Lionel Ainsworth

Lionel Glenn Robert Ainsworth (born 1 October 1987) is an English footballer who plays for Dulwich Hamlet as a right winger. He has previously played for multiple Football League and non-league clubs as well as in the Scottish Premiership. He was capped at youth level by England, featuring for England U19 after joining the Derby senior squad.[4]

Lionel Ainsworth
Personal information
Full name Lionel Glenn Robert Ainsworth[1]
Date of birth (1987-10-01) 1 October 1987[2]
Place of birth Nottingham, England[2]
Height 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)[2][3]
Playing position(s) Winger
Club information
Current team
 Dulwich Hamlet
Youth career
0000–2005 Derby County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2007 Derby County 2 (0)
2006 → Bournemouth (loan) 7 (0)
2007 → Halifax Town (loan) 2 (1)
2007 → Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 7 (0)
2007–2008 Hereford United 15 (4)
2007–2008 → Watford (loan) 2 (0)
2008–2009 Watford 13 (0)
2008–2009 → Hereford United (loan) 7 (3)
2009–2010 Huddersfield Town 25 (0)
2010 → Brentford (loan) 9 (0)
2010–2012 Shrewsbury Town 54 (11)
2012 → Burton Albion (loan) 7 (0)
2012–2014 Rotherham United 16 (0)
2013 → Aldershot Town (loan) 7 (0)
2013–2014 → Motherwell (loan) 29 (11)
2014–2017 Motherwell 93 (12)
2017–2019 Plymouth Argyle 20 (0)
2019 Weymouth 6 (1)
2019– Dulwich Hamlet 14 (3)
National team
2003 England U16 2 (0)
2003 England U17 1 (0)
2004 England U18 1 (0)
2006 England U19 1 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 01:18, 28 March 2020 (UTC)

Career

Derby County

Ainsworth was born in Nottingham and started his career at Derby County, signing his first professional contract on 4 August 2005. He made his first team debut on 25 February 2006 in a 1–0 home win over Plymouth Argyle, coming on as a late substitute for Kevin Lisbie. His second and final first team appearance for Derby came in a 5–0 defeat to Reading on 1 April 2006, again as a substitute.

Ainsworth spent the first four months of the 2006–07 season on loan at League One side Bournemouth,[5] but made only nine appearances. In January 2007, he joined Conference side Halifax Town for a month,[6] scoring his first senior goal on his debut against York City.[7] Soon after his return to Derby, he joined League Two side Wycombe Wanderers on loan until the end of the season,[8] where he made seven appearances before being recalled in April.[9]

Hereford United

He was released by Derby at the end of the 2006–07 season and was signed by Hereford United,[10] who were about to start their second season back in the Football League. He quickly established his place in the side and featured in every first team match bar one, during his time with the Bulls. In only his second match he scored his first senior hat-trick in a 4–1 League Cup first round win over Yeovil Town.[11] He went on to score another hat-trick, this time in a 3–2 league win at Stockport County.[12] Ainsworth's last match for Hereford saw him score a 3rd-minute winner against Leeds United, in the FA Cup First Round.[13]

Watford

Ainsworth's performances for Hereford saw Watford sign him initially on loan,[14][15] with Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd extending the loans of Toumani Diagouraga and Theo Robinson to Hereford until the end of the season as part of the transfer deal. He also gave Hereford first option on Diagouraga, which the Bulls duly utilised in the summer of 2008. On 5 January 2008, Ainsworth signed for Watford permanently for an undisclosed six figure fee, agreeing a contract until the end of the 2009–10 season.[16]

On 16 November 2008, Watford caretaker manager Malky Mackay named Ainsworth as one of three players that were to be loaned to other clubs to gain match fitness.[17] Four days later Ainsworth rejoined Hereford United on a month's loan, on the anniversary of his final match for the Bulls.[18][19] He scored three more goals for United in the 2008–09 season including a brace and two assists against Oldham Athletic in a 5–0 hammering.[20] Following that performance, Ainsworth was recalled to Watford with one game still left on his loan deal.[21]

Huddersfield Town

On 23 January 2009, Ainsworth was signed by Football League One side Huddersfield Town on a two-and-a-half-year contract.[22] His debut came as a substitute for Keigan Parker in the 1–0 defeat by Yeovil Town at Huish Park on 27 January 2009.[23] His first start for the Terriers came in the 1–0 win over Peterborough United on 31 January 2009.

After a period of being left out of the side altogether, Ainsworth moved on loan to fellow League One side Brentford on 27 January 2010.[24] He made his debut in the 4–0 win over Gillingham at Griffin Park on 6 February 2010. After making his first start for the Bees, against Yeovil in April 2010, he got in trouble with the club's manager Andy Scott, having gone straight down the tunnel after being substituted. Afterwards Scott said that Ainsworth wouldn't play for the club again for showing disrespect to the club and its fans, and he was sent back to Huddersfield.[25]

A season of mixed fortunes led to Ainsworth looking for a transfer away from Huddersfield. Rival clubs Shrewsbury Town & Hereford United were rumoured to be interested in him. At a fans forum on 21 July 2010 Hereford's manager Simon Davey confirmed he had made an approach to Huddersfield.

Shrewsbury Town

Ainsworth signed a two-year deal with Shrewsbury Town during the 2010–11 pre-season on a free transfer, with Huddersfield gaining 20% of any future sell on fee by Shrewsbury.[26] He made his league debut for Shrewsbury Town on 7 August 2010, with a man of the match performance in a 3–1 victory against Bradford City on the opening day of the 2010–11 season. He scored his first goal for Shrewsbury Town against Rotherham United on 4 September 2010, the only goal of the game in a 1–0 win at the Greenhous Meadow. Ainsworth got his first hat-trick for Shrewsbury Town in a 5–1 win against Lincoln City on Tuesday 8 February 2011.[27] He finished the season with 9 goals, the majority from the wing.

At the beginning of the 2011–12 season, Ainsworth played a big part in Shrewsbury's League Cup wins against former club Derby County[28] and Premier League club Swansea City[29] to set up a third round clash with Arsenal. On 6 March 2012, Ainsworth joined fellow Football League Two side Burton Albion on a one-month loan deal.[30][31] In May 2012, Ainsworth was released by Shrewsbury after being told his contract would not be renewed.[32]

Rotherham United

Ainsworth signed for Rotherham United on 18 June 2012.[33] He scored his first goal for the club on his debut on 11 August 2012, in a League Cup game against Hull City, in which Rotherham lost 7–6 on penalties after drawing 1–1 against the Championship side.[34] He made his league début on 18 August, in a 3–0 win against Burton Albion in the club's first ever competitive game at the New York Stadium.[35]

On 21 January 2013, Ainsworth signed for Aldershot Town on loan.[36]

Motherwell

On 29 August 2013, Ainsworth signed on loan for Motherwell until January 2014.[37] He scored his first goal on his second appearance for Motherwell against Dundee United on 22 September 2013.[38] On 3 January 2014, after four goals in four appearances, Ainsworth's loan was extended to the end of the season.[39]

On 16 June 2014, Ainsworth signed for Motherwell permanently on a one-year deal.[40] In the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round second leg match away against Stjarnan, Ainsworth scored his first European goal, but Motherwell lost 3–2, being eliminated 5–4 on aggregate.[41] In May 2015, Ainsworth scored in both legs as Motherwell defeated Rangers 6–1 on aggregate in the Scottish Premiership Play-off Final to retain their place in the top flight.[42][43] Following an incident at the final whistle of the second leg involving Motherwell's Lee Erwin and Fraser Kerr and Rangers' Bilel Mohsni which saw Kerr and Mohsni given red cards, two days later Ainsworth along with teammate Craig Moore received a two-match ban for his part in the incident.[44]

On 24 June 2015, Ainsworth signed a new two-year contract with Motherwell.[45]

Plymouth Argyle

On 30 May 2017, Ainsworth signed for Plymouth Argyle after turning down the offer of a new contract from Motherwell.[46]

He was released by Plymouth Argyle at the end of the 2018–19 season.[47][48]

Weymouth

In August 2019, Ainsworth dropped down two divisions to join National League South side Weymouth,[49] which had been newly promoted.[50] He made his debut for the club as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw at Tonbridge Angels on 31 August.[51]

International career

Ainsworth has represented England at youth level playing for the England U-17 and England U-18 sides. Ainsworth received his first call up for the England U-19 team shortly after breaking into the first team at Derby County.

Career statistics
As of match played on 16 December 2017 [52]
Appearances and goal by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup League Cup Other[53] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Derby County 2005–06[54] Championship 2000000020
2006–07[55] 0000000000
Total 2000000020
Bournemouth (loan) 2006–07[55] League One 7010001[lower-alpha 1]090
Halifax Town (loan) 2006–07[55] Conference National 2100000021
Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 2006–07[55] League Two 7000000070
Hereford United 2007–08[56] League Two 154212300198
Watford[57] 2007–08[56] Championship 8000002[lower-alpha 2]0100
2008–09[58] 70003000100
Total 150003020200
Hereford United (loan) 2008–09[58] League One 7300000073
Huddersfield Town 2008–09[58] League One 140000000140
2009–10[59] 11020202[lower-alpha 1]0170
Total 250202020310
Brentford (loan) 2009–10[59] League One 9000000090
Shrewsbury Town 2010–11[60] League Two 33910102[lower-alpha 3]0379
2011–12[61] 21220301[lower-alpha 1]0272
Total 54113040306411
Burton Albion (loan) 2011–12[61] League Two 7000000070
Rotherham United 2012–13[62] League Two 16000111[lower-alpha 1]0181
2013–14[63] League One 0000000000
Total 160001110181
Aldershot Town (loan) 2012–13[62] League Two 7000000070
Motherwell (loan) 2013–14[63] Scottish Premiership 29110020003111
Motherwell 2014–15[64] Scottish Premiership 34600104[lower-alpha 4]3399
2015–16[65] 292202100333
2016–17[66] 304005000354
Total 931220814310716
Plymouth Argyle 2017–18[67] League One 11020102[lower-alpha 5]0160
Career total 3064212123515335651
  1. Appearances in the Football League Trophy
  2. Appearances in the Championship play-offs
  3. Appearances in the League Two play-offs
  4. Two appearances and a goal in the Europa League; two appearances and two goals in the Scottish Premiership play-offs
  5. Appearance in the EFL Trophy
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References
  1. "Lionel Ainsworth". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  2. "Lionel Ainsworth profile". Official Motherwell FC Site. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  3. Hugman, Barry J. (ed) (2008). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-324-8.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  4. "Could confirmed Weymouth release signal the end for ex Derby County youth talent Lionel Ainsworth?". Derby County News. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
  5. "Cherries sign Best and Ainsworth". BBC Sport. 3 August 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  6. "Halifax seal Ainsworth loan deal". 22 January 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  7. "Halifax 1-1 York". BBC Sport. 23 January 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  8. "Derby man joins Wycombe on loan". BBC Sport. 22 February 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  9. "Rams recall teenager from Wycombe". BBC Sport. 30 April 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  10. Hereford recruit winger Ainsworth BBC Sport, 3 August 2007
  11. Ainsworth hat-trick sees Hereford through BBC Sport, 14 August 2007
  12. "Stockport 2-3 Hereford". BBC Sport. 17 November 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  13. "Leeds 0-1 Hereford". BBC Sport. 20 November 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  14. Watford sign Bulls hero Ainsworth BBC Sport, 23 November 2007. Retrieved on 24 November 2007.
  15. Statement on Lionel Departure Archived 1 August 2012 at Archive.today Hereford United Official Site, 23 November 2007. Retrieved on 24 November 2007.
  16. "Watford recruit forward Ainsworth". BBC Sport. 5 January 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  17. Ainsworth signs Watford Official Site, 5 January 2008. Retrieved on 5 January 2008.
  18. Ainsworth back to the Bulls Archived 5 August 2012 at Archive.today Watford Official Site, 20 November 2008. Retrieved on 20 November 2008.
  19. Carley, Steve (20 November 2008). "Ainsworth returns to boost Bulls". Hereford Times. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  20. "Hereford 5-0 Oldham". BBC Sport. 17 January 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  21. "Watford recall winger". Sky Sports. 22 January 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  22. "Huddersfield make double signing". BBC Sport. 23 January 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  23. Booth, Mel (28 January 2009). "Match report: Yeovil Town 1-0 Huddersfield Town". The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
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  30. Brewers Bring in Lionel Ainsworth on Loan BAFC, 6 March 2012. Retrieved on 6 March 2012.
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  32. Ainsworth proud of Shrews stay Skysports, 9 May 2012. Retrieved on 9 May 2012.
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  35. "Rotherham 3–0 Burton" BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
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  37. "Motherwell sign Lionel Ainsworth on loan from Rotherham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  38. Dundee Utd 2-2 Motherwell: Ainsworth stuns Utd - The Scotsman
  39. "Rotherham winger extends Motherwell stay". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  40. "Lionel Ainsworth signs contract to stay at Fir Park". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  41. "Stjarnan 3–2 Motherwell (aet, agg 5–4)". BBC Sport. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  42. Wilson, Richard (28 May 2015). "Rangers 1-3 Motherwell". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  43. Wilson, Richard (31 May 2015). "Motherwell 3-0 Rangers (agg 6-1)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  44. "Notice of complaint: Ainsworth & Moore". Motherwell F.C. 2 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  45. "Ainsworth signs new two-year deal". Motherwell F.C. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  46. "Lionel Ainsworth: Plymouth Argyle sign former Motherwell and Shrewsbury winger". BBC Sport. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  47. "Jamie Ness: Plymouth Argyle release midfielder and offer deals to 12". BBC Sport. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  48. Errington, Chris (26 March 2019). "The story of Lionel Ainsworth's wasted season at Argyle". plymouthherald. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
  49. Ex-Motherwell man Ainsworth makes Weymouth move | Non League Daily
  50. "Weymouth leaves fans stunned by signing experienced former EFL and SPFL player". Fan Banter. 5 September 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
  51. Tonbridge Angels vs. Weymouth - 31 August 2019 - Soccerway
  52. Lionel Ainsworth at Soccerway. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  53. Appearances in Football League Trophy, Football League play-offs, SPFL play-offs and UEFA Europa League
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  56. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  57. Note – Ainsworth initially signed on loan and played two matches, then signed permanently on 5 January 2008
  58. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
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  60. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
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  62. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  63. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  64. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  65. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  66. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  67. "Games played by Lionel Ainsworth in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
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