Billy Bodin

Billy Paul Bodin (born 24 March 1992) is a professional footballer who plays for Championship club Preston North End. He plays as a forward or as an attacking midfielder. Bodin is the son of former Wales international and Swindon Town youth coach, Paul Bodin.

Billy Bodin

Bodin playing for Bristol Rovers in 2016
Personal information
Full name	Billy Paul Bodin[1]
Date of birth	(1992-03-24) 24 March 1992[2]
Place of birth	Swindon, England
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[3]
Playing position(s)	Forward / Right winger
Club information
Current team	Preston North End
Number	39
Youth career
2008–2010	Swindon Town
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2010–2012	Swindon Town	16	(3)
2011–2012	→ Torquay United (loan)	17	(5)
2012	→ Crewe Alexandra (loan)	8	(0)
2012–2014	Torquay United	70	(6)
2015	Northampton Town	4	(0)
2015–2018	Bristol Rovers	95	(35)
2018–	Preston North End	33	(3)
National team
2008–2009	Wales U17	14	(5)
2009–2010	Wales U19	9	(1)
2009–2014	Wales U21	21	(3)
2018–	Wales	1	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 24 June 2020 (UTC)

He spent the first half of the 2011–12 season on loan to Torquay United before returning to Swindon Town to score his first goal for the club. Bodin subsequently joined Bristol Rovers, playing for the club for three seasons before joining Preston North End on 3 January 2018.

Having represented Wales at several youth levels, he was called up to the Wales senior squad for the first time on 15 March 2018.

Career

Swindon Town

Bodin began his career with Swindon Town, moving from the youth set-up, where he finished top scorer in both the youth side and the reserves during the 2009–10 season,[4] to become a professional in April 2010.[5] Bodin was an unused substitute on the Swindon bench, on 20 March 2010 in their 1–1 league draw against Norwich City.

On 2 October 2010, Bodin followed in his father's footsteps by making his 1st team debut for Swindon Town as a late substitute in the 2–1 League One defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge, replacing Thomas Dossevi.[6] Later in the season, Swindon were relegated to League Two after the club placed 24th. Following Swindon's relegation, Bodin believed he could earn a first team opportunity in the next season.[7]

Having returning to Swindon in early January 2012, he scored his first goal for the club, scoring the final goal in the 4–1 victory over Southend United on 31 January 2012 and scored the next game in a 3–0 win over Crawley Town on 14 February 2012 which was his second. His third goal came against Dagenham & Redbridge in a 4–0 win on 6 March 2012.

Torquay United (loan)

On 25 August 2011, Bodin joined Torquay United on loan until January 2012.[8] He made his Torquay debut in the 1–1 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge on 27 August 2011, coming on as a substitute and winning a penalty, which was converted by Rene Howe. On 13 September 2011, Bodin scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw against Cheltenham Town and scored again the following week on 17 September 2011 in a 3–3 draw against Rotherham United. His next goal came on 29 October 2015 in a 1–0 win over Hereford United and scored again the following week on 5 November 2011 in a 3–0 win over Crewe. After scoring against Hereford United, manager Martin Ling says there will be predicting big things for Bodin since being established in the first team.[9] On 2 January 2012, Bodin scored his 6th goal in a 2–1 win over Plymouth Argyle. Bodin good performance led the club wanted Bodin loan to be extended until the end of the season[10] After left Torquay, Bodin paid respect for Ling, stating that he made tactical change arrested the club's nosedive at the start of the season.[11]

Crewe Alexandra (loan)

In March, he was loaned to Crewe Alexandra for the remainder of the season.[12] Bodin made his debut for the club in a 1–0 win over Hereford United on 24 March 2012. On 21 April 2012, Bodin provided his first assist for David Artell to score the only goal in the game in a 1–0 win over Cheltenham Town and provided another assist for A-Jay Leitch-Smith on 5 May 2012 in a 2–2 draw against Aldershot Town.

Torquay United

On 2 July 2012, Bodin signed a two-year contract with Torquay United on an undisclosed fee believed to be around £70,000,[13][14] beating Crewe Alexandra who attempted to sign him on a permanent basis.[15] Bodin suffered knee ligament damage whilst playing for Torquay against Dagenham & Redbridge in April 2014.[16] His contract expired during the summer of 2014.[17]

Northampton Town

In January 2015, Bodin joined Northampton Town on a deal until the end of the season having spent time at the club during his knee ligament injury rehabilitation.[18] Bodin made four substitute appearances for the Cobblers before leaving in the summer.

Bristol Rovers

Bodin playing for Bristol Rovers in 2016

2015–16 season

Bodin went on to sign for Bristol Rovers in July 2015 on a short-term deal, following a successful trial at the club.[19] Bodin scored his first goal for Rovers in a 3–0 away win against Hartlepool United F.C.[20] He scored his second against Morecambe F.C. in a 4–3 win away from home.[21] His third goal was a spectacular effort in a 1–4 loss vs Newport County A.F.C.[22] He reached 5 goals for the club after successfully scoring against Dagenham & Redbridge F.C.[23] and high flying Plymouth Argyle F.C..[24] At the end of the season, Bodin scored 5. This helped his side to achieve promotion to Football League One as teammate Lee Brown scored a 92nd-minute winner.[25] On 9 June 2016 he signed a new 2-year deal to stay at Rovers.[26]

2016–17 season

Bodin did not score in the 2016–17 season until 26 November when he scored a volley in a 3–2 defeat to Chesterfield.[27] By the turn of the year he was on 4 goals thanks to a Boxing Day hat trick in a 4–1 victory over Coventry City. All scored with his left foot he scored a screamer from the edge of the box into the far top corner, a long shot from 25 yards and completed his hattrick with a penalty.[28] He kicked off 2017 in style with a screamer at the hands of Northampton Town during a 5–0 thrashing. Picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Bodin chopped past the defender before unleashing a rising shot off of his weaker right foot into the top corner giving Adam Smith no chance. The goal was overshadowed however by teammate Ellis Harrison scoring 4 goals.[29]

2017–18 season

Bodin scored his first two goals of the season with a brace on 8 August 2017, in a 4–1 Carabao Cup victory over Cambridge United, Bodin's second match of the campaign. His first goal came after a superb 40-yard pass from Lee Brown was controlled by Bodin before finishing past Mitov in the United goal. His second goal came after he received the ball from Stuart Sinclair cut inside and finished with his left foot.[30]

He scored his first two league goals of the season in a 3–2 victory away to Bury heading home a cross from Joe Partington to make it 2–0 and poking home from close range to make it 3–0.[31]

Bodin departed Bristol Rovers on 3 January 2018, having scored 13 goals in the first half of the season for the club.[32]

Preston North End

On 3 January 2018, Bodin joined EFL Championship club Preston North End for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. He was assigned shirt number 39 on his arrival at Deepdale.[33] He made his debut for the club on 6 January 2018 in a 5–1 victory away at Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup 3rd round.[34] In October 2019 he signed a new contract with PNE until summer 2021.[35]

International career

Bodin is eligible to play for Wales as his father, Paul Bodin, was born in Cardiff and he earned 23 caps for the senior team between 1990 and 1994. Bodin has represented Wales at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.[36] In January 2013 he was selected in the Wales U21 squad for the friendly match against Iceland on 6 February 2013[37]

He was called into the Welsh senior squad for the first time on 15 March 2018.[38]

Personal life

His father, Paul Bodin, is a former professional footballer.[16]

Career statistics

As of 1 March 2019

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Swindon Town	2010–11[39]	League One	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
	2011–12[40]	League Two	11	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	11	3
	Swindon Town		16	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	16	3
Torquay United (loan)	2011–12[40]	League Two	17	5	1	0	0	0	1[lower-alpha 1]	0	19	5
Crewe Alexandra (loan)	2011–12[40]	League Two	8	0	0	0	0	0	1[lower-alpha 2]	0	9	0
Torquay United	2012–13[41]	League Two	43	5	1	0	0	0	1[lower-alpha 1]	0	45	5
	2013–14[42]		27	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	28	1
	Torquay United		70	6	1	0	1	0	1	0	73	6
Northampton Town	2014–15[43]	League Two	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
Bristol Rovers	2015–16[44]	League Two	38	13	1	0	0	0	2[lower-alpha 1]	0	41	13
	2016–17[45]	League One	36	13	2	0	2	0	2[lower-alpha 3]	0	42	13
	2017–18[46]		21	8	0	0	3	2	0	0	24	10
	Bristol Rovers		95	34	3	0	5	2	4	0	107	36
Preston North End	2017–18[46][47]	Championship	17	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	17	1
Career total			218	47	5	0	6	2	7	0	219	48

1. Appearances in the Football League Trophy
2. Appearance in the League Two play-offs
3. Appearances in the EFL Trophy

Honours

Swindon Town

• League Two: Champions 2011–12

Crewe Alexandra

• League Two play-offs: 2011–12

Bristol Rovers F.C.

• Football League Two: Automatic Promotion 2015–2016

References

1. "Billy Bodin". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
2. "Billy Bodin". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
3. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline Publishing Group. p. 540. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
4. "Billy Bodin profile". Swindon Town. 1 April 2010. Archived from the original on 6 October 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
5. "Young duo offered contracts". Swindon Town. 1 April 2010. Archived from the original on 4 November 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
6. "Dagenham & Redbridge 2–1 Swindon Town". swindon-town-fc.co.uk. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
7. "Bodin to fight for place". Sky Sports. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
8. "United sign Bodin". Torquayunited.com. 25 August 2011. Archived from the original on 28 August 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
9. "Gulls boss backs Bodin". Sky Sports. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
10. "Gulls wait on Bodin decision". Sky Sports. 24 December 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
11. "Bodin praise for manager Ling". Sky Sports. 16 January 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
12. "Crewe Alexandra sign Swindon Town winger Billy Bodin". BBC Sport. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
13. "Gulls swoop for Robins striker". Sky Sports. 4 July 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
14. "Torquay United complete deal for Swindon's Billy Bodin". BBC Sport. 5 July 2012.
15. "Crewe consider Bodin move". Sky Sports. 16 June 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
16. Pilnick, Brent (2 May 2014). "Torquay winger Billy Bodin out for nine months with knee injury". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
17. "Torquay United will not offer a new deal to winger Billy Bodin". BBC Sport. 7 August 2014.
18. "Billy Bodin joins Northampton Town after injury lay-off". BBC Sport. 29 January 2015.
19. "Bristol Rovers sign Billy Bodin". Sky Sports. 1 August 2015.
20. "Hartlepool United 0-3 Bristol Rovers". BBC. 29 September 2015.
21. "Morecambe 3-4 Bristol Rovers". BBC. 3 October 2015.
22. "Bristol Rovers 1-4 Newport County". BBC. 24 October 2015.
23. "Bristol Rovers 1-1 Plymouth Argyle". BBC. 23 January 2016.
24. "Dagenham & Redbridge 0-3 Bristol Rovers". BBC. 19 December 2015.
25. "Bristol Rovers 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge". BBC. 7 May 2016.
26. "NEW DEAL FOR BILLY BODIN". www.bristolrovers.co.uk.
27. "Chesterfield 3–2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 26 November 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
28. "Bristol Rovers 4–1 Coventry City". BBC Sport. 26 December 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
29. "Bristol Rovers 5–0 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 7 January 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
30. "Bristol Rovers 4–1 Cambridge United". BBC Sport. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
31. "Bury 2–3 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
32. "Bristol Rovers star Billy Bodin joins Preston North End". Bristol Post. 3 January 2018.
33. "Preston North End Sign Billy Bodin From Bristol Rovers". Preston North End Official Site. 3 January 2018.
34. "Wycombe Wanderers 1-5 Preston North End". www.pnefc.net. 6 January 2018.
35. "Billy Bodin: New contract for Preston North End forward until summer of 2021". BBC. 29 October 2019.
36. "International Teams – Billy Bodin". Football Association of Wales. 29 January 2010. Archived from the original on 8 September 2008. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
37. "Seven uncapped in Wales U21 squad to face Iceland". BBC. 23 January 2013.
38. "Aaron Ramsey to miss China Cup as Ryan Giggs names first Wales squad". BBC Sport. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
39. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
40. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
41. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
42. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
43. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
44. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
45. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
46. "Games played by Billy Bodin in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
47. "Wales - B. Bodin - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". www.soccerway.com.

External links

• Billy Bodin at Soccerbase