Simon Ainge

Simon Christopher Ainge Date of Birth: Feb 18, 1988

Born in Shipley, West Yorkshire, Simon joined local team Bradford City, signing professional forms in 2006, as an 18 year old. He made his debut for Bradford in the EFL trophy, but found more senior first team minutes hard to come by, therefore joining Halifax Town and Cambridge United on subsequent loan moves.

Simon was released at the end of his initial Bradford City contract, staying local but dropping down the Football Pyramid to play for Bradford Park Avenue, where he was swiftly picked up by Guiseley, becoming a dependable member of their team, making over 100 appearances, becoming Club captain, and being part of the team that achieved promotion to the Conference North, then subsequently leading Guiseley to their highest ever league finish. His performances even earned him International notoriety, with England C, playing against Russia U23s, before captaining the team to a win against Belgium U23s.

Simon's performances, drew the attention of Luton Town Manager Paul Buckle, who brought Ainge in for an initial loan in September 2012, during which he impressed on his debut at home to Southport, leading to the loan to be extended for a further two months, with an agreement for the transfer to become permanent when the January transfer window opened, following which, Ainge was signed for an undisclosed fee. The change of management just one month later saw Ainge drop out of favour at Luton, with John Still transfer listing Simon, and subsequently releasing him upon the conclusion of the 202/13 season, with his final appearance for the Town coming away at Southport, this time as a substitute.

Following his release, Ainge, stayed in the Conference Premier, joining newly promoted Halifax Town, before moving back to Bradford Park Avenue and then Harrogate Town where he found great success as a striker, placing in the National League North Team of the Season. Moves to Wrexham, Darlington, Boston United and Gainsborough Trinity.

Simon moved away from football following his retirement, moving into the recruitment sector.