Luke Armstrong

Luke Thomas Armstrong (born 2 July 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for League Two club Harrogate Town.

Club Career

Early career

Armstrong began his career with Middlesbrough, making his way up through the academy teams until he was released by the club in the summer of 2014. He subsequently joined Birmingham City's youth setup on a one-year deal after a successful trial period but would leave after he was informed that his contract with Birmingham City would not be renewed in the summer of 2015.

Armstrong then had a successful trial period with Scottish League One outfit Cowdenbeath, leading to him being handed a one-year deal. After six months with the club, Armstrong decided to terminate his contract due his game time being limited to just a few substitute appearances during the half-season.

Following this setback, Armstrong would join Northern Premier League Premier Division club Blyth Spartans, which was then managed by his father, Alun Armstrong. He would score 23 goals across the season, helping his team to win the Northumberland Senior Cup and league title, ultimately attracting the attention of one of his previous employers in the form of Middlesbrough.

Return to Middlesbrough and loans

On 16 July 2018, Armstrong joined National League club Gateshead on loan until the end of the season. On 29 July 2018, he notably scored a hat-trick against his former club Blyth Spartans during a 3–1 victory in a friendly at Croft Park. After scoring on his Heed debut, Armstrong would score two goals against Salford City in a 2–1 victory. He went on to make 18 appearances for the club, during which he scored a further seven goals, by the time his loan was cut short by parent club Middlesbrough on 31 December 2018.

Upon his return to Middlesbrough, Armstrong would sign a new two and a half year contract with the Championship club, before being shipped out on loan to Accrington Stanley of League