Alex Baptiste
Baptiste playing for Queens Park Rangers in 2017
Personal information
Full name Alexander Aaron John Baptiste[1]
Date of birth (1986-01-31) 31 January 1986[1]
Place of birth Sutton-in-Ashfield, England
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[2]
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
0000–2002 Mansfield Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2008 Mansfield Town 174 (5)
2003–2004 → Tamworth (loan) 4 (0)
2004 → Burton Albion (loan) 3 (0)
2008–2013 Blackpool 170 (8)
2013–2015 Bolton Wanderers 39 (4)
2014–2015 → Blackburn Rovers (loan) 32 (3)
2015–2017 Middlesbrough 0 (0)
2016 → Sheffield United (loan) 11 (1)
2016–2017 → Preston North End (loan) 24 (3)
2017–2019 Queens Park Rangers 30 (0)
2019 → Luton Town (loan) 2 (0)
2019–2020 Doncaster Rovers 2 (0)
2020–2022 Bolton Wanderers 52 (1)
2022 Waterford 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:37, 15 February 2023 (UTC)

Alexander Aaron John Baptiste (born 31 January 1986) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back.

Club career

Mansfield Town

Born in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire,[1] Baptiste came up through the youth team at Mansfield Town. He was originally a central midfielder before gradually dropping back into defence[3] and made his first-team debut aged 17 against Barnsley in April 2003.[4][5]

On 12 December 2003, he joined newly promoted Conference National side Tamworth on a one-month loan deal, making four league appearances, before returning to Mansfield on 12 January 2004. On 7 February he was sent out again on loan for a month, this time to Burton Albion, for whom he made four appearances.

Baptiste established himself as first-choice central defender for Mansfield Town towards the end of the 2003–04 season.[6] He was ever-present during the 2006–07 season, and by the end of the campaign had made over 150 appearances for Mansfield.[7] Baptiste signed a new three-year contract despite interest from Crewe Alexandra in the summer of 2007.[7] However, he missed three months of the 2007–08 season with a back injury.[8] After Mansfield Town were relegated to the Conference National at the end of the 2007–08 season, he requested a transfer, which was granted.[9] He made a total of 198 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring six goals.[10]

Blackpool

On 1 July 2008, Baptiste agreed a deal to join Championship club Blackpool. Speaking about the move, he described it as a "great opportunity and challenge".[11] He started the season as a regular in the Seasiders' reserve team, and for the first few months of the season he was not named in the first-team squad. He made his first-team debut on 22 November 2008 against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux at right-back.[12] He scored his first goal for the Seasiders in a 1–1 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on 14 February 2009.[13] Three days later he was named in the Football League's "Championship Team of the Week".[14]

Baptiste cemented his place in the starting line up in the latter stages of the 2008–09 season, playing either centre back or right back. On 20 January 2010, after 27 appearances and two goals in the 2009–10 season, Baptiste signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2013. He said of the new contract: "I am very pleased. I had a good chat with the gaffer and Thommo and the direction of the club is upwards and I want to be a part of it." Blackpool manager Ian Holloway expressed his belief that Baptiste could play in the Premier League: "Baps has played at left-back, right-back and centre-back and he has been different class. I believe he can play in the Premiership and I have told him that. I am working on the areas that he needs working on, but as a defender I don't think I have had a better one and I am delighted he has signed."[15]

On 14 August 2010, he scored as Blackpool marked their Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2010–11 season with a 4–0 win over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. Baptiste scored the final goal of the game.[16] He was subsequently named in the Premier League "Team of the Week", alongside teammate Marlon Harewood.[17]

Baptiste played in the Championship play-off final against West Ham United in May 2012, which was won by West Ham 2–1.[18] After the match Baptiste was vocal in his criticism of West Ham's style of football saying "They just hoof it, and hope for the best".[19]

Bolton Wanderers

In May 2013, Baptiste signed a three-year deal with fellow Championship side Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer that took effect once his Blackpool contract expired on 30 June 2013.[20] He made his debut for Bolton in their 1–1 draw with Lancashire rivals Burnley on 3 August 2013, operating in the right-back position.[21] He recorded his first goal for Wanderers in the same month by scoring a consolation in the 4–1 away defeat at Blackburn Rovers.[22] His first goal at the Reebok Stadium was Bolton's opener in their 2–2 draw against Derby County in an end to end game which saw Wanderers claim a share of the spoils.

Baptiste joined Blackburn on loan. He scored his first goal against Nottingham Forest. He scored his second goal for the club against Sheffield Wednesday.

Middlesbrough

On 6 July 2015, Baptiste joined Middlesbrough.[23] On 11 July, he suffered a suspected double leg fracture, 20 minutes into a pre-season match against York City.

On 1 March 2016, Baptiste signed for Sheffield United on loan.[24]

On 31 August 2016, he signed for Preston North End on a season-long loan.[25] He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Birmingham City on 27 September 2016.[26]

Queens Park Rangers

On 7 August 2017, Baptiste joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer.[27]

On 31 January 2019, Baptiste joined Luton Town on a loan deal until the end of the 2018–19 season.[28]

Doncaster Rovers

On 2 August 2019, Baptiste signed for Doncaster Rovers on a one-year contract.[29] After only two matches he suffered an Achilles injury.[30] He proceeded to miss the rest of the season through injury.

Return to Bolton Wanderers

On 7 August 2020, Baptiste re-signed for Bolton Wanderers, after five years away from the club, on a one-year deal.[31] His second debut came on 5 September in Bolton's first match of the season, a 2–1 home defeat against Bradford in the first round of the EFL Cup.[32] On 28 May 2021, he signed a new one year contract.[33] Baptiste passed 600 career appearances on 2 November 2021 in Bolton's 3–0 EFL Trophy win at Rochdale.[34] On 3 May 2022, the club confirmed that he would be released at the end of his contract.[35] He had been offered a player-coach role in Bolton's reserve team, though turned it down as he wanted to continue his career as a first team player.[36]

Waterford

On 31 August 2022, Baptiste signed for League of Ireland First Division club Waterford until the end of their season in November.[37][38] He played 11 times, though was unable to help them get promoted as they lost in the play-offs to UCD.[39]

Career statistics

As of match played on 11 November 2022
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Mansfield Town 2002–03[40] Second Division 4000000040
2003–04[41] Third Division 17000004[lower-alpha 1]0210
2004–05[42] League Two 41121102[lower-alpha 2]0462
2005–06[43] League Two 41130301[lower-alpha 2]0481
2006–07[44] League Two 46330202[lower-alpha 2]0533
2007–08[45] League Two 250100000260
Total 17459160901986
Tamworth (loan) 2003–04[41] Conference Premier 4000—0040
Burton Albion (loan) 2003–04[41][46] Conference Premier 3000—1[lower-alpha 3]040
Blackpool 2008–09[47] Championship 2110000—211
2009–10[48] Championship 42310303[lower-alpha 4]0493
2010–11[49] Premier League 2121000—222
2011–12[50] Championship 43130003[lower-alpha 4]0491
2012–13[51] Championship 4312011—462
Total 17087041601879
Bolton Wanderers 2013–14[52] Championship 394202000434
Blackburn Rovers (loan) 2014–15[53] Championship 323200000343
Middlesbrough 2015–16[54] Championship 0000000000
2016–17[55] Premier League 0000100010
Total 0000100010
Sheffield United (loan) 2015–16[54] League One 111000000111
Preston North End (loan) 2016–17[55] Championship 243000000243
Queens Park Rangers 2017–18[56] Championship 260101000280
2018–19[57] Championship 4000300070
Total 300104000350
Luton Town (loan) 2018–19[57] League One 2000000020
Doncaster Rovers 2019–20[58] League One 2000000020
Bolton Wanderers 2020–21[59] League Two 400101000420
2021–22[60] League One 12110104[lower-alpha 2]0181
Total 521202040601
Waterford 2022[61] League of Ireland First Division 5020—4[lower-alpha 5]0110
Career total 5482525119124061627
Notes

Honours

Blackpool

Bolton Wanderers

Individual

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Alex Baptiste". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  2. ↑ "Premier League Player Profile". Premier League. Archived from the original on 28 August 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "Making the most of an opportunity – Baptiste looking to keep up good form". Up the Pool. Blackpool: Blackpool. 2008–09 season (Blackpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers): 34–37. 29 December 2008.
  4. ↑ "Alex Baptiste profile". Mansfield Town F.C. Archived from the original on 24 April 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  5. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  6. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  7. 1 2 "John-Baptiste pens Mansfield deal". BBC Sport. 3 July 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  8. ↑ "John-Baptiste admits to poor form". BBC Sport. 15 May 2008. Archived from the original on 20 May 2008. Retrieved 15 May 2008.
  9. ↑ "John-Baptiste to leave Stags". football.co.uk. 9 May 2008. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 10 May 2008.
  10. ↑ "Alex Baptiste". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
  11. ↑ "Blackpool complete Baptiste deal". BBC Sport. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
  12. ↑ "Baptiste Handed Surprise Debut". Blackpool F.C. 22 November 2008. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  13. ↑ "Ipswich vs Blackpool". Blackpool F.C. 14 February 2009. Archived from the original on 13 November 2009. Retrieved 14 February 2009.
  14. ↑ "Team of the Week (17/02/2009)" (PDF). The Football League. 17 February 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2009.
  15. ↑ "Baps Pens New Deal". Blackpool: Blackpool F.C. 20 January 2010. Archived from the original on 25 January 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
  16. ↑ "Wigan 0–4 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 14 August 2010. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  17. ↑ "Team of the Week". Premier League. 21 September 2010. Archived from the original on 24 September 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  18. ↑ Fletcher, Paul (19 May 2012). "Blackpool 1–2 West Ham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  19. ↑ "West Ham style slammed by Blackpool's Alex Baptiste". BBC Sport. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  20. ↑ Marc Iles. "Wanderers beat the pack to land Baptiste". The Bolton News. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  21. ↑ "Burnley 1-1 Bolton". BBC Sport. 3 August 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  22. ↑ "Blackburn 4-1 Bolton". BBC Sport. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  23. ↑ Taylor, Jonathon (4 July 2015). "Alex Baptiste: Boro make first signing of the summer transfer window". TeessideLive. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  24. ↑ "Boro's Baptiste joins Blades on loan". BBC Sport. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  25. ↑ "Baptiste Joins North End On Season-Long Loan". Preston North End F.C. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  26. ↑ "Birmingham City 2-2 Preston North End". BBC Sport. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  27. ↑ "Alex Baptiste Joins Queens Park Rangers". mfc.co.uk. Middlesbrough F.C. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  28. ↑ "Town complete transfer deadline day hat-trick!". www.lutontown.co.uk. Luton Town F.C. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  29. ↑ "Alex Baptiste signs for Rovers". www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk. Doncaster Rovers F.C. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  30. ↑ Goodwin, Paul (15 August 2019). "Doncaster Rovers: Alex Baptiste facing lengthy spell out with Achilles injury". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  31. ↑ "Wanderers Return For Alex Baptiste". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  32. ↑ "Report: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Bradford City". www.bwfc.co.uk. Bolton Wanderers F.C. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  33. ↑ "Baptiste joins up for another season". www.bwfc.co.uk.
  34. ↑ "600 Not Out for 'Baps'". Bolton Wanderers. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  35. ↑ "Wanderers Confirm Departures". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 3 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  36. ↑ "Alex Baptiste: Why I turned down coaching offer at Bolton Wanderers". The Bolton News.
  37. ↑ "Waterford FC". Waterford FC. 31 August 2022.
  38. ↑ Fallon, John (31 August 2022). "Waterford complete signing of former Premier League defender Alex Baptiste". Irish Examiner.
  39. ↑ Irish Independent: "UCD keep Premier Division status with play-off victory over Waterford"
  40. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  41. 1 2 3 "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  42. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  43. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  44. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  45. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  46. ↑ "FA Trophy - Hornchurch 2 Burton Albion 1". Fans Focus - Non League football clubs.
  47. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  48. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  49. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  50. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  51. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  52. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  53. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  54. 1 2 "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  55. 1 2 "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  56. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  57. 1 2 "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  58. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  59. 1 2 "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  60. ↑ "Games played by Alex Baptiste in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  61. ↑ "England - A. Baptiste - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
  62. ↑ Fletcher, Paul (22 May 2010). "Blackpool 3–2 Cardiff". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  63. ↑ "League Two Betting | 2022/23 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com.
  64. ↑ "Baptiste: Time to Move On". Blackpool FC. 5 July 2012. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012.
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