Alex Lacey

This article is about the English footballer. For the Australian singer-songwriter, see Alex Lahey.

Alex Lacey
Lacey warming up for Hartlepool United in 2022
Personal information
Full name Alexander Lawrence Lacey[1]
Date of birth (1993-05-31) 31 May 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Milton Keynes, England
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Central defender
Youth career
2007–2010 Luton Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2015 Luton Town 40 (1)
2011 → Cambridge City (loan) 12 (0)
2011 → Thurrock (loan) 3 (0)
2012 → Eastbourne Borough (loan) 14 (2)
2013 → Eastleigh (loan) 18 (1)
2015–2017 Yeovil Town 60 (3)
2017–2019 Gillingham 27 (2)
2019–2022 Notts County 59 (6)
2022–2024 Hartlepool United 31 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:18, 23 March 2024 (UTC)

Alexander Lawrence Lacey (born 31 May 1993) is an English footballer who plays as a central defender. He most recently played for Hartlepool United.

Lacey began his career with Luton Town, signing his first professional contract in November 2010. He subsequently had spells on loan with Cambridge City, Thurrock, Eastbourne Borough and Eastleigh. Returning to the first team, Lacey was named as Luton's captain ahead of the 2013–14 season. Lacey earned promotion to the Football League with Luton that season before leaving in 2015 for Yeovil Town. He would spend two seasons with Yeovil, but left in 2017 to sign for Gillingham. After two seasons with Gillingham, Lacey signed for non-League club Notts County. He left Notts County in 2022, signing for Hartlepool United.

Career

Luton Town

Born in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Lacey joined the Luton Town youth set-up as a first-year scholar in 2007.[2] As a 16-year-old, he was an unused substitute during Luton's narrow 1–0 defeat to League One side Southampton in the FA Cup in January 2010.[3]

He signed a professional contract with Luton in November 2010 and made his first-team debut a month later, starting against Welling United in a 0–0 draw in the FA Trophy.[2][4] He made two further starts in the club's FA Trophy campaign, which culminated in Luton being defeated in the semi-final to Mansfield Town. Lacey made his league debut as a substitute on 30 April 2011 in a 1–1 draw against Wrexham.[5]

He played the full 90 minutes of a pre-season friendly in July 2011 against Southern League Premier Division side Cambridge City, with his display in defence described as "impeccable" and "assured".[6] Lacey's performance was not overlooked by Cambridge City, who subsequently signed him on loan for an initial month, alongside fellow Luton youth player JJ O'Donnell, on 12 August 2011.[7] This loan was later extended until October.[8] Lacey returned to Luton having made 14 appearances, and then joined Conference South side Thurrock on loan for a month in November.[9] He played three times in this loan period, and then played in three FA Trophy games upon his return to Luton. He was sent to Eastbourne Borough on loan for the final two months of the 2011–12 season, making 14 appearances and scoring two goals as he helped the club narrowly avoid relegation.[10] Lacey was linked with moves to Championship sides Southampton and Burnley, but signed a new two-year contract with Luton in June 2012.[11][12]

Injuries prevented Lacey from breaking into the Luton first-team at the beginning of the 2012–13 season and, when fit, manager Paul Buckle preferred to use the loan market for young defenders, bringing in Connor Essam and Simon Ainge. Lacey joined Conference South side Eastleigh in January 2013 on a one-month loan that was later extended until the end of the season.[13] He played in both legs of Eastleigh's play-off semi-final in April 2013, which ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Dover Athletic. He returned to Luton having played in 20 games, scoring once, and was praised for his performances both at centre-back and right-back.[14][15]

Paul Buckle had been replaced at Luton by experienced manager John Still towards the end of the 2012–13 season. Still named Lacey as Luton's captain during their 2013–14 pre-season games to improve his communication skills.[16] On the opening day of the 2013–14 season, an injury to regular captain Ronnie Henry and a red card for vice-captain Steve McNulty meant that Lacey, at the age of 20, had the unusual distinction of captaining Luton on his first league start for the club; a 1–0 defeat to Southport.[17] Lacey played in central defence in Luton's opening six games of the 2013–14 season, during which the team kept four clean sheets. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 win against Woking on 25 September 2013 and remained in the starting XI as Luton embarked on a club-record 27 league game unbeaten run.[18] He fractured a metatarsal in a 3–0 win against Southport in November 2013, which sidelined him for three months. By the time Lacey had recovered, he had been replaced in central defence by Fraser Franks.[19] With his Luton contract set to expire at the end of the season, Lacey was linked with potential moves to Bournemouth, Charlton Athletic, Millwall and Peterborough United.[20] However, on 3 April 2014, Lacey signed a two-year contract extension with Luton.[21] Luton won the Conference Premier title during the 2013–14 season, with Lacey playing in a total of 21 league games.[22]

He made his Football League debut on the opening day of the 2014–15 season, playing in a new position as a defensive midfielder as Luton beat Carlisle United 1–0.[23] He played in a total of 20 matches throughout the campaign, often as a substitute, and was placed on the transfer list at the end of the season.[24]

Yeovil Town

On 22 July 2015, Lacey joined League Two side Yeovil Town on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.[25] He scored his first goal for Yeovil in an EFL Trophy match against Milton Keynes Dons on 6 December 2016.[26] Lacey also scored in three League Two ties; a 2–1 home win against Plymouth Argyle,[27] a 3–1 away win at Morecambe[28] and a 3–3 draw away at Exeter City.[29] He was a near ever-present in his second season at the club, featuring in 47 games in all competitions.

At the conclusion of the 2016–17 season, Lacey was awarded with the Green & White Supporters Club and Community Sports Trust Player of the Season trophies.[30] In total, Lacey played 72 times during his two-year spell at Yeovil Town.

Gillingham

Lacey warming up for Gillingham

At the end of the 2016–17 season, Lacey rejected Yeovil's offer of a new contract, instead signing a two-year deal at League One side Gillingham under manager Adrian Pennock.[31] He became Peter Taylor's first signing in his role as Director of Football at the club.[32]

Although a series of injuries restricted Lacey's playing time in his first season at the club, his second season was more successful. Highlights included keeping a clean sheet in an early 0-0 draw away at Championship side Millwall's New Den in the League Cup (losing 3–1 on penalties after extra time),[33] a pair of 2–0 wins over League One leaders Portsmouth (scoring the second in the away fixture at Fratton Park)[34] as well as a notable performance in a televised 1–0 home victory over Premier League club Cardiff City in the third round of the FA Cup.[35] However, playing time was again fairly limited thereafter, with his final appearance for Gillingham coming as a second-half substitute in a 3–0 away win at Blackpool on the last day of the season.[36]

Lacey left Gillingham upon the expiry of his contract after the conclusion of the 2018–19 season.[37]

Notts County

On 7 November 2019, Lacey joined National League side Notts County until the end of the 2019–20 season.[38] After a brief pre-season, Lacey broke into the first team in December, making his début in a 4–2 away win at FC Halifax Town.[39] County suffered just two defeats in the following twelve league games, keeping seven clean sheets in the process,[40] culminating in a 4–0 televised defeat of Eastleigh[41] in what was considered 'the biggest match in England'[42] due to the postponement of both the Football League and Premier League. With the club in 3rd place, the season ultimately postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the final table decided on a points-per-game basis, Notts County beat Barnet 2–0 in their play-off semi-final[43] at Meadow Lane before losing 3–1 to Harrogate Town in the play-off final[44] at Wembley, with Lacey playing the full 90 minutes in both matches.

Despite interest from clubs in higher tiers,[45] Lacey opted to extend his contract on 11 August 2020.[46]

Following defeat in the play-offs eliminator, Lacey was released at the end of the 2021–22 season.[47]

Hartlepool United

On 24 June 2022, Lacey signed for League Two side Hartlepool United.[48] At the end of the 2023–24 season it was confirmed that he would be released from his contract.[49]

Career statistics

As of match played 23 March 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup EFL Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Luton Town 2010–11[50] Conference Premier 1 0 0 0 — 3[a] 0 4 0
2011–12[50] Conference Premier 0 0 0 0 — 3[a] 0 3 0
2012–13[50] Conference Premier 0 0 1 0 — 1[a] 0 2 0
2013–14[50] Conference Premier 21 1 1 0 — 0 0 22 1
2014–15[51] League Two 18 0 1 0 0 0 1[b] 0 20 0
Total 40 1 3 0 0 0 8 0 51 1
Cambridge City (loan) 2011–12[52] Southern League Premier Division 12 0 2 0 — 0 0 14 0
Thurrock (loan) 2011–12[50] Conference South 3 0 0 0 — 0 0 3 0
Eastbourne Borough (loan) 2011–12[50] Conference South 14 2 0 0 — 0 0 14 2
Eastleigh (loan) 2012–13[50] Conference South 18 1 0 0 — 2[c] 0 20 1
Yeovil Town 2015–16[53] League Two 20 0 2 0 1 0 2[b] 0 25 0
2016–17[54] League Two 40 3 2 0 1 0 4[d] 1 47 4
Total 60 3 4 0 2 0 6 1 72 4
Gillingham 2017–18[55] League One 11 1 1 0 0 0 1[d] 0 13 1
2018–19[56] League One 16 1 2 0 2 0 2[d] 0 22 1
Total 27 2 3 0 2 0 3 0 35 2
Notts County 2019–20[50] National League 11 0 0 0 — 5[e] 0 16 0
2020–21[50] National League 21 1 3 0 — 4[a] 0 28 1
2021–22[50] National League 27 5 0 0 — 4[f] 0 31 5
Total 59 6 3 0 — 13 0 75 6
Hartlepool United 2022–23[57] League Two 17 2 1 0 0 0 3[d] 0 21 2
2023–24[50] National League 14 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 15 0
Total 31 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 36 2
Career total 264 17 17 0 4 0 35 1 320 18
  1. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Two appearances in Conference South play-offs
  4. ^ a b c d Appearances in EFL Trophy
  5. ^ Three appearances in FA Trophy, two appearances in National League play-offs
  6. ^ Three appearances in FA Trophy and one appearance in National League play-offs

Honours

Luton Town

Individual

  • Yeovil Town Green & White Supporters Club and Community Sports Trust Player of the Season: 2016–17[30]

References

  1. ^ "Retained List 2015-16" (PDF). English Football League. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Young defender nets pro deal". Luton Town F.C. 5 November 2010. Archived from the original on 7 November 2010. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  3. ^ "Southampton 1–0 Luton". BBC Sport. 2 January 2010. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  4. ^ Ryan, Ian (12 December 2010). "Hatters fail to get off the ground against Wings". Bedfordshire on Sunday. LSN Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  5. ^ "Luton Town 1–1 Wrexham". BBC Sport. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  6. ^ Parsfield, Matthew (31 July 2011). "Cambridge City 0–4 Luton Town". Luton Town 2011. Wordpress. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Roberts in loans lift". Cambridge News. Cambridge Newspapers Ltd. 12 August 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  8. ^ "Luton duo extend loan". Cambridge City F.C. 4 September 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  9. ^ "Lacey loaned to Thurrock". Bedfordshire on Sunday. LSN Media Ltd. 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  10. ^ "O'Donnell joins Thurrock while Lacey extends loan at Eastbourne". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 20 March 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  11. ^ "Buckle: Lacey is going nowhere". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 22 April 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  12. ^ "New deal for Lacey". Luton Town F.C. 14 June 2012. Archived from the original on 18 June 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  13. ^ "Luton announce Lacey loan". Southern Daily Echo. Newsquest Media (Southern) Ltd. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  14. ^ "Eastleigh put 5 past Billericay". Hampshire Chronicle. Newsquest Media (Southern) Ltd. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  15. ^ "Lacey impresses again for Spitfires". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 5 March 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  16. ^ "Still confirms Henry will be Town's skipper". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  17. ^ "Watch Steve McNulty's sending off at Southport". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  18. ^ "Woking 0–4 Luton". BBC Sport. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  19. ^ "Lacey looks to rise to the challenge". Luton Today. Johnston Publishing Ltd. 12 February 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  20. ^ "Transfer news: Luton's Alex Lacey attracting interest from Football League". Sky Sports. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  21. ^ "Alex Lacey signs new deal". Luton Town F.C. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  22. ^ "Luton Town win Conference Premier and Football League spot". BBC Sport. 15 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  23. ^ "Carlisle 0–1 Luton". BBC Sport. 9 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  24. ^ "Luton Town: Hatters release seven and transfer list six more". Bedfordshire on Sunday. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  25. ^ "Alex Lacey: Yeovil Town sign Luton defender on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 22 July 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  26. ^ "Report: Yeovil 4 MK Dons 1". MK Citizen. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  27. ^ "Yeovil Town 2 Plymouth Argyle 1". BBC Sport. 31 January 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  28. ^ "Morecambe 1 Yeovil Town 3 1". BBC Sport. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  29. ^ "Exeter City 3 Yeovil Town 3 1". BBC Sport. 25 March 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  30. ^ a b "LACEY ENJOYS END OF SEASON AWARDS HAUL". Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  31. ^ "Former Yeovil Town defender Alex Lacey has signed for Ady Pennock's Gillingham". KentOnline. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  32. ^ "Alex Lacey: Yeovil Town defender signs for Gillingham". BBC Sport. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  33. ^ "Millwall 0 Gillingham 0: Millwall win 3–1 on penalties". BBC Sport. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  34. ^ "Portsmouth 0 Gillingham 2". BBC Sport. 6 October 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  35. ^ "Gillingham 1 Cardiff 0". BBC Sport. 5 January 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  36. ^ "Blackpool 0 Gillingham 3". BBC Sport. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  37. ^ "Tom Eaves and Tomas Holy offered new contracts by Gillingham". BBC Sport. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  38. ^ "Notts County Confirm New Signing". Nottinghamshire Live. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  39. ^ "FC Halifax Town 2 Notts County 4". BBC Sport. 21 December 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  40. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2019-20". Soccerbase.com. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  41. ^ "Notts County 4 Eastleigh 0". BBC Sport. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  42. ^ "Notts County thump Eastleigh in biggest game of depleted football programme". FourFourTwo. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  43. ^ "Notts County 2 Barnet 0". BBC Sport. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  44. ^ "Harrogate see off Notts County on ascension day for manager Weaver". The Guardian. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  45. ^ "Lacey Thrilled With Notts County Deal After Revealing Football League Interest". Nottingham Post. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  46. ^ "Lacey Signs New Deal". Notts County FC. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  47. ^ "Retained list 2022". www.nottscountyfc.co.uk. 25 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  48. ^ "Pools Sign Lacey". www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  49. ^ "Retained List 2023/24". Hartlepool United FC. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  50. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "A. Lacey: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  51. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  52. ^ "Alex Lacey Cambridge City statistics 2011/12". Cambridge City F.C. Retrieved 1 September 2013.[permanent dead link‍]
  53. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  54. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  55. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  56. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  57. ^ "Games played by Alex Lacey in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 March 2023.