Wikipedia

Lewis Alessandra

Lewis Peter Alessandra (born 8 February 1989) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker or winger.

Lewis Alessandra
Alessandra with York City in 2016
Personal information
Full name Lewis Peter Alessandra[1]
Date of birth (1989-02-08) 8 February 1989 (age 35)[2]
Place of birth Heywood, England
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[3]
Position(s) Striker, winger[4]
Youth career
Roach Dynamos
0000–2007 Oldham Athletic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2011 Oldham Athletic 67 (8)
2009 → Chester City (loan) 0 (0)
2011–2013 Morecambe 82 (7)
2013–2015 Plymouth Argyle 86 (18)
2015–2016 Rochdale 8 (1)
2016 → York City (loan) 11 (2)
2016–2017 Hartlepool United 46 (9)
2017–2019 Notts County 65 (9)
2019–2020 Morecambe 22 (5)
2020–2022 Carlisle United 79 (11)
2022–2023 South Shields 40 (10)
2023–2024 Hyde United 37 (12)
2024 Bury 19 (1)
Total 562 (93)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:29, 2 December 2024 (UTC)

He has played in the English Football League for Oldham Athletic, Morecambe, Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, York City, Hartlepool United and Notts County and Carlisle United. The last full-team that Alessandra played for was South Shields who at the time were in the Northern Premier League. After leaving Shields, he played semi-professionally for Hyde United.

Career

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Oldham Athletic

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Alessandra training with Oldham Athletic in 2009

Alessandra was born in Heywood, Greater Manchester.[5] Along with his teammate Deane Smalley, Alessandra graduated from Oldham Athletic's youth system. He was a regular in the reserve squad, receiving a contract extension in the summer of 2008. The club awarded the youngster a three-year contract.

On 20 October 2007, Alessandra made his first-team debut in a 1–1 draw versus Huddersfield Town,[6] with his first start coming on 2 February 2008 in a loss to Swansea City.[7] His first goal with the senior squad came at Boundary Park in a 3–1 win over Tranmere Rovers on 8 March 2008.[8] On 26 April 2008, Alessandra scored his second league goal in the 87th minute versus Cheltenham Town, giving Oldham a 2–1 win.[9]

In Oldham's first match of the 2008–09 season, Alessandra scored Oldham's third goal in a 4–3 victory over Millwall.[10] He scored his first senior hat-trick on 28 October, in a 3–0 victory over Scunthorpe United.[11]

At the beginning of the 2010–11 season, Alessandra was converted to a wide player for upcoming season by the new manager enabling him to play up front or on either wing. At the end of the campaign his contract expired and he was informed that he would not be offered a new one.[12]

Chester City (loan)

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On 31 July 2009, it was reported that Alessandra was set to join Conference Premier club Chester City on loan.[13] The move was done with the idea of giving the player more time playing and he commented himself that "if he was not getting games with Latics, he might as well go on loan to Chester."[13] The move was initially a trial until the club was able to sign players again. Alessandra scored in a trial match for the club against a Burnley XI and scored his second goal in two matches with an early effort against Droylsden.[14]

After briefly returning to Oldham, Chester confirmed they had signed Alessandra on an initial one-month loan on 21 August.[15] The following day, he made his debut in a scoreless draw versus Luton Town, playing more than 90 minutes before he was substituted for defender Kristian Platt.[16] He made four appearances for Chester[17] but after club was expelled from the Football Conference their record was expunged.[18]

Morecambe

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Alessandra signed for League Two club Morecambe on 23 June 2011.[19] In two years with the club, he made 82 league appearances and scored nine goals playing in a number of different positions. He was offered a new contract at the end of the 2012–13 season and agreed to sign it but then decided against it and joined Plymouth Argyle.[20]

Plymouth Argyle

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Alessandra signed a two-year contract with Plymouth Argyle in June 2013.[21][22] "I know Lewis very well, and his strengths as a striker," said Argyle manager John Sheridan, who gave him his first team debut at Oldham in 2007.[23] "Lewis can play on the right and left of the front line as well as down the middle."[23] Alessandra made his debut in the club's first match of the new season at Southend United,[24] and scored two goals in a League Cup match at Birmingham City three days later.[25] Alessandra scored his first league goal for Argyle against Northampton Town in November.[26] In total Alessandra scored 12 goals in 49 matches in all competitions in his first season with the Pilgrims.

In November 2014, be scored his 18th goal in Argyle colours, scoring in a 3–0 win against Portsmouth. This rose Argyle up to 4th in the table, just off the automatic promotion spots. Alessandra's initial role at Plymouth was to be used as a right midfielder, where he spent the duration of the first half of the Pilgrims' 2013–14 season. Sheridan later saw the Midfielder's attacking attributes and decided to play him as a striker, alongside Reuben Reid. Alessandra ended the season with 12 goals in 49 matches, with Plymouth finishing 10th in League Two. Alessandra scored 13 goals in 51 matches the following season as his team qualified for the League 2 play-offs, but were defeated by Wycombe Wanderers in the semi-final.[27]

Rochdale and Hartlepool United

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Alessandra playing for York City in 2016

On 8 June 2015, Alessandra signed a two-year contract with League One club Rochdale.[28] Having had limited chances at Rochdale,[29] he joined League Two club York City on 8 March 2016 on a one-month emergency loan.[30][31] He scored in the 20th minute of his debut in a 1–1 home draw with Barnet on 12 March 2016.[32]

On 29 June 2016, Alessandra signed for League Two club Hartlepool United on undisclosed terms,[33] after having his contract with Rochdale cancelled by mutual consent.[34]

Notts County and return to Morecambe

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On 26 May 2017, Alessandra signed for League Two club Notts County on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[35] He was released by Notts County at the end of the 2018–19 season.[36]

Alessandra re-signed for League Two club Morecambe on 25 July 2019 on a contract of undisclosed length.[37]

Carlisle United

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On 24 January 2020, Alessandra signed a short-term contract with Carlisle United until the end of the 2019–20 season.[38] He scored his first goal for Carlisle in a 2–1 win against Cambridge United on 29 February 2020.[39] Alessandra was released by the club at the end of the 2021–22.[40]

South Shields

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On 5 August 2022, Alessandra dropped out of the Football League for the first time when he signed for Northern Premier League side South Shields. Shields manager Kevin Phillips said of Alessandra's signing "He is someone who has only ever played league football, so to attract a player of his calibre is a massive coup. He brings brilliant pedigree, experience and leadership qualities, and fits well with the players we have signed this summer and those who were already here."[41] He scored his first goal for the club on 6 September 2022 in a 2–1 win against Guiseley.[42] On 17 September 2022, Alessandra scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 win against Shildon in the FA Cup second qualifying round.[42] He was released by Shields at the end of the 2022–23 season.[43]

Hyde United

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On 24 June 2023, it was announced he had signed for Northern Premier League side Hyde United.[44]

Bury

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In August 2024, he signed for Bury. Upon signing Bury manager Dave McNabb said "Lewis Alessandra is a player who I'm sure many of the fans will be familiar with having spent much of his career in the football league. Lewis has had an unbelievable career and will add some much needed experience to the squad."[45]

On 30 November 2024, Alessandra announced his retirement due to recurring injuries and ongoing work commitments.[46]

Career statistics

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As of match played 2 January 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Oldham Athletic 2007–08[47] League One 15 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 16 2
2008–09[48] League One 32 5 2 0 2 0 1[a] 0 37 5
2009–10[49] League One 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
2010–11[50] League One 19 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 21 1
Total 67 8 4 0 4 0 1 0 76 8
Morecambe 2011–12[51] League Two 42 4 1 0 2 0 1[a] 0 46 4
2012–13[52] League Two 40 3 3 0 2 1 2[a] 0 47 4
Total 82 7 4 0 4 1 3 0 93 8
Plymouth Argyle 2013–14[53] League Two 42 7 5 2 1 2 1[a] 1 49 12
2014–15[54] League Two 44 11 2 0 1 0 4[b] 2 51 13
Total 86 18 7 2 2 2 5 3 100 25
Rochdale 2015–16[32] League One 8 1 0 0 1 0 2[a] 1 11 2
York City (loan) 2015–16[32] League Two 11 2 — — — 11 2
Hartlepool United 2016–17[55] League Two 46 9 2 0 1 0 1[c] 0 50 9
Notts County 2017–18[56] League Two 39 7 4 0 0 0 5[d] 0 48 7
2018–19[57] League Two 26 2 1 0 1 0 1[c] 1 29 3
Total 65 9 5 0 1 0 6 1 77 10
Morecambe 2019–20[58] League Two 22 5 1 0 2 0 1[a] 0 26 5
Carlisle United 2019–20[58] League Two 10 1 — — — 10 1
2020–21[59] League Two 45 8 2 0 1 0 2[c] 1 50 9
2021–22[60] League Two 24 2 1 0 1 0 1[c] 0 27 2
Total 79 11 3 0 2 0 3 1 87 12
South Shields 2022–23[61] NPL Premier Division 16 2 4 3 0 0 1 1 21 6
Career total 422 64 27 5 16 3 20 6 485 78
  1. ^ a b c d e f Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Two appearances and two goals in Football League Trophy, two appearances in League Two play-offs
  3. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  4. ^ Three appearances in EFL Trophy, two in League Two play-offs

Honours

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South Shields

References

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  1. ^ "EFL: Club retained and released lists published". English Football League. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  2. ^ "Lewis Alessandra". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  3. ^ "Lewis Alessandra". Carlisle United F.C. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  4. ^ Curtis, Leigh (25 October 2018). "Lewis Alessandra relishing new role at Notts County as he targets more goals". Nottingham Post. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  5. ^ "Lewis Alessandra". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Huddersfield 1–1 Oldham". BBC Sport. 20 October 2007. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
  7. ^ "Swansea 2–1 Oldham". BBC Sport. 3 February 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
  8. ^ "Oldham 3–1 Tranmere". BBC Sport. 8 March 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
  9. ^ "Oldham 2–1 Cheltenham". BBC Sport. 28 April 2007. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
  10. ^ "Oldham 4–3 Millwall". BBC Sport. 9 August 2008. Retrieved 5 September 2008.
  11. ^ "Oldham 3–0 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 28 October 2008. Retrieved 29 October 2008.
  12. ^ "Lactics offer new contracts". Sky Sports. 9 May 2011. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016.
  13. ^ a b Bugby, Tony (31 July 2009). "Lewis lines up Chester loan". Oldham Evening Chronicle. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016.
  14. ^ "Lewis Alessandra impresses Blues fans". Chester Chronicle. 6 August 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2009.[dead link‍]
  15. ^ "Struggling Chester in triple coup". BBC Sport. 21 August 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  16. ^ "Luton 0–0 Chester". BBC Sport. 22 July 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2009.
  17. ^ "Lewis Alessandra: 2009/10". ESPN FC. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  18. ^ "Chester City results erased from Blue Square Premier". BBC Sport. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
  19. ^ "Morecambe net Gary McDonald & Lewis Alessandra". BBC Sport. 24 June 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  20. ^ "Alessandra quits Morecambe to join Plymouth". The Visitor. Morecambe. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  21. ^ "Alessandra agrees". Plymouth Argyle F.C. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  22. ^ "Plymouth Argyle sign Morecambe's Lewis Alessandra". BBC Sport. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  23. ^ a b Richards, Bill (12 June 2013). "Alessandra puts Pilgrims ahead of Morecambe". Western Morning News. Plymouth. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013.
  24. ^ "Plymouth Argyle start new season with defeat at Southend". Plymouth Herald. 4 August 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  25. ^ Errington, Chris (7 August 2013). "Proud Plymouth Argyle lose thriller in extra-time at Birmingham". Plymouth Herald. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  26. ^ Errington, Chris (2 November 2013). "Plymouth Argyle 1 Northampton Town 0: Match report". Plymouth Herald. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  27. ^ Shepka, Phil (14 May 2015). "Wycombe Wanderers 2–1 Plymouth Argyle". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  28. ^ "Lewis set to join". Rochdale A.F.C. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  29. ^ Flett, Dave (8 March 2016). "Lewis Alessandra joins York City on loan from Rochdale". The Press. York. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  30. ^ "Lewis Alessandra: York sign striker on month-long loan from Rochdale". BBC Sport. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  31. ^ Cope, Niall (8 March 2016). "Minstermen swoop for Alessandra". York City F.C. Archived from the original on 28 March 2016.
  32. ^ a b c "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  33. ^ "Lewis Alessandra: Hartlepool United sign forward after Rochdale exit". BBC Sport. 29 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  34. ^ "Lewis Alessandra departs". Rochdale A.F.C. 29 June 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  35. ^ "Lewis Alessandra: Notts County sign Hartlepool United striker on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 26 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  36. ^ "Notts County: Jon Stead and David Vaughan among 12 released". BBC Sport. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  37. ^ "Lewis Alessandra signs". Morecambe F.C. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  38. ^ "Lewis Alessandra: Carlisle sign forward for rest of season". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  39. ^ "Cambridge 1-2 Carlisle". BBC. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  40. ^ "RETAINED / RELEASED LIST 2022". www.carlisleunited.co.uk. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  41. ^ "Lewis Alessandra signs for South Shields". South Shields. 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  42. ^ a b "Lewis Alessandra". Football Web Pages.
  43. ^ "South Shields FC reveal their retained list after winning promotion". Shields Gazette. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  44. ^ @hydeunited (24 June 2023). "DONE DEAL ✍🏻 We are delighted to announce the signing of striker @LewiAlessandra from @SouthShieldsFC. Having scored goals for @Official_NCFC, @MorecambeFC and @officialcufc in recent seasons, Lewis adds vital experience to the squad! Welcome Lewis 🐯 #OneClub #TigersHyde" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 June 2023 – via Twitter.
  45. ^ "Welcome to Bury: Lewis Alessandra". Bury FC. 10 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  46. ^ "Lewis Alessandra Announces Retirement". buryfc.co.uk. 30 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  47. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  48. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  49. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  50. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  51. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  52. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  53. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  54. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  55. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  56. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  57. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  58. ^ a b "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  59. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  60. ^ "Games played by Lewis Alessandra in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  61. ^ "South Shields | Appearances | Lewis Alessandra | 2022-2023 | Football Web Pages". www.footballwebpages.co.uk.
  62. ^ "Shields clinch title after 1–0 win at Whitby". South Shields FC. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
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