# Wes Thomas > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wes_Thomas > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Wes_Thomas.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Thomas > Source revision: 1321648827 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|English footballer}} {{for|the Grenadian cricketer|Wesley Thomas (cricketer)}} {{Use British English|date=May 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Wes Thomas | image = Wes Thomas August 2014.png | image_size = | caption = Thomas playing for [Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.) in August 2014 | fullname = Wesley Alexander Nevada Thomas{{Cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10 |year=2009 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |isbn=978-1-84596-474-0 |page=406}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|1|23|df=y}} | birth_place = [Barking](/source/Barking%2C_London), London, England | height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}} | position = [Striker](/source/Striker_(association_football)) | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = [Queens Park Rangers](/source/Queens_Park_Rangers_F.C.) | youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = [Waltham Forest](/source/Waltham_Forest_F.C.) | years1 = 2005–2006 | clubs1 = [Waltham Forest](/source/Waltham_Forest_F.C.) | caps1 = 32 | goals1 = 17 | years2 = 2006–2007 | clubs2 = [Thurrock](/source/Thurrock_F.C.) | caps2 = | goals2 = | years3 = 2007–2008 | clubs3 = [Fisher Athletic](/source/Fisher_Athletic_F.C.) | caps3 = | goals3 = | years4 = 2008–2010 | clubs4 = [Dagenham & Redbridge](/source/Dagenham_%26_Redbridge_F.C.) | caps4 = 27 | goals4 = 3 | years5 = 2008–2009 | clubs5 = → [Grays Athletic](/source/Grays_Athletic_F.C.) (loan) | caps5 = 7 | goals5 = 2 | years6 = 2010 | clubs6 = → [Rushden & Diamonds](/source/Rushden_%26_Diamonds_F.C.) (loan) | caps6 = 0 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2010–2011 | clubs7 = [Cheltenham Town](/source/Cheltenham_Town_F.C.) | caps7 = 41 | goals7 = 18 | years8 = 2011–2012 | clubs8 = [Crawley Town](/source/Crawley_Town_F.C.) | caps8 = 6 | goals8 = 1 | years9 = 2011–2012 | clubs9 = → [Bournemouth](/source/A.F.C._Bournemouth) (loan) | caps9 = 14 | goals9 = 7 | years10 = 2012–2014 | clubs10= [Bournemouth](/source/A.F.C._Bournemouth) | caps10= 38 | goals10= 4 | years11 = 2012 | clubs11= → [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.) (loan) | caps11= 6 | goals11= 3 | years12 = 2012–2013 | clubs12= → [Blackpool](/source/Blackpool_F.C.) (loan) | caps12= 9 | goals12= 3 | years13 = 2013 | clubs13= → [Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.) (loan) | caps13= 11 | goals13= 3 | years14 = 2014 | clubs14= [Rotherham United](/source/Rotherham_United_F.C.) | caps14= 13 | goals14= 5 | years15 = 2014–2016 | clubs15= [Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.) | caps15= 33 | goals15= 4 | years16 = 2015–2016 | clubs16= → [Swindon Town](/source/Swindon_Town_F.C.) (loan) | caps16= 6 | goals16= 2 | years17 = 2016 | clubs17= → [Bradford City](/source/Bradford_City_A.F.C.) (loan) | caps17= 10 | goals17= 1 | years18 = 2016–2018 | clubs18= [Oxford United](/source/Oxford_United_F.C.) | caps18= 50 | goals18= 13 | years19 = 2018–2019 | clubs19= [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) | caps19= 36 | goals19= 11 | years20 = 2019–2021 | clubs20= [Notts County](/source/Notts_County_F.C.) | caps20= 36 | goals20= 10 | totalcaps = 375 | totalgoals = 107 | club-update = 17:16, 25 January 2021 (UTC) }} '''Wesley Alexander Nevada Thomas''' (born 23 January 1987) is an English former professional [footballer](/source/association_football) who played as a [striker](/source/Striker_(association_football)). He began his career in [non-league football](/source/non-league_football) with various clubs in and around London before making his debut in [the Football League](/source/the_Football_League) for [Dagenham & Redbridge](/source/Dagenham_%26_Redbridge_F.C.) in 2008. After loan spells in the [Conference](/source/Football_Conference) with [Grays Athletic](/source/Grays_Athletic) and [Rushden & Diamonds](/source/Rushden_%26_Diamonds), he spent a season with [League Two](/source/Football_League_Two) club [Cheltenham Town](/source/Cheltenham_Town). He briefly joined [Crawley Town](/source/Crawley_Town) before moving into [League One](/source/Football_League_One) with AFC Bournemouth. After one full season at Bournemouth, he went out on loan again, to [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.), [Blackpool](/source/Blackpool_F.C.) and [Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.). He joined [Rotherham United](/source/Rotherham_United_F.C.) for the second half of the 2013–14 season before rejoining Birmingham, this time on a permanent basis. In 2015–16, he spent time on loan at [Swindon Town](/source/Swindon_Town_F.C.) and [Bradford City](/source/Bradford_City_A.F.C.), before joining newly promoted [Oxford United](/source/Oxford_United_F.C.) after the season ended.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36626045 |title=Oxford United: Wes Thomas and Aaron Martin sign two-year deals |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 June 2016 |access-date=26 June 2016}} He later had stints with [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) and [Notts County](/source/Notts_County_F.C.). ==Career== Thomas began his football career at [Queens Park Rangers](/source/Queens_Park_Rangers), but was released at the end of his two-year scholarship. He moved into [non-league football](/source/non-league_football) alongside studying for a [BTEC National Certificate](/source/Business_and_Technology_Education_Council) in Media.{{cite news |title=Wes Thomas: 'I got 19 that season and I felt that I could progress and play at a higher level' |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-striker-wes-thomas-1319701 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=15 February 2013 |access-date=10 September 2014}} He was top scorer for [Waltham Forest](/source/Waltham_Forest_F.C.) in the [2005–06 Southern League](/source/2005%E2%80%9306_Southern_Football_League) Eastern Division,{{cite web |url=http://www.walthamforest-fc.co.uk/statistics/player.php?id=227 |title=Profile: Wesley Thomas |first=Steve |last=Howe |publisher=Waltham Forest F.C. |access-date=28 January 2016}} Select season and competition ([Southern League](/source/Southern_Football_League) Eastern Division) via dropdown menus. top scorer for [Thurrock](/source/Thurrock_F.C.) in the [Conference South](/source/Conference_South) the following season,{{cite web |url=http://www.confsouth.co.uk/thurrock.htm |title=Thurrock |website=Conference South Guide |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025050946/http://www.confsouth.co.uk/thurrock.htm |archive-date=25 October 2007}} and repeated the feat with [Fisher Athletic](/source/Fisher_Athletic_F.C.), also in the Conference South, in 2007–08,{{cite web |url=http://www.confsouth.co.uk/fisherathletic.htm |title=Fisher Athletic |website=Blue Square South Guide |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913190301/http://www.confsouth.co.uk/fisherathletic.htm |archive-date=13 September 2008}} before making his debut in [the Football League](/source/the_Football_League) with [Dagenham & Redbridge](/source/Dagenham_%26_Redbridge_F.C.) in October 2008. He joined [Conference Premier](/source/Conference_Premier) club [Grays Athletic](/source/Grays_Athletic_F.C.) on loan in December 2008;{{cite news |title=Wes Thomas joins Grays Athletic |url=http://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/sport/3943626.Wes_Thomas_joins_Grays_Athletic/ |work=Thurrock Gazette |date=2 December 2008 |access-date=13 February 2013}} he made eight appearances and scored twice before his loan ended at the end of January 2009. He joined Rushden & Diamonds in March 2010 on loan until the end of the season,{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/6054554/ |title=Diamonds take on Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=13 February 2013}} but never appeared for the first team, and was transfer-listed by Dagenham & Redbridge as they restructured the team following their promotion to [League One](/source/Football_League_One).{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11750/6189598/ |title=Daggers squad taking shape |publisher=Sky Sports |date=3 June 2010 |access-date=13 February 2013}} ===Cheltenham Town=== In July 2010, Thomas signed a one-year contract with [League Two](/source/Football_League_Two) club [Cheltenham Town](/source/Cheltenham_Town_F.C.).{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8780823.stm |title=Cheltenham Town sign Frankie Artus and Wes Thomas |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 July 2010 |access-date=10 February 2013}} He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against [Gillingham](/source/Gillingham_F.C.) on the opening day of [the season](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Cheltenham_Town_F.C._season),{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842789.stm |title=Gillingham 1–1 Cheltenham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2010 |access-date=10 February 2013}} and followed up with two against [Crewe Alexandra](/source/Crewe_Alexandra) on his second appearance.{{cite news |title=Robins star keen to kick on |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11744/6318293/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=10 February 2013}} The club were keen for Thomas to sign an extended contract – by January 2011 he was top scorer with 12 goals – but was reluctant to do so because his pregnant girlfriend wanted to stay close to her London home.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11744/6667940/ |title=Thomas torn over Town future |publisher=Sky Sports |date=17 January 2011 |access-date=11 February 2012}} He scored regularly until the beginning of March, but produced only one more between then and the end of the season; this still left him as the club's top scorer, with 19 goals. He chose not to re-sign for Cheltenham, instead joining [Crawley Town](/source/Crawley_Town), newly promoted to League Two, on what Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker described as "staggering" wages.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11744/6963708/ |title=Baker in awe of Thomas' wages |publisher=Sky Sports |date=13 June 2011 |access-date=11 February 2013}} ===Crawley Town=== Thomas signed a two-year contract with [Crawley Town](/source/Crawley_Town_F.C.). Manager [Steve Evans](/source/Steve_Evans_(footballer_born_1962)) described him as "a natural goalscorer" with pace and good movement who was "still developing" as a player.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13608770 |title=Crawley Town sign Wes Thomas and Scott Davies |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} He made his Crawley debut as a very late substitute on the opening day of the [2011–12 season](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Crawley_Town_F.C._season), and scored in his second game, in a 2–0 win over [Macclesfield Town](/source/Macclesfield_Town_F.C.), but was unable to dislodge [Tyrone Barnett](/source/Tyrone_Barnett) and [Matt Tubbs](/source/Matt_Tubbs) from the starting eleven, and was unhappy about not playing.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7166018/ |title=Cherries land Thomas on loan |publisher=Sky Sports |date=9 September 2011 |access-date=11 February 2013}} He later claimed that Evans had told him he would be first-choice striker. ===Bournemouth=== Thomas joined [League One](/source/Football_League_One) club [Bournemouth](/source/A.F.C._Bournemouth) on 9 September, initially on a 93-day loan, with an agreement for the move to be made permanent for a "six-figure fee" when the January 2012 [transfer window](/source/transfer_window) opened.{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9244041.Cherries__Bradbury_completes_Thomas_loan_swoop/ |title=Cherries: Bradbury completes Thomas loan swoop |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=9 September 2011 |access-date=11 February 2013}} In his second game, Thomas won a penalty, reacted to a rebound off the crossbar to score his first goal for the club, and set up a goal for [Marc Pugh](/source/Marc_Pugh) in a 3–1 victory over [Leyton Orient](/source/Leyton_Orient).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14799476 |title=Leyton Orient 1–3 Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2011 |access-date=11 February 2013}} He began to develop a partnership with [Michael Symes](/source/Michael_Symes) which both parties and manager [Lee Bradbury](/source/Lee_Bradbury) thought could become productive.{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9312405.Cherries__Symes_excited_by_Thomas_partnership/ |title=Cherries: Symes excited by Thomas partnership |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=19 October 2011 |access-date=11 February 2013}} The day after his move to Bournemouth was made permanent, Thomas and Symes each scored in a 2–0 defeat of [Wycombe Wanderers](/source/Wycombe_Wanderers).{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/matchreports/9447140.Cherries__Thomas_spearheads_simple_victory/ |title=Cherries: Thomas spearheads simple victory |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=2 January 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} Despite scoring 11 league goals, Thomas finished [the season](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_A.F.C._Bournemouth_season) with an even longer goal drought than he had at Cheltenham; this time he scored only once after January. In the [2013–14 season](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_A.F.C._Bournemouth_season), Thomas had been linked with League One side [Swindon Town](/source/Swindon_Town_F.C.),{{cite news |title=Leon Clarke: Swindon Town show interest in Coventry striker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23600999 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 August 2013 |access-date=3 January 2014}} but Bournemouth were reluctant to sell Thomas because they were "low on strikers at the moment."{{cite news |title=Wes Thomas: Bournemouth striker not for sale, says Howe |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23618530 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2013 |access-date=3 January 2014}} Having made only ten appearances in the first half of 2013–14 season, the club announced that he would not be offered a new contract by the club when the season ended.{{cite news |title=AFC Bournemouth: Howe confirms Thomas is set for Dean Court exit |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/10913845.AFC_Bournemouth__Howe_confirms_Thomas_is_set_for_Dean_Court_exit/ |newspaper=Bournemouth Echo |date=3 January 2014 |access-date=3 January 2014}} ====Portsmouth (loan)==== Thomas's barren spell at Bournemouth continued into the 2012–13 season, amid competition from [Lewis Grabban](/source/Lewis_Grabban) and Matt Tubbs for a starting spot,{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9883702.Cherries__Thomas_can_emerge_from_goal_slump_insists_boss/ |title=Cherries: Thomas can emerge from goal slump insists boss |first=Ian |last=Wadley |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=21 August 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} and on 28 September, manager [Paul Groves](/source/Paul_Groves_(footballer)) allowed Thomas to leave on a month's loan to fellow League One club [Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19758109 |title=Portsmouth sign Wes Thomas from AFC Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} The next day, he scored a late winner against [Scunthorpe United](/source/Scunthorpe_United) to give Portsmouth their first home league victory of the season.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/portsmth-vs-scunthorpe/262793 |title=Wes makes mark in Pompey win |publisher=Sky Sports |date=29 September 2012 |access-date=28 January 2016}} He and [Izale McLeod](/source/Izale_McLeod) performed well as a strike pairing,{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/mcleod-striking-the-right-note-with-thomas-1-4367268 |title=McLeod striking the right note with Thomas |first=Jordan |last=Cross |newspaper=The News |location=Portsmouth |date=15 October 2012 |access-date=28 January 2016}} and helped the club to four league wins and a draw in Thomas's first five matches for the club. He was reluctant to return to his parent club if he was not going be played,{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/thomas-wary-of-cherries-return-1-4394739 |title=Thomas wary of Cherries return |first=Neil |last=Allen |newspaper=The News |location=Portsmouth |date=22 October 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} and [Michael Appleton](/source/Michael_Appleton) wanted to keep him at Portsmouth,{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/appy-everyone-s-a-winner-if-thomas-stays-at-pompey-1-4392278 |title=Appy: Everyone's a winner if Thomas stays at Pompey |first=Howard |last=Frost |newspaper=The News |location=Portsmouth |date=20 October 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} but newly appointed manager [Eddie Howe](/source/Eddie_Howe) recalled him to Bournemouth with the intention of involving him in the squad.{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/10066206.Cherries__Thomas_asked_Howe_to_leave/ |title=Cherries: Thomas asked Howe to leave |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=26 October 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} Thomas said he thought Groves had not given him enough backing, and hoped for a fresh start under Howe,{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/10040849.Cherries__Thomas_sets_his_sights_on_new_start_under_Howe/ |title=Cherries: Thomas sets his sights on new start under Howe |first=Ian |last=Wadley |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} but a few days later he told the manager he wanted to leave. ====Blackpool (loan)==== On 22 November, Thomas followed Michael Appleton to [Championship](/source/Football_League_Championship) club [Blackpool](/source/Blackpool_F.C.), on loan until 1 January 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20425736 |title=Blackpool sign Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} His first goal came on 1 December in a 4–1 away win at [Peterborough United](/source/Peterborough_United_F.C.). Although Appleton wanted him to stay,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20677378 |title=Michael Appleton wants Wes Thomas to stay at Blackpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=11 February 2013}} Thomas finished his spell at Blackpool with three goals from nine games and returned to Bournemouth. There was considerable interest in the player's services from Championship clubs including [Derby County](/source/Derby_County_F.C.), [Watford](/source/Watford_F.C.),{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8387478/ |title=Derby and Watford keen on Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=9 January 2013 |access-date=11 February 2013}} [Burnley](/source/Burnley_F.C.) and Appleton's latest club, [Blackburn Rovers](/source/Blackburn_Rovers_F.C.).{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8428372/ |title=Burnley have lodged a bid for Bournemouth forward Wes Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=23 January 2013 |access-date=11 February 2013}} But after three more appearances for Bournemouth, without scoring, Thomas signed for [Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.) on loan until the end of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21288228 |title=Wes Thomas: Birmingham sign Bournemouth striker on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2013 |access-date=1 February 2013}} ====Birmingham City (loan)==== Thomas went straight into the starting eleven, partnering [Marlon King](/source/Marlon_King), for Birmingham's 2–1 win against [Nottingham Forest](/source/Nottingham_Forest_F.C.) two days later. He played 71 minutes and missed a chance to score on debut, "plant[ing] a shot high and wide of the upright".{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/pictures-birmingham-city-2-nottingham-1287836 |title=Birmingham 2 Nottingham Forest 1 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |work=Birmingham Mail |date=2 February 2013 |access-date=11 February 2013}} Thomas struggled to make an impact until scoring his first goals, against [Derby County](/source/Derby_County_F.C.) on 9 March. The ''[Birmingham Mail](/source/Birmingham_Mail)''{{'s}} reporter described how "with his back to goal, Thomas wrestle-turned two defenders and showed great determination before smashing the ball in from a tight angle on the left" to level the scores, and a "thumping drive" in stoppage time completed a 3–1 win.{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/birmingham-city-3-derby-county-1732637 |title=Birmingham City 3 Derby County 1 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=28 January 2016}} Manager [Lee Clark](/source/Lee_Clark_(footballer)) praised Thomas's hold up play and work ethic as well as his goals.{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lee-clark-praises-birmingham-city-1732750 |title=Lee Clark: 'We just played with lots more power, more pace and energy.' |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=3 January 2014}} Thomas himself expressed his desire to stay at Birmingham City on a permanent deal.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21755177 |title=Birmingham City: Wes Thomas hopes loan becomes permanent |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2013 |access-date=3 January 2014}} Four weeks later, he scored his third and last goal of his loan spell, in a 1–1 draw with [Millwall](/source/Millwall_F.C.). Clark wanted to keep Thomas for the 2013–14 season, but questioned whether a deal was "doable" because of the transfer fee required.{{cite news |title=Marlon King, Peter Lovenkrands, Darren Ambrose and Hayden Mullins to be shown the door by Blues |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-allow-marlon-king-4010106 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=24 May 2013 |access-date=1 September 2015}} ===Rotherham United=== On 14 January 2014, Thomas signed for [Rotherham United](/source/Rotherham_United_F.C.) until the end of [the season](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Rotherham_United_F.C._season) for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite web |title=Millers land Cherries striker |url=http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/millers-land-cherries-striker-1293888.aspx |publisher=Rotherham United F.C. |date=14 January 2014 |access-date=27 February 2014}} He scored 6 goals in 16 appearances as Rotherham gained promotion to the Championship, but turned down an offer to stay with the club.{{cite news |url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/rotherham-united-wes-thomas-joins-birmingham-1-6667096 |title=Rotherham United: Wes Thomas joins Birmingham |newspaper=The Star |location=Sheffield |date=11 June 2014 |access-date=28 January 2016}} ===Birmingham City return=== Thomas signed a two-year contract with Birmingham on 11 June 2014. He made his second debut in the starting eleven for the opening-day defeat at [Middlesbrough](/source/Middlesbrough_F.C.), and his powerful header against [Brighton & Hove Albion](/source/Brighton_%26_Hove_Albion) on 16 August ended Birmingham's 18-game winless run at home in the league.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28716427 |title=Birmingham 1–0 Brighton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2014 |access-date=17 August 2014}} After [Gary Rowett](/source/Gary_Rowett) replaced Clark as manager, his preference for selecting [Clayton Donaldson](/source/Clayton_Donaldson) as lone striker in a [4–2–3–1 formation](/source/4-2-3-1) meant Thomas's appearances came mostly from the bench. Early in the [2014–15 season](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Birmingham_City_F.C._season), after scoring two [poacher's goals](/source/goal_poacher) as Birmingham beat [Gillingham](/source/Gillingham_F.C.) in the second round of the League Cup, he admitted he found the situation frustrating.{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-2-gillingham-0-9928594 |title=Birmingham City 2 Gillingham 0: Gary Rowett praises 'poacher' Wes Thomas |first=Brian |last=Dick |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=25 August 2015 |access-date=1 September 2015}}
{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/love-playing-birmingham-city-hopefully-9941158 |title=I love playing for Birmingham City – hopefully I'm here to stay, says Wes Thomas |first=Brian |last=Dick |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=27 August 2015 |access-date=1 September 2015}} He was released by Birmingham when his contract expired at the end of the [2015–16 season](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Birmingham_City_F.C._season).{{cite web |url=http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/mark-duffy-wes-thomas-david-edgar-lee-novak-neal-eardley-3104800.aspx |title=Five players leave Blues |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=11 May 2016 |access-date=11 May 2016 |archive-date=15 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815193520/http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/mark-duffy-wes-thomas-david-edgar-lee-novak-neal-eardley-3104800.aspx |url-status=dead }} ====Swindon Town (loan)==== On the 2015 summer transfer deadline day, Thomas joined League One club [Swindon Town](/source/Swindon_Town_F.C.) on loan until January 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/wes-thomas-joins-on-loan-2663310.aspx |title=Wes Thomas joins on loan |publisher=Swindon Town F.C. |date=1 September 2015 |access-date=1 September 2015}} He scored twice from four league matches in September, but then injured a hamstring and was out for several weeks.{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-boss-gary-rowett-10200438 |title=Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett provides an update on Wes Thomas's loan situation at Swindon Town |first=Brian |last=Dick |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=6 October 2015 |access-date=5 January 2016}} Because Swindon's first-team squad contained eight loanees – the rules allow a maximum of five in the matchday squad – he played only twice more after he returned to fitness in what remained of his loan spell.{{cite news |url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/14177285.Loan_terms_put_the_brakes_on_Smith_staying_with_Tykes/ |title=Barnsley manager Lee Johnson says on-loan Swindon Town striker Michael Smith never had the chance to play his way towards a permanent transfer |first=Matthew |last=Edwards |newspaper=Swindon Advertiser |date=1 January 2016 |access-date=5 January 2016}} ====Bradford City (loan)==== Thomas signed a 93-day emergency loan deal with League One club [Bradford City](/source/Bradford_City_A.F.C.) on 29 January 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/wes-thomas-birmingham-city-2927405.aspx |title=Wes Thomas loaned out |publisher=Birmingham City F.C. |date=29 January 2016 |access-date=29 January 2016}} He made his debut as a half-time substitute in the next day's League One match at home to [Fleetwood](/source/Fleetwood_F.C.). With the scores level in stoppage time, Thomas's shot was pushed onto the crossbar by Fleetwood's goalkeeper and [Steve Davies](/source/Steve_Davies_(footballer%2C_born_1987)) touched home the rebound for a late winner.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/bradford-vs-fleetwood/340420 |title=Bradford 2–1 Fleetwood: Bradford leave it late |publisher=Sky Sports |date=30 January 2016 |access-date=30 January 2016}} He played in ten matches, opening the scoring in a losing cause at home to [Colchester United](/source/Colchester_United) for his only Bradford goal, up to 19 March, but made no further appearances before the end of his loan. ===Oxford United=== Thomas signed a two-year contract with [Oxford United](/source/Oxford_United), newly promoted to League One, on 25 June 2016. He scored his first goal for the club on his league debut, in a 1–1 draw with [Chesterfield](/source/Chesterfield_F.C.) on the opening day of the [2016–17 season](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Oxford_United_F.C._season).{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36930021 |title=Oxford Utd 1–1 Chesterfield |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2016 |access-date=8 August 2016}} In a game against [Coventry City](/source/Coventry_City) in November, he [ruptured his Achilles tendon](/source/Achilles_tendon_rupture) and missed the rest of the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38051585 |title=Wes Thomas: Oxford United striker ruled out for season with Achilles rupture |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016}} In [2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Oxford_United_F.C._season) he scored 11 goals (10 in the league) and was joint top-scorer with [James Henry](/source/James_Henry_(footballer%2C_born_1989)),{{cite web |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2018/july/league-1-spotlight-oxford-united/ |title=League 1 Spotlight: Oxford United |publisher=Wycombe Wanderers |date=24 July 2018 |first=Tom |last=Hancock |access-date=26 August 2018}} but was released at the end of the season,{{cite news |url=http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/16333336.oxford-united-boss-karl-robinson-looking-for-attacking-recruits-with-x-factor/ |title=Oxford United boss Karl Robinson looking for attacking recruits with X factor |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=5 July 2018 |access-date=26 August 2018}} having scored 15 goals for the club in 57 appearances in all competitions over his two seasons.{{Soccerbase|49879|Wes Thomas|accessdate=26 August 2018}} ===Grimsby Town=== On 17 August 2018, Thomas signed a one-year contract with [League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) club [Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.).{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45223645 |title=Wes Thomas: Grimsby Town sign Oxford United striker on one-year deal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 August 2018 |access-date=17 August 2018}} He was released by Grimsby at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48171521|title=Grimsby Town: Top scorer Wes Thomas among four released by Mariners|date=5 May 2019|access-date=8 May 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}} ===Notts County=== On 12 August 2019, Thomas signed for [Notts County](/source/Notts_County_F.C.).{{Cite web | url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2019/august/thomas-signs-100819/ | title=Thomas Signs for Notts County}} On 25 January 2021, Thomas left the club after his contract was mutually terminated.{{cite web |url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2021/january/wes-thomas-departs-250121/ |title=Wes Thomas departs |publisher=Notts County FC |date=25 January 2021 |access-date=25 January 2021}} ==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 7 November 2020}} {| 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](/source/FA_Cup) !colspan=2|[League Cup](/source/EFL_Cup) !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan=3|[Dagenham & Redbridge](/source/Dagenham_%26_Redbridge_F.C.) |[2008–09](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Football_League){{soccerbase season|49879|2008|access-date=4 February 2013}} |[League Two](/source/Football_League_Two) |5||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||5||0 |- |[2009–10](/source/2009%E2%80%9310_Football_League){{soccerbase season|49879|2009|access-date=4 February 2013}} |League Two |23||3||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=StatsFLT|Appearances in [Football League Trophy](/source/Football_League_Trophy)}}||0||26||3 |- !colspan=2|Total !28||3||1||0||1||0||1||0||31||3 |- |[Grays Athletic](/source/Grays_Athletic_F.C.) (loan) |[2008–09](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Football_Conference){{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407073651/http://www.afcb.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10324~44828,00.html |title=Profile: Wes Thomas |publisher=AFC Bournemouth |archive-date=7 April 2012 |url=http://www.afcb.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10324~44828,00.html}}
{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/7767878.stm |title=FA Trophy first round results |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 December 2008 |access-date=4 February 2013}} |[Conference Premier](/source/Conference_Premier) |7||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=FAT|Appearance in [FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy)}}||0||8||2 |- |[Rushden & Diamonds](/source/Rushden_%26_Diamonds_F.C.) (loan) |[2009–10](/source/2009%E2%80%9310_Football_Conference) |Conference Premier |0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||0||0 |- |[Cheltenham Town](/source/Cheltenham_Town_F.C.) |[2010–11](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Cheltenham_Town_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2010|access-date=4 February 2013}} |League Two |41||18||2||1||0||0||0||0||43||19 |- |[Crawley Town](/source/Crawley_Town_F.C.) |[2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_Crawley_Town_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2011|access-date=4 February 2013}} |League Two |6||1||0||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=StatsFLT}}||0||8||1 |- |rowspan=4|[AFC Bournemouth](/source/A.F.C._Bournemouth) |[2011–12](/source/2011%E2%80%9312_A.F.C._Bournemouth_season) |[League One](/source/EFL_League_One) |36||11||2||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||38||11 |- |[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_A.F.C._Bournemouth_season){{soccerbase season|49879|2012|access-date=3 January 2020}} |League One |6||0||1||0||1||0||0||0||8||0 |- |[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_A.F.C._Bournemouth_season) |[Championship](/source/EFL_Championship) |10||0||0||0||2||0||colspan=2|—||12||0 |- !colspan=2|Total !52||11||3||0||3||0||0||0||58||11 |- |[Portsmouth](/source/Portsmouth_F.C.) (loan) |[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Portsmouth_F.C._season) |League One |6||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=StatsFLT}}||0||7||3 |- |[Blackpool](/source/Blackpool_F.C.) (loan) |[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Blackpool_F.C._season) |Championship |9||3||0||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||9||3 |- |[Birmingham City](/source/Birmingham_City_F.C.) (loan) |[2012–13](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Birmingham_City_F.C._season) |Championship |11||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||11||3 |- |[Rotherham United](/source/Rotherham_United_F.C.) |[2013–14](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Rotherham_United_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2013|access-date=8 August 2014}} |League One |13||5||0||0||0||0||3{{efn|name=L1PO|Appearances in [League One Play-Offs](/source/EFL_League_One_play-offs)}}||1||16||6 |- |rowspan=3|Birmingham City |[2014–15](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Birmingham_City_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2014|access-date=2 May 2015}} |Championship |33||4||2||2||2||0||colspan=2|—||37||6 |- |[2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Birmingham_City_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2015|access-date=7 May 2016}} |Championship |0||0||0||0||2||2||colspan=2|—||2||2 |- !colspan=2|Total !33||4||2||2||4||2||colspan=2|—||39||8 |- |[Swindon Town](/source/Swindon_Town_F.C.) (loan) |[2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Swindon_Town_F.C._season) |League One |6||2||0||0||0||0||0||0||6||2 |- |[Bradford City](/source/Bradford_City_A.F.C.) (loan) |[2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_Bradford_City_A.F.C._season) |League One |10||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||10||1 |- |rowspan=3|[Oxford United](/source/Oxford_United_F.C.) |[2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_Oxford_United_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2016|access-date=14 November 2018}} |League One |13||3||0||0||2||1||2{{efn|name=EFT|Appearances in [EFL Trophy](/source/EFL_Trophy)}}||0||17||4 |- |[2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Oxford_United_F.C._season){{soccerbase season |49879|2017|access-date=14 November 2018}} |League One |37||10||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=EFT}}||1||40||11 |- !colspan=2|Total !50||13||1||0||3||1||3||1||57||15 |- |[Grimsby Town](/source/Grimsby_Town_F.C.) |[2018–19](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_Grimsby_Town_F.C._season){{soccerbase season|49879|2018|access-date=20 March 2020}} |League Two |36||11||3||1||0||0||1{{efn|name=EFT}}||0||40||12 |- |[Notts County](/source/Notts_County_F.C.) |[2019–20](/source/2019%E2%80%9320_National_League){{soccerbase season|49879|2019|access-date=20 March 2020}} |National League |32||10||3||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=FAT & Play-Offs|Appearances in [FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy) and National League Play-Offs}}||0||38||10 |- |[Notts County](/source/Notts_County_F.C.) |[2020–21](/source/2020-21_National_League){{soccerbase season|49879|2020|access-date=20 March 2020}} |National League |4||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||4||0 |- !colspan=3|Career total !344||90||15||4||12||3||14||2||385||99 |} {{notelist}} ==Honours== '''Rotherham United''' *[Football League One play-offs](/source/Football_League_One_play-offs): [2014](/source/2014_Football_League_play-offs){{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/leyton-orient-vs-rotherham-united/teams/311706 |title=Starting Lineups - Leyton Or vs Rotherham 25.05.2014 |website=Sky Sports |date=25 May 2014 |access-date=11 November 2025}} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120217061135/http://www.daggers.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10692~44828,00.html Profile] at Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. website *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120407073651/http://www.afcb.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10324~44828,00.html Wes Thomas player profile] at afcb.co.uk *{{Soccerbase}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Wes}} Category:Living people Category:1987 births Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Category:People from Barking, London Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players Category:Waltham Forest F.C. players Category:Thurrock F.C. players Category:Fisher Athletic F.C. players Category:Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. players Category:Grays Athletic F.C. players Category:Rushden & Diamonds F.C. players Category:Cheltenham Town F.C. players Category:Crawley Town F.C. players Category:AFC Bournemouth players Category:Portsmouth F.C. players Category:Blackpool F.C. players Category:Birmingham City F.C. players Category:Rotherham United F.C. players Category:Swindon Town F.C. players Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players Category:Oxford United F.C. players Category:Grimsby Town F.C. players Category:Notts County F.C. players Category:Southern Football League players Category:National League (English football) players Category:English Football League players Category:Black British sportsmen Category:21st-century English sportsmen --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wes Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Thomas) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Thomas?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.