Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Ashley Matthew Hunter[1] | ||
Date of birth | 29 September 1995 | ||
Place of birth | Derby, England | ||
Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
Position(s) | Forward | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Accrington Stanley | ||
Number | 45 | ||
Youth career | |||
Derby County[2] | |||
Aston Villa[2] | |||
Barnsley[3] | |||
–2014 | Burton Albion | ||
2014 | Ilkeston | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2014–2015 | Ilkeston | 10 | (4) |
2015–2020 | Fleetwood Town | 181 | (31) |
2020 | → Salford City (loan) | 11 | (5) |
2020–2022 | Salford City | 74 | (8) |
2022–2023 | Morecambe | 20 | (1) |
2023–2024 | Milton Keynes Dons | 6 | (0) |
2024 | AFC Fylde | 12 | (1) |
2024– | Accrington Stanley | 0 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:15, 26 April 2024 (UTC) |
Ashley "Ash" Matthew Hunter (born 29 September 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League Two side Accrington Stanley.
After spending time in the youth setups of several clubs in the Midlands and Yorkshire, Hunter began his career with non-league Ilkeston, where he made his début in 2014. He quickly attracted the attention of Fleetwood Town, where he made over 200 appearances before departing for Salford in 2020.
Career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Hunter joined Northern Premier League side Ilkeston after being released by Burton Albion in summer 2014. After scoring 13 goals for Ilkeston's under-21 side,[4] he made an immediate impact in the first team, scoring twice in his first start for the club.[5] He was signed by League One side Fleetwood Town for a "sizeable fee" in January 2015.[6]
Fleetwood Town
[edit]Hunter made his Fleetwood début on 7 February, coming on as substitute in a 1–1 with Peterborough United in a League One fixture and almost setting up a goal for Jamie Proctor.[7] His first goal came on 6 April when he scored Fleetwood's final goal in a 4–0 win against Yeovil Town.[8] His next goal came on 6 October in the first game of new manager Steven Pressley, scoring the equaliser in an eventual 2–1 victory against Shrewsbury Town in the second round of the EFL Trophy.[9] On Boxing Day, Hunter came on as a substitute and scored instantly to secure a 1–1 draw in the league against Shrewsbury.[10]
On 10 August 2016, Hunter scored an 11th-minute equaliser against Leeds United in the first round of the EFL Cup, taking the two teams into a penalty shoot-out which Fleetwood lost 5–4, with Hunter converting his penalty.[11] A week later, Hunter signed a new three-year contract with Fleetwood.[12] The next day, he came on as a substitute and scored to make it 2–0 against Oxford United to secure Fleetwood's first win of the season.[13] On 27 August, he scored his sides second in another 2–0 win, this time away to Southend United, their first away victory of the season.[14] Hunter was awarded the man of the match for his performance in the FA Cup first round replay against Southport, scoring one goal and creating another in extra-time of a 4–1 win.[15] In the replay of their second-round game against Shrewsbury, Hunter scored the winning goal in the 95th minute to help Fleetwood complete a comeback from 2–0 down, and reach the third round for the second time in their history.[16]
On 9 September, Hunter scored a 93rd-minute penalty to secure a point at home to Oldham Athletic,[17] and three days later he scored the winning goal against Bury in a 3–2 victory.[18] on Boxing Day, Hunter scored Fleetwood's second goal of a 2–1 win in the reverse fixture against Oldham, their first win in nine games.[19] He opened the scoring four days later in the second league meeting against Bury, a 2–0 victory which ensured back-to-back away wins for the first time in the season.[20] On 25 February 2018, Hunter scored the first goal in the reign of new manager John Sheridan, scoring the equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Milton Keynes.[21] In March 2018, he signed a new three-year deal to keep him contracted to the club until 2021.[22]
On 14 August, Hunter scored the winning penalty in the first round of the EFL Cup after a 1–1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.[23] On 1 September, he scored the winner to help new manager Joey Barton win his first home game as manager, a 2–1 win against Bradford City.[24] After receiving five yellow cards in the opening nine games, Hunter received a one-match ban, missing a fixture against Barnsley as a result.[25]
On 2 March 2019, he came off the bench to score Fleetwood's second in a 2–0 win against Plymouth Argyle, keeping their chances of a play-off place alive.[26] On 19 April, he scored a 94th-minute equaliser against Peterborough United, helping keep the pressure off Barton.[27]
Salford City (loan)
[edit]In January 2020, Fleetwood manager Joey Barton reported that he was due to go out on loan to Salford City after an agreement was made between the clubs.[28] The move was later confirmed by Salford.[29]
On 18 January, Hunter was sent off on his début after picking up two yellow cards in a match against Forest Green Rovers.[30] He scored his first goal for the club ten days later, scoring the third goal of a 4–0 away win against Cambridge United, when he "hooked a fine finish into the far corner".[31] On 7 March, Hunter scored both goals in a 2–0 victory against Bradford City,[32] the first of which was later voted Salford's goal of the season.
Salford City
[edit]Hunter joined Salford permanently on 17 July, signing a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[33] He scored his first goal after rejoining the club on the opening day of the 2020–21 season against Exeter City, scoring the equalising goal in a 2–2 draw.[34] On 24 November, he scored two "stunning" goals in a 2–1 victory over Morecambe.[35] On 6 December, Hunter scored the only goal against Barrow in the club's first Football League game with an attendance since 1972.[36] He was released by Salford at the end of the 2021–22 season.[37]
Morecambe
[edit]On 12 July 2022, Hunter joined League One club Morecambe on a one-year deal.[38]
Milton Keynes Dons
[edit]On 4 August 2023, Hunter joined League Two club Milton Keynes Dons on a free transfer following his release from Morecambe.[39] He made his debut a day later in the opening game of the 2023–24 season on 5 August 2023, in a 5–3 away win over Wrexham having come on as a 78th-minute substitute.[40]
On 26 January 2024, Hunter departed the club having had his contract terminated by mutual consent.[41]
AFC Fylde
[edit]On 31 January 2024, Hunter joined National League club AFC Fylde on a short-term contract until the end of the season.[42] He departed the club at the end of his short-term contract.[43]
Accrington Stanley
[edit]On 6 August 2024, Hunter joined Accrington Stanley on a one year deal.[44]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of 31 January 2024
Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Ilkeston | 2014–15[45][46] | NPL Premier Division | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 4[a] | 0 | 14 | 4 | |
Fleetwood Town | 2014–15[47] | League One | 12 | 1 | — | — | — | 12 | 1 | |||
2015–16[48] | League One | 24 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4[b] | 2 | 28 | 7 | |
2016–17[49] | League One | 44 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4[c] | 0 | 55 | 11 | |
2017–18[50] | League One | 44 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5[b] | 0 | 55 | 9 | |
2018–19[51] | League One | 43 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 9 | |
2019–20[52] | League One | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3[b] | 0 | 19 | 1 | |
Total | 181 | 31 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 2 | 216 | 38 | ||
Salford City (loan) | 2019–20[52] | League Two | 11 | 5 | — | — | — | 11 | 5 | |||
Salford City | 2020–21[53] | League Two | 41 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2[b] | 1 | 47 | 8 |
2021–22[54] | League Two | 33 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 35 | 1 | |
Total | 85 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 93 | 14 | ||
Morecambe | 2022–23[55] | League One | 20 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | — | 21 | 1 | ||
Milton Keynes Dons | 2023–24[56] | League Two | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Career total | 302 | 49 | 17 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 24 | 3 | 352 | 57 |
- ^ Two appearances in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup; one appearance in FA Trophy; one appearance in Derbyshire Senior Cup
- ^ a b c d e f Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
- ^ Two appearances in Football League Trophy; two appearances in League One play-offs
Honours
[edit]Salford City
References
[edit]- ^ "The Football League Limited: Club list of registered players as at 16th May 2015" (PDF). The Football League. 16 May 2015. p. 48. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ a b FA Cup Match of the Day, 6 January 2018
- ^ "Ashley Hunter - Forward - First Team - Fleetwood Town". Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
- ^ "2014/15". www.ilsonfootball.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 March 2016.
- ^ "Ilsonfootball The Independent Ilkeston Football Website". www.ilsonfootball.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2019.
- ^ "Ashley Hunter: Fleetwood Town sign Ilkeston striker". BBC Sport. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ^ "Roberts denies Peterborough". Sky Sports. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ "Ball brace lifts Fleetwood". Sky Sports. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 2-1 Shrewsbury Town: Late Bobby Grant strike sinks Shrews". Sky Sports. 6 October 2015. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
- ^ "Super-sub Ashley Hunter rescues point for Fleetwood". Eurosport. 26 December 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood 2-2 Leeds (AET: 4-5 on pens) Garry Monk's side edge win". Sky Sports. 10 August 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Ashley Hunter: Fleetwood Town forward signs new three-year deal". BBC Sport. 18 August 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood 2-0 Oxford: Hosts claim their first win of the season". Sky Sports. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Southend United 0-2 Fleetwood Town: Fleetwood score in each half to register a comfortable win at Southend in League One". BBC. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 4-1 Southport (aet): Fleetwood score three goals in eight extra-time minutes to claim victory over Southport and end the non-league side's FA run". BBC. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 3-2 Shrewsbury Town: Fleetwood score twice in the last 13 minutes to beat Shrewsbury to book an FA Cup third-round tie at Bristol City". BBC. 13 December 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 2-2 Oldham Athletic: Ash Hunter scores a late equaliser from the penalty spot as Fleetwood deny Oldham Athletic victory at Highbury". BBC. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood 3-2 Bury: Jermaine Beckford's late penalty miss costly for Shakers". Sky Sports. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Oldham Athletic 1-2 Fleetwood Town: Fleetwood secure their first win in nine League One matches with an unlikely 2-1 victory at Oldham". BBC. 26 December 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Bury 0-2 Fleetwood Town: Fleetwood ease to victory at lowly Bury to make it back-to-back away wins over the festive period". BBC. 30 December 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ Crowe, Matthew (25 February 2018). "Fleetwood head coach John Sheridan pleased with his first game". The 72. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
- ^ "Ashley Hunter: Fleetwood Town forward signs new three-year deal". BBC Sport. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Fleetwood Town (3-4 pens): Fleetwood beat Crewe 4-3 on penalties in the Carabao Cup first round after a draw in normal time". BBC Sport. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 2-1 Bradford City: Joey Barton wins his first home game as Fleetwood boss despite Wes Burns being sent off against Bradford City". BBC Sport. 1 September 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Joey Barton says no problem with discipline at Fleetwood Town as he calls for former footballers to review refereeing decisions". Blackpool Gazette. 27 September 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town 2-0 Plymouth Argyle: Fleetwood keep their faint hopes of a late League One play-off charge alive with a 2-0 win over Plymouth". BBC Sport. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Hunter salvages late point for Barton's Fleetwood against Peterborough". FourFourTwo. 19 April 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ Ray, James (2 January 2020). "Fleetwood Town boss confirms Ashley Hunter's loan to Salford City". The 72. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
- ^ "Ashley Hunter: Salford City agree loan deal for Fleetwood Town forward". BBC Sport. 2 January 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
- ^ "Forest Green Rovers 1-2 Salford City: Ammies prevail with nine men". Salford City News. 24 January 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Cambridge 0-4 Salford: United thumped as dismal form continues". Sky Sports. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
- ^ "Salford 2-0 Bradford: Ashley Hunter double seals home win". Sky Sports. 7 March 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "Ash Hunter: Fleetwood Town winger rejoins Salford City for undisclosed fee". BBC Sport. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ "Salford City 2-2 Exeter City". BBC. 12 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
- ^ "Salford 2-1 Morecambe: Ash Hunter double seals win". Sky Sports. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
- ^ "Barrow 0-1 Salford: Ash Hunter strike enough to spoil fans' Holker Street return". Sky Sports. 6 December 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ "Player news". Salford City FC. 21 May 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ "Hunter becomes Shrimps' seventh summer signing". www.morecambefc.com. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "Ashley Hunter: MK Dons sign former Morecambe forward ahead of new season". BBC. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "Wrexham 3-5 Milton Keynes Dons: Dragons' EFL return spoiled by Dons". BBC. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- ^ "Ashley Hunter has left MK Dons by mutual consent". www.mkdons.com. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
- ^ "Hunter Joins The Coasters". www.afcfylde.co.uk. 31 January 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
- ^ "2024/2025 Retained List". www.afcfylde.co.uk. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "SIGNING: Ash's a Red". www.afcfylde.co.uk. 6 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ "The Evo-Stik Statistics". Ilkeston FC Official Matchday Magazine. vs Skelmersdale United: 22–23. 15 August 2015.
- ^ "Ilkeston Town FC on Twitter (Derbyshire Senior Cup line-up)". Twitter. 9 December 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
- ^ "Player Profile: 22 Ashley Hunter". Archived from the original on 30 April 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Ashley Hunter in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ Williams, Adam (13 March 2021). "Portsmouth 0–0 Salford City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
External links
[edit]- Ashley Hunter at Soccerbase
- Ashley Hunter at Soccerway