01 Scottish Premier League campaign. After relegation that season he was fast-tracked into the first team where his crosses from the left, both in open play and from set pieces led to a number of goals for teammates.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} He made the first of his ten Scotland Under-21 appearances during 2003–04 the season and helped the club gain promotion to the Scottish Premier League for 2006–07, after which he signed a two-year contract extension.{{cite news |title=St Mirren pair sign new contracts |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/4774123.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2006 |accessdate=2 August 2012}} He also scored one of St Mirren's goals as they defeated Hamilton Academical 2-1 in the 2005 Scottish Challenge Cup final.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/4403942.stm |title=St Mirren 2-1 Hamilton Accies |publisher=BBC |date=6 November 2005 |accessdate=11 August 2020}} Lappin made more than 170 appearances for the Buddies before he was signed by Norwich City manager Peter Grant.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}
=Norwich City=
File:SimonLappin.JPG with Norwich City in 2010]]
On 31 January 2007, Lappin signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Norwich City for a £100,000 fee.{{cite news |title=Norwich net Lappin from St Mirren |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/st_mirren/6314285.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2007 |accessdate=2 November 2016}} He made his debut for Norwich on 3 February at Carrow Road in a 2–1 win against Leeds United, in which he earned the official sponsor's Man of the Match award.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} Lappin then scored his first goal for Norwich against Luton Town on 27 February. City were awarded a free-kick in the 90th minute of the game at Kenilworth Road, with the scores level at 2–2, when Lappin curled in a match-winning goal.{{cite web |title=On this day: Lappin magic at Luton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c3geg2rwej2o |website=BBC Sport}} Lappin played in most of Norwich City's games under Peter Grant in 2007–08, but when Grant was replaced by Glenn Roeder Lappin found himself out of favour after a 3–0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} Lappin was one of six players criticised by Roeder after a 5–1 reserve-team defeat to Ipswich Town.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}
Lappin was loaned to Motherwell for the rest of 2007–08 on 31 January 2008.{{cite news |title=Norwich loan Lappin to Motherwell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/7220550.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2008 |accessdate=4 October 2013}} During this spell, he played 15 matches and scored two goals, including the only goal of the game in Motherwell's shock 1–0 win against Celtic at Celtic Park.{{cite news |title=Celtic 0–1 Motherwell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7328014.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 April 2008 |accessdate=4 October 2013}} Lappin remained at Norwich and despite the club's poor start to 2008–09, he still failed to get near the first team, even being made to train with the youths by Roeder.{{cite news |title=Lappin revels in Norwich return |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/8234464.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 September 2009 |accessdate=2 August 2012}} Many Norwich fans felt Lappin was being badly treated and should have been recalled to the team.{{cite news |title='Forgotten men' back in spotlight |url=http://www.advertiser24.co.uk/content/advertiser24/sport/story.aspx?brand=NOROnline&category=Sport&tBrand=AAOnline&tCategory=sport&itemid=NOED17%20Mar%202009%2008%3A05%3A37%3A700 |newspaper=Norwich Evening News |date=17 March 2009 |accessdate=27 March 2009}} {{dead link|date=November 2016}} {{cbignore}} After Bryan Gunn's appointment as Norwich manager, Lappin made his first appearance for Norwich's first team in 16 months on 21 March 2009, in a 1–1 draw against Birmingham City at St Andrew's.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} Although his performances were not enough to prevent the club being relegated to League One, Lappin signed a two-year contract extension with the club in June 2009.{{cite news |title=Lappin signs new Norwich contract |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/8125969.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 June 2009 |accessdate=2 August 2012}}
When Paul Lambert took over as Norwich manager early in 2009–10, Lappin began to feature more regularly and ended up starting 42 league games, more than any other player, even captaining the side in a Football League Trophy match with Brentford when Grant Holt and Gary Doherty were both absent.{{cite news |title=Norwich deals for Simon Lapin and Wes Hoolahan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/9353244.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2011 |accessdate=2 August 2012}} Lappin continued to play a prominent role in the Norwich City side during 2010–11, signing another two-year contract extension in January 2011. He was rushed into hospital on 19 February suffering with appendicitis and was ruled out of playing for a number of weeks.{{cite news |title=Norwich City pair Simon Lappin and Chris Martin injured |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/9403424.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2011 |accessdate=2 August 2012}}
By the start of 2011–12, players such as Andrew Surman and Elliott Bennett were regular choices, which resulted in Lappin only making four Premier League appearances, along with two substitute appearances in cup competitions.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} This included deputising at left back for the last two matches following injuries to both Marc Tierney and Adam Drury.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}
At the start of 2012–13, Lappin scored his first goal for the club in over five years in a League Cup tie against Scunthorpe United, beating Sam Slocombe with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.{{cite news |title=Capital One Cup: Norwich City 2, Scunthorpe United 1 |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/capital_one_cup_norwich_city_2_scunthorpe_united_1_1_1497052 |newspaper=Eastern Daily Press |location=Norwich |date=28 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220218/http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/capital_one_cup_norwich_city_2_scunthorpe_united_1_1_1497052 |archivedate=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead}} He made his last appearance for the club on 5 January 2013, in a 3–0 win over Peterborough United in the third round of the FA Cup.{{cite news |title=Peterborough United 0, Norwich City 3 |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/peterborough_united_0_norwich_city_3_1_1783486 |newspaper=Eastern Daily Press |location=Norwich |date=5 January 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221724/http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/peterborough_united_0_norwich_city_3_1_1783486 |archivedate=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}
=Cardiff City=
In November 2012, Lappin moved to Cardiff City on an emergency loan until 1 January 2013.{{cite web |title=City land Lappin on loan |url=https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/2012/november/city-land-lappin-on-loan/ |publisher=Cardiff City F.C. |date=21 November 2012 |accessdate=20 December 2017}} He made his debut for the club in a 2–1 victory at Barnsley, but was sent off after picking up two yellow cards, the first Cardiff player to be dismissed in over a year. Following Andrew Taylor's return to the side, Lappin was restricted to appearances on the bench, ensuring his second appearance for the Bluebirds didn't come until New Years Day in a 1–0 win at Birmingham City, which was his last before returning to Norwich the next day.{{cite news |title=Malky Mackay pondering Cardiff City defensive cover |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20885629 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 January 2013 |accessdate=2 November 2016}}
In January 2013, Lappin was announced as a Cardiff player having left Norwich by mutual consent earlier in the month.{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Denham |title=Lappin signs permanent City deal |url=https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/2013/january/lappin-signs-permanent-city-deal/ |publisher=Cardiff City F.C. |date=29 January 2013 |accessdate=20 December 2017}}{{cite news |title=Simon Lappin leaves Norwich City |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/simon_lappin_leaves_norwich_city_1_1801103 |newspaper=Eastern Daily Press |location=Norwich |date=21 January 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209202933/http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/simon_lappin_leaves_norwich_city_1_1801103 |archivedate=9 February 2015 |url-status=dead}} In October 2013, Lappin signed for League One club Sheffield United on a one-month loan.{{cite web|title=Lappin arrives on loan |url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20131004-lappin-loan-1094633.aspx |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=4 October 2013 |accessdate=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015174714/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20131004-lappin-loan-1094633.aspx |archivedate=15 October 2013 |df=dmy }} Having made five appearances for the South Yorkshire club in his first month, Lappin agreed to extend his stay until January 2014.{{cite web |title=Lappin loan extended |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2013/november/lappin-loan-extended/ |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=4 November 2013 |accessdate=20 December 2017}} With his loan deal close to ending, Manager Nigel Clough insisted he would be willing to extend Lappin's loan spell until the end of the season.{{cite web|title=Porter praised |url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20140102-porter-praised-1270852.aspx |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=2 January 2014 |accessdate=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605211128/http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/20140102-porter-praised-1270852.aspx |archivedate=5 June 2014 |df=dmy }}
Following his loan spell at Sheffield United, Lappin never played for Cardiff again and at the end of the season, was released upon expiry of his contract.{{cite news |first=Alex |last=Bywater |title=Tommy Smith and Simon Lappin to leave Cardiff City, but Don Cowie has been offered a new contract |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tommy-smith-simon-lappin-leave-7164804 |publisher=Wales Online |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=5 June 2014}}
=St Johnstone=
After leaving Cardiff, Lappin was reported to be on trial with Rangers in August 2014,{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Nicolson |title=St Johnstone sign Simon Lappin |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/st-johnstone/135938/st-johnstone-sign-simon-lappin/ |newspaper=The Courier |location=Dundee |date=21 August 2014 |accessdate=2 November 2016}} however this was denied by Rangers manager Ally McCoist.{{cite news |title=Ally McCoist keen to keep Lee Wallace as Rangers deny bids for defender |url=http://stv.tv/sport/football/clubs/rangers/288179-ally-mccoist-keen-to-keep-lee-wallace-as-rangers-deny-bids-for-defender/ |publisher=STV News |date=13 August 2014 |accessdate=2 November 2016}} Lappin then signed a two-year contract with St Johnstone.{{cite news |title=St Johnstone: Simon Lappin agrees deal after Cardiff exit |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28882179 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 August 2014 |accessdate=2 November 2016}} Upon signing, St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright said that the club had signed Lappin ahead of other clubs who were interested, including one in Major League Soccer in America.{{cite news |title=St Johnstone fought off MLS interest to sign midfielder Simon Lappin |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/st-johnstone/289325-st-johnstone-fought-off-mls-interest-to-sign-midfielder-simon-lappin/ |publisher=STV News |date=22 August 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034307/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/st-johnstone/289325-st-johnstone-fought-off-mls-interest-to-sign-midfielder-simon-lappin/ |archivedate=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}
Lappin made his St Johnstone debut on 23 August 2014, coming on as a substitute for Scott Brown in the 72nd minute, in a 1–0 win over Aberdeen.{{cite news |first=Andrew |last=Southwick |title=St Johnstone 1–0 Aberdeen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28816174 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2014 |accessdate=2 November 2016}}
=Later career=
On 16 November 2016, Lappin signed for National League club York City on a contract until the end of 2016–17.{{cite news |first=Ian |last=Appleyard |title=York City sign former Premier League winger Simon Lappin |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/14908264.York_City_sign_former_Premier_League_winger_Simon_Lappin/ |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=16 November 2016 |accessdate=16 November 2016}} He was released at the end of the season, with the possibility of returning once recovering from a ruptured Achilles.{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Flett |title=Danny Holmes and Sam Fielding reject York City deals, Lanre Oyebanjo and Scott Fenwick released and Simon Lappin leaves – For now |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/15375244.Danny_Holmes_and_Sam_Fielding_reject_York_City_deals__Lanre_Oyebanjo_and_Scott_Fenwick_released_and_Simon_Lappin_leaves___for_now/ |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=27 June 2017 |accessdate=29 July 2017}}
Lappin signed for Southern League Premier Division club King's Lynn Town on 9 October 2017.{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Long |title='That's promotion confirmed then' – Fans react to Grant Holt and Simon Lappin signing for King's Lynn Town |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/kings-lynn-town/grant-holt-and-simon-lappin-sign-for-king-s-lynn-town-1-5228725 |newspaper=Eastern Daily Press |location=Norwich |date=9 October 2017 |accessdate=10 October 2017}} He made his debut the following day, as an 81st-minute substitute in a 2–0 home win over Hitchin Town.
Ahead of the 2018–19 season, Lappin joined Wroxham as a player coach.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Armstrong |title=Former Norwich City ace Simon Lappin joins Wroxham |url=http://www.pinkun.com/local-football/simon-lappin-signs-for-wroxham-1-5596892 |newspaper=Pink 'in |location=Norwich |date=8 July 2018 |accessdate=10 August 2018}}
International career
Lappin was capped four times by the Scotland national under-19 team (2001), two times by the under-20 team (2002 to 2003) and ten times by the under-21 team (2004 to 2005).{{cite web |title=Simon Lappin |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/simon-lappin-17892/ |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |accessdate=20 December 2017}}
Career statistics
File:Simon Lappin 2017-02-11 1.jpg in 2017]]
{{updated|match played 7 April 2018}}
{{notelist}}
Honours
St Mirren
Norwich City
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Simon Lappin}}
- {{SFA player|26509}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lappin, Simon}}
Category:Footballers from Glasgow
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers
Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:St Mirren F.C. players
Category:Norwich City F.C. players
Category:Motherwell F.C. players
Category:Cardiff City F.C. players
Category:Sheffield United F.C. players
Category:St Johnstone F.C. players
Category:York City F.C. players
Category:King's Lynn Town F.C. players
Category:Scottish Football League players
Category:Scottish Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players