Wikipedia

Kevin Toner

Kevin Stephen Toner (born 18 July 1996) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Orihuela in the Segunda Federación. Although he plays as a centre-back usually, Toner has also played at left-back.[2] Toner is a product of the Aston Villa academy, having been signed as youngster from Home Farm. He spent time on loan from Aston Villa at Kidderminster Harriers, Walsall, Bradford City and Stevenage. He left Villa in 2018, spending 2 years with St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Kevin Toner
Personal information
Full name Kevin Stephen Toner
Date of birth (1996-07-18) 18 July 1996 (age 28)
Place of birth Ashbourne, Ireland
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 Orihuela
Youth career
2006–2012 Ashbourne United
2010–2012 Home Farm
2012–2015 Aston Villa
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2017 Aston Villa 4 (0)
2015 → Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 6 (0)
2016–2017 → Walsall (loan) 16 (0)
2017 → Bradford City (loan) 2 (1)
2017 → Stevenage (loan) 6 (0)
2018–2019 St Patrick's Athletic 56 (7)
2020–2024 La Nucía 92 (3)
2024– Orihuela 7 (0)
International career
2013–2015 Republic of Ireland U19 8 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13 October 2024

Club career

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Aston Villa

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Toner joined the Aston Villa academy in 2012 from Home Farm having earlier played for his hometown club Ashbourne United.[3][4] Having progressed through the academy and the development squad, where he was captain,[5] Toner signed a contract with the club in July 2015, ending all the transfer speculation.[6]

On 23 April 2016, Toner made his senior début for already-relegated Aston Villa, coming on as a second-half substitute for Micah Richards in a Premier League match against Southampton.[7] He made his first start for the Villans a week later in a 3–2 defeat to Watford.[8] The club's caretaker Eric Black described his performance as "outstanding and deserves enormous credit, as he kept his head held high and he has performed at Premier League level."[9]

Loan Spells

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Kidderminster Harriers
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On 18 September 2015, Toner was loaned to Kidderminster Harriers of the National League for one month.[10] He made his senior debut the next day in a 0–2 loss to Lincoln City at Aggborough.[11] Toner quickly established himself in the left-back position, making a total of six games (all starts) for the Worcestershire club before returning to his parent club in mid-October after suffering an injury.[12] Following his loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers came to an end, Toner later paid tribute to the club, saying: "It was good. It was just different. It was nice to be out playing men's football and seeing what it was all about. It's all about getting points on the board and not so much just playing football – you have to make sure you win. That's the main part at the end of it all. But it was good to just go out and see. It's a lot more physical so you have to be able to step and show you're not just a kid – you're there as a man as well."[13]

Walsall
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On 26 August 2016, Toner signed a new two-year deal with the club, and immediately joined League One side Walsall on loan until January 2017.[14] He made his Walsall debut the next day, starting the whole game, in a 3–3 draw against Bury.[15] Since making his debut for the club, Toner quickly established himself in the starting eleven, playing in the centre-back position and was praised by his teammate, James O'Connor for his performance.[16] This lasted until he was replaced by Matt Preston.[17] As a result, his loan spell was not renewed and returned to his parent club.[18]

Bradford City
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Several weeks after leaving Walsall, Toner signed on loan for Bradford City on transfer deadline day, 31 January 2017, alongside Charlie Wyke, Jacob Hanson and Matt Penney.[19] However, he appeared on the substitute bench in number of games, having behind a third-choice centre-back position behind Rory McArdle and Romain Vincelot.[20] It wasn't until on 26 March 2017 when he scored on his debut for the club, in a 3–2 loss against Scunthorpe United.[21] Toner made another appearance for the club in the last game of the season, playing in the left-back position, in a 1–1 draw against Rochdale.[22] At the end of the 2016–17 season, he returned to his parent club.[23]

Stevenage
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On 24 August 2017, Toner signed for Stevenage on a season-long loan.[24] Two days later, he made his Stevenage debut, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 1–0 win over Barnet.[25] He then made his first start on 29 August 2017, playing 90 minutes, in a 6–2 loss against Oxford United in the EFL Trophy Group-Stage campaign.[26] However, he struggled in the first team at Stevenage and appeared as an unused substitute.[27] Toner was sent-off on 28 October 2017 against Yeovil Town, just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute after half-time, in a 3–2 loss; in which he served a three match ban.[28] By the time of his departure, Toner made nine appearances for the club.

St Patrick's Athletic

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It was announced on 20 December 2017 that Toner had left Villa and returned home to Ireland, signing a two-year contract with St Patrick's Athletic ahead of the 2018 season.[29] Toner scored on his debut in a 3–1 win away to Bray Wanderers in the Leinster Senior Cup, heading home a Conan Byrne cross.[30] Toner's league debut was an eventful one, with Pat's 2–0 down, he was on the receiving end of an elbow to the face from Cork City striker Graham Cummins after 26 minutes, which resulted in a red card that changed the game. Pat's got the game back to 2–2 before conceding direct from a corner and undeservedly losing to the champions.[31] Toner's first league goal came on 5 April 2018 in a 5–0 win over Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park, he also made a goal line clearance with an incredible scorpion kick in the same game.[32] Toner finished the season with 6 goals in 37 appearances, impressing fans with his aerial ability. 2019 saw the Saint's struggle with inconsistency in the league but Toner saw his first taste of European football when he played both legs of the club's UEFA Europa League tie against IFK Norrköping of Sweden, losing 2–0 at home[33] and 2–1 away.[34] Toner finished the season with 3 goals in 30 games in all competitions.[35] Toner announced on 26 October 2019 via his Instagram account that he would be leaving the Saints after his contract had expired, amidst reports of a falling out with new manager Stephen O'Donnell.[36]

La Nucía

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On 24 November 2019 it was announced that Toner had signed for Leinster Senior League side Kilmore Celtic.[37] After his very short spell of non league football in Ireland which ended before he made an appearance due Toner's job seeing him move to Spain, it was announced on 17 September 2020 that he had signed for Segunda División B side CF La Nucía.[38] In January 2023, he featured against La Liga side Valencia CF in the Copa del Rey.[39]

Orihuela

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On 21 June 2024, Toner signed for fellow Segunda Federación side Orihuela CF for the 2024–25 season.[40]

Personal life

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Born in Ashbourne, County Meath, Ireland,[5] His family comes from a sporting background: his uncle, Mark Dwyer, was a Gold Cup winning jockey; his father, Brendan, was a footballer for Mansfield Town; and his mother was a golfer, who plays "at a seven handicap".[41][42] Toner said meeting Paul McGrath left him starstruck, having described him as "a total hero in Ireland".[41]

International career

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Having previously represented U15 and U16 side,[43] Toner scored on his Republic of Ireland U19 debut on 5 September 2013, in a 2–0 win over Slovenia U19.[44] He went on to make eight appearances and scoring once for the Republic of Ireland U19 side.

In August 2016, Toner was called up by Republic of Ireland U21 squad.[45] However, he appeared twice as an unused substitute, against Slovenia U21 and Serbia U21.[46]

Career statistics

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As of match played on 4 February 2024
Appearances and goal by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aston Villa 2015–16[47] Premier League 4 0 0 0 0 0 — — 4 0
2016–17[48] EFL Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Total 4 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 4 0
Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 2015–16[47] National League 6 0 0 0 — — 0 0 6 0
Walsall (loan) 2016–17[48] EFL League One 16 0 1 0 0 0 — 3[a] 0 20 0
Bradford City (loan) 2016–17[48] 2 1 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 2 1
Stevenage (loan) 2017–18[49] EFL League Two 6 0 0 0 0 0 — 3[a] 0 9 0
St Patrick's Athletic 2018[35] League of Ireland Premier Division 30 4 2 0 1 0 — 4[b] 2 37 6
2019[35] 26 3 1 0 0 0 2[c] 0 1[b] 0 30 3
Total 56 7 3 0 1 0 2 0 4 2 67 9
La Nucía 2020–21[35] Segunda División B 16 0 2 0 – – 0 0 18 0
2021–22[35] Segunda Federación 32 1 0 0 – – 0 0 32 1
2022–23[35] Primera Federación 27 1 3 0 – – 0 0 30 1
2023–24[35] Segunda Federación 17 1 0 0 – – 0 0 17 1
Total 92 3 5 0 – – 0 0 97 3
Orihuela 2024–25[35] Segunda Federación 0 0 0 0 – – 0 0 0 0
Career total 183 11 9 0 1 0 2 0 10 2 202 13
  1. ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy
  2. ^ a b Appearances in Leinster Senior Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

References

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  1. ^ Kevin Toner at WorldFootball.net
  2. ^ "Republic of Ireland U19 Squad Profiles 2013-14". Football Association of Ireland Website. 14 August 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  3. ^ "Kevin Toner". FAI.
  4. ^ "Kevin Toner". Aston Villa.
  5. ^ a b "All you need to know about the Irish teenager who's just made his full PL debut". The 42.ie. 2 May 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Aston Villa gossip: Under 21s starlet chased by Norwich City, Leicester City, Newcastle United and Stoke City". Birmingham Mail. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
    "Aston Villa: Highly rated rookie ready to sign". Birmingham Mail. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  7. ^ "Aston Villa 2-4 Southampton". BBC Sport.
  8. ^ "Watford 3 Aston Villa 2 - Report and pictures « Express & Star". www.expressandstar.com. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  9. ^ "Verdict on Aston Villa rookie Kevin Toner's performance against Newcastle United". Birmingham Mail. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Aston Villa defender Kevin Toner joins Kidderminster on loan". BBC Sport.
  11. ^ "Match Report: Kidderminster Harriers 0 Lincoln City 2". Express and Star. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  12. ^ "Dave Hockaday demands winning mentality ahead of crunch Southport clash". The Kidderminister Shuttle. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
    "Colin Gordon and Dave Hockaday will collaborate over player signings". The Kidderminister Shuttle. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  13. ^ "Aston Villa rumour mill and news digest: Eric Black tips David Moyes for Celtic; Ron Vlaar future uncertain; Toner is ready; Gardner's tweet". Birmingham Mail. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  14. ^ "Toner signs new two-year deal". www.avfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016.
    "Walsall sign Aston Villa's Kevin Toner on loan". Express and Star. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  15. ^ "Walsall 3 Bury 3 - Report and pictures". Express and Star. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  16. ^ "Aston Villa scouting report: Here's how Kevin Toner is getting on at Walsall". Birmingham Mail. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
    "James O'Connor praises Walsall partner Kevin Toner". Express and Star. 15 October 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  17. ^ "Walsall have the edge over Sheffield United says Jon Whitney". Express and Star. 29 November 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  18. ^ "Jon Whitney confirms Kevin Toner and Josh Ginnelly Walsall departures". Express and Star. 3 January 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  19. ^ "Bradford City sign Charlie Wyke, Jacob Hanson, Kevin Toner and Matthew Penney". BBC Sport. 31 January 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  20. ^ "Kevin Toner keen for Bradford City to settle score with Scunthorpe in play-offs". The Telegraph and Argus. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  21. ^ "Curse-S! Bradford City miss out in thriller at Scunthorpe". The Telegraph and Argus. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  22. ^ "Rochdale 1-1 Bradford: Draw at Spotland". Sky Sports. 30 April 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  23. ^ "No new deal for Bantams defender Darby". The Telegraph and Argus. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  24. ^ "Kevin Toner:Stevenage Sign Aston Villa defender on year-long loan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  25. ^ "Barnet 0 - 1 Stevenage". BBC Sport. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  26. ^ "Stevenage 2-6 Oxford as The U's rout young Boro side". The Comet. 29 August 2017. Archived from the original on 5 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  27. ^ "Gardner, Gil, Gollini and Co - How Aston Villa's loan contingent are getting on". Birmingham Mail. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  28. ^ "Yeovil Town 3 - 2 Stevenage". BBC Sport. 28 October 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
    "Stevenage v Coventry preview". Sky Sports. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  29. ^ "St Patrick's Athletic sign defender Kevin Toner from Aston Villa". The Irish Times.
  30. ^ "Result: Bray 1 - Saints 3". www.stpatsfc.com.
  31. ^ "League Preview: St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Cork City". ExtraTime.com.
  32. ^ Buttner, Paul (6 April 2018). "Saints stick five past sorry Seagulls". RTÉ.ie.
  33. ^ "Extratime.ie - Live Updates - 2019/2020 Europa League First Qualifying Round - St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Norrkoping". www.extratime.ie.
  34. ^ "Norrköping-St Patrick's - UEFA Europa League - Line-ups". UEFA.com.
  35. ^ a b c d e f g h "Republic of Ireland - K. Toner - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway".
  36. ^ "Kenin Toner on Instagram (Private account)".
  37. ^ Dempsey, Andrew. "Former Republic of Ireland underage international Kevin Toner joins Kilmore Celtic". extratime.com.
  38. ^ @cfnucia (17 September 2020). "CFLN Comunicado Oficial | @kevintoner60 nuevo fichaje del @cfnucia. 🖊️El central de 24 años, que jugó en la..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ McCadden, Mark (5 January 2023). "Former Premier League and League of Ireland man dreams of playing in La Liga". Irish Mirror.
  40. ^ "x.com".
  41. ^ a b "Exclusive interview: Toner on sporting family, senior starts and meeting God". Aston Villa F.C. 11 May 2016. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  42. ^ "Aston Villa's Kevin Toner - I knew I had to be good to fit in with my family!". 11 May 2016.
  43. ^ "Kevin Toner". Football Association of Ireland Website. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  44. ^ "REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U19 2-0 SLOVENIA U19 - KEVIN TONER BAGS DEBUT GOAL AS BOYS IN GREEN EASE TO VICTORY". Goal.com. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  45. ^ "Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad named for European qualifiers". RTE Sport. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  46. ^ "VIDEO: Ireland U21 2-0 Slovenia U21". Football Association of Ireland Website. 2 September 2016. Archived from the original on 4 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
    "Ireland U21 eliminated from Euro 2017 contention after tough night in Serbia". The Irish Independent. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  47. ^ a b "Games played by Kevin Toner in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  48. ^ a b c "Games played by Kevin Toner in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  49. ^ "Games played by Kevin Toner in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
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