Kristian Dennis(born 12 March 1990) is an Englishfootballerwho plays as aforwardforEFL League TwoclubTranmere Rovers.

Kristian Dennis
Personal information
Full name Kristian Dennis[1]
Date of birth (1990-03-11)11 March 1990(age 34)[1]
Place of birth Manchester,England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
Tranmere Rovers
Number 14
Youth career
–2008 Macclesfield Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2010 Macclesfield Town 4 (1)
2008Ashton United(loan) 3 (1)
2009–2010Woodley Sports(loan)
2010 Woodley Sports 15 (8)
2010–2011 Mossley 31 (10)
2011–2013 Curzon Ashton 82 (69)
2013–2016 Stockport County 60 (27)
2015–2016Macclesfield Town(loan) 38 (22)
2016–2018 Chesterfield 78 (27)
2018–2020 Notts County 54 (15)
2019Grimsby Town(loan) 13 (1)
2020–2022 St Mirren 30 (3)
2022–2023 Carlisle United 61 (22)
2023– Tranmere Rovers 36 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:24, 8 October 2024 (UTC)

Dennis began his career atFootball League TwoclubMacclesfield Town,graduating from the Centre of Excellence and Youth Academy and making his first-team debut in 2007. He had brief loan spells withAshton UnitedandWoodley Sportsbefore he was released in May 2010 following the2009–10 Football League Twoseason.

He joined Woodley Sports permanently, before moving on toMossleyin November 2010. He signed withCurzon Ashtonin June 2011, and went on to score 72 goals in two seasons with the club, before joiningStockport Countyin May 2013. He spent three seasons with County, though spent the third season on loan at Macclesfield Town, where he scored 29 goals, picking up theNational LeaguePlayer of the Month award for November 2015. He returned to theEnglish Football Leaguewhen he signed withChesterfieldin May 2016, and despite suffering consecutive relegation fromLeague OneandLeague Two,he impressed with 32 goals in 90 appearances in a struggling team.

Club career

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Macclesfield Town

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2005–06 season

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Dennis formed part of Macclesfield Town's Centre of Excellence, which beat clubs likeManchester UnitedandManchester Cityin scouting local talented players.[2]In May 2006, theMacclesfield Expressreported that Dennis was one of ten Macclesfield Town U16 squad members, includingChristopher Dykes,Danny White,Ben Hunt,Shaun Brisley,James Rothel,Danny Egan,Chris Hirst,Matt PearsonandJordan Walkerwho signed as first year scholars for the club's U18 Academy squad, where they also joinedChristian Millar.[3]During his youth team career at Macclesfield Town, Dennis was coached byJohn Askey,[4]and played alongsideWayne Rooney's younger brother,John Rooney,as well asNick Blackman,Matthew Flynn,Shaun BrisleyandChristian Millar.[5]

2006–07 season

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In November 2006, Dennis scored a first half goal for Macclesfield Town's U18 squad in a 1–1 away fixture against League leadersWalsallin the 2006–07North West Conference Group Bseason.[6]Dennis gave Macclesfield Town the lead in the 40th minute and missed a couple of opportunities inside the Walsall 18-yard-box before half time.[7]Dennis started for Macclesfield Town's U18 squad in a2006–07 FA Youth CupThird Round 3–0 away defeat againstEverton U18on 4 January 2007. He was replaced byChristopher Dykesin the 60th minute.[5]

2007–08 season

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In August 2007, Dennis debuted in his first competitive appearance for Macclesfield Town's first-team in a friendly againstMarine AFCin which he scored.[8]He made hisFootball League Twodebut in a 3–0 defeat atRotherham Unitedon 1 January 2008, coming onto the pitch as an 89th-minute substitute forDanny Thomas.[9]In January 2008, Dennis scored for Macclesfield Town's U18 Academy squad in a 2–12007–08 FA Youth CupFourth Round defeat againstSunderland's U18 Academy squadat the Stadium of Light.[10]After shooting wide from goalkeeperMartin Hunter's post in a one-on-one opportunity and then being denied by a point-blank stop from him again, Dennis rose high to head from a cross from John Rooney.[11]In May 2008, Dennis was one of four second-year Academy scholars, withShaun Brisley,Chris HirstandChristian Millar,to receive professional contracts for the 2008–09 season, whilst six others were released from the club's Academy.[12]

2008–09 season

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In July 2008,Macclesfield Expressbranded Dennis andChris Hirstas two stars of Macclesfield Town's highly successful U18 Academy Squad following a strong showing in thePuma Youth Alliance Leagueand a run to the fifth round of the2007–08 FA Youth Cup,after signing their 12-month deals with the first team.[13]Dennis and Hirst joinedShaun Brisley,Christian Millar,James Jennings,Izak Reid,Jordan Hadfield,Matthew FlynnandNick Blackmanas first-team squad members who were trained byJohn AskeyandMick Holgatebefore getting a professional deal.[14]In November 2008, Dennis joinedNorthern Premier LeaguePremier Division sideAshton Unitedon loan. Back with Macclesfield, he made his firstLeague Twoappearance of the2008–09season as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat toMorecambeatMoss Roseon 13 April.[15]He scored his first goal in theEnglish Football League12 days later, in a 2–1 home win overBarnet,after putting the ball into the net from a Macclesfield corner for the winning goal of the game.[16]

2009–10 season

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In July 2009, Dennis was one of five strikers, withEmile Sinclaire,Stephen Reed,Kyle WilsonandVinny Mukendi,in Macclesfield Town’s first-team squad ahead of the2009–10 season.[17][18]In November 2009, he joined Northern Premier League Division One North sideWoodley Sportson an initial one-month loan,[19]which was extended for a second month,[20]before he returned to Macclesfield in mid-January 2010.[21]He scored regularly for the "Saxons", including a hat-trick againstRadcliffe Borough.[22]On 14 May 2010, he was one of 11 players released by Macclesfield at the conclusion of the2009–10 season.[23]

Non-League

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Dennis had a trial withKidderminster Harriersin July 2010.[24]He instead signed with Woodley Sports, and scored 12 goals for them before joiningMossleyin November 2010.[25]He scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for the "Lilywhites", helping the club to a 15th-place finish in the Northern Premier League Division One North.[26]He signed forCurzon Ashtonin June 2011.[27]The "Nash" finished as runners-up toAFC Fyldein the Northern Premier League Division One North during the2011–12campaign, losing out toWitton Albionin the play-off final.[28]They finished seventh in the2012–13season. On 1 April, Dennis scored six goals as Ashton recorded a club record 10–1 victory overWakefield.[29]On 23 April, Curzon drew 1–1 withNorth Ferriby Unitedin the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup Final atThrostle Nest,and lost 2–1 in the resulting penalty shoot-out, with Dennis being the only Curzon player to successfully convert his penalty. He scored 72 goals in his two seasons at the Tameside Stadium, scoring 26 goals in his first season and 46 goals in his second season.[30]During his time at the club he worked as an archive administrator for Just Costs Solicitors inManchestercity centre.[31]

Dennis signed forIan Bogie'sStockport Countyin May 2013.[32]He scored a hat-trick in a 5–1 win atGainsborough Trinityon 4 January.[33]The "Hatters" went on to record a 14th-place finish in theConference Northby the end of the2013–14campaign, with Dennis contributing ten goals from 32 league games. He scored 12 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions in the2014–15season, as County posted an 11th-place finish. He was transfer-listed atEdgeley Parkby new manager Neil Young in May 2015.[34]

On 24 June 2015, Dennis returned to Macclesfield Town on a season-long loan.[35]He was named asNational LeaguePlayer of the Month for November after scoring seven goals in four games for the "Silkmen".[36]He scored a total of 29 goals in 45 appearances during the2015–16season, helpingJohn Askey's Macclesfield to a tenth-place finish. Stockport were keen to recall Dennis in the January transfer window in order to sell him on before the expiry of his contract at the end of the season, but were unable to do so as they had failed to insert a recall option in the loan deal.[37]

Chesterfield

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On 10 May 2016, Dennis signed forLeague OnesideChesterfield.[38]ManagerDanny Wilsonsaid that "he's a very level-headed boy who is determined to do well in the Football League and become an established player. He is prolific and I think he can offer us a great deal".[39]He scored his first goal for Chesterfield in anEFL Trophytie againstWolves Under-23son 30 August.[40]He scored ten goals in 42 appearances during the2016–17campaign, finishing as the "Spireites" top-scorer, though could not preventGary Caldwell's side being relegated in last place.[41]He was nominated for theEFL League Two Player of the Monthaward for November after scoring three goals and providing one assist forJack Lester's struggling side.[42]He again finished as top-scorer at theProact Stadiumin the2017–18season with 21 goals in 48 games, and despite his 19-goal tally being the joint-fifth highest in League Two, Chesterfield were again relegated in last place.[43]On 22 May 2018, Dennis was transfer-listed by incoming managerMartin Allenafter rejecting the club's offer of a new contract in search of a return to the EFL.[44]

Notts County

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On 31 May 2018, Dennis signed for local rivalsNotts Countyon a three-year contract (two years with the club having the option for a third term). He joined after Chesterfield were relegated for a reported fee of £150,000.[45]

On 31 January 2019, Dennis signed for League Two rivalGrimsby Townuntil the end of the 2018/19 season.[46]

St Mirren

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In August 2020, Dennis signed a two-year deal with St Mirren.[47]Upon his move to the Paisley club, managerJim Goodwinsaid ' "He is a proven goalscorer, he is a great age and a natural finisher."[48]

Carlisle United

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On 31 January 2022, Dennis joined League Two sideCarlisle Unitedon an 18-month contract.[49]

The2022–23 seasonsaw Dennis score twenty league goals as Carlisle reached the play-offs, being awarded the Players' Player of the Year at the end of season awards ceremony.[50]On 28 May 2023, Dennis was used as a substitute in theplay-off final,scoring his penalty in the shoot-out as Carlisle defeatedStockport Countyto earn promotion to League One.[51]Following promotion, he was offered a new contract.[52]

Tranmere Rovers

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On 5 June 2023, Dennis was announced to be returning to League Two withTranmere Roverson a two-year contract,[53]having rejected the new contract offer from Carlisle.[54]

Style of play

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Former Chesterfield managerGary Caldwelldescribed Dennis as "first and foremost a team player... in terms of his workrate, running after lost causes, shutting people down and working for the team".[55]

Personal life

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Dennis attendedSt Paul's Catholic High SchoolinManchester.[56]

Career statistics

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As of match played 28 May 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Macclesfield Town 2007–08[57] League Two 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1
2008–09[58] League Two 3 1 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 4 1
2009–10[59] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 6 2
Mossley 2010–11[26] Northern Premier LeagueDivision One North 31 16 0 0 0 0 31 16
Curzon Ashton 2011–12 Northern Premier League Division One North 42 25 2 1 0 0 44 26
2012–13 Northern Premier League Division One North 40 44 4 2 0 0 44 46
Total 82 69 6 3 0 0 0 0 88 72
Stockport County 2013–14[60] Conference North 32 10 0 0 0 0 32 10
2014–15[60] Conference North 28 12 1 0 3[d] 0 32 12
Total 60 22 1 0 3 0 64 22
Macclesfield Town(loan) 2015–16[60] National League 38 22 1 1 5[d] 4 44 27
Chesterfield 2016–17[61] League One 35 8 2 0 0 0 5[e] 2 42 10
2017–18[62] League Two 43 19 1 0 1 1 3[e] 1 48 21
Total 78 27 3 0 1 1 8 3 90 31
Notts County 2018–19[63] League Two 24 3 1 0 0 0 4[e] 3 29 6
2019–20[64] National League 30 12 2 1 3 2 35 15
Total 54 15 3 1 0 0 7 5 64 21
Grimsby Town(loan) 2018–19[63] League Two 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 1
St Mirren 2020–21[65] Scottish Premiership 17 3 4 2 3 0 24 5
2021–22[66] Scottish Premiership 13 0 1 0 2 1 16 1
Total 30 3 5 2 5 1 40 6
Carlisle United 2021–22[66] League Two 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 2
2022–23[67] League Two 44 20 1 0 1 1 2 0 48 21
Total 61 22 1 0 1 1 2 0 65 23
Career total[f] 446 198 20 7 7 3 32 13 505 221
  1. ^IncludesFA Cup,Scottish Cup
  2. ^IncludesEFL Cup,Scottish League Cup
  3. ^Appearance inFootball League Trophy
  4. ^abAppearances inFA Trophy
  5. ^abcAppearance(s) inEFL Trophy
  6. ^Appearances forAshton United,Woodley SportsandCurzon Ashtonnot recorded.

Honours

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Curzon Ashton
Carlisle United
Individual

References

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  1. ^abcHugman, Barry J., ed. (2009).The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10.Mainstream Publishing.ISBN978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/towns-bright-future-2536994
  3. ^"Town's bright future".macclesfield.9 May 2006.Retrieved14 November2024.
  4. ^"Askey's pride as youths crash to Black Cats".Macclesfield Express.23 January 2008.Retrieved2 July2014.
  5. ^ab"Cite error: The named reference "<www.evertonfc.com macclesfield-yth-v-everton-fa-youth-cup" was defined multiple times with different content (see thehelp page).
  6. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ince-set-wheel-deal-2537538
  7. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ince-set-wheel-deal-2537538
  8. ^https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/macca-exorcises-ghosts-past-against-6974517
  9. ^"Rotherham 3–0 Macclesfield".BBC Sport. 1 January 2008.Retrieved16 September2008.
  10. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/askeys-pride-youths-crash-black-2532924.amp
  11. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/askeys-pride-youths-crash-black-2532924.amp
  12. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/im-never-far-away-2533387
  13. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/two-more-sign-up-2533553
  14. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/two-more-sign-up-2533553
  15. ^"Shrimpers take Macc win".Sky Sports.13 April 2009.Retrieved23 May2018.
  16. ^"Macclesfield 2–1 Barnet".Macclesfield Express.29 April 2009.Retrieved2 July2014.
  17. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lets-strike-2531653
  18. ^https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/we-need-to-start-firing-2532518
  19. ^"Dennis on Loan".Macclesfield Town F.C. 11 November 2009.Retrieved16 January2010.
  20. ^"Mixed fortunes for Reed and Dennis".Macclesfield Town F.C. 11 November 2009.Retrieved16 January2010.
  21. ^"Reed loan extended – Dennis back".Macclesfield Town F.C. 16 January 2010.Retrieved16 January2010.
  22. ^"Woodley Hat Trick for Kris".Macclesfield Town F.C. 7 December 2009.Retrieved16 January2010.
  23. ^"Macclesfield release Jon Brain but make Rooney offer".BBC Sport. 14 May 2010.Retrieved2 July2014.
  24. ^"Profile".kidderminsterharriers.com.Retrieved22 May2018.
  25. ^"Mossley sign Woodley top scorer".Mossley A.F.C. 9 November 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2010.Retrieved14 December2010.
  26. ^ab"MOSSLEYWEB The Original Official Mossley AFC Website".www.mossleyweb.com.Retrieved22 May2018.
  27. ^"Dennis signs for Curzon Ashton".Pitchero. 20 June 2011.Retrieved1 August2013.
  28. ^Simpson, Andrew (28 April 2012)."Witton Albion seal promotion after crushing Curzon Ashton in Division One North play-offs final".Northwich Guardian.Retrieved23 May2018.
  29. ^Collins, Ben (2 April 2013)."Non-league round-up: Kristian Dennis hits six as Curzon go goal-crazy".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved22 May2018.
  30. ^Browne, Gavin (6 June 2013)."Kristian Dennis hopes to be a menace next season".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved23 May2018.
  31. ^Gaughan, Jack (4 April 2013)."Kristian Dennis – the menace of Evo-Stik defences".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved23 May2018.
  32. ^Davies, Matt (31 May 2013)."Non-league Matters: Stockport County boss Ian Bogie adds firepower and experience as clubs start rebuilding | Mancunian Matters".Mancunian Matters.Retrieved23 May2018.
  33. ^"Gainsborough 1–5 Stockport".Gainsborough Standard.7 January 2014.Retrieved25 October2015.
  34. ^Collins, Ben (29 May 2015)."Manager Neil Young continues Stockport County squad overhaul".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved23 May2018.
  35. ^"Dennis Completes Macclesfield Loan".Macclesfield Town F.C. 24 June 2015.Retrieved3 January2016.
  36. ^abConey, Steven (4 December 2015)."Hotshot Kristian Dennis named National League player of the month".The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news.Retrieved23 May2018.
  37. ^Byrne, Sam (3 December 2015)."Stockport County say Kristian Dennis could be sold in January".Manchester Evening News.Retrieved23 May2018.
  38. ^"Striker Dennis First Signing of Spireites' Summer".10 May 2016.Retrieved10 May2016.
  39. ^Coney, Steven (11 May 2016)."Kristian Dennis earns move to League One side Chesterfield".The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news.Retrieved23 May2018.
  40. ^"Chesterfield 2 Wolves U23s 1".expressandstar.com. 30 August 2016.Retrieved31 August2016.
  41. ^Lee, Tommy (16 May 2017)."Kristian Dennis' whirlwind journey from Greater Manchester football backwaters to League One club's top scorer".Derbyshire Times.Retrieved22 May2018.
  42. ^"Lester and Dennis Nominated".chesterfield-fc.co.uk.5 December 2017.Retrieved23 May2018.
  43. ^"Top Scorers - League Two - Football".BBC Sport.Retrieved23 May2018.
  44. ^"Kristian Dennis: Chesterfield striker made available for transfer after rejecting new deal".BBC Sport. 22 May 2018.Retrieved22 May2018.
  45. ^"Magpies land Dennis".
  46. ^Petterson, Ryan (31 January 2019)."Kristian Dennis Signs On Loan Until End Of Season".Grimsby Town F.C.Retrieved31 January2019.
  47. ^"KSt Mirren sign 'proven goalscorer' Kristian Dennis to bolster attack".BBC Sport. 19 August 2020.Retrieved19 August2020.
  48. ^"St Mirren snap up Kristian Dennis as Jim Goodwin bolsters his attacking options".dailyrecord.co.uk.19 August 2020.Retrieved20 August2020.
  49. ^"CONTRACT: Experienced forward signs for United".www.carlisleunited.co.uk.31 January 2022.
  50. ^"SEASON 2022/23 AWARDS: The runners and riders".www.carlisleunited.co.uk.1 May 2023.Retrieved5 June2023.
  51. ^ab"Carlisle United 1–1 Stockport County (5–4 pens)".BBC Sport. 28 May 2023.Retrieved28 May2023.
  52. ^"CLUB: Retained and released list".www.carlisleunited.co.uk.30 May 2023.Retrieved5 June2023.
  53. ^"Striker Kristian Dennis signs for Rovers on two-year contract".www.tranmererovers.co.uk.5 June 2023.Retrieved5 June2023.
  54. ^"CLUB: Striker to move on".www.carlisleunited.co.uk.5 June 2023.Retrieved5 June2023.
  55. ^Smyth, Graham (13 April 2017)."Town boss more and more impressed by 'team player' striker".Derbyshire Times.Retrieved23 May2018.
  56. ^https://www.st-paulshigh.net/index.php/pupils/former-pupils/
  57. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2007/2008".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved13 July2017.
  58. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2008/2009".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved13 July2017.
  59. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2009/2010".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved13 July2017.
  60. ^abcKristian Dennisat Soccerway
  61. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2016/2017".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved13 July2017.
  62. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2017/2018".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved25 March2018.
  63. ^ab"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2018/2019".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved31 January2019.
  64. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2019/2020".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved19 August2020.
  65. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2020/2021".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved22 August2022.
  66. ^ab"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2021/2022".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved22 August2022.
  67. ^"Games played by Kristian Dennis in 2022/2023".Soccerbase.Centurycomm.Retrieved22 August2022.
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