Kirk Hudson (born 12 December 1986) is an English former professional footballer who played as a right winger in the Football League, most notably for Aldershot Town. He also briefly played League football for Brentford and AFC Bournemouth.

Kirk Hudson
Personal information
Full name Kirk Hudson[1]
Date of birth (1986-12-12) 12 December 1986 (age 37)[1]
Place of birth Southend-on-Sea, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[1]
Position(s) Right winger, forward
Youth career
0000–2004 Ipswich Town
2004–2005 Celtic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005 AFC Bournemouth 1 (0)
2005 Thurrock 0 (0)
2006–2010 Aldershot Town 148 (28)
2006Ashford Town (loan) 4 (0)
2010–2012 Brentford 2 (0)
2010–2011AFC Wimbledon (loan) 14 (1)
2012 Canvey Island 2 (0)
2012–2014 White Ensign 7 (2)
2016–2022 Shoebury Town 64 (22)
Total 242 (52)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Youth years

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A right winger, Hudson began his career as a schoolboy with Ipswich Town.[2] He entered the academy at Celtic in 2004 and was a part of the team which finished as runners-up in the 2004 Jersey International Tournament.[3][4] Hudson won the 2004–05 SPL U19 League and Scottish Youth Cup double with the U19 team,[5] but was released in May 2005.[6]

AFC Bournemouth

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During the 2005–06 pre-season, Hudson joined League One club AFC Bournemouth on trial and impressed enough to sign a three-month contract on 5 August 2005.[7][8] He was a regular inclusion on the substitutes' bench early in the regular season and made his professional debut as a late substitute for James Keene in a 2–1 win over Swindon Town on 17 September.[9] Hudson again appeared as a late substitute in the following League Cup match,[9] but was not called into the squad again and was released at the end of his contract.[10]

Aldershot Town

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Football Conference (2006–2008)

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After a non-playing spell with Conference South club Thurrock and failing a trial with League One high-flyers Southend United,[6][11] Hudson joined Conference Premier club Aldershot Town on trial in January 2006.[12] He made his debut with a start in a Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final match versus Basingstoke Town on 14 January and scored both the Shots' goals in the 3–2 defeat.[13] After the match, he joined the club on non-contract terms and made his league debut with a late substitute cameo in a 3–1 victory over Halifax Town on 21 January.[14][15] After recovering from a bout of mumps,[16] Hudson was a regular in the team through to the end of the season and finished 2005–06 with 13 appearances and four goals.[9] He signed a permanent contract in July 2006.[17]

After three substitute appearances early in the 2006–07 season,[18][19] Hudson joined Southern League Western Division club Ashford Town (Middlesex) on a one-month loan,[18] which was later extended for a second month.[20] He made four league appearances.[21] Upon his return to Aldershot Town in November 2006, he was utilised as an impact substitute and scored four goals in six appearances during the club's Hampshire Senior Cup-winning campaign.[22][23] Hudson signed a new one-year contract in April 2007 and had an excellent 2007–08 season,[24] making 48 appearances and scoring 12 goals to help the Shots to the Conference Premier title and promotion to the Football League.[25][26] He also contributed to Aldershot's Conference League Cup Final victory over Rushden & Diamonds (scoring a goal in the 3–3 draw and then converting a penalty in the deciding shootout),[27] in addition to winning the February 2008 Conference Premier Player of the Month award and being voted the Conference Young Player of the Year.[28][29] Hudson signed a new two-year contract in March 2008.[30]

Football League (2008–2010)

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Now playing League Two football, Hudson began the 2008–09 season as a regular starter, but despite scoring five goals by mid-November 2008,[31] manager Garry Waddock felt the need to challenge him to play with more consistency.[32] Hudson responded by scoring three goals in four matches in December,[33] which earned him a nomination for the League Two Player of the Month award.[34] A season of consolidation in the Football League ended with Hudson having made 48 appearances and scored 13 goals,[33] an improvement on his figures of the previous season in the Conference Premier.[25]

Despite again beginning the season as a starter, Hudson found the going harder in 2009–10, in a Shots team pushing for a playoff place.[35] He lost his starting place in January 2010 and only regained it for four matches in March.[36] Just two defeats from the final 11 matches of the season saw Aldershot finish sixth, which qualified the club for a playoff place.[35] The Shots were defeated 3–0 on aggregate to Rotherham United in the semi-finals and Hudson made what would be his final appearance for the club as a second-half substitute in the second leg on 19 May.[35][37] Hudson was released by manager Kevin Dillon after the defeat and he finished his career at the Recreation Ground with 172 appearances and 42 goals.[38][39]

Brentford

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On 28 June 2010, Hudson joined League One club Brentford on a two-year contract for a fee that was later decided by an "amicable agreement".[40][41] Manager Andy Scott stated in early July that he hoped to convert Hudson into a centre forward.[2] Hudson picked up a groin injury a week before the beginning of the 2010–11 season,[42] but returned to fitness in September and made his debut as a substitute for Nicky Adams after 66 minutes of a 1–0 defeat to Leyton Orient late in the month.[43] Hudson made just three further substitute appearances over the following six weeks and requested a loan move in November 2010.[43][44] On 31 December 2010, Hudson reunited with his former Aldershot Town manager Terry Brown on loan at Conference Premier club AFC Wimbledon.[45] Despite missing three weeks with a recurrence of the groin injury suffered in July 2010,[46] Hudson made 14 appearances and scored one goal during the remainder of the 2010–11 season.[43]

Hudson was ruled out of the early months of the 2011–12 season with a hip injury suffered in July 2011.[47] After returning to fitness in October, potential loan moves to Southend United and Hayes & Yeading United fell through and he departed Griffin Park by mutual consent on 12 March 2012,[48][49][50] having failed to win a call into the first team squad since November 2010.[51]

Return to non-League football

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On 21 August 2012, Hudson joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Canvey Island.[5] He made just three substitute appearances before departing the club on 20 September.[52] Hudson later played for Essex Olympian League clubs White Ensign and Shoebury Town between 2012 and 2022.[53][54][55] He then transitioned into veterans' football, with Wakering Sports and Corinthians.[56]

Personal life

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Hudson is an Arsenal supporter.[57] As of November 2005, he was living in Shoeburyness.[6]

Career statistics

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As of match played 9 April 2022
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
AFC Bournemouth 2005–06[15] League One 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Thurrock (loan) 2005–06[11] Conference South 0 0 0 0
Aldershot Town 2005–06[15] Conference Premier 12 2 1[a] 2 13 4
2006–07[58] Conference Premier 25 4 7[b] 4 32 8
2007–08[25] Conference Premier 34 7 0 0 7[c] 5 41 12
2008–09[33] League Two 43 11 3 2 1 0 1[d] 0 48 13
2009–10[37] League Two 34 4 1 0 1 0 2[e] 1 38 5
Total 148 28 4 2 2 0 18 12 172 42
Ashford Town (Middlesex) (loan) 2006–07[21] Southern League Western Division 4 0 1 1 0 0 5 1
Brentford 2010–11[43] League One 2 0 1 0 0 0 1[d] 0 4 0
AFC Wimbledon (loan) 2010–11[43] Conference Premier 14 1 2[f] 0 16 1
Canvey Island 2012–13[59] Isthmian League Premier Division 2 0 1 0 3 0
White Ensign 2012–13[54] Essex Olympian League Premier Division 5 2 0 0 5 2
2013–14[54] Essex Olympian League Premier Division 2 0 0 0 2 0
Total 7 2 0 0 7 2
Shoebury Town 2016–17[54] Essex Olympian League Third Division 16 9 2[g] 2 18 11
2017–18[55] Essex Olympian League Third Division 17 7 1[g] 0 18 7
2018–19[55] Essex Olympian League Second Division 9 3 1[g] 0 10 3
2019–20[55] Essex Olympian League First Division 4 0 0 0 4 0
2020–21[55] Essex Olympian League First Division 5 1 0 0 5 1
2021–22[55] Essex Olympian League Second Division 13 2 1[h] 0 14 2
Total 64 22 5 2 69 24
Career total 242 52 7 3 3 0 26 14 278 58
  1. ^ Appearance in Hampshire Senior Cup
  2. ^ 6 appearances and 4 goals in Hampshire Senior Cup, 1 appearance in FA Trophy
  3. ^ 3 appearances and 1 goal in FA Trophy, 3 appearances and 2 goals in Conference League Cup, 1 appearance and 2 goals in Hampshire Senior Cup
  4. ^ a b Appearance in Football League Trophy
  5. ^ 1 appearance in Football League playoffs, 1 appearance and 1 goal in Football League Trophy
  6. ^ 1 appearance in FA Trophy, 1 appearance in London Senior Cup
  7. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Essex Olympian League Senior League Cup
  8. ^ Appearance in Essex Saturday Premier Cup

Honours

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Aldershot Town

Individual

References

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  1. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. ^ a b "Bees boss plans Hudson striker role". getwestlondon. 5 July 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  3. ^ "Football:Late blast earns Boca Jersey Tournament Trophy". jerseyeveningpost.com. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Football:Bhoys sink Red Devils". jerseyeveningpost.com. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Kirk Hudson Signs for the Gulls!". Canvey Island FC Official Website. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  6. ^ a b c "Hudson gets his chance at last". Clacton and Frinton Gazette. 1 November 2005. Retrieved 13 November 2007.
  7. ^ "O'Driscoll happy with fightback". 7 August 2005. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Transfers – August 2005". 1 September 2005. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  9. ^ a b c "Kirk Hudson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Cherries set to extend Keene loan". 16 October 2005. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  11. ^ a b "Conference South guide – Thurrock". Archived from the original on 15 June 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  12. ^ "On This Day: 8 – 14 January". Aldershot Town FC. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  13. ^ Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Match Report: 14 Jan 2006 Aldershot Town Football Club v Basingstoke Town". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  14. ^ Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Boss Confirms Striker Signings". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  15. ^ a b c "Games played by Kirk Hudson in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  16. ^ Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Boss Explains Hudson Absence". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  17. ^ "Trio agree deals with Aldershot". 21 July 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  18. ^ a b "Aldershot pair sent out on loan". BBC Sport. 9 August 2006. Retrieved 13 November 2007.
  19. ^ Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Boss Explains Loan Deals". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  20. ^ "Shots striker extends loan spell". 12 October 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  21. ^ a b "Kirk Hudson". Pride of Anglia. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  22. ^ "Kirk Hudson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  23. ^ a b Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Match Report: 05 May 2007 Aldershot Town Football Club v Fleet Town". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  24. ^ "Shots young trio given new deals". 23 April 2007. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  25. ^ a b c d "Games played by Kirk Hudson in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  26. ^ "Aldershot Town Complete History". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 12 September 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  27. ^ a b Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Match Report: 03 Apr 2008 Aldershot Town Football Club v Rushden and Diamonds". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  28. ^ a b "Blue Square Player of the Month – February". Grays Athletic F.C.Official Website. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2008.
  29. ^ a b Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Shots Receive Awards at Conference Weekend". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  30. ^ "Striker Hudson extends Shots deal". BBC Sport. 11 March 2008. Retrieved 11 March 2008.
  31. ^ "Kirk Hudson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  32. ^ "Waddock demands more from Hudson". 20 November 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  33. ^ a b c "Games played by Kirk Hudson in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  34. ^ "Reading's Hunt wins monthly award". 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  35. ^ a b c "Aldershot Town results for the 2009–2010 season". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  36. ^ "Kirk Hudson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  37. ^ a b "Games played by Kirk Hudson in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  38. ^ "Dillon releases six Shots players". 21 May 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  39. ^ Kirk Hudson at Soccerbase
  40. ^ "Kirk Hudson Signs". brentfordfc.co.uk. 28 June 2010. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  41. ^ "Kirk Hudson Agreement". brentfordfc.co.uk. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 12 March 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  42. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (9 November 2010). "Kirk Hudson makes Brentford plea". getwestlondon. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  43. ^ a b c d e "Games played by Kirk Hudson in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  44. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (9 November 2010). "Brentford winger eyes loan switch". getwestlondon. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  45. ^ "Hudson Out On Loan". brentfordfc.co.uk. 31 December 2010. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  46. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (17 February 2011). "Kirk Hudson returns to AFC Wimbledon". getwestlondon. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  47. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (8 July 2011). "Kirk Hudson's Brentford nightmare continues". getwestlondon. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  48. ^ "United eye Brentford winger". GetWestLondon. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  49. ^ "Southend United show the door to Brentford winger". Hounslow Chronicle. 7 October 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  50. ^ "Kirk Hudson Departs". brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  51. ^ "Kirk Hudson Player Profile". ESPN FC. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  52. ^ "Kirk Hudson Leaves The Club". Canvey Island FC – The Official Website | The Pride of Essex Football | Members of The Ryman Football League. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  53. ^ "Essex Olympian League Round-Up". Your Thurrock. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  54. ^ a b c d "Kirk Hudson player stats | ProKit UK Essex Olympian Football League". fulltime.thefa.com. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  55. ^ a b c d e f "Kirk Hudson player stats | ProKit UK Essex Olympian Football League". fulltime.thefa.com. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  56. ^ "Kirk Hudson player stats | Southend Borough Combination Veterans League". fulltime.thefa.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  57. ^ Houldsworth, Andy; Harris, Jon. "Shot-light on... Kirk Hudson". Aldershot Town Football Club. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  58. ^ "Games played by Kirk Hudson in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  59. ^ "Hudson, Kirk". Canvey Island FC – The Official Website | The Pride of Essex Football | Members of The Ryman Football League. Canvey Island Football Club Limited. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
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