Wikipedia

Joe Ledley

Joseph Christopher Ledley(born 23 January 1987) is a Welsh former professionalfootballerwho played as acentral midfielder.

Joe Ledley
Ledley withWales,2016
Personal information
Full name Joseph Christopher Ledley[1]
Date of birth (1987-01-23)23 January 1987(age 37)
Place of birth Cardiff,Wales
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1996–2004 Cardiff City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2010 Cardiff City 229 (27)
2010–2014 Celtic 106 (20)
2014–2017 Crystal Palace 83 (6)
2017–2019 Derby County 30 (2)
2019–2020 Charlton Athletic 1 (0)
2020 Newcastle Jets 6 (0)
2021 Newport County 4 (0)
Total 459 (55)
International career
2003–2004 Wales U17 6 (0)
2004–2005 Wales U19 3 (0)
2005–2008 Wales U21 5 (0)
2005–2018 Wales 77 (4)
Medal record
Men'sFootball
RepresentingWales
UEFA European Championship
Third place 2016 France
Home Nations Cup
Third place 2011 Dublin
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

He started his career with thenChampionshipsideCardiff Citywhere he spent six years. He helped the club to theFA Cup Finalin2008and to theChampionship play-offfinal in2010.In 2010, he moved toCelticon a free transfer. He won theScottish Premier Leaguetitle in his second season with the club in 2012 and both the league and theScottish Cupin 2013. He signed forCrystal Palacein January 2014 and played three and a halfPremier Leagueseasons for them.

Ledley has played for Wales atunder-17,under-19andunder-21levels, before making hisfulldebut in 2005. He has since gone on to make over 70 international appearances and has captained his country on several occasions. Ledley was in the Welsh squad that reached the semi-final ofUEFA Euro 2016.

Early life and career

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Ledley was born inCardiff,growing up in theFairwaterarea. He attendedCantonian High School,where he was captain of the school football team.[3]His schoolboy picture is displayed in the school to this day.[4]He played several sports when he was younger, but only ever wanted to be a footballer.[3]

He grew up supportingCardiff Cityand joined the club's youth system aged nine.[5]During his later years as a trainee he was in charge of cleaning then captainGraham Kavanagh's boots. He continued to clean them for several months after breaking into the first team, this was to stop him from getting carried away with his new position.[6]

Club career

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Cardiff City

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2004–05

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Ledley was called into the first team during the2004–05 season,while still only 17. He made his debut in theLeague Cup,on 21 September 2004, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 4–1 win overMilton Keynes Dons[7]He made his league debut the next month, on 16 October, in a 2–0 win overRotherham United,again coming on as a substitute.[7]Three days later he had his first start for the club in a 1–1 draw withBrighton & Hove Albion,he had several chances to score during the match including a header that hit the woodwork.[8]After the match, Cardiff's goalscorer,Lee Bullocksaid that Ledley had been brilliant in his first start; creating chances as well as having some himself. ManagerLennie Lawrencesaid that he thought Ledley hadn't been fazed at all by the occasion and didn't look like he was making his debut.[9]Ledley's first goal for Cardiff came, on 2 November, in a 4–1 victory overWest Ham.He brought the ball down from a cross before beating the keeper,Stephen Bywater,with a right foot drive.[10]After this match Ledley's manager and teammates were again full of praise for the youngster. StrikerPaul Parrysaid that Ledley's goal was brilliant and with the way he had been playing, creating so many chances for himself, it was no surprise that he had got his first goal. Manager Lawrence also said that he was impressed with other aspects of Ledley's play. He thought that Ledley had shown incredible maturity during the match, saying that Ledley had, "an old head on a young pair of shoulders". He was also impressed with Ledley's positional play, pointing out how Ledley had tracked back late in the match to cut out a scoring opportunity forWest Ham United,when other defenders hadn't seen the danger.[11]

On 4 February 2005 he committed his future to Cardiff City, signing a new long-term contract with the club. This was shortly after he had won a call up to theWales under-21squad.[12]A month later he scored a vital goal, to earn three points for Cardiff as they beatSheffield United1–0.[13]Ledley's season ended in April as he suffered a fractured metatarsal bone in training. Before this he had played 32 times for Cardiff City and had also earned three Wales under-21 caps.[7]His performances had provided a major boost for Cardiff City in what was a poor season for them as they were in relegation trouble at the bottom of theChampionshipand were suffering financial troubles as well.[14]Lawrence said that he hoped Ledley would stay at Cardiff for the next few seasons and that he wouldn't be surprised if the 18-year-old earned a full Wales call-up in the near future.[15]

2005–06

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Ledley's first goal of the2005–06 seasoncame in a 2–1League Cupvictory overMacclesfield Town.He scored the equaliser after theLeague Twoside had taken the lead.[16]A month later, on 18 October, he scored in Cardiff's 2–2 draw againstPreston North End.[17]Four days later Cardiff beatCrewe Alexandra6–1, with Ledley scoring the second to put them 2–1 up shortly after half time.[18]Cardiff had been tipped for relegation at the start of the season but this victory put them on the verge of theplay-offplaces.[19]Ledley's fourth goal of the season came in a 2–1 victory overSouthamptonon 31 December.[20]

2006–07

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Ledley scored in the first match of the2006–07 season,the opener in a 2–1 win overBarnsley.[21]He then scored several weeks later, as Cardiff City beat fellow promotion contendersBirmingham City,2–0, to move top of the table.[22]At this match Cardiff City had a full stadium, 20,000 fans, for the first time in over 45 years. This signalled their growing momentum in the league and the belief within the club that they were able to get promoted. Ledley was identified as one of the key players in Cardiff City's team, his pace on the left wing being vital to their tenacious style of play.[23]On 25 September, Ledley scored in a 3–0 win overSouthend Unitedto confirm Cardiff's status as early season favourites.[24]Cardiff entered theFA Cupat thethird roundand drewTottenham Hotspur.The match ended 0–0 but Ledley had an excellent chance to put Cardiff City in the lead after 55 minutes, he got on the end of a cross but hit his shot just over the bar.[25]The match went to a replay and Tottenham Hotspur won 4–0 atWhite Hart Laneon 17 January.[26]On 2 February Ledley suffered a hamstring injury in a 2–0 win over Barnsley.[27]At the end of the season he picked up theFootball Leaguegoal of the season award for his strike againstBarnsley.[28]

2007–08

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Ledley began the2007–08 seasonin great form and earned several man of the match awards in the first four months and in October 2007 he signed a two-year extension to his contract at Cardiff City.[29]In December 2007,Wolverhampton Wanderersoffered a reported £2.5 million, which could go up to as much as £3.5 million with add-ons, to Cardiff City for Ledley. Cardiff City offered the deal to Ledley who turned the move down in order to stay with theBluebirds.[30]Premier LeaguesideEvertonwere also known to have taken an interest in him, reportedly considering making an offer of £3.5 million.[31]At the time, Cardiff City valued him at a reported £5 million.[citation needed]Despite the speculation about his transfer Ledley himself stated that he was desperate to stay at Cardiff but concedes that he may have no choice should a high offer be made.[32]Everton attempted a second move for Ledley at the end of the January transfer window, reportedly beating Wolves' previous £3m move, but the move was rejected by Cardiff.[33]His form continued into February and early March before a hamstring injury forced him to miss several games, including Cardiff's 2–0FA Cupquarter final victory overMiddlesbrough.He returned to the side in time for the Semi Final againstBarnsleywhere he scored the only goal to send Cardiff to their first Final since 1927,[34]a goal which later earned him 'Player of the Round'.[35]Cardiff went on to lose in theFinaltoPortsmouth.

2008–09

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During the 2008 summer transfer window, recently promoted Premier League sideStoke Cityoffered Cardiff £5m to sign Ledley, which Cardiff turned down. On 1 September 2008, the final day of the summer transfer window Stoke made a second bid, reported to be around £6m, but this too was firmly rejected by Cardiff.[36]On 7 October, Ledley was named Welsh clubman of the year for the second consecutive year.[37][38]He scored his first goal of the 2008–09 season during a 2–1 win overCrystal Palaceon 15 November[39]when he fired in after returning to the pitch after receiving treatment due to a dislocated finger.[40]The injury later required surgery[40]and Ledley was expected to be out for around one month[41]but managed to return in time to play againstSwansea City,with his finger in a cast,[42]in the first league meeting between the two sides for nine years and scored with a left footed volley as the game ended 2–2,[43]a goal which later earned him the club's goal of the season award.[44]

In his next game after theSouth Wales derby,on 6 December 2008, with captainDarren Pursedropped and vice-captainStephen McPhailsuspended, Ledley, at the age of just 21, captained Cardiff City for the first time in a 2–0 win overPreston North End.[45]His performances in the absence of McPhail, which later earned him the Championship player of the month award for January,[46]meant that he kept theIrish internationalout of the side as he continued as stand in captain, including a 0–0 draw withArsenalin the fourth round of the FA Cup.[47]

The January transfer window saw increased speculation about Ledley's future and Cardiff City turned down two bids fromPremier LeaguesidesWest Ham United,who saw an offer of £5m turned down,[48]andWigan Athletic,who had a bid of £4m and former Cardiff player and Wales internationalJason Koumasrejected.[49]He remained captain of the side for the rest of the season and at the end of the year was included in the 2008–09Championship Team of the Year,along with teammateRoger Johnson.[50]

2009–10

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With only one year left on his contract, the end of the season saw increased speculation over his future, mostly fromHull City,whose managerPhil Brownattended theBluebirdspre-season friendly againstCeltic.[51]This uncertainty resulted in Ledley being stripped of the captaincy.[52]Despite the speculation over his future, Ledley remained with Cardiff and played 45 minutes of the first ever competitive match at theCardiff City Stadium,before being substituted at half-time due to illness.[53]In the third league match of the season, Ledley made his 200th league appearance for Cardiff in a 3–1 win overPlymouth Argyle.On 2 September 2009 Ledley was offered a new four-year contract by Cardiff City, which was later rejected.[54]During a 3–1 defeat toSheffield Wednesdayon 26 September 2009, Ledley was sent off for the first time in his career after two bookable offences.[55]

Following a poor run of results by Cardiff City during November 2009, Ledley was the focus of criticism over his performances, most notably from Cardiff City chairmanPeter Ridsdalewho commented that, due to his ongoing contract talks, Ledley was "playing like he is somewhere else already".[56]However, Ledley received backing from both Cardiff City managerDave Jonesand club captainMark Hudson,[57]before later stating that he needed surgery on a hip injury that had plagued him for the previous three months and subsequently hindered his performances.[58]On 9 December, Cardiff confirmed that Ledley needed a hip operation before the end of the season.[59]He scored his first goal of the season on 28 December with the opener againstPeterborough United,and 17 minutes later he scored again with a header.[60]On 29 January 2010, Ledley underwent surgery on his hip problem which was expected to rule him out for the rest of the season,[61]but made an early return as a substitute during a 2–1 win over Swansea City.[62]On 17 April, Ledley scored againstQueens Park RangersatLoftus Roadto ensure Cardiff a 1–0 win and also a Championship Play-Off place for that season. He scored in the 36th minute of thePlay-off FinalagainstBlackpoolon 22 May during a 3–2 defeat.[63]

Ledley's contract expired at the end of the season and he moved toScottish Premier LeagueclubCeltic.Ledley's transfer to a team playing outside the English Football League system meant that Cardiff City did not receive any compensation for the transfer.[64]

Celtic

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2010–11

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Ledley playing for Celtic in the 2011–12 season.

Out of contract at the end of the 2009–10 season, Ledley entered into talks with several clubs, includingStoke City,West Bromwich AlbionandAS Roma,[65]before eventually joiningScottish Premier LeaguesideCelticon a four-year contract on 12 July 2010.[66]He made his competitive debut for the club on 28 July in a 3–0 defeat toBragain the first leg of the thirdqualifying roundof theUEFA Champions League,[67]before making his SPL debut two weeks later in a 1–0 win overInverness Caledonian Thistle.[68]

Ledley was played in an unfamiliar role atleft-backduring his first month at Celtic, a position he had only previously played in once or twice.[69]Despite playing in an unfamiliar position, he concentrated on establishing himself in his new team, stating "...if I am told to do a job for my team, I try to do it to the best of my ability",[69]and he scored his first goal for Celtic againstSt Mirrenin a 4–0 home victory in theSPLon 22 August 2010.[70]By the end of August, the arrival of Honduran left-backEmilio Izaguirresaw Ledley return to his more familiarmidfieldrole.[71]

On 6 November 2010 Ledley added another goal to his tally againstAberdeen[72]in a league record9–0victory.[73]Four days later Ledley was sent off when he was red carded for a challenge onHeartsmidfielderIan Blackduring a 0–2 defeat atTynecastle.Ledley publicly defended himself, stating "I couldn't believe it when the ref sent me off. I thought it was a fair challenge", and added "I spoke to Ian [Ian Black] after it and even he told me I got the ball – there was no way I went in to intentionally hurt anyone."[74]ManagerNeil Lennonalso defended Ledley after the match, describing referee Craig Thomson's decision as "ridiculous".[75]

He regained his place in the team on his return from suspension and continued to play regularly. After a 3–1 win overDundee Unitedin February 2011, Neil Lennon praised Ledley's performance, stating "In my opinion, Ledley completely ran the game in the first half – he was excellent. He was all over the place, winning tackles, making passes and getting up and down the park and it was great to see."[76]On 16 March 2011, Ledley scored both Celtic goals in a 2–1Scottish Cupwin against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, taking Celtic into the last four.[77]On 20 March 2011, Ledley played in the second cup final of his career, this time theScottish League Cup FinalagainstRangers.He scored with a glancing header in the first half to equalise an earlier goal from Rangers, but theIbroxclub eventually ran out 2–1 winners after extra time.[78]A hamstring injury sustained in a league game againstRangerson 24 April 2011 ruled Ledley out of action for the rest of that season, with him missing out on Celtic's 3–0 win overMotherwellin theScottish Cup Final.[79]

2011–12

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Ledley training ahead of the match between Celtic F.C and ICT on 11 February 2012.

Ledley played in Celtic's first game of the2011–12 season,a 2–0 win overHibernian.[80]On 13 August he scored in a 5–1 win overDundee United.[81]On 10 September, he scored in a 4–0 victory overMotherwell.[82]He then played in Celtic's 2–0 Europa League defeat againstAtlético Madrid,[83]but was left out of the firstOld Firmmatch of the season.[84]He was back in the team for Celtic's 2–0Scottish League Cupvictory overRoss County.[85]On 24 September, he opened the scoring in Celtic's 2–0 win overInverness.[86]Five days later he started in Celtic's 1–1 draw with Italian teamUdinese.[87]He played at left back but had to come off at half time due to a groin injury.[88]On 21 October, he scored a clever backwards header from a free-kick to give Celtic a 1–1 draw againstStade Rennais.[89]

He scored Celtic's winning goal in a 1–0 victory overRangersin December 2011, a win which saw Celtic leap-frog their Old Firm rivals to first place in the league,[90]and followed that up with another goal againstHeartsin February 2012,[91]before scoring again three days later againstInverness Caledonian Thistle.[92]On 18 March 2012, Ledley played in another Scottish League Cup Final. However, for the second year running he was on the losing side as Celtic lost 1–0 to a late goal fromKilmarnock.The season did culminate in silverware for Ledley though, as Celtic won theScottish Premier Leaguefor the first time in three years. The title was clinched on 7 April 2012 as Celtic crushed Kilmarnock 6–0 atRugby Park,with Ledley scoring Celtic's fifth goal.[93]After the match, Ledley described Celtic's title win as being "...one of the biggest achievements of my life", also adding that Celtic "...have been fantastic this season and we proved it again this time against a very good Kilmarnock team. We deserved it as we've played the best football in the SPL."[94]In total, Ledley made 32 appearances in the league that season, scoring 7 times.[95]

2012–13

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On 8 August 2012, Ledley scored in Celtic's 2–0 away victory againstHJK Helsinkiin the second leg of the Champions League Third Qualifying Round.[96]Ledley featured in both legs of Celtic's next qualifier againstHelsingborg,which the club won 4–0 on aggregate to progress to the group stages of the Champions League. He then took part in 5 of these matches, including the club's first ever away win in the group stages – 3–2 vsSpartak Moscow[97]– and the memorable 2–1 win overBarcelona[98]at Parkhead. These results helped Celtic qualify for the last 16 round of the Champions League, albeit where they were comfortably beaten 5–0 on aggregate byJuventus,with Ledley only featuring in the second leg in Italy.

Ledley continued to play regularly for Celtic throughout 2012–13 and captained the side on several occasions in February and March 2013 due to the absence of the injuredScott Brown.[99]He scored Celtic's third goal in a 4–1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 21 April 2013, a win which clinched the League Championship for Celtic.[100]Ledley collected more silverware at the end of season, scoring Celtic's third goal in a 3–0 win overHibernianin theScottish Cup Final.[101]

2013–14

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The following season, 2013–14, saw Ledley continue to play regularly for Celtic. However, as the season progressed uncertainty arose over his long-term future at Parkhead given that his contract was due to expire in the summer of 2014.[102]Celtic commenced negotiations with Ledley for a new contract but by December 2013 no agreement had been reached. ManagerNeil Lennonadmitted in a press conference that "We [Celtic] have spoken to Joe already on the situation, but we've heard nothing back", and on being whether it was more likely Ledley would leave Celtic as time went by without an answer, Lennon replied "The honest answer is, realistically, yes."[103]Amidst the public speculation over his future, Ledley remained a first-team regular. On 29 January 2014, Ledley opening the scoring in a 4–0 win over Kilmarnock with his fifth goal of the season, a powerful low shot past goalkeeperCraig Samson.[104]This transpired to be Ledley's final appearance and goal for Celtic.[95]

Crystal Palace

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Ledley playing forCrystal Palace.

On 31 January 2014, Ledley joinedCrystal Palacefor an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year contract. His transfer move was completed with only minutes to spare before the conclusion of thetransfer window.[105][106]Ledley revealed that if he had not joined Crystal Palace, he would have signed a new contract with Celtic.[107]Upon joining Crystal Palace, Ledley was given the number 28 shirt.[108]

He scored on his debut on 8 February in a 3–1 home win againstWest Bromwich Albion,heading from a corner taken by fellow new signingTom Ince.[109]Following the match, managerTony Pulispraised Ledley's performance.[110]Ledley scored in a 3–0 win over his former club Cardiff on 5 April, and refused to celebrate.[111]Pulis praised him for his performance at Cardiff, and his general play since joining Palace, stating "He's brought a little bit of class. He's got a fantastic attitude" and added that Ledley's "work rate suits what I want as a manager. His ability is absolutely first class."[112]As he did at Celtic, Ledley displayed his positional versatility by playing in central midfield, attacking midfield and at left-back.[113]Ledley helped Crystal Palace to eventually finish the season in eleventh place in the Premier League, in mid-table and comfortably clear of relegation.[114]The following season, playing in his favoured central midfield spot, he scored crucial goals in victories againstLiverpoolandLeicester City.[113]

On 9 June 2017, Ledley was released by Crystal Palace at the end of his contract.[115]

Derby County

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Following his release, Ledley rejected several proposed moves during July and August 2017, turning down offers from two Championship sides as well as offers from clubs in Turkey and China,[116][117]and was still without a club at the end of the summer transfer window.[118]On 20 September 2017, he joined Championship sideDerby Countyas afree agentuntil January 2018.[119]Ledley made his debut for Derby on 26 September, scoring his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw away atBrentfordin the Championship.[120]He signed an extended contract with the club on 28 November 2017, committing until the end of the2018–19 season.[121]On 30 January 2019, Ledley's contract at Derby was terminated by mutual consent.[122]

Later career

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On 6 December 2019, Ledley joinedCharlton Athleticon a short-term deal.[123]He made his only appearance the day after, being substituted at half time in a 1–0 loss at Middlesbrough.[124]

On 23 February 2020, with his one-month contract at Charlton having expired, Ledley trained withNewport Countybut turned down a contract. He joinedA LeaguesideNewcastle Jetsuntil the end of the season in May. He was signed by former international teammateCarl Robinson.[125][126]Due to a hiatus because of theCOVID-19 pandemic,he remained with the club until August.[127]

In February 2021, Ledley was training atLeague OneclubBristol Rovers.[128]However, on 18 March, he joinedLeague Twoside Newport County until the end of the season.[129][130]He made his debut two days later in the 1–0 defeat at home to Leyton Orient as a second-half substitute.[131]He was an unused substitute in theplayoff finalatWembley Stadiumon 31 May which Newport lost by a single extra-time goal toMorecambe.[132]On 4 June it was announced that he would leave at the end of his contract.[133]

On 14 November 2021, Ledley announced his retirement from football.[134]

International career

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Ledley playing for Wales in 2007

Ledley's first call-up to theWales under-21squad came midway through the2004–05 season.[12]At 17 he had begun to play inCardiff City's first team and by the end of the season he had earned three under-21 caps, still only aged 18.[7]His manager at CardiffLennie Lawrencesaid that he expected Ledley to be getting a full Wales call-up very shortly.[15]In May, Wales managerJohn Toshack,when talking about the impact of captainRyan Giggsretiring, said that he was hopeful for the future because Ledley along with other left-sided youngstersGareth BaleandLewin Nyatangawere all very talented players who could play for the national team for years to come.[135]

Ledley played at several youth levels for Wales as a youngster, eventually winning his first seniorWalescap in an awayWorld Cupqualifying match againstPolandon 7 September 2005. His first international goal came againstSan Marinoin aEuro 2008 qualifieron 17 October 2007.[136]

In 2008 Ledley, along with a number of other full Wales internationals, was called back into theWales U21 squadin a bid to help the team qualify for the U21 championships, only for a back injury to rule him out. On 29 May 2009, with a number of first team players missing from the side, Ledley was named as captain of Wales' youngest ever side for the 1–0 win overEstonia[137]and Wales'2010 World Cup qualifyingmatch a week later againstAzerbaijanin Baku.[138]

He won his 50th international cap on 16 November 2013 in a friendly againstFinland,and was involved in the move which led to Wales' goal in a 1–1 draw.[139][140]

Ledley was called up forUEFA Euro 2016in France, despite only returning from a broken leg a month earlier.[141]He played all six games in a run to the semi-finals, starting each except the opener.[142][143][144][145][146][147]

International goals

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Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 17 October 2007 Serravalle,San Marino San Marino 0–2 1–2 Euro 2008 qualification
2 10 September 2008 Moscow,Russia Russia 1–1 2–1 2010 World Cup qualification
3 11 August 2010 Llanelli,Wales Luxembourg 2–1 5–1 Friendly
4 13 November 2015 Cardiff,Wales Netherlands 1–1 2–3 Friendly

Career statistics

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As of 9 April 2021[95][148][149]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Cardiff City 2004–05 Championship 28 3 1 0 3 0 – – 32 3
2005–06 42 3 1 0 2 1 – – 45 4
2006–07 46 3 2 0 1 0 – – 49 3
2007–08 41 10 4 1 3 0 – – 48 11
2008–09 40 4 3 1 3 0 – – 46 5
2009–10 32 4 3 0 1 0 – – 36 4
Total 229 27 14 2 13 1 0 0 0 0 256 30
Celtic 2010–11 Scottish Premier League 29 2 4 3 4 1 4 0 – 41 6
2011–12 32 7 4 1 4 0 6 1 – 46 9
2012–13 25 7 4 2 3 0 9 1 – 41 10
2013–14 20 4 1 1 0 0 8 0 – 29 5
Total 106 20 13 7 11 1 27 2 0 0 157 30
Crystal Palace 2013–14 Premier League 14 2 0 0 0 0 – – 14 2
2014–15 32 2 3 0 0 0 – – 35 2
2015–16 19 1 4 0 3 0 – – 26 1
2016–17 18 1 3 0 0 0 – – 21 1
Total 83 6 10 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 96 6
Derby County 2017–18 Championship 26 1 0 0 0 0 – – 26 1
2018–19 4 1 0 0 0 0 – – 4 1
Total 30 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 2
Charlton Athletic 2019–20[150] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 – – 1 0
Newcastle Jets 2019–20[150] A League 6 0 – – – – 6 0
Newport County 2020–21[151] League Two 4 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 4 0
Career Total 459 55 37 9 27 2 27 2 0 0 550 68

Style of play

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Ledley has been described as having a terrific engine.[152]This is because of his high fitness level and work rate. He works equally hard in defence as attack and always looks to win the ball off the opposition, while he is also able to contribute goals to his team going forward. He is comfortable on the ball and is a decent passer. He is also a very physical player.[153][154]Ledley has been criticised for not being a very quick player,[155][156]some critics have suggested that severalPremier Leagueclubs who were interested in him may have been put off by his lack of pace.[155]However,John Hartsonhas said that pace is not necessarily the most important thing, especially when Ledley is good in so many other aspects of the game. He has also said that he thinks Ledley would be able to play in the Premier League and compared his style of play to that of players likeXabi AlonsoandFrank Lampard.[157]

At the start of Ledley's career he was generally played as aleft winger.However, since the2008–09 season,he has been used more in thecentre.[153]

Personal life

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Ledley and his wife Ruby have two daughters, named Layla and Reeva,[158]born in October 2010.[159]In March 2011, Ledley's house was broken into while he was in Hamilton and his wife and daughter were in Cardiff. After this they decided to move because they couldn't raise their child in a house that had been broken into.[158]In September 2011, he was reportedly attacked while out inGlasgow City Centre.It was claimed by witnesses that a man headbutted him, then kicked him in the face after he fell to the ground before police stepped in. However,Strathclyde Policesaid that they had no record of the incident.[160] Ledley was aLiverpoolsupporter as a youngster andRyan Giggswas his hero.[161]

Ledley was named part ofITV'sUEFA Euro 2020coverage.[162]

Honours

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Club

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Cardiff City

Celtic

Individual

References

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  1. ^"Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2018: Derby County"(PDF).English Football League. p. 14.Retrieved17 June2018.
  2. ^"Barclays Premier League Player Profile Joe Ledley".Premier League. 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 4 October 2015.Retrieved13 December2014.
  3. ^ab"Colin Jackson's Raise Your Game: Joe Ledley, footballer".BBC Sport.Retrieved21 October2011.
  4. ^Local hero Ledley reaps rewards,BBC News,8 April 2008; Retrieved 14 April 2008
  5. ^"Joe Ledley hopes for warm welcome on Cardiff return".BBC Sport. 19 July 2011.Retrieved19 October2011.
  6. ^When Ledley took a shine to Kav,South Wales Echo,13 September 2006; Retrieved 5 August 2012
  7. ^abcd"Ledley ready to cut Cardiff cord".WalesOnline.Media Wales. 30 June 2010.Retrieved21 October2011.
  8. ^"Brighton 1–1 Cardiff".news.bbc.co.uk.BBC Sport. 19 October 2004.Retrieved21 October2011.
  9. ^Bluebirds praise teenager Ledley,BBC Sport, 20 October 2004; Retrieved 3 October 2007
  10. ^"Hammers mauled in Cardiff".Sky Sports. 2 November 2004.Retrieved21 October2011.
  11. ^Parry pleased for Ledley,BBC Sport, 3 November 2004; retrieved 3 October 2007
  12. ^ab"Ledley pens new deal".Sky Sports. 4 February 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  13. ^"Bluebirds bag vital win".Sky Sports. 5 March 2011.Retrieved21 October2011.
  14. ^"Preview: Town vs Cardiff".The Football Network. 5 August 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  15. ^ab"Ledley tipped for Wales".Sky Sports. 27 April 2011.Retrieved21 October2011.
  16. ^"Cardiff 2–1 Macclesfield".news.bbc.co.uk.BBC Sport. 20 September 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  17. ^"Sedgwick denies Bluebirds".Sky Sports. 18 October 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  18. ^"Brilliant Cardiff hammer Crewe".Sky Sports. 22 October 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  19. ^"Championship round-up".Sky Sports. 22 October 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  20. ^"Sleeping Saints punished".Sky Sports. 31 December 2005.Retrieved21 October2011.
  21. ^"Barnsley 1 – 2 Cardiff City".Sky Sports. 5 August 2006.Retrieved22 October2011.
  22. ^"Championship round-up".Sky Sports. 26 August 2006.Retrieved22 October2011.
  23. ^Miller, David (25 September 2006)."Confident Cardiff thriving under Jones".The Telegraph.London: Telegraph Media Group.Retrieved5 November2011.
  24. ^Rej, Arindam (25 September 2006)."Southend United 0 Cardiff City 3: Chopra shows trickery to keep Cardiff flying high".The Independent.London.Retrieved5 November2011.
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