Stevie May
{{short description|Scottish footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Stevie May
| image = Stevie May 2016.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = May with Preston North End in 2016
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|11|3|df=y}}
| birth_place = Perth, Scotland
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}
| position = Striker
| currentclub = Livingston
(on loan from St Johnstone)
| clubnumber = 17
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = St Johnstone
| years1 = 2009–2014
| caps1 = 62
| goals1 = 23
| clubs1 = St Johnstone
| years2 = 2011–2012
| caps2 = 22
| goals2 = 19
| clubs2 = → Alloa Athletic (loan)
| years3 = 2012–2013
| caps3 = 33
| goals3 = 25
| clubs3 = → Hamilton Academical (loan)
| years4 = 2014–2015
| caps4 = 39
| goals4 = 7
| clubs4 = Sheffield Wednesday
| years5 = 2015–2017
| caps5 = 12
| goals5 = 1
| clubs5 = Preston North End
| years6 = 2017–2019
| caps6 = 61
| goals6 = 7
| clubs6 = Aberdeen
| years7 = 2019–
| caps7 = 132
| goals7 = 25
| clubs7 = St Johnstone
| years8 = 2024–
| clubs8 = → Livingston (loan)
| caps8 = 33
| goals8 = 5
| nationalyears1 = 2012
| nationalteam1 = Scotland U20
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2013–2014
| nationalteam2 = Scotland U21
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalgoals2 = 2
| nationalyears3 = 2014
| nationalteam3 = Scotland
| nationalcaps3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| club-update = 10:10, 3 May 2025 (UTC)
| ntupdate =
}}
Steven May (born 3 November 1992) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for {{Scottish football updater|Livingst}} side Livingston, on loan from {{Scottish football updater|StJohnst}} club St Johnstone. May has previously played in the Scottish leagues for St Johnstone, Alloa Athletic, Hamilton Academical and Aberdeen and in the English leagues for Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End. He has been capped once internationally by Scotland.
Club career
=St Johnstone=
==Early career==
May began playing football aged ten and started his career as a member of St Johnstone's youth squad.{{cite web | url=http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/matchdaydetail.php?param=239 | title=Saints ease to last game win | publisher=St Johnstone F.C. | date=11 May 2009 | access-date=10 December 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234305/http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/matchdaydetail.php?param=239 | archive-date=30 December 2013 | df=dmy-all }}{{cite news|title=When I get down I think about my old Saints pal who's now selling ice cream for a living, says Stevie May|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/down-think-old-saints-pal-3172000|publisher=Daily Record|date=22 February 2014|access-date=18 June 2014}} Aged 16, May made his first team debut on 11 May 2009 as a substitute against Airdrie United in the Scottish First Division scoring his first senior goal.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8043425.stm | title=Airdrie United 0–4 St Johnstone | publisher=BBC Sport | date=11 May 2009 | access-date=10 December 2011}} May later recalled on his debut, quoting: "Derek McInnes gave me my first taste of first team football. He gave my SPL debut at 16. He believed in me. He taught me how important it was to keep possession when I had the ball and make the opposition work to get it back."{{cite news|title=St Johnstone striker Stevie May reveals how he will never forget those who helped him on his way to stardom|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/st-johnstone-striker-stevie-reveals-3063201|publisher=Daily Record|date=26 January 2014|access-date=18 June 2014}} In 2009, he signed a new contract that tied him to the club until 2012.{{cite web | url=http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/player.php?param=51 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226070328/http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/player.php?param=51 | url-status=dead | archive-date=26 February 2010 | title=Stevie May St Johnstone Profile | publisher=St Johnstone F.C. | access-date=10 December 2011 | df=dmy-all }}
May had to wait another season for his next appearance, coming on as a substitute on 13 November 2010 against Hearts in the Scottish Premier League.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9182187.stm | title=St Johnstone 0 – 2 Hearts | publisher=BBC Sport | date=13 November 2010 | access-date=10 December 2011}} With his first start coming on 26 January 2011 against Motherwell.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9372940.stm | title=St Johnstone 1 – 0 Motherwell | publisher=BBC Sport | date=26 January 2011 | access-date=10 December 2011}} He scored two goals on 1 February 2011 in their 2–0 win over Hamilton.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9383805.stm | title=St Johnstone 2 – 0 Hamilton | publisher=BBC Sport | date=1 February 2011 | access-date=10 December 2011}} In all he made 22 appearances that season scoring twice.
==Alloa (loan)==
May's only appearance of the 2011–12 season for St Johnstone came as a substitute on the opening day of the season against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/14241745.stm | title=Aberdeen 0 – 0 St Johnstone | publisher=BBC Sport | date=23 July 2011 | access-date=10 December 2011}} With appearances limited he was loaned to Alloa Athletic until the end of January.{{cite web | url=http://www.alloaathletic.co.uk/BlogView.aspx?pageid=2&ItemID=626&mid=2 | title=Manager adds to squad | publisher=Alloa Athletic | date=7 December 2011 | access-date=10 December 2011}} He made his league debut for Alloa on 10 December against Queen's Park,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16122529.stm | title=Alloa Athletic 1–0 Queen's Park | publisher=BBC Sport | date=10 December 2011 | access-date=10 December 2011}} going on to score his first goals on 2 January 2012, netting a hat-trick for The Wasps in a 3–1 win against East Stirlingshire.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16375146.stm |publisher=BBC Sport | title=East Stirlingshire 1–3 Alloa Ath | date=2 January 2012}} After one month at the club, May had his loan spell with Alloa extended until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=May stays with Alloa|url=http://www.alloaadvertiser.com/sport/alloaathletic/articles/2012/01/26/422720-may-stays-with-alloa/|publisher=Alloa Advertiser|date=26 January 2012|access-date=18 June 2014}} May was awarded the SFL Player of the Month, Young Player of the Month and Irn-Bru Ginger Boot awards for January; the first time that one player has won all three player awards in a month.{{cite news|url=http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-phenomenal-awards---january-2012/|title=Irn Bru SFL Phenomenal Awards – January 2012|publisher=Scottish Football League|date=17 February 2012|access-date=21 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505123042/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-phenomenal-awards---january-2012/|archive-date=5 May 2012|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/sfl-division-three/steven_may_shows_he_s_got_style_and_substance_1_2112895|date=12 February 2012|access-date=1 March 2012|title=Steven May shows he's got style and substance|publisher=Johnston Press|work=Scotland on Sunday}} He scored four goals in the 8–1 victory against Elgin City that clinched the Third Division championship.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17641962|title=Alloa Athletic v Elgin City|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 April 2012|access-date=7 April 2012}} At the end of the season, May won the Irn-Bru SFL Phenomenal Third Division Player of the Season.{{cite news|title=IRN-BRU SFL End of Season Awards 2011/12|url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-end-of-season-awards-201112/|publisher=SFFL Official Website|date=25 May 2012|access-date=17 June 2014}} May signed a new one-year contract with St Johnstone.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18461577|title=Stevie May signs new contract with St Johnstone|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 June 2012|access-date=16 June 2012}}
==Hamilton Academical (loan)==
On 29 August 2012, he joined Scottish First Division side Hamilton Academical on loan until 31 May 2013.{{cite web | url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/st-johnstone/187777-st-johnstone-allow-young-striker-steven-may-to-join-hamilton-on-loan/ | title=St Johnstone allow young striker Steven May to join Hamilton on loan | publisher=STV | work=sport.stv.tv | date=29 August 2012 | access-date=29 August 2012}} May cited moving to Hamilton on loan, as "get his own career back on track."{{cite news|title=May sets goals target|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/may-sets-goals-target-2407095|publisher=Daily Record|date=6 September 2012|access-date=17 June 2014}} After four games without a goal, May scored his first goal and then another in the match, in addition to two assists, as Hamilton beat Airdrieonians 4–0 on 11 October 2012.{{cite news|title=Hamilton Accies happy with 4–0 triumph over Airdrie United|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/hamilton-accies-happy-4-0-triumph-2406616|publisher=Daily Record|date=11 October 2012|access-date=17 June 2014}} After scoring fifteen goals this season, May scored two consecutive hat tricks, against Airdieonians, in a 5–0 win on 11 April 2013{{cite news|title=Five-star show from Hamilton puts Diamonds closer to drop|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/five-star-show-hamilton-puts-diamonds-2403880|publisher=Daily Record|date=11 April 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} and another against Livingston, in a 3–0 win on 18 April 2013.{{cite news|title=Livingston 0–3 Hamilton match report|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/livingston-0-3-hamilton-match-report-2537766|publisher=Daily Record|date=18 April 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} For his performance in April, May was awarded the Irn Bru player and young player of the month in the Scottish Football League.{{cite news|title=SFL monthly double for Hamilton striker Stevie May|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22411718|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} At the end of the season, May says he enjoyed his time at Hamilton.{{cite news|title=May: I've loved my time at Accies|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/may-ive-loved-time-accies-2403465|publisher=Daily Record|date=9 May 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} At the end of the season, May was awarded again when he won Irn-Bru SFL Phenomenal Young player of the Season.{{cite news|title=IRN-BRU SFL End of Season Awards 2012/13|url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-end-of-season-awards-201213/|publisher=SPFL Official Website|date=24 May 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} His future at St Johnstone appeared to be in doubt,{{cite news|title=May puts future on hold|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/may-puts-future-on-hold-2724197|publisher=Daily Record|date=16 April 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} but he signed a new one-year contract in May 2013.{{cite news|title=Stevie May returns to St Johnstone|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/stevie-returns-st-johnstone-2722727|publisher=Daily Record|date=4 June 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}}{{cite news|title=St Johnstone: Stevie May signs new one-year contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22734884|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}}
==2013–14 season==
In the summer of 2013 May was the subject of several bids from Peterborough United of the English League One,{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Peterborough still interested in St Johnstone's Stevie May|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16213/8870110/transfer-news-peterborough-still-interested-in-st-johnstones-stevie-may|publisher=Sky Sports|date=14 August 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} though May insisted he was happy at the club.{{cite news|title=Stevie May happy to be playing and scoring with St Johnstone|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16213/8917321/stevie-may-happy-to-be-playing-and-scoring-with-st-johnstone|publisher=Sky Sports|date=13 September 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} Immediately after being linked with Peterborough, May was offered and signed a further contract extension by St Johnstone.{{cite news|title=Stevie May: St Johnstone to offer new deal to Peterborough target|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23795137|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} May believed his performance in his two loan spells would allow him to make a breakthrough at the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/newsitemsdetail.php?param=2546 |title=STEVIE READY TO SHOW WHAT HE CAN DO AT SPL LEVEL |publisher=Perth St Johnstone |access-date=17 June 2014 |date=3 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617224036/http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/newsitemsdetail.php?param=2546 |archive-date=17 June 2014 |url-status=unfit }}
May started the 2013–14 season very well. Awarded a starting place, he scored the equaliser against Europa League opponents, Rosenborg, in a famous 2–1 aggregate win.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 1–1 Rosenborg (agg 2–1)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23352990|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 July 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} He went on to score the winner against Hearts,{{cite news|title=Scottish Premiership: Stevie May's goal enough for St Johnstone|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/299089/report|publisher=Sky Sports|date=4 August 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} and goals against Ross County{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 4–0 Ross County|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23644634|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} and Hibs.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 1–2 Hibernian |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23999508|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 September 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} He scored 4 goals in his first 9 games of the season leading to a call-up for the Scotland U21 team. New St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright described him as "heading for the top".{{cite news|title=Football – Mature May 'heading for the top'|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-mature-may-heading-top-073258507--sow.html |publisher=Yahoo! Eurosport|date=20 September 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}}
A rich vein of form followed. In a match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 5 October, May provided a triple assist and scored, as St Johnstone won 4–0.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 4–0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24349649|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} He then scored four goals in three matches against Motherwell, Hearts and Kilmarnock. Thanks to this form, May extended his contract at St Johnstone until 2015.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone: Stevie May signs one-year contract extension|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24653360|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 October 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} May won the Scottish Professional Football League player of the month award of October.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone: Stevie May and Tommy Wright win October awards|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24943063|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 November 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} May
scored his first hat-trick of the season, in a 3–0 win over Dundee United.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 3–0 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25482658|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 December 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} Three weeks after that, May scored another hat-trick, on 18 January, in a 3–3 draw against Hearts.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 3–3 Heart of Midlothian|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25693251|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 January 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}}
His 18th goal of the season saw comparisons drawn with earlier Saints greats, noting the potential to break Paul Wright's goalscoring record, set in the 1991–92 season.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone's Stevie May has Paul Wright's record in his sights|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/st-johnstone/st-johnstone-s-stevie-may-has-paul-wright-s-record-in-his-sights-1.296530|publisher=DC Thomson |work=The Courier|date=1 April 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} May scored his 19th and 20th goal of the season, in all competitions, as they beat Aberdeen to reach their first Scottish Cup Final.{{cite news|title=Scottish Cup: Stevie May the hero in St Johnstone win over Aberdeen|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26908707|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 April 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} May was among four players to be nominated for PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, but lost out to Dundee United's Andrew Robertson.{{cite news|title=Three Celtic players make PFA player of year shortlist |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27052382|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}}{{cite news|title=Celtic star Kris Commons caps best season of his career by landing PFA Scotland Player of the Year award |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-star-kris-commons-caps-3468074 |work=Daily Record |date=28 April 2014|access-date=18 June 2014}} May won the SFWA Young Player of the Year{{cite news|title=St Johnstone: Stevie May is writers' young player pick|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27305511|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 May 2014|access-date=18 June 2014}} and was included in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Year.{{cite news|title=Celtic and Dundee United trios in SPFL Premiership team of year|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27080030|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 April 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} In the Scottish Cup Final, May started the match and provided an assist for Steven MacLean as they beat Dundee United 2–0 at Celtic Park. May had a goal disallowed for handball and was booked for this.{{cite web|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-cup/10838315/Scottish-Cup-final-St-Johnstone-2-Dundee-United-0-match-report.html|title=St Johnstone 2–0 Dundee United|date=17 May 2014|work=Daily Telegraph|access-date=17 June 2014}}
Throughout the 2013–14 season, May continued to attract interest from lower-league English clubs, such as Rotherham United,{{cite news|title=Stevie May: Rotherham United want St Johnstone striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25038051|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 November 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} Peterborough United,{{cite news|title=Transfer News: St Johnstone reject bid for Stevie May from Peterborough|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16213/9130539/transfer-news-st-johnstone-reject-bid-for-stevie-may-from-peterborough|publisher=Sky Sports|date=1 February 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} Preston North End{{cite news|title=Transfer News: Preston's bid for St Johnstone's Stevie May has been rejected|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16213/9143839/transfer-news-prestons-bid-for-st-johnstones-stevie-may-has-been-rejected|publisher=Sky Sports|date=1 February 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} and QPR.{{cite news|title=QPR boss Harry Redknapp plotting £700,000 bid for St Johnstone star Stevie May|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/qpr-boss-harry-redknapp-plotting-3062767|publisher=Daily Record|date=26 January 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} Talks over a new contract started,{{cite news|title=Scottish Premiership: Stevie May to open talks with St Johnstone|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16213/9281043/scottish-premiership-stevie-may-to-open-talks-with-st-johnstone|publisher=Sky Sports|date=24 April 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}} but were put on hold until after the Scottish Cup Final.{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Stevie May puts contract extension talks on hold|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/16213/9314991/transfer-news-stevie-may-puts-contract-extension-talks-on-hold|publisher=Sky Sports|date=17 May 2014|access-date=17 June 2014}}
May scored in 2014–15 UEFA Europa League games against Luzern and Spartak Trnava amid continuing transfer speculation.{{cite news |url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/st-johnstone/wanted-st-johnstone-striker-stevie-may-could-be-off-1.513568 |title=Wanted St Johnstone striker Stevie May could be off |first=James |last=Masson |work=Dundee Evening Telegraph |publisher=DC Thomson |date=9 August 2014 |access-date=9 August 2014}}{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 1–1 Luzern (agg 2–2) (5–4 on pens)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28331366|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 July 2014|access-date=11 August 2014}}{{cite news|title=Stevie May set for last St Johnstone game|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/st-johnstone/stevie-may-set-for-last-st-johnstone-game-1.511526|publisher=Dundee Evening Telegraph|date=7 August 2014|access-date=11 August 2014}}
=Sheffield Wednesday=
File:Stevie May 092014.jpg in 2014]]
May joined Football League Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on 9 August 2014, signing a four-year deal.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28711389 | title=Sheffield Wednesday sign striker Stevie May from St Johnstone |work=BBC Sport | access-date=9 August 2014|date=9 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/strike-ace-stevie-may-joins-sheffield-wednesday-1815082.aspx |title=Strike ace Stevie May joins Sheffield Wednesday |access-date=9 August 2014 |date=9 August 2014 |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809235527/http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/strike-ace-stevie-may-joins-sheffield-wednesday-1815082.aspx |archive-date=9 August 2014 |url-status=unfit }} Upon the move, Manager Stuart Gray believed that May had expectations to become a success at the club{{cite news|title=Championship: Sheffield Wednesday boss Stuart Gray says Stevie May should not feel pressure|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9417773/championship-sheffield-wednesday-boss-stuart-gray-says-stevie-may-should-not-feel-pressure|publisher=Sky Sports|date=11 August 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}} and May, himself, felt it was the right decision to leave St Johnstone at the right time.{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Stevie May happy with timing of Sheffield Wednesday move|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11703/9455557/transfer-news-stevie-may-happy-with-timing-of-sheffield-wednesday-move|publisher=Sky Sports|date=4 September 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}}
May made his debut for the club on 16 August 2014, in a goalless draw against Derby County.{{cite web |title=Sheffield Wednesday 0–0 Derby County|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28716630|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}} His first goal came in an away fixture at Middlesbrough on 23 August, which Wednesday won 3–2.{{cite web|title=Middlesbrough 2–3 Sheffield Wednesday|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28815097|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 August 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}} He scored his second goal for the club at Birmingham City on 16 September, in a 2–0 win.{{cite web|title=Birmingham City 0–2 Sheffield Wednesday|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29120663 |publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 September 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}} Four days later, he continued a sequence of contributing vital goals, as he scored the only goal of the game against Reading.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 Reading |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29186723|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}} May helped the club end an 11-game winless run by scoring in a 2–1 win over Wigan Athletic on 29 November.{{cite web |title=Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 Wigan Athletic |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30155829|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 November 2014|access-date=8 March 2015}} May then had a goal drought that lasted twelve games and, as a result, he was often placed on the substitute bench.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday: Gray backs misfiring May to come good|url=http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-gray-backs-misfiring-may-to-come-good-1-7122147|work=Sheffield Telegraph|date=24 February 2015|access-date=8 March 2015}} This drought ended on 24 February 2015, when he scored in a 3–1 win against Millwall.{{cite web|title=Millwall 1–3 Sheffield Wednesday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31498955|publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2015|access-date=8 March 2015}}
=Preston North End=
May was transferred to Preston North End on 1 September 2015 for an undisclosed fee.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34122084 |title=Stevie May and Eoin Doyle join Preston North End |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2015 |access-date=1 September 2015}} Whilst playing for Preston against Fulham in November 2015, May suffered a knee ligament injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=Preston North End striker Stevie May ruled out for season|url=https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/preston-north-end/injury-news/news/preston-striker-stevie-may-ruled-out-for-season_260417.html#$$o17ltf&&3CAF5L7NEeWB1AqPcXQCJw$$=Sport|publisher=Sports Mole|date=28 November 2015|access-date=19 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3rx4dg2w2jo|author=Jonathan Sutherland|title=May back among goals and eager for more silverware|website=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2024|access-date=8 November 2024}} He made his first team return as a substitute against Brentford on 11 February 2017.{{cite news
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38864155
|title=Preston 4–2 Brentford
|publisher=BBC Sport
|date=11 February 2017
|access-date=2 May 2017}} May scored his first goal for Preston in a 1–1 draw with Rotherham United on 29 April 2017.{{cite news
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39675690
|title=Preston 1–1 Rotherham
|publisher=BBC Sport
|date=29 April 2017
|access-date=2 May 2017}}
=Aberdeen=
May joined Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen on a four-year deal in August 2017, for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £300,000, reuniting with former St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes.{{cite news
|url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2017/august/stevie-may-joins-aberdeen-on-permanent-deal|title=Stevie May Joins Aberdeen on Permanent Deal|publisher=Preston North End FC|date=10 August 2017|access-date=10 August 2017}} Although initially given the squad number of 18, May later changed to 83, in honour of Aberdeen winning the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in May 1983.{{cite news|url=http://www.afc.co.uk/mobile/news/9925.php|title=Welcome May 83|publisher=Aberdeen F.C.|date=11 August 2017|access-date=11 August 2017}} May scored his first goal for Aberdeen in a 2–1 victory over Dundee; coincidentally this was timed at the 11th minute of the game, creating a further reference to the club's European honours (11 May 83).{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40908207|title=Aberdeen 2–1 Dundee|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 August 2017|access-date=19 August 2017}} He contributed to Aberdeen finishing runners-up in the 2017–18 Scottish Premiership, and was an unused substitute in the 2018 Scottish League Cup Final, lost to Celtic.[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/02/celtic-aberdeen-scottish-league-cup-final-match-report Celtic claim Scottish League Cup after Ryan Christie strike denies Aberdeen], The Guardian, 2 December 2018
=St Johnstone (second spell)=
On 29 August 2019, May signed for St Johnstone for a second time, agreeing a two-year contract with the option of a further year.{{cite web|title=Stevie May returns to St Johnstone after leaving Aberdeen|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49517073|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019}} He scored his first goal since returning in a 2–2 draw away to Ross County in October 2019, also missing a penalty in the same match.{{cite web|title=Ross County 2–2 St Johnstone|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49861443|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Southwick|first=Andrew|date=5 October 2019|access-date=6 October 2019}}
On 26 April 2021, May signed a new two-year contract extension with St. Johnstone.{{Cite web|url=https://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/news/article/stevie-may-signs-new-two-year-contract|title=Stevie May Signs New Two Year Contract|publisher=St Johnstone FC|date=26 April 2021|access-date=26 April 2021}}
=Livingston=
On 21 August 2024, May signed for Livingston on loan until the end of the season.{{Cite web|url=https://livingstonfc.co.uk/stevie-may-joins-the-lions-on-loan/|title=Stevie May joins the Lions on loan!|publisher=Livingston FC|date=21 August 2024}} He was part of the squad that won the 2024–25 Scottish Challenge cup scoring four goals in five appearances including a goal in the final as Livingston beat Queens Park 5–0 at Falkirk Stadium.
International career
On 5 August 2013, May was called up for the Scotland Under-21 team.{{cite news|title=Scotland U21 call for St Johnstone striker Stevie May|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23578014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 August 2013|access-date=17 June 2014}} On 30 September 2014, May was called up to the senior Scotland national football team for Euro 2016 Group D qualifying matches against Georgia and Poland.{{cite news|title=Ryan Gauld and Stevie May called up for Scotland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/29427160|access-date=30 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 September 2014}} On 18 November 2014 he made his international debut, coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute in a friendly against England at Celtic Park.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29999555|title=Scotland 1 – 3 England|date=18 November 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=31 October 2017}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated| 24 May 2023}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 18 November 2014}}{{NFT player|id=40823|name=May, Stevie|accessdate=15 June 2015}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ International statistics | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="1"|Scotland
|2014 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 1 | 0 |
Honours
=Club=
Alloa Athletic
- Scottish Third Division: 2011–12{{Cite web |title=2011/2012 League Two {{!}} SPFL Archive |url=https://spfl.co.uk/league/league-two/archive/311 |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=spfl.co.uk}}
St Johnstone
- Scottish Cup: 2013–14, 2020–21{{Cite web|last=Lindsay|first=Clive|date=22 May 2021|title=Perth side complete domestic cup double|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57125203|access-date=22 May 2021|website=BBC}}
- Scottish League Cup: 2020–21{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56217717|title=St Johnstone beat Livingston to clinch their first League Cup|publisher=BBC|accessdate=28 February 2021|date=28 February 2021}}
Aberdeen
- Scottish League Cup runner-up: 2018–19{{Cite news |date=2018-12-01 |title=Scottish League Cup final: Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen - Rodgers leads holders to seventh straight trophy |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46337733 |access-date=2025-03-31 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
Livingston
- Scottish Challenge Cup: 2024–25{{Cite web |title=Queen's Park vs Livingston: SPFL Trust Trophy final stats & head-to-head |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cz03vzdrgmpt |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
- Scottish Premiership play-offs: 2025{{cite web |title=Ross County 2-4 Livingston|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cpd41v9p65xt#Line-ups|publisher=BBC|date=26 May 2025}}
=Individual=
- SFWA Young Player of the Year: 2013–14{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27305511 |title=Stevie May is Writers' young player pick |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2014 |access-date=8 May 2014}}
- PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year: 2013–14{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27080030 |title=Celtic and Dundee United trios in SPFL Premiership team of year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 April 2014 |access-date=8 May 2015}}
- SPFL Player of the Month: October 2013[http://spfl.co.uk/awards SPFL Awards] SPFL. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year: Nominated 2013–14{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27183894 |title=Andrew Robertson: Dundee United defender wins PFA prize |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2014 |access-date=8 May 2015}}
- SFL Young Player of the Season: 2011–12, 2012–13[http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-end-of-season-awards-201213/ IRN-BRU SFL End of Season Awards 2012/13] 24 May 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- SFL Player of the Month: January 2012,[http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-phenomenal-awards---january-2012/ IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal Awards – January 2012] SPFL. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2015. April 2013[http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-phenomenal-awards--april-2013/ IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal Awards – April 2013] SPFL. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- SFL Young Player of the Month: January 2012, April 2013
- SFL Ginger Boot: January 2012, April 2013
- SFL First Division Player of the Season: Nominated 2012–13
- PFA Scotland Third Division Player of the Year: 2011–12[http://pfascotland.co.uk/2012/news/pfa-scotland-awards-dinner-2012/ PFA Scotland Awards 2012] PFA Scotland. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- PFA Scotland Third Division Team of the Year: 2011–12[http://pfascotland.co.uk/2013/news/pfa-scotland-teams-of-the-year/ PFA Scotland Teams of the Year] PFA Scotland. 2 May 2015.
- SFL Third Division Player of the Season: 2011–12[http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/irn-bru-sfl-end-of-season-awards-201112/ IRN-BRU SFL End of Season Awards 2011/12] SPFL. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Livingston F.C. squad}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards
|bg = gold
|fg = navy
|list1 =
{{2011–12 PFA Scotland Third Division Team of the Year}}
{{2013–14 PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Team of the Year}}
{{SFWA Young Player of the Year}}
{{Scottish Championship top scorers}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:May, Stevie}}
Category:Footballers from Perth, Scotland
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers
Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Scotland men's international footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:St Johnstone F.C. players
Category:Alloa Athletic F.C. players
Category:Hamilton Academical F.C. players
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
Category:Preston North End F.C. players
Category:Scottish Premier League players
Category:Scottish Football League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Aberdeen F.C. players