Nicky Maynard

Nicholas David Maynard (born 11 December 1986) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Mansfield Town. He has also played for Crewe Alexandra, Witton Albion, Bristol City, West Ham United, Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic, Milton Keynes Dons, Aberdeen and Bury.

Nicky Maynard

Maynard warming up for West Ham United, February 2012
Personal information
Full name	Nicholas David Maynard[1]
Date of birth	(1986-12-11) 11 December 1986[1]
Place of birth	Winsford, England
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[1]
Playing position(s)	Striker
Club information
Current team	Mansfield Town
Number	11
Youth career
1994	Arsenal
1994–2005	Crewe Alexandra
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2005–2008	Crewe Alexandra	59	(32)
2006	→ Witton Albion (loan)
2008–2012	Bristol City	124	(45)
2012	West Ham United	14	(2)
2012–2015	Cardiff City	22	(2)
2014	→ Wigan Athletic (loan)	16	(4)
2015–2017	Milton Keynes Dons	66	(8)
2017–2018	Aberdeen	18	(0)
2018–2019	Bury	37	(21)
2019–	Mansfield Town	33	(14)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19 May 2020 (UTC)

Career

Born in Winsford, Cheshire, Maynard spent a year as a schoolboy with Arsenal.[2]

Crewe Alexandra

He then joined Crewe Alexandra's academy, famous for producing players such as Danny Murphy, Rob Hulse and Dean Ashton, at the age of seven.[3] He then represented Crewe at every age group level and scored 27 goals in one season at Under–18s level.[3] As a reward for his form in the youth team, Maynard was offered his first professional contract of his career in the summer of 2005.[4]

During the 2005–06 season, Maynard was loaned out to Witton Albion in January 2006. Maynard made a big impression at the non-league side, helping them to their most successful run of the season in the Northern Premier League. After returning to Crewe, Maynard continued to show fine form in the reserves side; before the end of the season, he made his Crewe début as a substitute for Michael Higdon in a 4–2 win over Millwall. He scored with his first touch in professional football, in front of scouts representing 20 different clubs,[5] after Michael O'Connor's shot hit the post; Eddie Johnson, Luke Varney and Steve Jones scored the other Crewe goals.

With players such as Steve Jones leaving relegated Crewe (for Championship side Burnley),[6] it seemed likely that Maynard would become a regular starter for Crewe during the 2006–07 season, However, new signings such as Ryan Lowe and the return of former player Rodney Jack gave Maynard competition for a place in the first eleven. Maynard performed well in his second year of professional football, forming a productive goal-scoring partnership with Varney, with a total of 33 League One goals between them. During his first full season, Maynard also picked up the "Player of the Month" award for September.[7]

With Luke Varney a £2m transfer to Charlton Athletic, Maynard was seen as Crewe's most likely goalscoring threat for the 2007–2008 season. But his second full season was brought to a standstill for four months after he suffered a bone fracture of his fibula and also damaged his ankle ligaments during the club's season opener against Brighton and Hove Albion.[8] In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, Maynard admitted that he had "broke down a few times" during his four months of rehabilitation,[9] although he would later recover and return to fitness. He was a non-used substitute in an away match against Nottingham Forest before playing the second 45 minutes of the FA cup tie versus Oldham Athletic in December.

Maynard initially struggled to score upon his return to the first team, with only two goals scored in his first two months back from injury. But in February and March, the young striker showed his potential by scoring in seven consecutive games, including a first senior level hat-trick, against relegation rivals Cheltenham Town. "I've scored a couple of doubles before" he said in an interview in 2008, "so I thought it was a long time coming. I got all the lads to sign the match ball for me."[10] Crewe managed to avoid relegation for the second time in three seasons at the expense of Bournemouth, despite losing 4–1 to Oldham on the last day of the season.

Bristol City

On 31 July 2008, Maynard signed a four-year contract with Bristol City for a fee of £2.25m, becoming their record signing. He played his first game for his new club on 1 August against Royal Antwerp at Ashton Gate Stadium, where he scored two goals in the first half before completing his hat-trick early in the second half. However, the first half of his season at City was difficult and despite scoring 3 games into his Bristol City career, against Derby County he failed to hold down a regular first team place, often appearing as a substitute. However, just before Christmas he started scoring, with goals against Watford (twice) and Wolverhampton Wanderers, starting a Bristol City unbeaten run of eight games, before being beaten 1–0 by Doncaster Rovers.

Maynard made an explosive start to his second full campaign with City, scoring six times in his first seven games. He helped his side to three consecutive 1–0 victories, against Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers and away at Brentford in the Football League Cup. He also scored twice in a defeat of Middlesbrough. Maynard's sixth goal of the season came on 12 September away at Coventry City; after the ball was chested down by new signing and strike partner Álvaro Saborío, Maynard struck an unstoppable 25-yard half-volley in off the crossbar past Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood. However, Maynard bettered this goal on Boxing day against QPR at Loftus Road; facing away from goal just outside the box, he collected a bouncing ball in the air, controlled it with one touch, turned two defenders with a second touch, and then smashed a stunning volley into the top corner past an unmoved Radek Cerny, all without the ball hitting the ground. The goal was voted the 'Football League goal of 2009', out of five selected goals from 2009.[11]

Following a pre-season knee injury, his first appearance in the 2010–11 season was as a substitute against Leeds United on 12 February 2011. He then started and scored in each of the next three games as City went on a winning run to pull themselves away from the relegation zone. On 23 April 2011 Maynard received the first red card of his career in a 3–2 defeat at Sheffield United.

Maynard was put up for sale in the January 2012 transfer market after failing to negotiate a new contract at Ashton Gate.[12] Nicky stated in an interview with BBC Radio Bristol that abuse from fans towards himself and his family during his contract negotiation, made the decision not to sign a new contract easier. He even stated that fans had thrown bottles at his family, when they attended matches[13]

West Ham United

On 31 January 2012, Maynard signed for Football League Championship club West Ham United for an undisclosed fee on a ​2 ¹⁄₂-year deal with an option for an extra year.[14] Maynard made his West Ham debut on 14 February 2012 in a 1–1 home draw with Southampton coming on as a 65th minute substitute for Carlton Cole.[15] On 21 February 2012, Maynard netted his first goal for the Hammers in a 4–1 win at Blackpool (Ricardo Vaz Tê and Gary O'Neil also scored their first professional goals for the club).[16] He scored his second goal for West Ham on 6 April in a 4–0 win at Barnsley.[17] He also scored in the play-off semi-final second leg against Cardiff City on 7 May, giving West Ham a 3–0 lead at the time to add to their 2–0 lead from the first leg, putting them through to the final at Wembley.[18] Maynard's final game for West Ham came on 28 August 2012 in the League Cup against former club Crewe Alexandra, when he scored the first goal in a 2–0 win.[19] He played 17 games in all competitions, scoring four goals.[20]

Cardiff City

On 31 August 2012, Maynard signed a three-year contract with Cardiff City for an undisclosed transfer fee, reported to be £2.75m.[21] His debut came on 2 September, against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3–1 win. Just two games later, Maynard was ruled out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.[22] Malky Mackay confirmed on 15 January 2013 that Maynard would not play for Cardiff again in the 2012–13 season.[23]

Maynard completed a faster-than-expected recovery on 4 May 2013, coming on as a late substitution for the Bluebirds against Hull City on the final day of the regular Championship season. Maynard scored his first Cardiff City goal from the penalty spot amid a frantic finish which saw both sides promoted to the Premier League.[24] The following season Maynard scored his second goal for the club in a 2–0 League Cup win at Accrington Stanley.[25]

On 16 January 2014, Maynard joined Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of season.[26][27] He scored his first goals for Wigan when he struck twice in a 3–0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on 11 February 2014.[28] He left Cardiff City upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2014–15 season.[29]

Milton Keynes Dons

On 22 September 2015, Maynard signed for newly promoted Championship side Milton Keynes Dons on a one-year deal.[30]

On 12 May 2016, Maynard was released from Milton Keynes Dons after declining a new contract offered by the club. Maynard had scored 6 goals in 35 league appearances for the club, leaving as top scorer for the season.[31]

On 2 July 2016, Maynard re-signed for the club on a new one-year deal. Upon re-signing, Maynard said "I'm pleased to be back. I enjoyed my time here last season and I got to know the players and staff well. I wanted to be somewhere where I felt wanted and having spoken to the gaffer quite a bit over the summer, he let me know how much he wanted me here."[32]

On 2 May 2017, following a disappointing season, Milton Keynes Dons announced that Maynard was one of three players set to leave the club at the end of their current contracts.[33]

Aberdeen

Maynard signed a one-year contract with Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen in July 2017.[34] He was signed by Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, who had also been his manager at Bristol City.[34] Maynard was released by Aberdeen after the 2017–18 season ended.[35]

Bury

On 29 September 2018, he joined Bury on a deal initially scheduled to last until January 2019.[36] He made his debut for the Shakers on the same day as a substitute for Chris Dagnall in a 2–1 win over Colchester United at the Colchester Community Stadium.[37] In October 2018, Maynard's contract with Bury was extended to the end of the 2018–19 season, with the option to further extend to the end of 2019–20.[38] Bury finished as runners-up in League Two and were promoted to League One for the 2019–20 season. Maynard scored 21 league goals, the third highest scorer in the league for the 2018–19 season.[39] Due to doubt regarding the financial situation at Bury, Maynard announced in June 2019 that he would be leaving the club.[40]

Mansfield Town

On 2 July 2019 he joined EFL League Two side Mansfield Town on a free transfer.[41]

International career

In May 2011, it was reported that Guyana had approached Maynard for a possible call-up to the senior side, whom he qualifies for through his grandparents.[42]

Career statistics

As of match played 11 January 2020

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Crewe Alexandra	2005–06[43]	Championship	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
	2006–07[44]	League One	31	16	0	0	3	2	4[lower-alpha 1]	1	38	19
	2007–08[45]	League One	27	15	1	0	0	0	0	0	28	15
Bristol City	2008–09[46]	Championship	42	11	1	0	2	0	0	0	45	11
	2009–10[47]	Championship	42	20	2	0	1	1	0	0	45	21
	2010–11[48]	Championship	13	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	13	6
	2011–12[49]	Championship	27	8	1	0	0	0	0	0	28	8
West Ham United	2011–12[49]	Championship	14	2	0	0	0	0	2[lower-alpha 2]	1	16	3
	2012–13[50]	Premier League	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	1	1
Cardiff City	2012–13[50]	Championship	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	1
	2013–14[51]	Premier League	8	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	10	1
	2014–15[52]	Championship	10	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	12	1
Wigan Athletic (loan)	2013–14[51]	Championship	16	4	1	0	0	0	1[lower-alpha 2]	0	18	4
Milton Keynes Dons	2015–16[53]	Championship	35	6	2	1	1	0	0	0	38	7
	2016–17[54]	League One	31	2	2	0	0	0	1[lower-alpha 1]	0	34	2
Aberdeen	2017–18[55]	Scottish Premiership	18	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	20	0
Bury	2018–19[56]	League Two	37	21	2	0	0	0	2[lower-alpha 1]	1	41	22
Mansfield	2019–20	League Two	23	11	2	1	0	0	0	0	25	12
Career totals			389	125	15	2	13	5	10	3	427	135

1. Appearances in EFL Trophy.
2. Appearances in EFL Championship play-offs.

Honours

Club

West Ham United

• Football League Championship play-offs: 2012[57]

Bury

• EFL League Two runner-up: 2018–19[58]

Individual

• Football League One Player of the Month: September 2006[59]
• Football League Goal of the Year: 2009[60]

References

1. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 283. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
2. "Nicky Maynard". West Ham United F.C. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
3. FourFourTwo, 167: "I've been playing for the academy since I was seven; I've been top scorer at every age group. I scored 27 goals in one season at U18 level."
4. Crewe Alexandra profile, Paragraph 4.
5. They're watching us.... Crewealex.PremiumTV.co.uk Archived 4 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 August 2006
6. Burnley land Crewe striker Jones news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 9 August 2006
7. Maynard receives League One award news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 9 October 2006
8. "Crewe vs Brighton". Official Crewe Alexandra Website. 11 August 2007. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
9. FourFourTwo, 167: "I broke down a few times during my rehap, but managed to get back"
10. FourFourTwo, 167: "I've scored a couple of doubles before, so I thought it was a long time coming. I got all the lads to sign the match ball for me."
11. "Football League goal of 2009". BBC News. 15 March 2010.
12. "Bristol City look to sell striker Nicky Maynard". BBC Sport. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
13. "Nicky Maynard's Bristol City exit influenced by fans". 3 February 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
14. "Hammers nick Maynard". West Ham United F.C. 31 January 2012. Archived from the original on 3 February 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
15. "West Ham 1 -1 Southampton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
16. "Blackpool 1–4 West Ham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
17. "Barnsley 0–4 West Ham" BBC Sport. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
18. "West Ham 3–0 Cardiff (5–0 agg)" BBC Sport. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
19. "Maynard departs". www.whufc.com. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
20. "Welcome to the Wonderful World of West Ham United Statistics Nicky Maynard". www.westhamstats.info. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
21. "DEAL DONE: MAYNARD JOINS CARDIFF". Cardiff City F.C. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
22. "Maynard out with ACL tear". Cardiff City F.C. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
23. "Nicky Maynard will not play for Cardiff City this season, says Malky Mackay". WalesOnline. 15 January 2013.
24. "Hull 2–2 Cardiff". BBC. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
25. "Accrington 0–2 Cardiff". BBC. 28 August 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
26. "NICKY MAYNARD JOINS LATICS".
27. "Wigan sign Cardiff striker Nicky Maynard on loan – FTBpro". 17 January 2014. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
28. "Sheff Wed 0–3 Wigan". BBC. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
29. "Maynard, McNaughton and Gabbidon to leave Cardiff". Sky Sports. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
30. "Dons make Maynard signing".
31. "Dons make decisions on players".
32. "Maynard back at Stadium MK".
33. "Powell one of three set to leave". Milton Keynes Dons. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
34. "Aberdeen: Derek McInnes adds striker Nicky Maynard to his Dons squad". BBC Sport. BBC. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
35. "PLAYER UPDATE". Aberdeen FC. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
36. "Former Premier League Striker Joins Shakers". Bury FC. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
37. "Colchester United 1 Bury 2". BBC Sport. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
38. "Nicky Maynard: Bury extend contract with striker until end of season". BBC Sport. 25 October 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
40. James, Stuart (29 June 2019). "Plymouth Argyle target Nicky Maynard confirms Bury departure". plymouthherald.
41. "Nicky Maynard: Striker joins Mansfield Town after Bury exit". BBC Sport. 2 July 2019.
42. "Where have the Golden Jaguars been hiding?". Guyana Times. 19 January 2014. Archived from the original on 30 May 2014.
43. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
44. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
45. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
46. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
47. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
48. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
49. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
50. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
51. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
52. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
53. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
54. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
55. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
56. "Games played by Nicky Maynard in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
57. Fletcher, Paul (19 May 2012). "Blackpool 1–2 West Ham". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016.
58. "League Two: 2018/19: Current table". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
    "Bury: Squad details: 2018/19". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
59. "Maynard receives League One award". Retrieved 17 October 2017.
60. "In focus: Nicky Maynard". MK Dons.com.

External links

• Nicky Maynard profile at West Ham United F.C.
• Nicky Maynard at Soccerbase