Reece Staunton

Reece Joseph Staunton (born 10 December 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for Bradford City.

Born in England, he represents Ireland at youth international level.

Club Career

He made his senior debut on 7 November 2017, at the age of 15 years 332 days, becoming the club's youngest ever player. He signed a two-year academy scholarship with the club in September 2017, having first joined at under-12 level.

He made his first appearance of the 2018–19 season in a 4–1 home defeat in the EFL Trophy on 9 October 2018. He was praised by manager David Hopkin for his performance in the match.

In August 2019 he moved on loan to Ossett United. He returned to Bradford City on 23 September 2019. He made his first City appearance of the 2019–20 season a few days later, in the EFL Trophy.

In November 2019 he moved on loan to Bradford (Park Avenue). The loan was extended in December 2019 for a further month, with Park Avenue manager Mark Bower praising Staunton. Later that month he turned professional with Bradford City, signing a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season. On 8 January 2020 the loan deal was ended early.

At the end of the 2019–20 season he was praised by new City manager Stuart McCall, who said Staunton was one of potentially four youngsters who would join the first-team for the 2020–21 season. Staunton was praised by club captain Richard O'Donnell after an impressive performance on the opening day of the 2020–21 season. In September 2020 he signed a new four-year contract with the club. Later that month he suffered an ankle injury, missing matches before being back in first-team contention towards the end of October.

In November 2020 he was one of a number of young Bradford City players playing in the first team who were praised by manager Stuart McCall. Later that month Staunton spoke about how his first-team run was improving his skills. On 30 November he was ruled out for 3 months due following a hamstrin