{{short description|Scottish footballer (born 1990)}} {{about|the Scottish footballer|the English musician|Sean Welch}} {{Use British English|date=April 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Sean Welsh | image = | caption = Welsh, playing for Partick Thistle | fullname = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1990|03|15}} | birth_place = Edinburgh, Scotland | height = | position = Midfielder | currentclub = The Spartans | clubnumber = 4 | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Hibernian | years1 = 2010–2012 | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | clubs1 = Hibernian | years2 = 2010 | caps2 = 2 | goals2 = 0 | clubs2 = → Stenhousemuir (loan) | years3 = 2011 | caps3 = 17 | goals3 = 1 | clubs3 = → Stirling Albion (loan) | years4 = 2012 | caps4 = 12 | goals4 = 2 | clubs4 = → Partick Thistle (loan) | years5 = 2012–2017 | caps5 = 93 | goals5 = 6 | clubs5 = Partick Thistle | years6 = 2018 | clubs6 = Falkirk | caps6 = 11 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2018–2024 | clubs7 = Inverness Caledonian Thistle | caps7 = 109 | goals7 = 12 | years8 = 2024–2025 | clubs8 = Queen's Park | caps8 = 48 | goals8 = 4 | years9 = 2025– | clubs9 = The Spartans | caps9 = 24 | goals9 = 0 | club-update = 4 May 2026 }} '''Sean Welsh''' (born 15 March 1990) is a Scottish footballer, who plays as a midfielder for The Spartans. He has previously played for Hibernian, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion, Partick Thistle, Falkirk and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
==Career==
===Hibernian=== A lifelong Hibs fan,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/page/PlayerProfiles/0,,10290~47696,00.html | title=Sean Welsh Hibernian Profile | publisher=Hibernian | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> Welsh was captain of the Hibs under-19 squad<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/steady_as_she_goes_lads_skipper_welsh_steers_hibs_towards_final_1_1196476 | title=Steady as she goes lads: Skipper Welsh steers Hibs towards final | publisher=The Scotsman | date=27 March 2009 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> who won a league and cup double in 2008–09.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cbfootball.co.uk/seasonAwards0809.aspx | title=Season Awards 2008/2009 | publisher=Clydesdale Bank Premier League | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> He was awarded under 19 League Player of the Season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20090512/seans-surprise-and-delight_2262950_1737353 | title=Sean's surprise and delight | publisher=Hibernian |work=hibernianfc.co.uk | date=12 May 2009 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> A series of injuries, including a double leg break,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/european/calderwood_backing_sean_welsh_to_seize_chance_with_hibs_1_1702177 | title=Calderwood backing Sean Welsh to seize chance with Hibs | publisher=The Scotsman | date=22 June 2011 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> limited his first team chances<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/06/01/hibs-starlet-sean-walsh-eager-to-put-i.njury-woes-behind-him-after-clinching-new-deal-86908-23171356/ | title=Hibs starlet Sean Walsh eager to put injury woes behind him after clinching new deal | publisher=Daily Record | date=1 June 2011 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> Welsh was sent on loan spells at Stenhousemuir and Stirling Albion. In May 2011, Welsh agreed a new one-year contract with Hibs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13604992 | title=Sean Welsh wins new Hibernian contract | publisher=BBC Sport | date=31 May 2011 | access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref>
In July 2011, Welsh was punched during a training session by teammate Martin Scott, which resulted in Welsh needing four operations<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/pictures-scottish-footballs-biggest-bust-3256179|title=In pictures: Scottish football's biggest bust-ups|first=Gregor|last=Kyle|date=18 March 2014|website=Daily Record}}</ref> to repair a fractured cheekbone.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/Club-fine-Martin-Scott-over.6808238.jp|title=Club fine Martin Scott over pre-season punch-up|work=The Scotsman|first=Iain|last=Collin|date=27 July 2011|accessdate=27 July 2011}}</ref> During one operation he suffered an infection that threatened his eyesight, but he recovered.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/european/hibs_star_sean_welsh_wins_fight_for_his_sight_1_1755305 | title=Hibs star Sean Welsh wins fight for his sight | publisher=The Scotsman | date=20 July 2011 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> Once recovered Welsh was an unused substitute on eight occasions and joined Partick Thistle on loan to play in more matches.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20120207/welsh-joins-partick-on-loan_2262950_2603371 | title=Welsh Joins Partick on Loan | publisher=Hibernian | date=7 February 2012 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> After returning from his loan to Thistle, Welsh was released at the end of his contract in May 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20120522/player-update_2262950_2785532|title=Player Update |date=22 May 2012|accessdate=22 May 2012|work=hibernianfc.co.uk|publisher=Hibernian FC}}</ref>
===Stenhousemuir (loan)=== Welsh joined Scottish Second Division club Stenhousemuir on a month's loan in January 2010 along with fellow youngster Lee Currie.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/hibs_loan_stars_sean_welsh_and_lee_currie_determined_to_battle_for_first_team_spots_despite_warriors_below_par_cup_display_1_1228124 | title=Sean Welsh and Lee Currie determined to battle for first-team spots despite Warriors' below-Par Cup display | publisher=The Scotsman | date=14 January 2010 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> He made his debut as a 61st-minute substitute against Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8448848.stm | title=Dunfermline 7 – 1 Stenhousemuir | publisher=BBC Sport | date=9 January 2010 | access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref> with his league debut coming on 16 January 2010 playing from the start against Arbroath.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/mobile/bbc_sport/football/matches/2010/01/16/3150738/squad.shtml?%25252525252525253Fid=3788&ssfrom=teamh | title=Stenhousemuir v Arbroath | publisher=BBC Sport | date=16 January 2010 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> In all he made 3 appearances for the club.<ref>{{Soccerbase season|53147|2009|access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref>
===Stirling (loan)=== In February 2011 Welsh Scottish First Division club Stirling Albion on loan,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20110225/flynn-on-albion-rovers-switch_2262950_2302127 | title=Flynn on Albion Rovers Switch | publisher=Hibernian | date=25 February 2011 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> going on to make his debut on 19 February as a substitute in their 1–0 defeat to Dundee.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_div_1/9399902.stm | title=Stirling Albion 0–1 Dundee | publisher=BBC Sport | date=19 February 2011 | access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on 5 March 2011 scoring the opening goal in a 4–3 defeat to Cowdenbeath.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/football/first/results/3284618/ | title=Stirling Albion 3 – 4 Cowdenbeath | publisher=Scottish Football League | date=5 March 2011 | accessdate=7 February 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626222506/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/football/first/results/3284618/ | archivedate=26 June 2013 }}</ref> In all he made 17 appearances scoring once.<ref>{{Soccerbase season|53147|2010|access-date=7 February 2012}}</ref> In November Stirling tried to bring Welsh back for a second loan spell however this was rejected by Hibs.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.stirlingobserver.co.uk/stirling-sport/stirling-football/stirling-albion/2011/11/11/binos-entertain-arbroath-51226-29755518/ | title=Binos entertain Arbroath | publisher=Stirling Observer | date=11 November 2011 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref>
===Partick Thistle=== After impressing in training<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/other-sport/hibs_sean_welsh_set_for_partick_thistle_loan_1_2101701 | title=Hibs' Sean Welsh set for Partick Thistle Loan | publisher=Johnston Publishing |work=Edinburgh Evening News | date=7 February 2012 | accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> on 7 February 2012 Welsh joined Scottish First Division club Partick Thistle on loan until the end of March.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2011-2012/february_2012/new_loan_jag | title=New Loan Jag | publisher=Partick Thistle F.C. | date=7 February 2012 | accessdate=7 February 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213215642/http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2011-2012/february_2012/new_loan_jag | archivedate=13 February 2012 }}</ref> He made his debut from the start on 11 February against Livingston.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/football/first/results/3408936/ | title=Livingston 3 – 1 Partick Thistle | publisher=Scottish Football League | date=11 February 2012 | accessdate=12 February 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523072056/http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/football/first/results/3408936/ | archivedate=23 May 2012 }}</ref> Welsh's initial spell was disrupted by injury, and on 30 March 2012 after 5 appearances, his loan was extended until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2011-2012/march_2012/welsh_extends_loan_spell | title=Welsh extends loan spell | work=ptfc.co.uk|publisher=Partick Thistle F.C. | date=29 March 2012 | accessdate=30 March 2012}}</ref>
After Welsh was released by Hibs in May 2012, he signed a two-year contract with Partick Thistle.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2011-2012/may_2012/sean_welsh_agrees_deal_with_the_club | title=Sean Welsh agrees deal with the club | work=ptfc.co.uk | publisher=Partick Thistle F.C. | date=29 May 2012 | accessdate=29 May 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601034418/http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2011-2012/may_2012/sean_welsh_agrees_deal_with_the_club | archivedate=1 June 2012 }}</ref> Welsh played an integral part in guiding Thistle to the 2012–13 Scottish First Division championship, which led to the Jags being promoted to the top flight for the first time in nine years.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/football/hibs/ex-hibs-man-sean-welsh-makes-push-for-spl-1-2874489 |title=Ex-Hibs man Sean Welsh makes push for SPL |first=Anthony |last=Brown |work=Edinburgh Evening News |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=3 April 2013 |accessdate=22 June 2013}}</ref>
Welsh was handed the Thistle captaincy before the start of the 2013–14 Scottish Premiership season.<ref name = "thistle 2015"/> On 14 August, Welsh extended his contract with Thistle until the end of the 2014/15 season.<ref name = "thistle 2015">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23699511 |title=Partick Thistle: Captain Sean Welsh signs contract extension |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> He struggled with a knee injury during the 2013–14 season. The Thistle captaincy was handed to Paul Gallacher whilst Welsh remained out. Welsh made his return for Thistle in November 2014, starting against St Mirren in Paisley. However, during the match, Welsh suffered a further knee injury, which kept him out for a further month.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jack|first1=Chris|title=Thistle's Welsh to be out for a month|url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/partick-thistle/thistles-welsh-to-be-out-for-a-month-188993n.25899461 |publisher=Herald & Times Group |work=Evening Times|accessdate=18 November 2014}}</ref>
He also struggled with further injuries during the 2014/15 season, as he made only three first team appearances.<ref name = "short term"/> Welsh and Partick Thistle agreed to a short-term extension to his contract in June 2015, in an effort to prove his fitness.<ref name = "short term">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33022459 |title=Partick Thistle: Sean Welsh signs short-term deal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 June 2015 |access-date=6 June 2015}}</ref> Welsh scored his first goal in the top flight converting thistle's first penalty in 69 games in a 2–1 defeat against Celtic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35733370|title=Partick Thistle 1–2 Celtic|date=12 March 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=27 August 2019}}</ref> Welsh scored his first goal of the 2016–17 season converting a first half penalty in a 1–1 draw with Ross county at Firhill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37663763|title=Partick Thistle 1-1 Ross County|work=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2016 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Welsh scored his second goal of the 2016–17 season, his first in open play since Partick Thistle's promotion in 2013, scoring the equaliser in a 1–1 draw away to Hamilton Accidemical.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38113758|title=Hamilton Academical 1-1 Partick Thistle|work=BBC Sport |date=2 December 2016 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Welsh left Thistle in May 2017, after his contract with the club ended.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40010684 |title=Partick Thistle: Sean Welsh and David Amoo among four Firhill departures |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2017 |accessdate=23 May 2017}}</ref>
===Falkirk=== After almost eight months without a club, Welsh signed with struggling Scottish Championship side Falkirk on a short-term deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/bairns-complete-double-derby-day-signing/ |title=Bairns complete double derby day signing! |publisher=Falkirk FC |date=2 January 2018 |accessdate=2 January 2018 |archive-date=3 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072434/http://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/bairns-complete-double-derby-day-signing/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Welsh left Falkirk at the end of the 2017–18 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.falkirkfc.co.uk/longridge-welsh-depart/ |title=Longridge & Welsh Depart |publisher=Falkirk FC |date=16 May 2018 |accessdate=16 May 2018}}</ref>
=== Inverness Caledonian Thistle === Soon after leaving Falkirk, Welsh joined fellow Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Welsh scored his first goal for the club in August 2018, as he scored a penalty against Alloa Athletic F.C.
=== Queen's Park === On 12 January 2024, Welsh mutually terminated his contract at Inverness CT and joined Queen's Park, scoring on his debut in a 2–1 away win to league leaders, Raith Rovers.
==Career statistics==
{{updated|match played 30 April 2021|<ref>{{soccerway|sean-welsh/85202|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref>}}
{| 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 | Scottish Cup ! colspan=2 | League Cup ! colspan=2 | Other ! colspan=2 | Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |Stenhousemuir |2009–10<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2009|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |Second Division |2||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||3||0 |- |Stirling Albion |2010–11<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2010|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |First Division |17||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||17||1 |- |Partick Thistle (loan) |2011–12<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2011|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|First Division |12||2||0||0||0||0||0||0||12||2 |- |rowspan="6"|Partick Thistle |2012–13<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2012|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |25||2||0||0||2||0||3<ref group=lower-alpha name="SCC">Appearance(s) in the Scottish Challenge Cup</ref>||0||30||2 |- |2013–14<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2013|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |rowspan="4"|Premiership |10||0||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||13||0 |- |2014–15<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2014|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |3||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0 |- |2015–16<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2015|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |34||1||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||36||1 |- |2016–17<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2016|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |21||3||2||0||5||2||colspan="2"|—||28||5 |- !colspan="2"|Total !105!!8!!5!!0!!9!!2!!3!!0!!122!!10 |- |Falkirk |2017–18<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2017|accessdate=4 January 2018}}</ref> |Championship |11||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||11||0 |- |rowspan="4"|Inverness Caledonian Thistle |2018–19<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2018|accessdate=18 June 2021}}</ref> |rowspan="3"|Championship |28||4||5||0||0||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="SCC" />||0||34||4 |- |2019–20<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2019|accessdate=18 June 2021}}</ref> |5||2||1||1||0||0||1<ref group=lower-alpha name="SCC" />||0||7||3 |- |2020–21<ref>{{soccerbase season|53147|2020|accessdate=18 June 2021}}</ref> |21||1||3||1||2||0||0||0||26||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !54!!7!!9!!2!!2!!0!!2!!0!!67!!9 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !189!!16!!15!!2!!11!!2!!5!!0!!220!!20 |}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
== Honours == '''Partick Thistle''' * Scottish First Division: 2012/13
'''Inverness CT''' * Scottish Cup Runner Up: 2023
'''Queen's Park''' *Scottish Challenge Cup runner-up: 2024–25<ref>{{cite web |title=Queen's Park vs Livingston |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cz03vzdrgmpt|publisher=BBC|date=30 March 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{The Spartans F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Welsh, Sean}} Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Edinburgh Category:Scottish men's footballers Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:Hibernian F.C. players Category:Stenhousemuir F.C. players Category:Stirling Albion F.C. players Category:Partick Thistle F.C. players Category:Falkirk F.C. players Category:Scottish Football League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. players Category:Queen's Park F.C. players Category:The Spartans F.C. players Category:21st-century Scottish sportsmen