Clinton Morrison facts for kids
Morrison playing for Exeter City in 2015
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Clinton Hubert Morrison | ||
| Date of birth | 14 May 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Tooting, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||
| Playing position | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –1996 | Tottenham Hotspur | ||
| 1996–1998 | Crystal Palace | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1998–2002 | Crystal Palace | 157 | (61) |
| 2002–2005 | Birmingham City | 87 | (14) |
| 2005–2008 | Crystal Palace | 124 | (41) |
| 2008–2010 | Coventry City | 91 | (21) |
| 2010–2012 | Sheffield Wednesday | 54 | (7) |
| 2011 | → Milton Keynes Dons (loan) | 6 | (3) |
| 2012 | → Brentford (loan) | 8 | (0) |
| 2012–2014 | Colchester United | 65 | (4) |
| 2014 | Long Eaton United | 3 | (1) |
| 2014–2016 | Exeter City | 45 | (1) |
| 2016 | Redditch United | 3 | (1) |
| 2016–2017 | Mickleover Sports | 28 | (2) |
| Total | 671 | (156) | |
| National team | |||
| 2000 | Republic of Ireland U21 | 2 | (0) |
| 2001–2006 | Republic of Ireland | 36 | (9) |
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Clinton Hubert Morrison (born 14 May 1979) is a former professional footballer. He was known for playing as a forward. Clinton played in the top league, the Premier League, for Crystal Palace and Birmingham City.
He also played for many other teams in the Football League, like Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday. Clinton also played for the Republic of Ireland 36 times, scoring 9 goals. He was even part of their team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Today, he works as a sports expert on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
Contents
Clinton Morrison: A Football Star
Early Days and Crystal Palace
Clinton Morrison was born in Tooting, London. He joined Crystal Palace as a young player in 1997. Before that, he was at Tottenham Hotspur.
He made his first team debut for Crystal Palace in May 1998. It was a special moment as he scored the winning goal in injury time! In his first full season (1998–99), Clinton became a key player. He scored 13 goals, even when the club was having financial problems. He even played for free sometimes to help the team.
Clinton's goal-scoring continued in the 1999–2000 season. He scored 14 goals, making him the top scorer for Crystal Palace again. The club had money troubles, so they relied on young players like Clinton. They successfully avoided being moved to a lower league.
In the 2000–01 season, Clinton kept scoring goals. He attracted attention from bigger clubs in the Premier League. He helped Crystal Palace reach the semi-final of the League Cup. He scored 19 goals that season, being the top scorer for the third time.
Clinton continued his great form in the 2001–02 season. He scored 24 goals, making him the top scorer for Crystal Palace for the fourth time. His amazing performances made him a fan favorite.
Playing for Birmingham City
In 2002, Clinton Morrison moved to Birmingham City for a large fee of £4.25 million. He made his debut in August 2002. Soon after, he scored his first goals for the club against Liverpool. He also scored against Aston Villa, helping Birmingham City win for the first time in 16 years against their rivals.
During his first season at Birmingham City (2002–03), Clinton played regularly. He scored six goals in the Premier League. He faced some injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, which kept him out for part of the season.
In the 2003–04 season, Clinton scored five goals. He showed great effort and hard work, which his teammates admired. He continued to be an important part of the team.
The 2004–05 season saw Clinton score five more goals. He formed a good attacking partnership with Emile Heskey. Despite some injuries, he made 29 appearances that season. Clinton wanted to play more often, so he looked for a new club.
Back to Crystal Palace
On 24 August 2005, Clinton Morrison returned to his beloved Crystal Palace. He said he came back because he loved the club. He also wanted to play alongside Andrew Johnson.
In his first season back (2005–06), Clinton scored 12 goals. He helped Crystal Palace reach the play-offs, hoping to get back to the Premier League. However, they lost in the play-offs.
For the 2006–07 season, Clinton scored 12 goals again. He was the club's top scorer for the fifth time in his Crystal Palace career. He showed how much he wanted to stay and help the team.
In the 2007–08 season, Clinton reached a huge milestone. He scored his 100th goal for Crystal Palace! This made him only the eighth player in the club's history to do so. He scored 16 goals that season, making him the top scorer for the sixth time. Clinton left Crystal Palace at the end of this season, having scored 113 goals in total for the club.
Life at Coventry City
In July 2008, Clinton Morrison joined Coventry City. He quickly became a regular player for the team. He even wore a special number 19 shirt, where the 1+9 equaled 10, his old number at Palace.
In his first season (2008–09), Clinton scored 13 goals. He was Coventry City's top scorer. He also captained the team in some matches. He made 52 appearances, showing his dedication.
For the 2009–10 season, Clinton continued to score important goals. He ended the season with 11 goals, making him the top scorer again. Despite wanting to stay, Coventry City decided to release him.
Time at Sheffield Wednesday
On 12 July 2010, Clinton Morrison signed a two-year contract with Sheffield Wednesday. He scored in his very first league game for the club. He continued to score goals, including two braces (two goals in one game).
In his first season (2010–11), Clinton scored 11 goals. He played 43 games for the Owls. In the 2011–12 season, he scored three more goals. However, he found himself playing less often. Sheffield Wednesday released him in May 2012.
Loan Adventures
During his time at Sheffield Wednesday, Clinton had two loan spells. In September 2011, he joined Milton Keynes Dons for a month. He scored three goals in six games for them. He was very popular with the fans there.
In March 2012, he moved to Brentford on loan until the end of the season. He played eight games for them.
Playing for Colchester United
In July 2012, Clinton Morrison signed a two-year deal with Colchester United. He made his debut in a League Cup match. His first goal for Colchester was an important equalizer against Sheffield United.
During the 2012–13 season, Clinton helped Colchester United avoid being moved to a lower league. He scored two goals in 35 appearances. In the 2013–14 season, he scored two more goals. He played his final game for Colchester in May 2014. Clinton announced he would leave the club when his contract ended.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Colchester, Clinton played three matches for Long Eaton United, scoring one goal. In November 2014, he joined Exeter City. He played 25 league matches in his first season there.
He rejoined Exeter City for the 2015–16 season. He scored his first goal for them in October 2015. He also scored in an FA Cup match. Clinton left Exeter City in 2016. He then played briefly for Redditch United.
In September 2016, Clinton joined Mickleover Sports. A year later, he became their first team coach. This was when he quietly retired from playing professional football.
Playing for Ireland
Clinton Morrison was born in England, but he chose to play for the Republic of Ireland. He qualified to play for Ireland because his grandmother was from Dublin.
He first played for the Republic of Ireland U21 team in May 2001. He made two appearances for them.
Republic of Ireland Senior Team
In August 2001, Clinton was called up to the senior Republic of Ireland team. He made his debut on 15 August 2001 against Croatia, scoring a goal! He also helped Ireland qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
He scored his second international goal in March 2002 against Denmark. Clinton was chosen for the 2002 World Cup squad in South Korea and Japan. Although he didn't play in the tournament, it was a big achievement.
Clinton scored his first competitive international goal in September 2002 against Russia. He later scored two more goals in friendly matches against Scotland and Australia.
He was a key player for Ireland in their qualifying games for the 2006 World Cup. He scored three goals in that campaign. Clinton finished his international career with 36 appearances and 9 goals for the Republic of Ireland.
Life After Football
After retiring from playing, Clinton Morrison started a career in media. He works as a football expert and commentator. He has appeared on Sky Sports and Football League Tonight on Channel 5. In September 2020, Sky Sports announced him as a new expert for their show Soccer Saturday.
Personal Life
Growing up, Clinton Morrison supported Tottenham Hotspur. His football hero was Ian Wright. Clinton's original last name was Chambers, but he changed it to Morrison when he was 15. This was because his father left the family when Clinton was seven.
Clinton has always said his mother was a huge influence on his life. She supported him through everything. He has two sons, and one of them is also playing football at Nottingham Forest Academy.
Clinton has also spoken out against racism in football. He has experienced it himself and works to fight against it. He also helped mentor other young footballers during his career.
Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Crystal Palace | 1997–98 | Premier League | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 1 | |
| 1998–99 | First Division | 37 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | – | 41 | 13 | ||
| 1999–2000 | First Division | 29 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | – | 33 | 14 | ||
| 2000–01 | First Division | 45 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 4 | – | 56 | 19 | ||
| 2001–02 | First Division | 45 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | – | 49 | 24 | ||
| Total | 157 | 61 | 4 | 1 | 19 | 9 | – | 180 | 71 | |||
| Birmingham City | 2002–03 | Premier League | 28 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 30 | 6 | |
| 2003–04 | Premier League | 32 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 37 | 5 | ||
| 2004–05 | Premier League | 26 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | – | 29 | 5 | ||
| 2005–06 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 87 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | – | 97 | 16 | |||
| Crystal Palace | 2005–06 | Championship | 40 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 44 | 13 |
| 2006–07 | Championship | 41 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 44 | 12 | ||
| 2007–08 | Championship | 43 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 47 | 16 | |
| Total | 124 | 41 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 135 | 41 | ||
| Coventry City | 2008–09 | Championship | 45 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | – | 52 | 12 | |
| 2009–10 | Championship | 46 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 49 | 11 | ||
| Total | 91 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 2 | – | 101 | 23 | |||
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2010–11 | League One | 35 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 46 | 11 |
| 2011–12 | League One | 19 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 3 | |
| Total | 54 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 72 | 14 | ||
| MK Dons (loan) | 2011–12 | League One | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Brentford (loan) | 2011–12 | League One | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Colchester United | 2012–13 | League One | 32 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 35 | 2 |
| 2013–14 | League One | 33 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 2 | |
| Total | 65 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 71 | 4 | ||
| Long Eaton United | 2014–15 | Midland League Premier | 3 | 1 | — | — | 3 | 1 | ||||
| Exeter City | 2014–15 | League Two | 25 | 0 | — | — | — | 25 | 0 | |||
| 2015–16 | League Two | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 2 | |
| Total | 45 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 49 | 2 | ||
| Career total | 640 | 153 | 34 | 9 | 36 | 13 | 12 | 0 | 722 | 175 | ||
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 2001 | 3 | 1 |
| 2002 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2003 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2004 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2005 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 36 | 9 |
- Scores and results list Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Morrison goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 August 2001 | Lansdowne Road, Dublin |  Croatia |
2–0 | 2–2 | Friendly match | |
| 2 | 27 March 2002 | Lansdowne Road, Dublin |  Denmark |
3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly match | |
| 3 | 7 September 2002 | Dinamo Stadium, Moscow |  Russia |
2–3 | 2–4 | UEFA Euro 2004 qualifier | |
| 4 | 12 February 2003 | Hampden Park, Glasgow |  Scotland |
2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly match | |
| 5 | 19 August 2003 | Lansdowne Road, Dublin |  Australia |
2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly match | |
| 6 | 4 September 2004 | Lansdowne Road, Dublin |  Cyprus |
1–0 | 3–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier | |
| 7 | 8 September 2004 | St. Jakob Park, Basel |  Switzerland |
1–0 | 1–1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier | |
| 8 | 26 March 2005 | Ramat Gan Stadium, Ramat Gan |  Israel |
1–0 | 1–1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier | |
| 9 | 29 March 2005 | Lansdowne Road, Dublin |  China |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly match |
See also
List of Republic of Ireland international footballers born outside the Republic of Ireland
