Neal Bishop

Neal Robert Bishop (born 7 August 1981) is an English semi-professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Scarborough Athletic. He previously played for Billingham Town, Gateshead, Spennymoor United, Whitby Town, Scarborough, York City, Barnet, Notts County, Blackpool and Scunthorpe United. He also represented England C at international level.

Not to be confused with Neil S. Bishop.

Neal Bishop
Bishop playing for York City in 2007
Personal information
Full name Neal Robert Bishop[1]
Date of birth (1981-08-07) 7 August 1981[2]
Place of birth Stockton-on-Tees, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Scarborough Athletic
Youth career
Middlesbrough
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
0000–2002 Billingham Town
2002 Gateshead 10 (2)
2002– Billingham Town
2003–2004 Spennymoor United 38 (3)
2004–2005 Whitby Town 23 (1)
2005–2006 Scarborough 34 (1)
2006–2007 York City 59 (4)
2007–2009 Barnet 83 (3)
2009–2013 Notts County 168 (11)
2013–2014 Blackpool 35 (1)
2014–2018 Scunthorpe United 154 (11)
2018–2020 Mansfield Town 72 (3)
2020– Scarborough Athletic 0 (0)
National team
2007 England C 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16:17, 1 July 2020 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, Bishop began his career with Middlesbrough in their youth system.[4] After being released by Middlesbrough as a teenager he moved to Northern League club Billingham Town and played there for a number of years.[4][5] In a match in 2001, he played alongside his brother Craig, aged 16, and father Rob, aged 46, as the team had eight matches to play in 15 days towards the end of the 2000–01 season.[6] He made 11 appearances and scored two goals for Gateshead in all competitions in the 2002–03 season,[7] before leaving in October 2002 and re-signing for Billingham.[8][9] He played for Spennymoor United in the 2003–04 season, making 38 appearances and scoring three goals.[10] He made 25 appearances and scored one goal for Whitby Town in the 2004–05 season.[11]

Scarborough

He signed for Scarborough of the Conference National in March 2005 on a contract until the end of the 2004–05 season,[12] following a week-long trial.[13] He made 11 appearances and scored one goal for Scarborough during this season,[11] and signed a deal to keep him at the club for the 2005–06 season in May.[13] Here, he made a name for himself and was chosen as captain for the 2005–06 season. His lip was cut in an alleged clash with Denny Ingram in the tunnel following a match against Halifax Town in November, which Bishop decided not to press charges against.[14]

York City

He was signed by Scarborough's Conference National rivals York City for an undisclosed nominal fee on 31 January 2006.[15][16] He finished the season with 14 appearances and one goal for York and signed a new contract with the club in July.[17][18] He scored the winning goal against Oxford United with a 20-yard volley on the final day of the 2006–07 season, meaning York secured a place in the Conference National play-offs.[19] He was voted as the York City Clubman of the Year for the season the same day,[20] finishing the season with 49 appearances and scoring three goals.[21] Bishop rejected a new deal at York, saying he wanted his salary to fall in line with the club's top earners.[22]

Barnet

He signed for League Two club Barnet in June 2007 on a free transfer as he was out of contract with York.[23] He said he decided to join Barnet so he could fulfil a lifelong ambition of playing in the Football League.[24] He made his debut against Morecambe on 11 August 2007 and was sent off for violent conduct in his second match against Norwich City in the League Cup on 14 August 2007,[25][26] which resulted in a three-match suspension.[27] He finished the 2007–08 season with 47 appearances and two goals for Barnet,[28] and handed in a transfer request in April 2008 after turning down an improved contract with the club.[29] Despite this, the club exercised their option to extend his contract for another season in May.[30] He was removed from the transfer list at his own request after the start of the 2008–09 season.[31]

Bishop playing for Barnet in 2008

Bishop was appointed as Barnet's captain in November after Ismail Yakubu gave up the role.[32] He suffered a fractured jaw after being kicked in the face during a match against Darlington by Ricky Ravenhill in December, which ruled him out for the Christmas period.[33] He finished the season with 48 appearances, scoring one goal,[34] and was offered a new contract at Barnet.[35]

Notts County

Bishop agreed to join fellow League Two team Notts County on 20 May 2009,[36] and a day later he signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club on 1 July.[37] He made 51 appearances and scored one goal for the club during the 2009–10 season,[38] in which County won the League Two title and thus promotion to League One.[39] He signed a two-year contract extension with County on 5 July 2010, which contracted him at the club until June 2012.[40] In January 2011, he scored in County's 1–1 draw against Premier League team Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, which saw them earn a replay at the City of Manchester Stadium.[41] During the closing stages of the 2010–11 season, he was named as the new team captain by Paul Ince. He finished the 2010–11 season with 51 appearances and two goals,[42] and was voted by supporters as Notts County's Player of the Year.[43] On 10 May 2011, Bishop signed a new two-year contract with County, keeping him at the club until June 2013.[43] His contract with the club was cancelled by mutual consent on 19 June 2013.[44]

Blackpool

Bishop signed for Championship club Blackpool on 2 August 2013 on a five-month contract.[45] He scored his first goal for Blackpool in a 2–1 win over Bournemouth on 14 September 2013.[46] On 2 December 2013, Bishop extended his contract at Blackpool until the end of the 2013–14 season.[47]

Scunthorpe United

Bishop signed for newly promoted League One club Scunthorpe United on 19 June 2014 on a two-year contract.[48]

Mansfield Town

Bishop signed for League Two club Mansfield Town on 6 June 2018.[49] He was released by Mansfield at the end of the 2019–20 season.[50]

International career

Bishop was called up for the England national C team in May 2007 to play in the Four Nations Tournament.[51] He made his debut in a 5–0 win over the Republic of Ireland on 22 May 2007, winning his second and final cap when England beat Wales 3–0 on 27 May.[52] England won the tournament, having been unbeaten and not conceded a goal in three matches.[53]

Personal life

Bishop married his fiancé Frances in May 2014. The couple had their first child together, Oscar, in January 2013. Frances owns and runs a Children's outlet 'Pud'. In January 2020 the couple separated following an affair Neal was having. [54] She was also a candidate on Series 12 of The Apprentice which began in October 2016.[55][56][57]

Career statistics
As of match played 1 January 2019
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Gateshead 2002–03[7] NPL Premier Division 10210——112
Spennymoor United 2003–04[10] NPL Premier Division 38300—00383
Whitby Town 2004–05[11] NPL Premier Division 23100—2[lower-alpha 1]0251
Scarborough 2004–05[11] Conference National 101——1[lower-alpha 2]0111
2005–06[58] Conference National 24000—1[lower-alpha 1]0250
Total 34100—20361
York City 2005–06[17] Conference National 141———141
2006–07[21] Conference National 45320—2[lower-alpha 3]0493
Total 59420—20634
Barnet 2007–08[28] League Two 39260101[lower-alpha 4]0472
2008–09[34] League Two 44120101[lower-alpha 4]0481
Total 833802020953
Notts County 2009–10[38] League Two 43160101[lower-alpha 4]0511
2010–11[42] League One 431513000512
2011–12[59] League One 412401000462
2012–13[60] League One 417301000457
Total 16811181601019312
Blackpool 2013–14[61] Championship 3511000—361
Scunthorpe United 2014–15[62] League One 35450212[lower-alpha 4]0445
2015–16[63] League One 42130101[lower-alpha 4]0471
2016–17[64] League One 42500103[lower-alpha 5]0465
2017–18[65] League One 351101000371
Total 1541190516017412
Mansfield Town 2018–19[66] League Two 23210111[lower-alpha 6]0263
Career total 6273940114216069742
  1. Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  2. Appearance in Conference League Cup
  3. Appearances in Conference National play-offs
  4. Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  5. One appearance in EFL Trophy, two in League One play-offs
  6. Appearance in EFL Trophy

Honours

Notts County

Individual

References
  1. "EFL: Club retained and released lists published". English Football League. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  2. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 48. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  3. "Neal Bishop". Mansfield Town F.C. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  4. Brown, Steve (20 February 2011). "Neal Bishop has Cup shock in his sights". Sunday Sun. Newcastle upon Tyne. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012.
  5. "BTFC – History". Billingham Town F.C. Archived from the original on 3 October 2013.
  6. "The Bishop family affair that's talk of the Town". The Northern Echo. Darlington. 22 May 2001. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  7. "Gateshead F.C. 2002/03". Unofficial Gateshead Football Club Statistics Database. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
  8. "Archived News and Information 10 to 18 October 2002". Altrincham F.C. Archived from the original on 9 June 2010.
  9. "Lindoe hails Brandon's four-midable display". The Northern Echo. Darlington. 14 October 2002. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  10. "Player details: Season 2003–2004: Neal Bishop". SoccerFactsUK. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  11. "Player details: Season 2004–2005: Neil Bishop". SoccerFactsUK. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
    "Neal Bishop season details 2004/2005". Grimsby Town Mad. Digital Sports Group. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013.
  12. "Seasiders move to capture Bishop". BBC Sport. 1 March 2005. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  13. "Bishop looks forward to being full-time". Non-League Daily. Baltic Publications. 13 May 2005. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
  14. "Ingram not facing Bishop charges". BBC Sport. 30 November 2005. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  15. "Scarborough skipper joins York". BBC Sport. 1 February 2006. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  16. "Bishop swishes into City". Evening Press. York. 1 February 2006. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  17. Batters, David (2008). York City: The Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. pp. 406–407, 420–421. ISBN 978-1-85983-633-0.
  18. "Trio sign fresh contracts at York". BBC Sport. 13 July 2006. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  19. Carroll, Steve (30 April 2007). "York City 1, Oxford United 0". The Press. York. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  20. Carroll, Steve (1 May 2007). "Flock of awards is Bishop's reward". The Press. York. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  21. Batters. York City: The Complete Record. pp. 408–409, 420–421.
  22. Flett, Dave (31 May 2007). "Bishop rejects City deal but wants to stay". The Press. York. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  23. "Barnet bag York midfielder Bishop". BBC Sport. 12 June 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  24. Flett, Dave (16 June 2007). "Desire for league patrol stirs Bishop". The Press. York. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  25. "Morecambe 0–0 Barnet". BBC Sport. 11 August 2007. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  26. "Norwich 5–2 Barnet". BBC Sport. 14 August 2007. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  27. "Bishop gets three match ban". Barnet F.C. 17 August 2007. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012.
  28. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  29. "Bishop hands in transfer request". BBC Sport. 28 April 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  30. "Barnet extend Birchall contract". BBC Sport. 20 May 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  31. "Barnet duo come off transfer list". BBC Sport. 21 August 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  32. "Bishop is the new skipper". Barnet F.C. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012.
  33. "Barnet rocked by injury to Bishop". BBC Sport. 22 December 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  34. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  35. "Bishop may stay". Barnet F.C. 5 May 2009. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009.
  36. "Magpies swoop for Barnet's Bishop". BBC Sport. 20 May 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  37. "Bishop arrives to pen County deal". Notts County F.C. 21 May 2009. Archived from the original on 30 May 2009.
  38. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  39. "League Two: 2009/10: Latest table". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  40. "Neal Bishop signs extended Notts County contract". BBC Sport. 5 July 2001. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  41. Lillywhite, Jamie (30 January 2011). "Notts County 1–1 Man City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 May 2011.
  42. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  43. "Neal Bishop agrees new Notts County contract". BBC Sport. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  44. "Bishop departs Meadow Lane". Notts County F.C. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  45. "Blackpool sign free agent Neal Bishop on short-term contract". BBC Sport. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  46. "Bournemouth 1–2 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 14 September 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  47. Ridgway, Mark (2 December 2013). "Bishop's contract delight". Blackpool F.C. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  48. "Scunthorpe United sign Neal Bishop from Blackpool". BBC Sport. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  49. "Neal Bishop: Mansfield Town sign experienced former Scunthorpe United midfielder". BBC Sport. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  50. "Mansfield Town announce retained list". Mansfield Town F.C. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  51. "Four Nations squads are announced". BBC Sport. 4 May 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  52. Williams, Mike; Williams, Tony, eds. (2012). Non-League Club Directory 2013. Tony Williams Publications. pp. 1003, 1005, 1006. ISBN 978-1-869833-77-0.
  53. "Bishop's plunder". The Press. York. 29 May 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  54. "Scunthorpe United player's wife opening new shop". Scunthorpe Telegraph. 9 October 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  55. "Frances Bishop's audition – The Apprentice 2016: Series 12 – BBC One". 27 September 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2017 – via YouTube.
  56. "The Apprentice 2016: meet Lord Sugar's new candidates: Frances Bishop". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 30 September 2016.
  57. Crute, Paul (27 September 2016). "The Apprentice 2016: Scunthorpe United midfielder's wife to appear on new series with Lord Alan Sugar". Scunthorpe Telegraph. Archived from the original on 28 September 2016.
  58. "Neal Bishop season details 2005/2006". Grimsby Town Mad. Digital Sports Group. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013.
  59. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  60. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  61. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  62. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  63. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  64. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  65. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  66. "Games played by Neal Bishop in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  67. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2010). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2010–2011. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 37, 284–285. ISBN 978-0-7553-6107-6.
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