For the archer, see Nicky Hunt (archer).
Nicky Hunt
Full nameNicholas Brett Hunt[1]
Birth date3 September 1983 (age 43)[1]
Birth placeWesthoughton,[2] England
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
PositionRight-back, centre-back
CurrentclubDaisy Hill (manager)
Youthyears 1–2001
Youthclubs 1Bolton Wanderers
Years 12001–2010
Clubs 1Bolton Wanderers
Caps 1128
Goals 11
Years 22008
Clubs 2→ Birmingham City (loan)
Caps 211
Goals 20
Years 32010
Clubs 3→ Derby County (loan)
Caps 321
Goals 30
Years 42010–2012
Clubs 4Bristol City
Caps 47
Goals 40
Years 52012
Clubs 5Preston North End
Caps 517
Goals 51
Years 62012–2013
Clubs 6Rotherham United
Caps 69
Goals 60
Years 72013
Clubs 7→ Accrington Stanley (loan)
Caps 711
Goals 70
Years 82013–2015
Clubs 8Accrington Stanley
Caps 866
Goals 80
Years 92015–2016
Clubs 9Mansfield Town
Caps 919
Goals 90
Years 102016–2017
Clubs 10Leyton Orient
Caps 1050
Goals 101
Years 112017–2018
Clubs 11Notts County
Caps 1113
Goals 110
Years 122018–2020
Clubs 12Crewe Alexandra
Caps 1247
Goals 121
Years 132020–2021
Clubs 13Darlington
Caps 136
Goals 130
Years 142021–2023
Clubs 14Ashton United
Caps 142
Goals 140
Nationalyears 12004–2005
Nationalteam 1England U21
Nationalcaps 110
Nationalgoals 10
Totalcaps407
Totalgoals4
Manageryears 12025–
Managerclubs 1Daisy Hill

Nicholas Brett Hunt (born 3 September 1983) is an English former footballer and manager of Daisy Hill. He is best known for his spell at Bolton Wanderers at the beginning of his career. Originally a right-back, he converted to centre-back in 2016 in order to extend his playing career.[3]

He made 127 Premier League appearances for his boyhood club Bolton Wanderers and more than 250 in the Football League for a variety of clubs, and represented England at under-21 level.

Club career

Bolton Wanderers

Hunt made his professional debut as a substitute for Colin Hendry in the First Division match against Sheffield United on the final day of the 2000–01 regular season, shortly before Bolton Wanderers won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He had to wait some time for further first-team opportunities, only playing in two FA Cup ties (against Sunderland in January 2003) before making his breakthrough at the start of the 2003–04 season when he became a key part of the defence and a first-team regular for Bolton. His Premier League debut came in the 4–0 defeat at Manchester United on 16 August 2003. He made over a century of appearances for the club, scoring once, against Liverpool in February 2004.[4] His form earned him a four-year contract at Bolton, taking him until the end of the 2010–11 season, which he signed on 30 August 2007.

Birmingham City loan

The departure of Sam Allardyce to Newcastle United and his eventual replacement by Gary Megson saw Hunt fall out of favour at the Reebok Stadium[citation needed] and he joined Championship club Birmingham City on an emergency one-month loan deal as cover for the injured Stuart Parnaby and Stephen Kelly on 3 November 2008.[5] He made his debut the same day, in a 1–0 defeat to Coventry City at St Andrew's.[6] The loan was extended for a further month,[7] but on 30 December, a 24-hour recall clause in the loan agreement was invoked and the player returned to Bolton.[8]

Derby County loan

Despite being recalled Hunt played no further role for Bolton in the ensuing year and was again loaned out to a Championship club, this time Derby County, on 7 January 2010 as competition for the club's sole available rightback, Paul Connolly.[9] Initially a month's loan, it was extended until the end of the season.[10]

Bristol City

On 30 July 2010, Hunt signed a two-year deal with Championship club Bristol City.[11] He made his debut in a 3–0 loss to Millwall. Hunt made seven appearances in the first two months of the season, and an eighth in a 3–1 loss against Leeds United on 13 November, but that was his last for the club.[12] Under Steve Coppell, Hunt was put in the first team which gave Hunt his debut for the club until Coppell's unexpected resignation over his lack of passion for the job. Under Coppell's assistant manager Keith Millen, Hunt was given more playing time until Hunt fell out favour with Millen. Things came to a head when Hunt replaced an injured Louis Carey in a game against Leeds. At the time City were drawing 1–1 in a hard-fought game but went on to lose 3–1. Millen favoured Carey and Jordan Spence at right back until he was sacked.[citation needed] At the start of the 2011–12 season, Millen was keen to offload him but received no offers for the player.[13] On 31 January 2012, Hunt's contract was terminated.[14]

Preston North End

A few days later, Hunt signed a short-term deal with Preston North End.[15] He played regularly over the next few months,[16] and was released when his contract expired.[17]

Rotherham United

Hunt signed for Rotherham United on 22 May 2012.[18] A hamstring tear during a pre-season friendly delayed his competitive debut, he played just a few matches before falling out of favour, and he joined Accrington Stanley on loan in January 2013.[19]

Accrington Stanley

On his third appearance, Hunt collided with Plymouth Argyle's Ronan Murray, lost consciousness, and was taken to hospital after ten minutes of treatment on the pitch. Once his recovery was well on the way, the loan was extended to the end of the season.[20]

He signed for Stanley on a two-year deal in June 2013 after Rotherham released him from his contract.[21]

Hunt chose to leave Stanley at the end of his contract.[22]

Mansfield Town

In June 2015 he signed for Mansfield Town.[22]

Leyton Orient

In the January 2016 transfer window, Hunt joined Leyton Orient until the end of the season with an option for a further year.[23] He scored his first goal for Orient in a 3–0 win at Colchester United on 12 November 2016.[24]

Notts County

On 1 August 2017, Hunt signed for Notts County.[25] He was released at the end of the season.[26]

Crewe Alexandra

On 31 July 2018, Hunt joined Crewe Alexandra on a one-year deal after a successful trial.[27] He made his first-team debut on 4 August as a 29th-minute substitute for George Ray in a 6–0 win over Morecambe.[28] He signed a new one-year deal in May 2019.[29] On 12 October 2019, he scored his first and ultimately only Crewe goal in a 4–2 win at Carlisle United.[30] He was released at the end of the season.[31]

Darlington

Hunt joined Darlington in July 2020.[32] On 10 November, in a match against Boston United, Hunt lost consciousness following a collision with another player and received treatment on the pitch for more than an hour before being taken to hospital; the match was abandoned. After scans on his head and neck, Hunt was released from the hospital the following morning.[33] He was able to return to action at the end of the month, finishing the truncated season with 16 appearances in all competitions,[34] and was released when his contract expired.[35]

International career

Hunt won ten England U21 caps, the first in February 2004 against the Netherlands.[2][36]

Coaching career

In June 2021, Hunt joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Ashton United as first-team coach working under manager Michael Clegg, and would register as a player "on a bit-part basis if needed".[35]

On 14 February 2023, Hunt joined Warrington Rylands 1906 as a coach.[37]

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Hunt once again linked up with Clegg, joining Atherton Collieries as assistant manager.[38]

On 3 September 2025, Hunt was appointed manager of North West Counties League Division One North club Daisy Hill.[39]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bolton Wanderers2000–01[40]First Division1000000010
2001–02[41]Premier League000000—00
2002–03[42]Premier League002000—20
2003–04[43]Premier League3111060—381
2004–05[44]Premier League2904010—340
2005–06[45]Premier League20020102[a]0250
2006–07[46]Premier League3302020—370
2007–08[47]Premier League14010108[a]0240
2008–09[48]Premier League000000—00
2009–10[49]Premier League000000—00
Total12811201101001611
Birmingham City (loan)2008–09[48]Championship110———110
Derby County (loan)2009–10[49]Championship21020——230
Bristol City2010–11[12]Championship700010—80
Preston North End2011–12[16]League One171———171
Rotherham United2012–13[50]League Two9000000090
Accrington Stanley (loan)2012–13[50]League Two110———110
Accrington Stanley2013–14[51]League Two370101000390
2014–15[52]League Two290001000300
Total770102000800
Mansfield Town2015–16[53]League Two190101000210
Leyton Orient2015–16[53]League Two160———160
2016–17[54]League Two34110102[b]0381
Total501101020541
Notts County2017–18[55]League Two13020103[b]0190
Crewe Alexandra2018–19[56]League Two22010101[b]0250
2019–20[57]League Two25130001[b]0291
Total471401020541
Darlington2020–21[34][58]National League North6050—5[c]0160
Ashton United2021–22[59]NPL Premier Division2000—0020
2022–23NPL Premier Division0000—0000
Total200000002
Career total40742801802204754
  1. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
  3. ^ Appearance in FA Trophy

Honours

Bolton Wanderers

References

  1. ^ Hugman, Barry J. (ed.) (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
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  3. ^ Gaunt, Cal (23 December 2020). "Bolton favourite Nicky Hunt on injury scare, retirement thoughts and playing centre half". The Bolton News. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Bolton 2–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 7 February 2004. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  5. ^ "Birmingham sign Hunt in loan deal". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  6. ^ "Birmingham 0–1 Coventry". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  7. ^ "Hunt extends Birmingham loan deal". BBC Sport. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 9 December 2008.
  8. ^ "Hunt back to Bolton". Birmingham City F.C. 30 December 2008. Archived 31 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  9. ^ "Rams sign Hunt on loan". Derby County F.C. 7 January 2010. Archived 31 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  10. ^ "Derby County extend Nicky Hunt's loan from Bolton". BBC Sport. 25 January 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  11. ^ "Robins land Hunt and Stewart". Sky Sports. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
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  13. ^ "Millen – No Hunt interest". Sky Sports. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Duo released by Robins". Sky Sports. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  15. ^ "Preston North End sign Nicky Hunt & Aaron Brown". BBC Sport. 5 February 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
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  17. ^ "Preston North End announces mass clear-out of players". ITV. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  18. ^ "Rotherham United snap up Nicky Hunt & re-sign Ian Sharps". BBC Sport. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  19. ^ "Nicky's on the Hunt for form". The Star. 18 October 2012. Archived 25 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
    Robson, Dany (3 January 2013). "Nicky Hunt looking to kick-start career at Accrington Stanley". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  20. ^ "Richardson is on the Hunt for Nicky". Accrington Observer. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
    "Accrington Stanley extend Hunt deal". Lancashire Telegraph. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  21. ^ "Accrington Stanley: James Beattie signs up Nicky Hunt". BBC Sport. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  22. ^ James, Alex (23 June 2015). "Nicky Hunt relishing Mansfield move after leaving Accrington Stanley". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  23. ^ "Hunt checks in at Orient". Leyton Orient F.C. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  24. ^ "Colchester United 0–3 Leyton Orient". BBC Sport. 12 November 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  25. ^ "Hodge and Hunt sign deals". Notts County F.C. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  26. ^ "Notts County: Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith leave League Two club". BBC Sport. 22 May 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  27. ^ "Hunt signs for Crewe". Crewe Alexandra F.C. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  28. ^ "Crewe Alexandra 6-0 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 4 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  29. ^ "Crewe Alexandra: Nicky Hunt signs new deal, but George Ray rejects contract offer". BBC Sport. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  30. ^ "Carlisle United 2-4 Crewe Alexandra". BBC Sport. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  31. ^ Morse, Peter (10 June 2020). "Paul Green and Nicky Hunt released as Crewe Alex announce retained list". Cheshire Live. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  32. ^ Simpson, Ray (14 July 2020). "Quakers sign former Premiership defender Nicky Hunt". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  33. ^ Wilson, Scott (10 November 2020). "Nicky Hunt suffers serious injury as Darlington game ends early". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
    Simpson, Ray (11 November 2020). "Nicky Hunt update". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  34. ^ "N. Hunt". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  35. ^ Murphy, Daniel (10 June 2021). "Bolton Wanderers favourite Nicky Hunt is taking the next step in his career following 'nasty' injury". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  36. ^ "England U21 3–2 Holland U21". BBC Sport. 17 February 2004. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  37. ^ The Bolton News: "Ex-Bolton Wanderers man Nicky Hunt takes up role at Warrington Rylands"
  38. ^ Barnes, Dan (21 June 2025). "Nicky Hunt: Ex-Bolton Wanderers star on Colls coaching role". The Bolton News. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  39. ^ "Nicky Hunt is the new Daisy Hill manager". www.daisyhillfc.co.uk. 3 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
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  58. ^ For FA Cup 2nd and 3rd qualifying rounds: Simpson, Ray (3 October 2020). "Quakers win penalty shootout to go through in Cup". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
    Simpson, Ray (13 October 2020). "Early Liddle goal sets up Quakers goal spree". Darlington F.C. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  59. ^ "Ashton United | Appearances | Nicky Hunt | 2021-2022 | Football Web Pages". footballwebpages.co.uk
  60. ^ "Boro lift Carling Cup". BBC Sport. 29 February 2004. Retrieved 26 March 2024.