{{Short description|English footballer (born 1983)}} {{for-multi|the English cricketer of the 1990s and 2000s|Andrew Procter (cricketer)|the rugby league footballer of the 1990s|Andy Proctor}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Use British English|date=May 2012}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Andrew Procter | image = Andrew Procter.JPG | caption = Procter with Accrington Stanley | fullname = Andrew John Procter<ref name="Hugman2010-11">{{Cite book | editor-first = Barry J. | editor-last = Hugman | title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 | year = 2010 | publisher = Mainstream Publishing | isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0 | page = 340 }}</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|6|13|df=y}}<ref name="Hugman2010-11"/> | birth_place = Blackburn, England | height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}<ref>{{cite book|editor1-first=Glenda|editor1-last=Rollin|editor2-first=Jack|editor2-last=Rollin|title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013|year=2012|publisher=Headline|location=London|isbn=978-0-7553-6356-8|page=516|edition=43rd}}</ref> | currentclub = Nelson | position = Midfielder | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Preston North End | years1 = 2000–2002 | clubs1 = Great Harwood Town | caps1 = | goals1 = | years2 = 2002–2012 | clubs2 = Accrington Stanley | caps2 = 349 | goals2 = 38 | years3 = 2012–2013 | clubs3 = Preston North End | caps3 = 33 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2013–2014 | clubs4 = Bury | caps4 = 32 | goals4 = 2 | years5 = 2014–2016 | clubs5 = Accrington Stanley | caps5 = 40 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2022–2023 | clubs6 = Clitheroe | caps6 = 2 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2024– | clubs7 = Nelson | caps7 = 8 | goals7 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2004 | nationalteam1 = England National Game XI | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0 }} '''Andrew John Procter''' (born 13 March 1983) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He made one appearance for the England C national team.
==Club career== ===Early career=== Procter was born in Blackburn, Lancashire and attended St Gabriel's C of E Primary School in the town before later attending Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.<ref name="Proccy LT">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/1459552.procters-hotel-signing-league/|title=Procter's hotel signing was in a league of its own |publisher=Lancashire Telegraph |date=9 June 2007 |access-date=15 January 2026|first=Suzanne|last=Geldard}}</ref> He first started playing as a seven year-old for local side Langho Juniors and later played as a schoolboy at English Football League side Preston North End.<ref name="Proccy LT"/> He started playing senior football at Great Harwood Town in the North West Counties Football League Division One.<ref name="Proccy LT"/>
===Accrington Stanley=== He was spotted by Accrington Stanley manager, John Coleman, whilst playing for Great Harwood against St Helens Town in February 2002 and a week later he was invited to a meeting with Coleman and the Chairman at a hotel in Rishton.<ref name="Proccy LT"/> He signed a contract with the Northern Premier League Premier Division side which was "enough to put me through university.<ref name="Proccy LT"/> Accrington won a treble of cups in the remainder of the 2001–02 season, firstly winning the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup with Procter scoring in the penalty shoot-out victory over Bradford (Park Avenue) after a two-legged affair ended in stalemate.<ref name="2001/02"/> A fortnight later they then won the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final, beating Barrow 2–0 at Christie Park.<ref name="2001/02"/> Finally, a week later, they won the Northern Premier League Challenge Shield, again on penalties, with Procter scoring in the shoot-out against Burton Albion.<ref name="2001/02">{{cite news |url=https://onstanleyon.com/2024/05/07/2001-02/|title=2001-02 Unibond League Premier Division|publisher=On Stanley On! |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref>
In the following 2002–03 season, Accrington romped to the title with a record-breaking 100 points and 97 goals scored, which earned promotion to the Football Conference.<ref name="Proccy LT"/> Stanley also sealed a cup double when they retained the Northern Premier League Challenge Shield with a 2–0 win over Marine in the final game of the season.<ref name="Proccy LT"/> He scored on his Conference debut on 10 August 2003, in a 2–1 away defeat to Aldershot Town which was broadcast on live TV.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://fanbanter.co.uk/fans-encouraged-after-john-coleman-speaks-on-decision-to-become-new-manager-of-aldershot/|title=Fans encouraged after John Coleman speaks on decision to become new manager of Aldershot |publisher=Fan Banter |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> Procter became an integral part of the side, making 39 league appearances as they finished in mid-table but had a record breaking-run in the FA Cup, beating Third Division side Huddersfield Town and Second Division side AFC Bournemouth to make it to the 3rd round.<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2003/2004"/> He also won the club's Young Player of the Year award, with his form leading to international call-ups.<ref name="England"/>
He missed the start of the 2004–05 season due to a knee injury that he picked up during a pre-season friendly against Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2004.<ref name="Wolves">{{cite news |url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/6223583.amp/|title=Procter: My injury nightmare |publisher=The Bolton News |date=23 September 2005 |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> He made a return to first team action in October, but the injury recurred, forcing him to miss big chunks of the season.<ref name="Wolves"/> Accrington again picked up another trophy when they defeated Burscough 7–0 over a two-legged affair in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final, with Procter winning the competition for the second time.<ref name="2004/05"/>
He started the 2005–06 season as a regular in central midfield with Ian Craney, before suffering a serious cruciate knee ligament injury in August in training on the same knee that he had injured in the previous season.<ref name="Injury">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/716793.midfielder-eager-stanley-return/|title=Midfielder eager for Stanley return |publisher=Lancashire Telegraph |date=28 March 2006 |access-date=15 January 2026|first=Suzanne|last=Geldard}}</ref> He was forced to undergo an operation and was on the sidelines for just over seven months before making his return on 17 April 2006 in a 1–0 win over Scarborough.<ref name="Procky's Return">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/prockys-return-1267958|title=Procky’s return |publisher=Lancs Live |date=29 June 2013 |access-date=15 January 2026|first=Suzanne|last=Geldard}}</ref> By this stage, Accrington had already secured the league title and promotion to Football League Two for the first time in forty-four years after bankruptcy forced their expulsion from The Football League.<ref name="Procky's Return"/>
The highlight of his career came on 28 April 2007 in a crucial League Two six-pointer with Macclesfield Town. Procter scored two goals in a 3–2 victory which secured Accrington Stanley's Football League status in their first season back after promotion from the Conference.
He studied at the University of Salford on a part-time basis for a degree in Physiotherapy, a programme he decided to follow after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/search/4539327.Doctor_Procter_is_the_real_heal_at_Accrington_Stanley/|title=Doctor Procter is the real heal at Accrington Stanley|date=11 August 2009|work=thisislancashire.com|accessdate=14 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018161600/http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/search/4539327.Doctor_Procter_is_the_real_heal_at_Accrington_Stanley/|archive-date=18 October 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Procter was in demand during the January transfer window from fellow League Two clubs Rochdale and Macclesfield Town, with the latter offering a five-figure fee which was rejected due to being "a long way short" of Accrington's valuation of the player.<ref name="bid">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/4067253.accrington-stanley-reject-bid-procter/|title=Accrington Stanley reject bid for Procter |publisher=Lancashire Telegraph |date=22 January 2009 |access-date=15 January 2026|first=Chris|last=Flanagan}}</ref>
In May 2009, Accrington faced severe financial crisis due to an unpaid tax bill of £300,000 to HM Revenue and Customs with the club receiving a notice of winding up proceedings and a High Court hearing set for 10 June.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/29/accrington-stanley-court-winding-up-tax|title=Accrington Stanley face court hearing over £300,000 tax bill |publisher=The Guardian |date=29 May 2009 |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> This caused the club to dramatically reduce their playing budget for the 2009–10 season.<ref name="contract2">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/4419005.procter-faces-accrington-stanley-d-day/|title=Procter faces Accrington Stanley D-Day |publisher=Lancashire Telegraph |date=4 June 2009 |access-date=15 January 2026|first=Chris|last=Flanagan}}</ref> Procter admitted that he was considering his future having been told he would have to take a pay cut on the two-year deal that he was offered and he was again receiving interest from League Two side Rochdale.<ref name="contract2"/>
In July 2011, he signed a new deal at Accrington having turned down better financial offers from League One sides Leyton Orient and Stevenage, being granted a testimonial as part of the deal.<ref name="contract">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/9132541.accrington-stanley-skipper-stays-loyal-cause/|title=Accrington Stanley skipper stays loyal to cause |publisher=Lancashire Telegraph |date=11 July 2011 |access-date=15 January 2026|first=Chris|last=Flanagan}}</ref> Procter stated, "the wages would have been higher but there’s the cost of living in the south, because I’d have been paying London prices. With my personal situation it wasn’t right for me to relocate."<ref name="contract"/>
Procter signed for Preston North End on 20 January 2012 and was announced captain on his arrival and he received a new two-year deal on 1 July 2012. He scored his first goal for the club against future club Bury in a Football League Trophy tie on 18 December 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20674920|title=Bury 3-3 Preston|publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=5 January 2016 }}</ref> After 23 league appearances, 17 of them coming from the bench he decided to cancel his contract via mutual consent with the ''Lilywhites'' after 18 months of service.
After a week without a club Procter joined Bury on a free transfer penning a two-year deal with the Shakers. In his first season at Bury he made 28 appearances in all competitions. In his second season at Bury he was put on the transfer list along with Ashley Grimes after being seen as surplus to requirements. On 1 September 2014, he had his contract cancelled because Procter wanted to leave Bury.
Procter rejoined Accrington Stanley on 1 September. He competed against the likes of Luke Joyce and Josh Windass in 2014–15 season.
==International career== Procter was called-up alongside two other Accrington Stanley players in January 2004 for the England National Game XI for the friendly match against Italy U23 on 11 February 2004 at Gay Meadow.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/jk-surprise-at-england-call-1265986|title=JK surprise at England call |publisher=Lancs Live |date=29 January 2013 |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> However, he eventually missed out due to injury.<ref name="England">{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5839044.procter-back-frame/|title=Procter back in frame |publisher=Lancs Live |date=26 May 2004 |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> He then turned down a second call-up in May 2004 for the Four Nations Tournament in Scotland due to it clashing with his degree finals at Leeds University.<ref name="England"/> He did however receive a third call-up for the match against Iraq on 27 May 2004, making his debut as a substitute in a 5–1 defeat at Moss Rose.<ref name="England"/>
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 19 September 2015}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="12"|Accrington Stanley |2001–02<ref name="2001/02"/> |NPL Premier Division |14||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|name=ACC1|Appearances in NPL Challenge Cup / NPL Challenge Trophy / Lancashire Senior Cup}}||0||17||2 |- |2002–03<ref name="2002/03">{{cite news |url=https://onstanleyon.com/2024/05/07/2002-03/|title=2002-03 Unibond League Premier Division|publisher=On Stanley On! |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> |NPL Premier Division |29||5||3||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|name=ACC2|Appearances in FA Trophy / NPL Challenge Cup / NPL Challenge Trophy / Lancashire Senior Cup}}||0||37||5 |- |2003–04<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2003/2004">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2003|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="2003/04">{{cite news |url=https://onstanleyon.com/2024/05/07/2003-04/|title=2003-04 Nationwide Conference|publisher=On Stanley On! |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> |Football Conference |39||2||6||0||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|name=ACC3|Appearances in FA Trophy / Lancashire Senior Cup}}||0||48||2 |- |2004–05<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2004/2005">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2004|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="2004/05">{{cite news |url=https://onstanleyon.com/2024/05/08/2004-05/|title=2004-05 Nationwide Conference|publisher=On Stanley On! |access-date=15 January 2026}}</ref> |Conference National |26||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||10{{efn|name=ACC4|Appearances in Football League Trophy / FA Trophy / Conference League Cup / Lancashire Senior Cup}}||0||36||0 |- |2005–06<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2005/2006">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2005|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |Conference National |6||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||6||0 |- |2006–07<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2006/2007">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2006|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |43||3||0||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=FLT|Appearances in Football League Trophy}}||0||46||3 |- |2007–08<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2007/2008">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2007|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |43||10||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||1||46||11 |- |2008–09<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2008/2009">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2008|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |37||3||2||0||0||0||0||0||39||3 |- |2009–10<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2009/2010">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2009|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |44||5||5||0||2||0||4{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||55||5 |- |2010–11<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2010/2011">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2010|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |43||6||2||0||2||0||2{{efn|name=FLP|Appearances in League Two play-offs}}||0||49||6 |- |2011–12<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2011/2012">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2011|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |25||2||1||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=FLT}}||1||29||3 |- !colspan="2"|Total !349!!38!!20!!0!!7!!0!!32!!2!!408!!40 |- |rowspan="3"|Preston North End |2011–12<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2011/2012"/> |League One |19||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||19||0 |- |2012–13<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2012/2013">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2012|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League One |15||0||2||0||2||0||4{{efn|name=FLT}}||1||23||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !34!!0!!2!!0!!2!!0!!4!!1!!42!!1 |- |Bury |2013–14<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2013/2014">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2013|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |32||2||2||0||2||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||37||2 |- |rowspan="3"|Accrington Stanley |2014–15<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2014/2015">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2014|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> |League Two |29||0||4||0||0||0||0||0||33||0 |- |2015–16<ref name="Games played by Andrew Procter in 2015/2016">{{Soccerbase season|35753|2015|name=Andrew Procter|accessdate=9 August 2015}}</ref> |League Two |3||0||0||0||0||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||4||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !32!!0!!4!!0!!0!!0!!1!!0!!37!!0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !444!!40!!28!!0!!11!!0!!46!!3!!524!!43 |}
{{notelist}}
==Honours== ;Accrington Stanley: *Conference National: 2005–06 *Northern Premier League Premier Division: 2002–03 *Northern Premier League Challenge Cup: 2001–02 *Northern Premier League Challenge Shield: 2001–02, 2002–03 *Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy: 2001–02, 2004–05
'''Individual''' *Accrington Stanley Young Player of the Year: 2003–04
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Soccerbase|name=Andy Proctor}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Procter, Andrew}} Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Blackburn Category:English men's footballers Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Great Harwood Town F.C. players Category:Accrington Stanley F.C. players Category:Preston North End F.C. players Category:Bury F.C. players Category:Clitheroe F.C. players Category:Nelson F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:National League (English football) players Category:Northern Premier League players Category:North West Counties Football League players Category:Alumni of the University of Salford Category:People educated at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. non-playing staff Category:Blackburn Rovers F.C. non-playing staff Category:21st-century English sportsmen