Born on this day in 1990 was Sunderland academy graduate Martyn Waghorn, who first joined the club at just eight years old...
Waghorn progressed through the youth ranks at Sunderland, eventually making his senior debut on Boxing Day 2007, The forward was just 17, but started in a surprise tactical move from manager and former united captain Roy Keane. The risk didn’t pay off though, as the Red Devils went on to comfortably win 4-0 and ended the day top of the Premier League. Waghorn started out wide on the left, and was singled out for post-match praise. Keane predicted the striker would have a long and successful career.
He didn’t start another match that season, and his only appearance in the 2008/09 season was a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Chelsea- including a Nicolas Anelka hat trick, and Waghorn was hauled off at half time.
In November 2008, Waghorn joined Charlton Athletic on a month-long loan. He made seven appearances during his brief time at Charlton, with his loan deal being extended to another month. His only goal came in a 2-2 draw with his future employers, Derby County.
In August 2009, the striker joined Leicester City on loan until January, getting off to a good start as he scored on his debut. His first 11 appearances all came from the bench, but Waghorn claimed he was satisfied as an impact sub. His first start for the Foxes was against Reading, where he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win. He impressed in the Championship, and the loan was extended to the end of the season.
Waghorn’s 12 goals earned him the club’s Young Player of the Year award, although he would go on to miss the last spot kick in a play-off semi-final penalty shootout against Cardiff. In August 2010, Waghorn signed permanently for the club, with Leicester paying up to £3 million for the forward. It is thought that the move was sanctioned by Sunderland, in order to fund a deal for star man Asamoah Gyan.
After a number of years at Leicester, including several loan spells at the likes of Hull, Millwall and Wigan, Waghorn signed for the Latics permanently. Things hadn’t exactly gone to plan at Leicester- persistent injuries prevented him from nailing down a consistent spot in the starting eleven. After just a year at Wigan, Waghorn signed for Rangers in a double-transfer with teammate James Tavernier, who is now Rangers’ captain.
After a handful of successful years at Ibrox, scoring 27 in 57, Waghorn made the move back south of the border, joining Ipswich Town. He played under former Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy. Waghorn spent just a single year at Portman Road, before signing for Derby County and being given the number 9 shirt by Frank Lampard.
It was at Derby where Waghorn played the most football of his career, racking up over 100 appearances. He scored a total of 30 goals, but joined Coventry in July 2021 upon the expiry of his contract, as Derby found themselves in financial turmoil.
