Nathan Arnold
Arnold playing for Mansfield Town in 2008
Personal information
Full name Nathan Anthony Arnold
Date of birth (1987-07-26) 26 July 1987
Place of birth Mansfield, England
Position(s) Attacking midfielder / Winger / Striker
Youth career
000?–2005 Mansfield Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2009 Mansfield Town 104 (13)
2009–2010 Hyde United 35 (9)
2010–2013 Alfreton Town 109 (23)
2013–2015 Cambridge United 35 (3)
2014–2015 → Grimsby Town (loan) 35 (6)
2015–2016 Grimsby Town 40 (8)
2016–2018 Lincoln City 65 (12)
2018 → Salford City (loan) 3 (0)
2018 Boston United 8 (3)
2019 Altrincham 3 (0)
2020 Bourne Town 7 (1)
Total 443 (78)
International career
2008 England C 1 (0)
Managerial career
2020–2021 Bourne Town
2021–2022 Newark Town
2022 Newark and Sherwood United
2022–2023 Cleethorpes Town
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Nathan Anthony Arnold (born 26 July 1987) is an English football manager and former professional footballer.

As a player he was active between 2005 and 2020 and was primarily a winger but could also play as a striker. He played for Lincolnshire sides Grimsby Town and Lincoln City; with The Mariners he scored the third goal in stoppage time to earn Grimsby promotion back to the Football League in a 3–1 victory over Forest Green Rovers at Wembley Stadium in the National League play-off final.[1] The following season he also scored the only goal of the game for a Non-League Lincoln side in a 1–0 win over Ipswich Town in the FA Cup third round and would go on to be part of the Imps side that were eventually knocked out in the Quarter finals by Arsenal. He also played professionally for Mansfield Town and Cambridge United with spells at Non-League sides Hyde United, Alfreton Town, Salford City, Boston United and Altrincham.

Early life

Arnold attended Mansfield's Queen Elizabeth's Secondary School and often played for his own year group's school team as well as years above.

Playing career

Mansfield Town

Arnold came up through the youth team at Mansfield Town,[2] and made his debut against Hereford United in October 2005.[3] He scored his first career goal against Bristol Rovers in December 2005 in his third appearance for Mansfield.[3] By the end of the 2006–07 season, he had made over 30 appearances for Mansfield, scoring four goals,[4] and was offered a new contract in May 2007.[5] By the end of the 2007–08 season, Arnold had made 70 appearances in all competitions for Mansfield.[4]

Hyde

After a trial at Grimsby Town in July, he signed for Hyde United in the Conference North on a free transfer in August 2009, but with a sell-on clause in his contract stating that if he was sold in the future, Mansfield would gain some of the profits. His competitive debut for Hyde came with his first goal in a 1–0 win against Stafford Rangers, and then in the very next game he netted again in a 1–1 draw with Fleetwood Town. He also scored a 25-yard free kick against Salford City in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

At the end of his first season with Hyde he was one of the outstanding players in their team scoring 11 goals in 38 games in all competitions, making him Hyde's second-top scorer, two goals behind David McNiven.[6]

Alfreton Town

Arnold spent only a single season at Hyde before returning to the East Midlands, signing-on for Conference North club Alfreton Town,[7] helping them to win the league and achieve promotion to the Conference National in his first season.[8] Arnold was one of the outstanding performers for the club, and immediately became a fans' favourite. He contributed 13 goals in all competitions over the course of the season.

The 2011–12 season started badly as Arnold missed a large proportion of the first half of the season after breaking his metatarsal which added to Alfreton Town's already lengthy injury list.[9] After returning he scored at both ends in a bizarre game against Hayes & Yeading where there were four goals in injury time and the final score being 3–2.[10] Arnold began to play an integral part in Alfreton Town's upturn in form from the halfway point in the season by contributing goals and assists, and was subsequently named runner-up for the supporters' player of the year for his part in sustaining the team's Conference National status. His contract came to an end at the end of the 2011–12 season and thus became a free agent, and was believed to be in discussions with his former club Mansfield Town despite Alfreton Town stating he had agreed to stay, creating confusion amongst the fans. On 5 June 2012, Alfreton Town announced that he had signed a new one-year contract with the club.[11] He again contributed largely to the team's season by scoring nine goals and again contributing key assists helping them to achieve a comfortable midtable finish. In June 2013 Alfreton manager Nicky Law confirmed that Arnold was unlikely to remain with the club for the following season as he was keen to play League football again.[12]

Cambridge United

He trialled at former club Mansfield Town but was not offered a contract and instead joined Cambridge United on a two-year deal.[13][14] In the first half of the season he played a key part, mainly as an impact player from the bench, in the team's good form which seen them unbeaten for the first 16 games of the season, however the team's form soon dipped around Christmas and Arnold then found himself on the sidelines for periods until the end of the season. It was a compliment to the squad overall that the likes of Arnold and Delano Sam-Yorke amongst others found themselves on the sub's bench on many occasions. He did however play a key role in getting Cambridge United to the FA Trophy final by scoring the winner in the first round against Salisbury City and also against St. Albans City in the second round. He then made an appearance in every game of the cup run including a 20-minute appearance at Wembley Stadium for the final where Cambridge United beat Gosport Borough 4–0 to lift the trophy, and also contributed to them finishing the season in 2nd place and a play-off spot. At the end of the 2014–15 season the club did not offer him a new deal when his contract expired.[15]

Grimsby Town

On 19 July 2014, Arnold joined Grimsby Town on a season long loan deal.[16][17] Although he started his Grimsby Town career injured he went on to establish himself firmly as a first team starter and helped guide them to the play-offs, where he scored two wonderful goals in the 1–2 play off semi-final win over Eastleigh.[18][19] The club narrowly missed out promotion by losing out in the 2015 Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley Stadium to Bristol Rovers on penalties, although Arnold set up Lenell John-Lewis' opening goal with a run from the half-way line and then went on to draw 1–1 after extra time.[20] His efforts over the season earned him a place in the National League team of the year, alongside the league's outstanding players.

On 29 May 2015, he joined the club on a permanent one-year deal after being released by Cambridge United, citing the positivity around the club following their narrow avoidance of promotion, even despite reported interest from Football League teams.[21] Over the course of the 2015/16 season Arnold once again played an integral part in taking Grimsby to the play-off and FA Trophy finals.

Arnold scored the third goal in Grimsby's 3–1 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the 2016 National League play-off final at Wembley, seeing Grimsby promoted to League Two after a six-year absence from the Football League.[22][23]

At the end of the season, he was offered new terms, but after mulling over the contract, Arnold decided to seek a fresh challenge. "Several factors" were behind the decision.[24]

Lincoln City

On 29 July 2016, Arnold signed for Lincoln City; he was signed using money raised from the club's crowd funding scheme. He made his debut for Lincoln in a 3–1 win over Woking.

On 17 January 2017, Arnold scored an injury time goal in a 1–0 FA Cup replay victory over Ipswich Town to enable Lincoln City to reach the Fourth Round of the FA Cup for the first time in 41 years.[25][26] He was part of the team that not only won the National League that season, but also became the first non-league team for over 100 years to reach the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. On 10 February 2017, Arnold joined Salford City until the end of the season.[27] Speaking to the Lincolnshire Echo after his arrival he made comments about the clubs ambitions not matching reality, saying the club was complacent and the professionalism wasn't what it was at Lincoln.[28] The loan move was cancelled shortly afterwards.[29]

Boston United

On 1 June 2018, Arnold left Lincoln City, following a mutual termination of his contract.[30] The following day, he joined Boston United on a one-year contract, which also included a management role.[31]

On 6 October 2018, Arnold left the club by mutual consent.[32]

Altrincham

In June 2019, Arnold signed for Altrincham after six months away from football.[33] He left the club on 21 August 2019.[34]

International career

On 27 August 2008, Arnold received an England C call-up by manager Paul Fairclough along with his Mansfield teammate Jonathan D'Laryea for the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which England lost 6–2.[35]

Managerial career

Arnold joined Bourne Town in August 2020, and was appointed joint player manager alongside Simon Dawes.[36] The team only played nine games before the season was abandoned due to COVID-19 restrictions. He left the club in May 2021.[37]

In June 2021, Newark Town appointed him as their First Team Manager.[38]

Arnold resigned his position with Newark Town at the end of the 2021–22 season and was appointed manager of local rivals Newark and Sherwood United.[39]

On 9 November 2022, Arnold was appointed manager of Cleethorpes Town.[40] He left the club via mutual consent in March 2023.[41]

On 1 November 2023, Arnold was appointed joint manager of Sleaford Town Football Club, working alongside Tom Ward.[42]

Personal life

Arnold has previously spoken about his struggles with anxiety following his mother's sudden death, even suffering an anxiety attack on the morning of Lincoln's title clinching 2–1 victory against Macclesfield Town in 2017.[43]

"There were probably 20 games out of the 51 that I played last season when I was dealing with anxiety in my own way and just trying to battle through."

— Nathan Arnold, speaking to Lincolnshire Live in July 2017.

Career statistics

Club

As of 19 August 2019[4][44]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Mansfield Town 2005–06[3] League Two 8110001[lower-alpha 1]0 101
2006–07[45] 22310001[lower-alpha 1]0 243
2007–08[46] 32420101[lower-alpha 1]0 364
2008–09[47] Conference Premier 42511—00 436
Total 10413511030 11314
Hyde United 2009–10[48] Conference North 35921—1[lower-alpha 2]1 3811
Alfreton Town 2010–11[49] 36820—8[lower-alpha 3]5 4613
2011–12[50] Conference Premier 28610—4[lower-alpha 4]2 338
2012–13[51] 45931—4[lower-alpha 5]1 5211
Total 1092361—168 13132
Cambridge United 2013–14[52] Conference Premier 35310—82 445
Grimsby Town (loan) 2014–15[53] Conference Premier 34610—10 366
Grimsby Town 2015–16[54] National League 40830—4[lower-alpha 6]5 4713
Lincoln City 2016–17 National League 451271—005213
2017–18 League Two 20010102[lower-alpha 1]0240
Total 65128110207613
Salford City 2017–18 National League North3000—0030
Boston United 2018–19 National League North 8 3 0 0 — 0 0 8 3
Altrincham 2019–20 National League North 3 0 0 0 — 0 0 3 0
Career total 4367726420351649997
  1. 1 2 3 4 Appearance in the Football League Trophy
  2. ↑ Appearance in the Cheshire Senior Cup
  3. ↑ Six appearances and two goals in the FA Trophy, two appearances and three goals in the Derbyshire Senior Cup
  4. ↑ Three appearances and two goals in the FA Trophy, one appearance in the Derbyshire Senior Cup
  5. ↑ One appearance in the FA Trophy, three appearances and one goal in the Derbyshire Senior Cup
  6. ↑ One appearance in the FA Trophy, three appearances in Play-offs with One Goal

Honours

Club

Alfreton Town
Cambridge United
Grimsby Town
Lincoln City

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Forest Green Rovers 1-3 Grimsby Town". BBC Sport.
  2. ↑ "Nathan Arnold profile". Mansfield Town F.C. Archived from the original on 12 April 2008. Retrieved 15 April 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  4. 1 2 3 "Nathan Arnold". Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  5. ↑ "Stags offer deals to 11 players". BBC Sport. 9 May 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  6. ↑ Arnold Second top goalscorer
  7. ↑ Alfreton sign Arnold
  8. ↑ "Alfreton Town's Nicky Law relishing well-earned break". BBC Sport. 27 April 2011. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  9. ↑ "Alfreton hit with Arnold injury". BBC News. 25 August 2011.
  10. ↑ "Alfreton Town 3–2 Hayes & Yeading". BBC News. 26 November 2011.
  11. ↑ "Arnold commits to Alfreton for another season". Alfreton Town F.C. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  12. ↑ "Law: Next season will be the toughest yet". Alfreton Town F.C. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  13. ↑ "Striker-seeking Stags box Paul Cox hopes storms do not wash out Rainworth friendly". Mansfield Chad. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  14. ↑ "Nathan Arnold signs for the U's". Cambridge United F.C. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  15. ↑ "U's retained list confirmed". Cambridge United. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  16. ↑ "Attacker Joins Town". Grimsby Town F.C. 19 July 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  17. ↑ "Grimsby Town sign Cambridge United forward". BBC Sport. 20 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  18. ↑ "Eastleigh 1–2 Grimsby". BBC Sport. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  19. ↑ "Mariners set sail in play-offs through two Nathan Arnold stunners". Sky Sports. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  20. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 1–1 Grimsby". BBC Sport. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  21. ↑ "Nathan Arnold's delight at new Grimsby Town deal". Grimsby Telegraph. 30 May 2015. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  22. ↑ "Forest Green 1–3 Grimsby". BBC Sport. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  23. ↑ "Grimsby secure promotion back to Football League at Wembley". Sky Sports. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  24. ↑ "Nathan Arnold EXIT: Former Grimsby Town man confirms decision". Grimsby Telegraph. 21 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  25. ↑ Strickland, Jamie (17 January 2017). "Lincoln City 1 Ipswich Town 0". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  26. ↑ "Injury-time goal gives Lincoln incredible win". BBC Sport. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  27. ↑ "Arnold Makes Loan Move".
  28. ↑ Johnson, Alan (4 March 2018). "Nathan Arnold speaks candidly on his move to Salford City". Lincolnshire Echo. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  29. ↑ Badcock, Matt (21 June 2018). "Nathan Arnold: I'm ready to begin my new vocation". The Non-League Paper. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  30. ↑ "Nathan Arnold makes Sincil Bank exit".
  31. ↑ Singleton, Craig (2 June 2018). "Arnold is first summer signing". Boston United F.C. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  32. ↑ Elliott looks to bring in fresh faces as five depart Boston United, bostonstandard.co.uk, 6 October 2018
  33. ↑ "Major coup for Alty as Arnold signs on at the J.Davidson Stadium | Altrincham Football Club".
  34. ↑ Nathan Arnold Leaves Altrincham, altrinchamfc.com, 21 August 2019
  35. ↑ "England C taste defeat". The FA. 17 September 2008. Retrieved 17 December 2010.
  36. ↑ "Wakes appoint new joint manager". 25 August 2020.
  37. ↑ "Nathan Arnold leaves Bourne Town". 15 May 2021.
  38. ↑ "Former Lincoln City pro takes Newark Town job". 16 June 2021.
  39. ↑ "On the move! Former Boston United players find new clubs".
  40. ↑ https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/cleethorpestown/news/owls-appoint-nathan-arnold-2741827.html
  41. ↑ https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/cleethorpestown/news/club-statement--nathan-arnold-2770385.html
  42. ↑ https://www.sleafordtownfc.com/news/big-news-greens-2813963.html
  43. ↑ "'It was crippling me' - Imps winger opens up about battle with anxiety". 6 July 2017.
  44. ↑ Nathan Arnold at Soccerway
  45. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  46. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  47. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  48. ↑ "Player statistics: Nathan Arnold". Hyde F.C. unofficial database. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  49. ↑ "2010–11 appearances and goals". Alfreton Town F.C. Archived from the original on 29 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  50. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  51. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  52. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  53. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  54. ↑ "Games played by Nathan Arnold in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  55. ↑ "Rovers players in team of the season". Bristol Rovers. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
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