Kelvin Peter Etuhu (born 30 May 1988) is a Nigerian former professional footballer. Etuhu has two older brothers, Dickson Etuhu, also a professional footballer, and Michael Etuhu. He played as a striker or as a winger.

Kelvin Etuhu
Etuhu playing for Cardiff City
Personal information
Full name Kelvin Peter Etuhu[1]
Date of birth (1988-05-30) 30 May 1988 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Kano, Nigeria
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
2004–2006 Manchester City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2011 Manchester City 10 (1)
2007Rochdale (loan) 4 (2)
2008Leicester City (loan) 4 (0)
2009–2010Cardiff City (loan) 19 (0)
2012 Portsmouth 13 (1)
2012–2014 Barnsley 46 (0)
2014–2017 Bury 81 (4)
2017–2020 Carlisle United 59 (3)
Total 236 (11)
International career
2006 England U19 3 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

Early career

Etuhu joined Manchester City's academy when he was fourteen. After scoring the winning goal in the semi-finals of the 2005–06 FA Youth Cup against Manchester United, he went on to play in the finals in which Manchester City lost to Liverpool 3–2 on aggregate.

In 2007, Etuhu was loaned to Rochdale. He scored on his debut for the club, coming on in the 56th minute against Wycombe Wanderers and scoring in the 80th minute.[3] His spell at Rochdale was cut short by a knee injury which prompted his return to Manchester City.[4]

He made his first appearance for Manchester City on 25 September 2007 against Norwich City in the League Cup, coming on as a substitute and setting up the winning goal for Georgios Samaras. On 15 December 2007, Etuhu scored his first goal in the Premier League against Bolton Wanderers as Manchester City won 4–2.[5] Following this appearance, he signed a contract with the club until the end of the 2009–10 season.[6]

Loan at Leicester City

On Tuesday, 4 March 2008, Etuhu joined Leicester City on loan until the end of the 2007–08 season.[7] He made his debut four days later, on 8 March, in 0–0 draw against Bristol City. He made two consecutive starts before being dropped to bench against West Bromwich Albion on 15 March, coming on in the 88th minute. Due to new signing David Bell from Luton Town, Etuhu spent the final two months of his loan on bench, making brief appearances for the Foxes. Leicester were relegated at the end of the season.

Loan at Cardiff City

On 22 August 2009 Etuhu joined Football League Championship side Cardiff City on a season-long loan,[8] making his debut the following day as a replacement for Michael Chopra during a 3–0 win over Bristol City in the Severnside derby,[9] before making his first start in another Severnside derby against Bristol Rovers in the second round of the League Cup. However, he suffered an injury in his fourth appearance with the side when he damaged ankle ligaments during a 1–0 defeat to Newcastle United, ruling him out for up to two months.[10] He made his return on 29 November 2009 during a 2–1 defeat to Ipswich Town, coming on as a substitute for Chris Burke. On 8 December, he made his first League start for Cardiff against West Brom at the Hawthorns, as Cardiff won 2–0.

Cardiff reached the Championship play-off final at Wembley, and Etuhu played in the game, coming on for an injured Jay Bothroyd. Cardiff took the lead twice, but eventually lost the game 3–2.

Etuhu was not included in Manchester City's Premier League squad for the 2010–11 season.[11] and was released from his contract in March 2011, following his jailing for an assault outside a Manchester casino.[12]

Portsmouth

On 19 January 2012, Etuhu signed for Portsmouth.[13] He made his debut in the 3–2 defeat to Cardiff City on 21 January. He scored his first Portsmouth goal in his side's 4–1 victory over Birmingham City at Fratton Park on 20 March 2012.[14]

After the season's final game with Portsmouth relegated, Etuhu expressed his desire to stay at the club and try to help them bounce back.[15][16] Both Bradford City[17] and Barnsley[18] expressed an interest in signing him, while Portsmouth offered him a two-year contract.[19]

Barnsley

However, on 8 June 2012, Etuhu agreed to sign for Barnsley on a one-year contract.[20] He made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season, coming on as a substitute in the 17th minute, in a 1–0 win over Middlesbrough. However, under the management of Keith Hill, Etuhu's playing time decreased, but after Hill's replacement by David Flitcroft, he was selected more often, with Flitcroft placing him in the central-midfield. In a 1–0 win over Watford on 16 March 2013, his performance earned him a man of the match award.[21] In his first season, Etuhu made thirty appearances in all competitions. At the end of the season, Etuhu was retained for another season,[22] after which he signed a two-year deal.[23][24]

After two years at Barnsley, Etuthu was among ten players to leave the club.[25]

Bury

On 27 June 2014 Bury announced that Etuhu had signed a two-year deal after his release from Barnsley.[26] Upon joining the club, Etuhu was given number six shirt this season.[27]

Etuhu made his Bury debut on 16 August 2014, in a 2–0 win over Hartlepool United.[28] Having established himself in the first team at Bury throughout the season, playing in various midfielder position,[29] Etuhu scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 win over Tranmere Rovers on 4 October 2014.[30] At the end of the 2014–15 season in which he made 46 appearances and scored twice in all competitions, Etuhu was offered a new contract by the club,[31] which he signed a two-year contract extension on 22 May 2015.[32]

Carlisle United

On 29 June 2017, Etuhu signed for Carlisle United on a free transfer, signing a two–year contract.[33] Upon joining the club, he was given a number 21 shirt.[34] On 12 September, he made his debut for Carlisle United, playing 77 minutes before being substituted, in a 2–0 loss to Coventry City.[35] He scored his first goal for the club on 25 November in a 1–1 draw against Morecambe.[36]

On 18 January 2019, Carlisle United opted to trigger their option of a contract extension that would ensure Etuhu remained under contract for another season.[37] He then suffered a number of hamstring injuries, keeping him sidelined for an extensive period.[38] By September, manager Steven Pressley said he was unsure on when Etuhu would return from his injury.[39] His hopes of returning was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing the season to end immediately.[40] Having made no appearances in the 2019–20 season, he was released by the club.[41]

After being released by Carlisle United, Etuhu announced his retirement from football.[42]

International career

Although not capped at international level, Etuhu was eligible to play for England or Nigeria. He said his intention was to play for England.[43] He had previously represented England at junior levels while at Manchester City.[44] In May 2009 he declared his intention to pursue an international career with Nigeria.[45]

Personal life

Born in Kano, Nigeria, Etuhu moved to England a young age and grew up in Peckham, South London and he attended Saint Thomas the Apostle boys school before his family moved up to Manchester.[43][46] Growing up with four brothers, Kelvin said he and Dickson were "the athletes in the family" and considered his older brother as an inspiration to motivate him to become a footballer.[47][48]

On 13 July 2010, Etuhu was arrested on charges relating to an assault outside a Manchester casino in February.[49] Three people were injured, he was charged with assault and appeared before the magistrates on 6 August 2010.[50] He was given an eight-month jail sentence on 24 March 2011, after which Manchester City released him from his contract.[12] In August 2011, he was released from prison, having served five months to his jail sentence.[51] He later said "I made a mistake, people make mistakes, but I learned the hard way. Harder than maybe I should have learned but I am positive nothing like that will happen again. Today I would react a lot differently to what I did then. I have learned, I have definitely learned."[52]

In March 2019, Etuhu became a father when his partner gave birth to a baby boy, causing him to miss two matches.[53][54] In October 2020, he took part in helping the development of 250 young players across the borough at R-Kikx Academy.[55]

Career statistics

Club

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
Manchester City 2006–07[56] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007–08[57] Premier League 6 1 1 0 1 0 8 1
2008–09[58] Premier League 4 0 0 0 0 0 3[a] 0 7 0
Total 10 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 15 1
Rochdale (loan) 2006–07[56] League Two 4 2 0 0 0 0 4 2
Leicester City (loan) 2007–08[57] Championship 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Cardiff City (loan) 2009–10[59] Championship 16 0 0 0 1 0 3[b] 0 20 0
Portsmouth 2011–12[60] Championship 13 1 0 0 0 0 13 1
Barnsley 2012–13[61] Championship 26 0 3 0 1 0 30 0
2013–14[62] Championship 20 0 0 0 1 0 21 0
Total 46 0 3 0 2 0 51 0
Bury 2014–15[63] League Two 43 2 2 0 0 0 1[c] 0 46 2
2015–16[64] League One 18 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 23 0
2016–17[65] League One 20 2 0 0 1 0 1[d] 0 22 2
Total 81 4 6 0 2 0 2 0 91 4
Carlisle United 2017–18[66] League Two 20 3 2 0 0 0 1[d] 0 23 3
2018–19[67] League Two 39 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 41 0
2019–20[68] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 59 3 3 0 1 0 1 0 64 3
Career total 233 11 13 0 7 0 9 0 262 11
  1. ^ Appearances in the UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in the Championship play-offs
  3. ^ Appearance in the Football League Trophy
  4. ^ a b Appearances in the EFL Trophy

References

  1. ^ "List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/03/2012 and 31/03/2012". The Football Association. Archived from the original on 28 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Kelvin Etuhu". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  3. ^ "Wycombe 1–1 Rochdale". BBC. 6 January 2007. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  4. ^ "Etuhu back with Blues". Manchester Evening News. 15 February 2007. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  5. ^ "Man City 4–2 Bolton". BBC. 15 December 2007. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  6. ^ "Etuhu pens new deal". Manchester Evening News. 21 December 2007. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Come in Kelvin". Leicester City F.C. 4 March 2008. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2008.
  8. ^ "ETUHU JOINS ON LOAN". Cardiff City F.C. 22 August 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  9. ^ "Cardiff 3–0 Bristol City". BBC Sport. 23 August 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
  10. ^ "Kelvin Etuhu out for two months". South Wales Echo. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  11. ^ "De Jong happy to play numbers again". Manchester Evening News. 11 December 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 26 December 2010.
  12. ^ a b "Manchester City's Kelvin Etuhu sentenced over casino brawl". BBC News. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
  13. ^ "Portsmouth sign former Manchester City midfielder Kelvin Etuhu". BBC News. 19 January 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  14. ^ "Portsmouth 4–1 Birmingham". BBC Sport. 20 March 2012.
  15. ^ "Etuhu: I Want To Stay". Portsmouth FC. 28 April 2012. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012.
  16. ^ "Etuhu hoping for Pompey stay". Sky Sports. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  17. ^ "Bradford eye Etuhu move". Sky Sports. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  18. ^ "Barnsley: Medical holds the key as Reds boss tries to finally land his man". The Star. 19 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  19. ^ "Appleton hopes Etuhu stays". Sky Sports. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  20. ^ "Barnsley sign midfielder Kelvin Etuhu". BBC Sport. 9 June 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  21. ^ "Kelvin Etuhu hails team-mates after taking man-of-the-match award at weekend". Sky Sports. 18 March 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  22. ^ "New deal for Flitcroft". Sheffield Star. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  23. ^ "Barnsley: Reds trio poised to decide futures". Sheffield Star. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  24. ^ "Barnsley: Paul's delight as Spanish Reds Dig in". Sheffield Star. 3 July 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  25. ^ "Barnsley release defender Bobby Hassell after 10 years". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  26. ^ "Kelvin Etuhu: Bury sign ex-Barnsley midfielder". BBC Sport. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  27. ^ "Squad List Revealed". Bury F.C. 28 July 2014. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  28. ^ "Hartlepool United 0 – 2 Bury". BBC Sport. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  29. ^ "Former Man City midfielder Kelvin Etuhu making memories at Bury". Manchester Evening News. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  30. ^ "Bury 2 – 0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 4 October 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  31. ^ "The Retained List". Bury F.C. 14 May 2015. Archived from the original on 14 May 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  32. ^ "Duo commit to Bury". BBC Sport. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  33. ^ "CONTRACTS: Midfielder pens deal with the Blues". Carlisle United Official Site. 29 June 2017. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  34. ^ "SQUAD LIST: 2017/18 squad numbers confirmed". Carlisle United F.C. 1 August 2017. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  35. ^ "Coventry storm clear as Carlisle Utd blown off course once again". News and Star. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
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  37. ^ "INTERVIEW: I'm happy to be here for another year". Carlisle United F.C. 18 January 2019. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
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  41. ^ "CLUB: End-of-season retained and released list confirmed". Carlisle United F.C. 15 May 2020. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  42. ^ Kay, Oliver. "Kelvin Etuhu: 'I watched from prison as my old City team-mates won the FA Cup. I felt broken'". The Athletic. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  43. ^ a b "Big brother spurs Kelvin on". Manchester Evening News. 15 February 2007. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
    "Big brother spurs Kelvin on". Manchester Evening News. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  44. ^ "Shuker back at City – for now". Manchester Evening News. 13 August 2004. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
    "Blues on alert over January sales". Manchester Evening News. 15 February 2007. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
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  48. ^ "Kelvin's goalden future". Manchester Evening News. 12 April 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
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  52. ^ "Etuhu: Jury still out but I deserve fresh start". Portsmouth News. 26 January 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  53. ^ "Thomas strike earns point for improved Carlisle Utd at Forest Green". News and Star. 16 March 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
    "Steven Pressley says Carlisle Utd's display in Forest Green draw was best since he took charge". News and Star. 17 March 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
    "You need to focus on the positives, says Steven Pressley in interview after Carlisle Utd's draw with Cambridge cost them play-off ground". News and Star. 24 March 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  54. ^ "New dad Kelvin Etuhu returns to Carlisle Utd training as boss anticipates "great" selection dilemma". News and Star. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  55. ^ "Trio of professional players train youngsters". Rochdale Online. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  56. ^ a b "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  58. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  59. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  60. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  61. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  62. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  63. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  64. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  65. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  66. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  67. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  68. ^ "Games played by Kelvin Etuhu in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  NODES
Association 1
inspiration 1
INTERN 5
Note 1