Vincent de Paul Péricard (born 3 October 1982) is a former professional footballer who played as a forward in France with Saint-Étienne and in Italy with Juventus before moving to England, where he played for several clubs. Born in Cameroon, he played for the France U21 team.

Vincent Péricard
Péricard pictured whilst playing on trial at Cardiff City in August 2009
Personal information
Full name Vincent de Paul Péricard[1]
Date of birth (1982-10-03) 3 October 1982 (age 42)[1]
Place of birth Efok, Cameroon
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
1988–1999 Saint-Étienne
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2000 Saint-Étienne 2 (0)
2000–2002 Juventus 0 (0)
2002–2003Portsmouth (loan) 32 (9)
2003–2006 Portsmouth 12 (0)
2005Sheffield United (loan) 11 (2)
2006Plymouth Argyle (loan) 15 (4)
2006–2009 Stoke City 38 (2)
2008Southampton (loan) 5 (0)
2009Millwall (loan) 2 (0)
2009–2010 Carlisle United 10 (4)
2010–2011 Swindon Town 32 (2)
2011–2012 Havant & Waterlooville 5 (0)
2015 Moneyfields 1 (0)
Total 165 (23)
International career
France U21
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Early life

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Péricard was born in Efok, Cameroon, but moved to France aged 4. He holds citizenship of both countries.[2]

Club career

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Saint-Étienne and Juventus

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Péricard started his career at Saint-Étienne in France at the age of six. In 1999, he advanced to the first team and played two league matches.

He soon came to the attention of Italian Serie A club Juventus, who signed him in 2000. Promised by the media to a bright future, Julien Courbet made a documentary on Péricard entitled "the man who will be worth billions". Péricard made only one appearance for the club in two seasons, as a 61st-minute substitute for Tomás Guzmán in a UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal on 20 March 2002.[3]

Portsmouth

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Despite only making one appearance for Juventus, he attracted the attention of Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.[4]

Péricard initially moved to Portsmouth on loan for the 2002–03 season.[5] Péricard began his Portsmouth career in superb fashion, scoring on his debut in a 2–0 win over Nottingham Forest,[6] although he struggled with injury in the latter half of the season. Despite this, he impressed enough to earn a permanent switch in July 2003, having scored nine times in 32 games as they won the First Division title.

Péricard was a regular in the squad at the start of the 2003–04 season, but broke down with a torn thigh muscle in late September. He returned to the first team in December, but then badly damaged a cruciate ligament in a reserve comeback game. The injury ended his season. He had an operation on the injury in France in the summer of 2004, and spent the whole of the 2004–05 season in rehabilitation following the surgery. In August 2005, following his recovery, he attended a Cameroon national team training camp for a friendly match against French amateur team Villemomble.

In 2005–06 Péricard returned to the first-team squad at Fratton Park. In order to gain match fitness he spent a three-month loan spell with Sheffield United,[7] scoring twice against Millwall[8] and Luton,[9] before joining Plymouth Argyle in a loan deal in February 2006 for the remainder of the season.[10] He scored his first English League hat-trick for Plymouth Argyle in a 3–1 win over Coventry City on 18 February 2006.[11] He was recalled to Portsmouth in May 2006.

Stoke City

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Péricard was released by Portsmouth at the end of the 2005–06 season, signing a three-year contract with Stoke City on a free transfer on 19 June 2006.[12] Péricard was Tony Pulis' first signing as manager of Stoke City, in Pulis' second spell at the club. At first, Péricard impressed at Stoke, scoring against eventual promotion winners Derby County on his home début.[13] He also scored in the League Cup against Darlington,[14] and again in the league against Sunderland.[15] However, his performances later in the season were relatively poor and his place was taken by another former Portsmouth player, Ricardo Fuller.

On 24 August 2007, Péricard was sentenced to four months in prison after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice.[16] This came after he lied about being the driver of a car caught speeding at 103 mph near Plymouth. He was released from prison on 20 September 2007[17] but, following problems with his electronic tag, he was rearrested on 12 October 2007,[18] although he was subsequently re-released later that month.[19] On 14 March 2008, Southampton confirmed the loan signing of Péricard until the end of the season.[20] Upon his return to Stoke, he scored against Reading in a League Cup tie in September 2008.[21]

Péricard made his first Premier League appearance in 0–0 draw with Fulham on 13 December 2008, coming on as a substitute for Danny Pugh. His first start in the Premier League came against Blackburn Rovers. Péricard, after seeing his first team opportunities disappear at Stoke following their promotion to the Premier League, signed a 93-day loan on 20 February 2009 with Millwall.[22] Following the 2008–09 season, Péricard was released from his contract at Stoke.[23]

Carlisle United

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Following his release, he had short trials with Championship sides Bristol City, Cardiff City and Blackpool.[24] On 13 October 2009 Péricard signed for Carlisle United on a contract until January 2010, making his debut on 17 October against Yeovil Town. Pericard scored his first goal for the Cumbrians on his home debut against Southend United.[25] On 24 November 2009, Péricard scored twice in a 4–3 thrilling goal against MK Dons.

The next game on 28 November 2009 against Norwich City, Péricard scored the first goal in the match in a 3–1 win. On 12 December 2009, Péricard scored the only goal in the game in a 1–0 win over Wycombe Wanderers and before the match, Péricard required an injection in his Achilles tendon before scoring the winner.[26] His goalscoring performance and helping the club turn from relegation candidates to play-off contenders led manager Greg Abbott keen to extend Péricard's stay until the end of the season, with a number of clubs interested in giving him a chance to play at a higher level once again.[27] In Response, Péricard is happy to sign a contract extension at Carlisle which end on 12 January.[28] However, Péricard rejected a new contract at Carlisle and left the club.[29]

Swindon Town

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On 14 January 2010, Swindon Town signed Péricard on a free transfer until June 2011 after the forward had rejected a new deal from Carlisle United where Péricard has decided opted to try his luck elsewhere.[30] He made his debut two days later in a 3–1 win over Gillingham, coming on in the 68th minute for Charlie Austin. He made a forceful run into the penalty area and was bundled to the floor gaining a penalty, which Billy Paynter scored.

Péricard scored his first goal for Swindon in the Football League Trophy match against Southampton on 31 August 2010, hitting a 30th minute volley into the back of the net, followed by his second goal in injury time to make it 3–0 and also received a booking.[31] On 18 September 2010, Péricard scored the first goal for Swindon which turned out to be a winning goal in a 2–1 win over Walsall. Scoring three goals in the last four games, Péricard believes he is finally winning over the boo-boys feels his performances have started to silence his critics. he told the Swindon Advertiser "I thought the fans were quite harsh to me but Saturday was the first time they have really appreciated what I have done and hopefully now they are going to be behind me and give me even more belief and confidence to play better, I think everyone can see I'm growing in confidence and hopefully some people are starting to see that they were wrong about me."[32] On 11 October 2010, Péricard scored the first goal for Swindon which again turned out to be a winning goal in a 2–1 win over Bristol Rovers. On 6 November 2010, Péricard scored his last professional career goal in a 4–0 win over Plymouth Argyle in the First Round of the FA Cup. On 15 January 2011, Péricard made his last professional appearance for Swindon in a 1–0 loss against Yeovil Town before been sidelined with a knee injury for the past four weeks and upon his recovering, Péricard play his part in Swindon's survival scrap as he nears his return to fitness.[33] However, Péricard hadn't featured for the rest of the season.

Following Swindon Town's relegation to League Two, Péricard (along with Jakub Jesionkowski) were both released by the club on a free transfer as their contracts expired on 30 June 2011.

Non-League

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After his release from Swindon, Péricard trained with AFC Bournemouth in a bid to revive his career[34] but could not earn a contract. He then signed for Conference South side Havant & Waterlooville,[4] but retired from football in February 2012. In January 2015 he came out of retirement to play for Wessex League club Moneyfields, making his debut on 27 January in a 1–0 win over Folland Sports, which put Moneyfields top of the league.[35]

Personal life

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Péricard set up his own company, Elite Welfare Management, which aims to help "foreign players adapt to their new climate and prevent them from suffering stress, loneliness and depression".[36] He is also involved with Kick It Out, and is a student at Portsmouth University on a business studies course.[35]

International career

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Péricard represented the French U21 side at international level.[22]

Career statistics

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[37]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Saint-Étienne 1999–2000[38] French Division 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Juventus 2000–01[38] Serie A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2001–02[38] Serie A 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 2 0
Total 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
Portsmouth (loan) 2002–03[39] First Division 32 9 1 0 2 1 35 10
Portsmouth 2003–04[40] Premier League 6 0 0 0 1 0 7 0
2004–05[41] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2005–06[42] Premier League 6 0 1 0 0 0 7 0
Total 44 9 2 0 3 1 49 10
Sheffield United (loan) 2005–06[42] Championship 11 2 0 0 0 0 11 2
Plymouth Argyle (loan) 2005–06[42] Championship 15 4 0 0 0 0 15 4
Stoke City 2006–07[43] Championship 29 2 1 0 1 1 31 3
2007–08[44] Championship 5 0 1 0 0 0 6 0
2008–09[45] Premier League 4 0 1 0 3 1 8 1
Total 38 2 3 0 4 2 45 4
Southampton (loan) 2007–08[44] Championship 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Millwall (loan) 2008–09[45] League One 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Carlisle United 2009–10[46] League One 10 4 4 2 0 0 2[b] 0 16 6
Swindon Town 2009–10[46] League One 14 0 0 0 0 0 2[c] 0 16 0
2010–11[47] League One 18 2 3 1 0 0 3[b] 3 23 6
Total 32 2 3 1 0 0 5 3 40 6
Havant & Waterlooville 2011–12[48] Conference South 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Moneyfields 2014–15[49] Wessex League Premier Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Career total 165 23 13 3 7 3 8 3 193 32
  1. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in League One play-offs

Honours

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Portsmouth

Stoke City

References

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  1. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2003). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2003/2004. Queen Anne Press. p. 333. ISBN 1-85291-651-6.
  2. ^ Pericard back after injury and prison BBC Sport, 22 December 2009
  3. ^ Juventus 1-0 Arsenal UEFA
  4. ^ a b "Havant & Waterlooville seal deal for Vincent Pericard". BBC Sport. 7 October 2011. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
  5. ^ "Trio in, three on way". Sky Sports. 5 June 2002. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  6. ^ "Portsmouth 2-0 N Forest". BBC. 10 August 2002. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Striker Pericard loaned to Blades". BBC Sport. 14 September 2005. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  8. ^ "Millwall 0–4 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 18 October 2005. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  9. ^ "Sheff Utd 4–0 Luton". BBC Sport. 1 November 2005. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  10. ^ "Argyle bring in Pericard on loan". BBC Sport. 10 February 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  11. ^ "Plymouth 3–1 Coventry". BBC Sport. 18 February 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  12. ^ "Striker Pericard signs for Stoke". BBC Sport. 19 June 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  13. ^ "Stoke 2–0 Derby". BBC Sport. 8 August 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  14. ^ "Stoke 1–2 Darlington". BBC Sport. 22 August 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  15. ^ "Stoke 2–1 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 17 October 2006. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  16. ^ "Speeding striker jailed for lying". BBC News. 24 August 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
  17. ^ "Pericard released from prison". The World Game. 21 September 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
  18. ^ "Club Statement". Stoke City FC. 12 October 2007. Retrieved 12 October 2007.
  19. ^ "Stoke star Pericard leaves prison". BBC Sport. 25 October 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2008.
  20. ^ "Pericard Moves On". Stoke City FC. 14 March 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  21. ^ "Stoke 2–2 Reading (aet)". BBC Sport. 23 September 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  22. ^ a b "Lions close in on Pericard deal". BBC Sport. 20 February 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2009.
  23. ^ Stoke offer new contract to Diao BBC Sport, 2 June 2009
  24. ^ "Pool Include Pericard In Reserves". Blackpool FC. 9 September 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2009.
  25. ^ "Carlisle 2 – 1 Southend". BBC Sport. 24 October 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
  26. ^ "Injection sees Pericard through". Sky Sports. 13 December 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  27. ^ "Abbott hopes for Pericard stay". Sky Sports. 9 December 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  28. ^ "Pericard keen on Carlisle deal". Sky Sports. 14 December 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  29. ^ "Pericard shuns deal". Sky Sports. 5 January 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  30. ^ "Swindon complete Vincent Pericard signing". BBC Sport. 14 January 2010.
  31. ^ "Southampton 0 – 3 Swindon". BBC Sport. 31 August 2010. Retrieved 1 September 2010.
  32. ^ "Pericard confidence growing". Sky Sports. 21 September 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  33. ^ "Pericard relishing Robins return". Sky Sports. 10 February 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  34. ^ Judd, Nick (14 November 2011). "Péricard trying to rebuild after troubled times". The Independent. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  35. ^ a b Vincent Pericard: Ex-Juventus striker plays in Wessex League BBC Sport, 28 January 2015
  36. ^ Carre, Michael. "From Juve to no way for former Pompey ace". The News. Retrieved 2 March 2012.
  37. ^ "Vincent Pericard". Soccerbase. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  38. ^ a b c "Vincent Péricard - Stats and titles won". www.footballdatabase.eu. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  39. ^ "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  40. ^ "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  41. ^ "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  42. ^ a b c "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  43. ^ "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  44. ^ a b "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  45. ^ a b "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  46. ^ a b "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  47. ^ "Games played by Vincent Péricard in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  48. ^ "France - V. Péricard - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  49. ^ "Vincent Pericard player stats | Wessex Football League". fulltime.thefa.com. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
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