John Bostock Explained

John Bostock
Full Name:John Joseph Bostock[1]
Birth Date:15 January 1992
Birth Place:Camberwell, England[2]
Height:1.88m (06.17feet)[3]
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Solihull Moors
Youthyears1:1999–2007
Youthclubs1:Crystal Palace
Years1:2007–2008
Clubs1:Crystal Palace
Caps1:4
Goals1:0
Years2:2008–2013
Clubs2:Tottenham Hotspur
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:2009–2010
Clubs3:Brentford (loan)
Caps3:9
Goals3:2
Years4:2010–2011
Clubs4:Hull City (loan)
Caps4:11
Goals4:2
Years5:2012
Clubs5:Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
Caps5:4
Goals5:0
Years6:2012–2013
Clubs6:Swindon Town (loan)
Caps6:11
Goals6:0
Years7:2013
Clubs7:Toronto FC (loan)
Caps7:7
Goals7:0
Years8:2013–2014
Clubs8:Royal Antwerp
Caps8:31
Goals8:1
Years9:2014–2016
Clubs9:OH Leuven
Caps9:51
Goals9:18
Years10:2016–2018
Clubs10:Lens
Caps10:42
Goals10:5
Years11:2018
Clubs11:Bursaspor
Caps11:8
Goals11:0
Years12:2018–2020
Clubs12:Toulouse
Caps12:16
Goals12:0
Years13:2019–2020
Clubs13:Nottingham Forest (loan)
Caps13:7
Goals13:0
Years14:2021–2022
Caps14:39
Goals14:0
Years15:2022–2024
Caps15:60
Goals15:3
Years16:2024–
Clubs16:Solihull Moors
Caps16:0
Goals16:0
Nationalyears1:2006–2007
Nationalteam1:England U16
Nationalcaps1:6
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2007–2009
Nationalteam2:England U17
Nationalcaps2:25
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2009–2010
Nationalteam3:England U19
Nationalcaps3:9
Nationalgoals3:2
Club-Update:17:10, 25 May 2024 (UTC)

John Joseph Bostock (born 15 January 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Solihull Moors.[4]

Bostock made his professional debut for Crystal Palace at the age of 15. In 2008, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur for an initial £700,000. He played only four games for Tottenham, none of which were in the Premier League, spending most of his time on loan at various clubs in the English Football League, and later with Toronto FC. In 2013, Bostock was released and moved to Belgium, representing Royal Antwerp and OH Leuven. In summer 2016, he joined French side Lens where he stayed for one and a half seasons.

Born in England, Bostock represented the country up to under-19 level. In 2016, he chose to represent his ancestral Trinidad & Tobago at full international level, although he has yet to appear for them.

Club career

Crystal Palace

Bostock began his career with Crystal Palace at the age of five. At the age of 14 he was offered a contract by Spanish club Barcelona.

Bostock made his league debut on 29 October 2007 at the age of 15 years and 287 days, playing 20 minutes as a substitute for Ben Watson in a 2–0 defeat to Watford at Selhurst Park, making him Palace's youngest ever player.[5] He also became the youngest ever Palace player to start a game,[6] aged 15 years and 295 days, on 6 November 2007 against Cardiff City at Ninian Park.[7]

Tottenham Hotspur

On 30 May 2008, Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Bostock on their club website.[8] Crystal Palace later issued a statement denying reports that an agreement had been reached with Tottenham.[9] Tottenham and Crystal Palace entered negotiations over the transfer fee, but agreement could not be reached, leading to the sum being decided at a tribunal. On 9 July, the tribunal declared that Tottenham would pay £700,000 for Bostock, with add-on payments of up to £1.25m dependent on appearances and a further £200,000 should he make his full international debut. A sell-on clause entitled Crystal Palace to 15% of any profit Tottenham makes from any future sale of Bostock's contract.[10] [11] Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan said he was so disgusted with Bostock and his stepfather that he intended to revoke and refund their Selhurst Park season tickets for 2008–09, which the pair had already purchased.[12]

Bostock made his first team debut for Spurs in an 8–0 pre-season win over Spanish side Tavernes, providing the cross for Aaron Lennon's opening goal.[13] On 6 November 2008, he made his competitive match debut in the 2008 UEFA Cup game against Dinamo Zagreb, coming on as a substitute, and becoming the youngest player ever to play for Spurs at 16 years, 295 days, just beating the previous record-holder Ally Dick by six days.[14] [15] Bostock made a further two appearances in the UEFA Cup that season, however his career with Tottenham stalled after that and had to wait until January 2012 for his next appearance, in an FA Cup match against Cheltenham Town.[16]

Loan spells

On 13 November 2009, Bostock joined League One club Brentford on loan for a month,[17] he was handed the number 17 shirt immediately. Bostock scored twice on his debut against Millwall.[18]

On 6 August 2010, Bostock had joined newly relegated Hull City on a season-long loan.[19] He scored with a 30-yard strike described as a "wonder goal" on his debut against Swansea on 7 August.[20] On 31 December 2010, Tottenham Hotspur announced that Bostock had returned early from his largely unsuccessful loan spell at Hull City.

Bostock joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan on 30 January 2012 for the remainder of the 2011–12 season.[21] He made his debut the following day as a substitute in a 1–1 draw with MK Dons.[22] He was recalled to Spurs in March after playing only four games.[23]

Bostock joined Swindon Town on loan on 22 March 2012 for the remainder of the season, after Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said it would be good for him to play under Paolo Di Canio.[24] He made his debut on 25 March in the 2012 Football League Trophy Final, which Swindon lost 2–0 to Chesterfield.[25] He made his league debut against Gillingham on 21 April.[26] He made his home debut on 28 April, in a 5–0 win against Port Vale in a game that saw Swindon crowned League Two champions.[27] He made his final appearance on the final day of the season in a 0–0 draw against Bradford.[28]

He returned on loan to Swindon on 30 August 2012 until January 2013.[29] He made his first appearance 2 days later against Preston.[30] He made his home debut on 5 September in the Football League Trophy against rivals Oxford United.[31] Bostock returned to Tottenham on 7 January 2013.[32]

In February 2013, it was reported that Bostock was having trials with two different MLS clubs with a view to a loan move.[33] [34] He officially joined Toronto FC on 8 March,[35] and made his debut for team the following day in a 2–1 home victory over Sporting Kansas City where he was substituted in the 85th minute.[36] On 24 May, Bostock was given a waiver (release) by Toronto, ending his loan stint with the club.[37] On 7 June, the Premier League confirmed that Bostock was one of a number of Premier League players who were being released by their clubs and were now free agents, advertising their availability to other clubs.[38] The official announcement from Tottenham was made on 10 June, which included Bostock, amongst a number of Spurs players who would not be re-signed and were being released.[39]

Royal Antwerp

On 11 July 2013, Bostock joined Royal Antwerp in the Belgian second division under the tutelage of manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Despite scoring just one goal he flourished at Antwerp providing 16 assists in his first season and soon became a fans favourite helping the team to finish 6th in the league narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

OH Leuven

His strong performances earned him a move to newly relegated side Oud-Heverlee Leuven, where he continued to blossom. In his second season in Belgium, Bostock went on to help his new side OHL win promotion via the playoffs. Along the way he scooped the Proximus Player of the Season Award after scoring 13 goals and providing 19 assists.[40]

Lens

On 5 July 2016, Bostock joined Ligue 2 team RC Lens on a two-year deal.[41] [42]

On 9 August 2016, Bostock scored his first goal for Lens with a 26th-minute free-kick against AC Ajaccio in the first round of the Coupe de la Ligue.[43] He scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–0 win over Nîmes on 15 August 2016.[44] He scored an eighth-minute penalty in a 1–1 draw with Troyes on 26 August 2016[45] before scoring twice in a 4–2 win over Orléans on 20 September 2016.[46] He scored his fifth league goal of the season with a penalty against Red Star on 30 September 2016. Bostock was named Ligue 2 player of the month in September and then again in October 2016. He was awarded Ligue 2 player of the year after his first season in French football on 15 May 2017.[47]

Bursaspor

In January 2018, Bostock signed with Süper Lig side Bursaspor, having agreed a -year contract with the club.[48]

Toulouse

In July 2018, Bostock returned to France signing a three-year contract with Toulouse FC, managed by his former Lens boss Alain Casanova.[49]

On 8 August 2019, Bostock returned to England with a season-long loan to Championship side Nottingham Forest.[50]

He left Toulouse by mutual consent in October 2020.[51]

Doncaster Rovers

Bostock joined League One club Doncaster Rovers on an 18-month contract in January 2021.[52] On 1 June 2022, following Doncaster Rovers's relegation from League One, it was announced that he had turned down a new contract and would be leaving the club.[53] He made 39 league appearances for the club.[53]

Notts County

On 7 December 2022, Bostock signed for National League club Notts County on an eighteen-month contract.[54] In the 2023 National League play-off final, Bostock scored an 87th minute equaliser against Chesterfield to send the match to extra time.[55] In the penalty shootout, Bostock attempted a Panenka penalty but hit the bar.[56] However, Notts County would prevail 4–3 to earn promotion.[55] He was released by the team after the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season.[57]

Solihull Moors

On 27 July 2024, it was announced that Bostock signed for National League side Solihull Moors. He signed a two-year deal.[58]

International career

Bostock captained England at Under-17 level.[6]

He was eligible to represent England, Trinidad & Tobago and Scotland. In March 2013, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation announced that he had shown interest in representing the Soca Warriors at international level.[59] Three years later, on 18 March 2016, he was selected for the double confrontation with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification CONCACAF fourth round.[60]

Personal life

Bostock is a devout Christian.[61] His family support Crystal Palace.[61] As of November 2020 he had been married for ten years and had a young son.[61]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Crystal Palace2007–08Championship401050
Tottenham Hotspur2008–09Premier League00003030
2010–11Premier League00000000
2011–12Premier League0010000010
Total0010003040
Brentford (loan)2009–10League One9210102
Hull City (loan)2010–11Championship112112
Sheffield Wednesday (loan)2011–12League One4040
Swindon Town (loan)2011–12League Two301040
Swindon Town (loan)2012–13League One801090
Toronto FC (loan)2013MLS702090
Royal Antwerp2013–14[62] Belgian Second Division291291
2014–15Belgian Second Division2020
Total31100000000311
OH Leuven2014–15Belgian Second Division2611523113
2015–16Belgian Pro League25720277
Total5118200000525820
Lens2016–17Ligue 231511326
2017–18Ligue 21101020140
Total42510310000466
Bursaspor2017–18Süper Lig800080
Toulouse2018–19Ligue 11601010180
Nottingham Forest (loan)2019–20Championship70002090
Doncaster Rovers2020–21League One18000180
2021–22League One210101020250
Total39010100020430
Notts County2022–23National League23121252
2023–24League Two37210100020412
Total60310100041664
Career total30031110813013333535

Honours

Swindon Town

OH Leuven

2015

Notts County

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Notification of shirt numbers: Nottingham Forest . English Football League . 49 . 24 October 2019.
  2. Book: Glenda. Rollin. Jack. Rollin. Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013. 2012. Headline. London. 978-0-7553-6356-8. 542. 43rd.
  3. Web site: Beattie joins Preston on loan . https://web.archive.org/web/20080430031455/http://www.cpfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10323~42136%2C00.html . 30 April 2008 . Crystal Palace F.C. . 5 March 2008 . 23 October 2013 . dead .
  4. Web site: Bostock Signs For Solihull! Solihull Moors FC. 2024-07-27. www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk. en.
  5. News: Crystal Palace 0–2 Watford . BBC Sport . 29 October 2007 . 11 November 2008.
  6. News: Spurs braced for Bostock compensation battle . Guardian . 16 May 2008 . London . Sam . Collins . 23 October 2013.
  7. News: Cardiff 1–1 Crystal Palace . 6 November 2007 . BBC Sport . 11 November 2008.
  8. Web site: Bostock joins Club . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 30 May 2008 . 23 October 2013.
  9. Web site: No Bostock Agreement. . https://web.archive.org/web/20120527135554/http://www.cpfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10323~1321444%2C00.html . 27 May 2012 . Crystal Palace F.C. . 5 June 2008 . 23 October 2013 . dead .
  10. Web site: League Clarifies Bostock Details . https://web.archive.org/web/20131227082624/http://www.football-league.co.uk/latestnews/20080723/league-clarifies-bostock-details_2293301_1353409 . 27 December 2013 . The Football League . 23 July 2008 . 23 October 2013.
  11. Web site: Jordan Fury over Bostock fee . Sky Sports . 9 July 2008 . 11 November 2008.
  12. News: Jordan accuses Bostock of 'lies' over transfer to Tottenham . The Guardian . 31 May 2008 . 23 October 2013 . London . David . Hytner.
  13. Web site: Gr-eight for Gio . 14 July 2008 . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 23 October 2013.
  14. Web site: Four-midable! . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 6 November 2008 . 23 October 2013.
  15. Web site: Record breaker . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 7 November 2008 . 23 October 2013.
  16. Web site: Tottenham v Cheltenham . BBC Sport . 7 January 2012 . 21 May 2012.
  17. Web site: Bostock joins Brentford on loan . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 13 November 2009 . 23 October 2013.
  18. News: Brentford 2–2 Millwall . bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. 14 November 2009. 10 August 2010.
  19. Web site: Bostock extends deal/Hull loan . 6 August 2010. 23 October 2013 . Tottenham Hotspur FC.
  20. News: Hull City 2–0 Swansea City. David. Dulin. 7 August 2010. bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. 10 August 2010.
  21. Web site: Sheffield Wednesday sign John Bostock from Tottenham. 30 January 2012. BBC Sport. 19 February 2012.
  22. Web site: MK Dons 1–1 Sheffield Wednesday. 31 January 2012. BBC Sport. 19 February 2012.
  23. Web site: Bostock recalled . https://web.archive.org/web/20120321230223/http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10304~2665296%2C00.html . 21 March 2012 . swfc.co.uk . 19 March 2012 . 23 October 2013 . dead .
  24. News: McEveley and Bostock join Swindon. BBC Sport.
  25. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17419742 "Chesterfield 2–0 Swindon"
  26. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17711463 "Gillingham 3–1 Swindon"
  27. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17795329 "Swindon 5–0 Port Vale"
  28. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17878448 "Bradford 0–0 Swindon"
  29. http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/9903075.Town_bring_in_Bostock/ "Town bring in Bostock"
  30. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19384102 "Preston 4–1 Swindon"
  31. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19407037 "Oxford Utd 1–0 Swindon"
  32. Web site: Bostock back at Spurs. Swindon Advertiser.
  33. Web site: Spurs midfielder John Bostock in camp with Earthquakes . Saint Josh Earthquakes . sjearthquakes.com . Frank Stranzl . 12 February 2013 . 8 March 2013 . 15 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130215084810/http://www.sjearthquakes.com/blog/headlines/2013/02/12/spurs-midfielder-john-bostock-camp-earthquakes . dead .
  34. Web site: Toronto FC Targets: Ephraim, Bostock, Earnshaw, and more . SB Nation – Waking The Red . wakingthered.com . 26 February 2013 . Dave Rowaan . 8 March 2013.
  35. Web site: TFC Acquires Bostock On Loan. Toronto FC. torontofc.ca. 8 March 2013 . 28 April 2021.
  36. News: Bottjer. Steve. Reds Beat SKC at Rogers Centre. 10 March 2013. Toronto FC. 9 March 2013. 13 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130313035427/http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2013/03/reds-beat-skc-rogers-centre. dead.
  37. Web site: Toronto FC waive midfielder John Bostock, end loan agreement with Tottenham. MLSsoccer.com. Major League Soccer. 24 May 2013. 24 May 2013. 8 June 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130608044014/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/05/24/toronto-fc-waive-midfielder-john-bostock-end-loan-agreement-tottenham. dead.
  38. Web site: Premier League Free Transfer List 2012/13 . Premier League . 6 June 2013 . 6 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130609082144/http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/publications/other/Premier-League-released-player-list-2012-13.pdf . 9 June 2013 .
  39. Web site: Player update . Tottenham Hotspur F.C. . 10 June 2013 . 23 October 2013.
  40. Web site: Move to Belgium. John Bostock. 22 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170417070542/http://www.john-bostock.com/move-to-belgium-1/. 17 April 2017. dead.
  41. Web site: Officiel : John Bostock, nouveau renfort du RC Lens !. RC Lens. 20 August 2016. fr. 5 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160707181212/http://www.rclens.fr/infos_2016/07/05_signature_bostock/index.php. 7 July 2016. dead.
  42. News: Unwin. Will. Ex-Spurs midfielder John Bostock: I won't be defined by my teenage stardom. 20 August 2016. ITV. 18 July 2016.
  43. Web site: Lens 3-0 AC Ajaccio : Début parfait en Coupe !. www.rclens.fr. 9 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170730114703/http://www.rclens.fr/infos_2016/08/09_lens-acajaccio/index.php. 30 July 2017. dead.
  44. Web site: Racing Club de Lens : Match. www.rclens.fr. 9 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170730144927/http://www.rclens.fr/matchs/2016/ch03_nimes-lens/. 30 July 2017. dead.
  45. Web site: Racing Club de Lens : Match. www.rclens.fr. 9 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161029015204/http://www.rclens.fr/matchs/2016/ch05_troyes-lens/. 29 October 2016. dead.
  46. Web site: Racing Club de Lens : Match. www.rclens.fr. 9 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160921080622/http://www.rclens.fr/matchs/2016/ch08_lens-orleans/. 21 September 2016. dead.
  47. News: Foot - Ligue 2 - UNFP - "Un honneur" pour John Bostock (Lens), élu meilleur joueur de Ligue 2. 18 May 2017. fr-FR.
  48. Web site: Forest bring in Bostock on loan. www.nottinghamforest.co.uk.
  49. News: Toulouse recrute John Bostock (Bursaspor) . 5 July 2018 . L'Équipe . 5 July 2018 . fr.
  50. Web site: Nottingham Forest sign Levante's Chema & John Bostock from Toulouse . BBC Sport . 23 July 2020 . 8 August 2019.
  51. News: Wilson . Amie . Former Nottingham Forest midfielder looking for new club after being released . 11 November 2020 . Nottinghamshire Live . 9 October 2020.
  52. News: Hoden . Liam . BREAKING: Doncaster Rovers sign midfielder John Bostock . 25 January 2021 . Doncaster Free Press . 25 January 2021.
  53. News: John Bostock: Doncaster Rovers midfielder to leave club after turning down new deal . 1 June 2022 . BBC Sport . 1 June 2022.
  54. Web site: New signing: Bostock. Notts County FC. 7 December 2022. 7 December 2022.
  55. News: Notts clinch promotion to EFL with shootout win . Andrew Aloia . BBC Sport . 13 May 2023 . 14 May 2023.
  56. News: Notts County boss Luke Williams 'can't comprehend' National League promotion final win . Andrew Aloia . BBC Sport . 13 May 2023 . 14 May 2023.
  57. Web site: O'Brien & Bostock among six released by Notts . BBC Sports . 29 April 2024 . 29 April 2024.
  58. Web site: Bostock Signs For Solihull! Solihull Moors FC . 2024-07-27 . www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk . en.
  59. Web site: International Career. John Bostock. 22 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150205182814/http://www.john-bostock.com/international-career-1/. 5 February 2015. dead.
  60. Web site: OHL.be – Oud-Heverlee Leuven. www.ohl.be. 18 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082231/http://www.ohl.be/heren/nieuws/berichten/9085. 22 March 2018. dead.
  61. News: John Bostock: From 'wonderkid' with a Barcelona contract offer to 13 clubs in 13 years. Nesta. McGregor. BBC Sport. 11 November 2020.
  62. Web site: John Bostock » Club matches. worldfootball.net. 8 June 2017.
  63. News: Starting Lineups - Chesterfield vs Swindon . Sky Sports . 25 March 2012 . 9 March 2024.
  64. http://nr10.be/nieuws/de-10-uitblinkers-van-het-seizoen-2014-2015-de-proximus-league