1. Grant Leadbitter was born on 7 January 1986 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
18 Facts About Grant Leadbitter
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Grant Leadbitter made more than 500 appearances in the Premier League and Football League, which included 212 for Middlesbrough, 180 for Sunderland and 116 for Ipswich Town.
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Grant Leadbitter played for Sunderland from 2003 until 2009 after rising as a product from the team's Youth Academy before signing for Ipswich Town.
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Grant Leadbitter spent seven seasons with Middlesbrough before finishing his career with Sunderland.
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In 2007 Grant Leadbitter received a call-up for England U21, and featured for them three times.
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Grant Leadbitter grew up in Fence Houses as a Sunderland fan, and joined the Sunderland youth academy at the age of 16.
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Grant Leadbitter progressed through the ranks and represented England at the U19 level in 2002, scoring against Brazil to help England finish in the top four in the league tournament.
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However, a contract was agreed with the player claiming he only ever wanted to stay with Sunderland and, henceforth, Grant Leadbitter played an important role in the Black Cats' revival under the management of Roy Keane.
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On Sunderland's return to the Premier League, Grant Leadbitter continued to feature regularly with Keane, even making comparisons with Paul Scholes.
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In June 2008 Grant Leadbitter signed a new contract with Sunderland, keeping him at the club until 2011.
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On 4 October 2008, Grant Leadbitter scored a memorable goal against Arsenal after just coming off the bench.
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Grant Leadbitter became a first-team regular during his first season at Portman Road, making 40 appearances in all competitions and scoring 3 goals.
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On 29 May 2012, it was announced that Grant Leadbitter had signed a three-year contract with Championship club Middlesbrough, on a free transfer, following the expiry of his contract at Ipswich Town.
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Grant Leadbitter scored his fourth goal for Middlesbrough on 25 August 2013 at Wigan.
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On 19 December 2014 Grant Leadbitter agreed a 3-year contract extension with the club.
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Grant Leadbitter's commanding performances and selection of spectacular goals lead to him being named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year.
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Grant Leadbitter re-signed for Sunderland on a free transfer in January 2019.
18.
On 14 September 2021 Grant Leadbitter announced his retirement from football, most notably winning the EFL trophy with the club in his final season.