John-Joe O'Toole

John-Joe O'Toole
O'Toole playing for Northampton Town in 2014
Personal information
Full name John Joseph O'Toole[1]
Date of birth (1988-09-30) 30 September 1988 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Harrow, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[3]
Position(s) Central midfielder[4]
Team information
Current team
 AFC Wimbledon
Youth career
0000–2007 Watford
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2010 Watford 57 (10)
2007 → Wealdstone (loan) 9 (3)
2009 → Sheffield United (loan) 9 (1)
2009 → Colchester United (loan) 17 (1)
2010–2013 Colchester United 55 (1)
2013 → Bristol Rovers (loan) 18 (3)
2013–2014 Bristol Rovers 41 (13)
2014–2019 Northampton Town 173 (33)
2014 → Southend United (loan) 2 (0)
2019–2021 Burton Albion 41 (1)
2021–2024 Mansfield Town 45 (2)
2024 → AFC Wimbledon (loan) 14 (0)
2024– AFC Wimbledon 0 (0)
International career
2007–2011 Republic of Ireland U21 5 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:00, 24 April 2024 (UTC)

John Joseph O'Toole (born 30 September 1988) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL League Two club AFC Wimbledon. He is a former Republic of Ireland under-21 international.[5]

Club career

Watford

Born in Harrow, Greater London,[6] O'Toole spent the end of the 2006–07 season on loan at Wealdstone in the Southern Football League Premier Division where he made nine appearances and scored three goals.[7][8] His Watford debut was against Southend United in the League Cup as a 71st-minute substitute on 28 August 2007. He made his League debut four days later as an 88th-minute substitute against Ipswich Town. In September 2007 he signed his first professional contract, a one-year deal.[9]

O'Toole scored his first goal for Watford at home against Bristol City on 1 December 2007. Coming on as substitute in the 82nd minute, he headed a goal three minutes later to make the score 1–1, although Watford went on to lose 1–2.[10] In the next game he started in place of captain Gavin Mahon and scored again, another header, in a 2–3 win away to Colchester United.[11] His third goal for the club came on 26 January 2008 in a 4–1 home defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round. His performance the next weekend, once again at home to Wolves, won him a place in the Football League team of the week.[12]

Loans

O'Toole signed a three-month loan deal for Sheffield United in February 2009[13] making his debut a couple of weeks later in a 2–1 away victory over Coventry City.[14] O'Toole went on to make nine appearances for The Blades that season, scoring one goal in a local derby against Barnsley at the start of April.[15] He picked up a training-ground injury in the final week of the season and so was unable to appear with Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley.[16] With Sheffield United failing to win promotion, O'Toole returned to Watford at the end of his loan period.[17]

On 2 September 2009, O'Toole joined Colchester United on a three-month loan deal until January 2010.[18] He made his debut in a 0–0 draw away at Southampton, and scored his first goal in a 1–1 draw against Tranmere Rovers.

Colchester United

O'Toole made the loan spell permanent on 1 January 2010, signing a deal to keep him at Colchester until 2012.[19] He made his debut on 23 January against Gillingham in a 0–0 draw. O'Toole scored his first goal as a full-time Colchester player in a 3–2 defeat against Bristol Rovers. O'Toole suffered a serious knee injury against Charlton which left him out for 9 months, after rupturing a cruciate ligament.[20] Groin problems had restricted him to just 16 appearances in the 2011–12 season, but on 7 June 2012, O'Toole signed a new two-year deal, keeping the midfielder at the club until 2014.[21]

Bristol Rovers

O'Toole playing for Bristol Rovers in 2013

On 31 December 2012, O'Toole signed for League Two team Bristol Rovers, initially on a one-month deal. The move saw him link up with former Colchester manager John Ward, who had recently joined Rovers.[22] He made his debut the following day in a 2–1 win over Plymouth Argyle.[23] He scored his first goal for the club in a convincing 3–0 away win over Fleetwood Town on 12 January 2013 with an 18-yard strike to seal the win.[24] He also scored in another 3–0 emphatic victory over Burton Albion on 2 March 2013, scoring from close-range.[25] In his final game of his loan spell, he scored the opening goal in a 4–2 away victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.[26] O'Toole made 18 appearances alongside scoring his three goals for the club in a loan that was eventually extended until 1 April 2013. Manager Ward expressed interest in signing him permanently over the summer, with O'Toole still having one year to run on his Colchester contract.[27]

After a long protracted transfer saga, O'Toole signed a three-year contract with Bristol Rovers, joining for an undisclosed fee on 24 July 2013.[28] The season proved to be bittersweet for O'Toole. He ended the season as Rovers' top scorer with 15 goals and was included in the PFA Team of the Year for League Two but Rovers' suffered relegation out of the Football League for the first time since their admission in 1920.[29] This was followed by O'Toole activating his release clause with Rovers leaving him free to join a new club on 30 May 2014.[30]

Northampton Town

O'Toole signed for Northampton Town on a three-year contract on 30 June 2014.[31] He became a cult figure at the club, with fans wearing wigs similar to his long dark hair.[32]

Burton Albion

O'Toole signed for League One club Burton Albion on 21 May 2019 on a two-year contract after rejecting the offer of a new contract with Northampton.[33] He scored his first goal for Burton in a 4-3 defeat to Wigan Athletic on 29 December 2020.[34]

On 12 May 2021 it was announced that he would be one of 12 players leaving Burton at the end of the season.[35]

Mansfield Town

On 23 October 2021, O’Toole signed for League Two side Mansfield Town on a contract until January 2022.[36]

AFC Wimbledon

On 1 February 2024, O'Toole joined League Two side AFC Wimbledon on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season.[37]

On 18 June 2024, O'Toole agreed to return to AFC Wimbledon on a permanent basis upon the expiration of his contract with Mansfield Town.[38]

International career

O'Toole qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his grandparents, who were born in County Mayo.[39] He made his under-21 debut in a 1–0 away loss to Montenegro on 23 November 2007. Four days later he came on as an 83rd-minute substitute against Bulgaria and scored with a header in the 93rd minute, securing a 1–0 win.[5] His third appearance came against England on 5 February 2008, a 3–0 defeat in which he played the entire game.[40]

Career statistics

As of match played 30 October 2024
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
Watford 2006–07[41] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2007–08[42] Championship 35 3 1 1 1 0 1[a] 0 38 4
2008–09[43] Championship 22 7 3 0 3 1 — 28 8
2009–10[44] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 57 10 4 1 4 1 1 0 66 12
Wealdstone (loan) 2006–07[45][46] Southern League Premier Division 9 3 — — — 9 3
Sheffield United (loan) 2008–09[43] Championship 9 1 — — 0 0 9 1
Colchester United 2009–10[b][44] League One 31 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 33 3
2010–11[47] League One 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
2011–12[48] League One 15 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 16 0
2012–13[49] League One 15 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 16 0
Total 72 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 76 3
Bristol Rovers (loan) 2012–13[49] League Two 18 3 — — — 18 3
Bristol Rovers 2013–14[50] League Two 41 13 3 2 1 0 1[c] 0 46 15
Total 59 16 3 2 1 0 1 0 64 18
Northampton Town 2014–15[51] League Two 35 2 1 0 2 0 2[c] 0 40 2
2015–16[52] League Two 38 12 3 0 1 0 1[c] 0 43 12
2016–17[53] League One 40 10 1 1 3 1 2[c] 0 46 12
2017–18[54] League One 29 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 31 6
2018–19[55] League Two 31 3 1 0 0 0 2[c] 0 34 3
Total 173 33 8 1 6 1 7 0 194 35
Southend United (loan) 2014–15[51] League Two 2 0 — — — 2 0
Burton Albion 2019–20[56] League One 25 0 4 0 4 0 3[c] 0 36 0
2020–21[57] League One 16 1 0 0 1 0 3[c] 0 20 1
Total 41 1 4 0 5 0 6 0 56 1
Mansfield Town 2021–22[58] League Two 27 2 3 0 0 0 4[d] 1 34 3
2022–23[59] League Two 16 0 1 0 1 0 3[c] 0 21 0
2023–24[60] League Two 2 0 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 3 0
Total 45 2 4 0 1 0 8 1 58 3
AFC Wimbledon (loan) 2023-24 League Two 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0
AFC Wimbledon 2024-25 League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 2[c] 0 2 0
Total 14 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 16 0
Career total 481 68 25 5 19 2 25 1 550 76
  1. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  2. ^ Part of this season was spent on loan from Watford
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearances in the Football League Trophy
  4. ^ One appearance one goal in Football League Trophy, three appearances in League Two play-offs

Honours

Northampton Town

Individual

References

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  2. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  3. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole". Burton Albion F.C. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  4. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole: Profile". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Republic of Ireland 1–0 Bulgaria". Football Association of Ireland. 20 November 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  6. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  7. ^ "Wealdstone F.C. Appearances 2006–07 (excluding friendlies)". Wealdstone F.C. Supporters Club. 28 April 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  8. ^ "Wealdstone F.C. Goalscorers 2006–07 (including friendlies)". Wealdstone F.C. Supporters Club. 28 April 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
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  10. ^ "Watford vs Bristol City". Watford F.C. 1 December 2007. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  11. ^ "Colchester United vs Watford". Watford F.C. 4 December 2007. Archived from the original on 7 October 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  12. ^ "O'Toole makes team of the week". Watford F.C. 4 February 2008. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  13. ^ "Blades sign O'Toole from Watford". BBC Sport. 25 February 2009. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  14. ^ "Our new 'strike' ace". The Star. Sheffield. 7 March 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
  15. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole and Arturo Lupoli goals keep Sheffield United in hunt". The Times. London. 8 March 2009. Retrieved 31 May 2009.[dead link‍]
  16. ^ Smith, Frank (13 May 2009). "Watford's John-Joe O'Toole will miss Sheffield United's playoff final". This Is Local London. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012.
  17. ^ "Double player boost". Sheffield United F.C. 28 May 2009. Archived from the original on 30 May 2009. Retrieved 31 May 2009.
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  19. ^ "O'Toole pens permanent deal". Sky Sports. 1 January 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
  20. ^ "O'Toole faces nine months out". EADT. 15 April 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
  21. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole seals new Colchester United deal". BBC Sport. 7 June 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  22. ^ "Bristol Rovers sign Hitchcock, O'Toole and Mildenhall". BBC Sport. 31 December 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  23. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2–1 Plymouth". BBC Sport. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
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  26. ^ "Dag and Red 2–4 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
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  29. ^ "ROVERS RELEGATED". Bristol Rovers F.C. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  30. ^ "JOHN-JOE O'TOOLE ACTIVATES HIS RELEASE CLAUSE". Bristol Rovers F.C. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  31. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole: Northampton Town sign ex-Bristol Rovers man". BBC Sport. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
  32. ^ Osborne, Chris (12 February 2015). "John-Joe O'Toole: Northampton Town fan urges wig-wearing". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
  33. ^ "John-Joe O'Toole: Burton Albion sign former Northampton Town midfielder". BBC Sport. 21 May 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  34. ^ "Burton 3-4 Wigan". BBC. 29 December 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  35. ^ "12 PLAYERS TO LEAVE BURTON ALBION AT END OF THEIR CONTRACTS". www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk.
  36. ^ "Stags sign experienced midfielder". Mansfield Town FC. 23 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  37. ^ Lomas, John (1 February 2024). "JJ O'Toole goes out on loan deal from Mansfield Town to join League Two rivals AFC Wimbledon". Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  38. ^ "John-Joe joins permanently!". www.afcwimbledon.co.uk. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
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  40. ^ "England U-21 3–0 Rep of Ire U-21". BBC Sport. 5 February 2008. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  41. ^ John-Joe O'Toole at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
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  43. ^ a b "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  44. ^ a b "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  45. ^ "Appearances for Stones" (PDF). Wealdstone FC History. 21 August 2007. p. 22. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  46. ^ "First Team 2006-07". Wealdstone FC History. 9 September 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  47. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  48. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  49. ^ a b "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  50. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  51. ^ a b "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  52. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  53. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
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  56. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  57. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  58. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  59. ^ "Games played by John-Joe O'Toole in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
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