Aaron Pierre
Pierre training with Wycombe Wanderers in 2014
Personal information
Full name Aaron Jordan Pierre[1]
Date of birth (1993-02-17) 17 February 1993 (age 30)[2]
Place of birth Southall, England
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[3]
Position(s) Centre back[4]
Team information
Current team
 Shrewsbury Town
Number 16
Youth career
2008–2011 Fulham
2011–2012 Brentford
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2014 Brentford 0 (0)
2013–2014 → Cambridge United (loan) 0 (0)
2014 → Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 8 (1)
2014–2017 Wycombe Wanderers 121 (8)
2017–2019 Northampton Town 60 (6)
2019–2022 Shrewsbury Town 81 (7)
2022–2023 Sutton United 2 (0)
2023 AFC Wimbledon 11 (1)
2023– Shrewsbury Town 12 (0)
International career‡
2015– Grenada 18 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:06, 4 December 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13:06, 4 December 2023 (UTC)

Aaron Jordan Pierre (born 17 February 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Shrewsbury Town and also for the Grenada national team.

He began his career in the academy at Premier League club Fulham, before joining League One club Brentford in 2011. He was Shrewsbury Town's Player of the Year in 2019–20.

Club career

Brentford

Pierre was born in Southall, Greater London.[5] He started his career in the youth system at Fulham, but was released in 2011. Pierre (along with former Fulham youth teammates Jonathan Cosgrove, Albert Owusu-Ansah and Michael Kamau) joined League One side Brentford on trial in April 2011[6] and was the only one of the four to earn a contract. Pierre was made part of the Development Squad[7] for its inaugural season in 2011–12. He made his professional debut for the Bees on 4 December 2012, in a 2–1 defeat to Southend United in the Football League Trophy, coming on as a substitute for Jake Bidwell.[8] Pierre was an unused substitute on four further occasions during the 2012–13 season.[9] Towards the end of the campaign, Pierre spent a period training with Brentford's Icelandic partner club UMF Selfoss.[10] Pierre was the leading appearance-maker for the Development Squad in the 2012–13 season, making 19 starts and scoring two goals,[11] in addition to his solitary first team appearance.[12] On 20 June 2013, he signed a new one-year contract which will tie him to the club until the summer of 2014.[13] He made his first appearance of the 2013–14 season on 27 August 2013, coming on at half time for Scott Barron in a 5–0 League Cup defeat away at Derby County.[14] His second appearance came in a 5–3 Football League Trophy first round win over AFC Wimbledon the following week, again replacing Scott Barron at half time.[15] Pierre was made available for loan in October 2013 and attracted interest from Conference Premier clubs Aldershot Town[16] and Cambridge United.[17] Pierre was again made available for loan in February 2014,[18] but expressed a desire to open talks over a new contract the following month.[19] Though he spent portions of the 2013–14 season out on loan, Pierre finished the campaign with two first team appearances[20] and 12 Development Squad appearances.[21] In early May, it was reported that Pierre had been offered a new contract, after impressing in his loan spells away from Griffin Park during the 2013–14 season.[22] On 16 May, it was reported that Pierre turned down the contract offer and left the club.[23] He made three first team appearances during his three years with the Bees.[24]

Cambridge United (loan)

Pierre moved on loan to Conference Premier side Cambridge United on 28 November 2013, initially until 4 January 2014.[25] Brentford Development Squad manager Jon de Souza vouched for what Pierre could gain from Cambridge boss Richard Money, with de Souza having worked as youth team manager under Money while at Luton Town.[26] After missing a few games through injury,[27] Pierre was named on the bench for an FA Trophy second round tie at St Albans City on 14 December. After replacing Josh Gillies on 69 minutes and with the score at 1–1, Pierre smashed home a 25-yard shot in the third minute of injury time to send Cambridge through to the third round.[28] After the game, Pierre said "hopefully working with him (Money) for a little bit longer will help me improve and to cut out all the silly errors in my game. I'll just see how things go here, but hopefully I can just progress and if the gaffer wants me to stay a little bit longer then I'd do that".[26] After just one appearance, Pierre returned to Brentford on 6 January 2014.[29] Brentford academy director Ose Aibangee commented that "even though Aaron's game time was limited at Cambridge, the atmosphere and experience of being involved in a squad pushing for promotion to the Football League is something which he has not experienced before and something he can learn from massively".

Wycombe Wanderers (loan and permanent transfer)

On 28 February 2014, Pierre joined League Two strugglers Wycombe Wanderers on a one-month loan,[30] as cover for the injured Gary Doherty.[31] Allotted the number 19 shirt, he was an unused substitute for a 1–1 draw with Southend United the following day.[32] Despite failing to make an appearance, Pierre stated on 20 March that he was keen on extending the loan.[31] Pierre made his Football League debut and the first senior start of his career when he played the full 90 minutes of a 1–0 defeat to Burton Albion on 25 March.[33] After the match, manager Gareth Ainsworth said Pierre "played really well. He was solid and he's a big lad, he's very fit. He could have had a goal actually, he was inches away from scoring at the other end".[34] Pierre made his second successive start in a goalless draw with Scunthorpe United on 29 March.[35] Two days later, Pierre's loan was extended until the end of the 2013–14 season.[36] Pierre made his third appearance in a vital 2–0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge on 5 April, lining up against fellow loanee and Brentford teammate Luke Norris.[37] Pierre scored the first league goal of his career with the equaliser in a 1–1 relegation crunch match versus Northampton Town on 18 April.[38] He made eight appearances for the Chairboys,[20] helping the club to survival from League Two after a 3–0 victory on the final day over Torquay United.[39] Upon returning to Griffin Park, Brentford academy director Ose Aibangee said "Aaron played in games that he will remember for ever. He played a big part in helping Wycombe escape relegation and that will stand him in good stead in the coming years".[40] On 15 May, it was reported that manager Gareth Ainsworth was weighing up a bid for Pierre[41] and the transfer was completed the following day.[23]

Northampton Town

On 21 July 2017, Pierre signed for League One club Northampton Town on a three-year contract.[42] He won the club's Player of the Season award for the 2018–19 season.[43]

Shrewsbury Town

On 24 June 2019, it was announced that Pierre had signed for League One side Shrewsbury Town for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.[44]

In November 2019 he was charged by the FA with violent conduct after a mêlée in a 4–3 home loss to Bristol Rovers,[45] but later cleared.[46]

On 14 January 2020, Pierre scored an 89th-minute winning goal in a 1–0 home win against Championship side Bristol City in an FA Cup third round replay to set up a fourth round tie with Premier League giants Liverpool.[47] He was named the club's Player of the Year in June.[48]

Sutton United

On 29 August 2022, Pierre signed for League Two club Sutton United on a free transfer.[49]

AFC Wimbledon

On 31 January 2023 Pierre joined AFC Wimbledon on a six-month contract.[50] He scored his first goal for Wimbledon on 22 April 2023 against Swindon Town, but was later sent off in the same match.[51]

Shrewsbury Town

On 14 October 2023, Pierre re-signed for League One side Shrewsbury Town on a contract until January 2024.[52]

International career

Pierre qualifies to represent Grenada through his parents, and received his first international call-up in September 2015 for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Haiti.[53] He debuted on 4 September in a 3–1 defeat away to that opponent.[54] He scored his first international goal on 8 June 2017, in a 2–2 friendly draw with Bermuda in St Andrew's.[55]

His Shrewsbury teammates Omar Beckles and Ollie Norburn also represented Grenada, forging a link between the club and the Caribbean island.[56][57]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 1 December 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Brentford 2012–13[12] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 1 0
2013–14[20] League One 0 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 2 0
Total 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0
Cambridge United (loan) 2013–14[58] Conference Premier 0 0 0 0 — 1[b] 1 1 1
Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 2013–14[20] League Two 8 1 — — — 8 1
Wycombe Wanderers 2014–15[59] League Two 42 4 2 1 1 0 4[c] 0 49 5
2015–16[60] League Two 40 2 4 0 0 0 1[a] 0 45 2
2016–17[61] League Two 39 2 4 0 1 0 3[d] 0 47 2
Total 129 9 10 1 2 0 8 0 149 10
Northampton Town 2017–18[62] League One 19 0 2 0 1 0 1[d] 0 23 0
2018–19[63] League Two 41 6 1 0 0 0 3[d] 2 45 8
Total 60 6 3 0 1 0 4 2 68 8
Shrewsbury Town 2019–20[64] League One 30 3 6 1 1 0 0 0 37 4
2020–21[65] League One 26 4 3 0 0 0 3[d] 0 32 4
2021–22[66] League One 25 0 2 0 1 0 2[d] 0 30 0
Total 81 7 11 1 2 0 5 0 99 8
Sutton United 2022–23[67] League Two 2 0 0 0 0 0 1[d] 0 3 0
AFC Wimbledon 2022–23[67] League Two 11 1 — — — 11 1
Shrewsbury Town 2023–24[68] League One 4 0 1 0 — 1[d] 0 6 0
Career total 287 23 25 2 6 0 22 3 340 28
  1. ^ a b c Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance in FA Trophy
  3. ^ One appearance in Football League Trophy, three in League Two play-offs
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

International

As of match played 6 June 2023[69]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Grenada 2015 2 0
2016 0 0
2017 2 1
2018 0 0
2019 6 0
2020 0 0
2021 5 0
2022 1 0
2023 2 0
Total 18 1
Scores and results list Grenada's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Pierre goal.
List of international goals scored by Aaron Pierre
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 8 June 2017 Progress Park, Saint Andrew's, Grenada 3  Bermuda 1–1 2–2 Friendly [70]

Honours

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Shrewsbury Town" (PDF). English Football League. p. 79. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  2. ^ "Aaron Pierre". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Aaron Pierre". Shrewsbury Town F.C. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  4. ^ "Aaron Pierre: Profile". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  5. ^ "Aaron Pierre". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  6. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (19 April 2011). "Fulham, Spurs, Wolves and West Brom youngsters to discover fate". Get West London. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Aaron Pierre profile". Brentford F.C. 8 May 2012. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  8. ^ "Southend 2 – 1 Brentford". Beesotted. 4 December 2012. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  9. ^ "Aaron Pierre: 2012/2013". ESPN FC. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Aaron "delighted" to sign on again". Brentford F.C. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
  11. ^ Brett, Ciaran. "2012/13 DEVELOPMENT SQUAD STATS". Brentford F.C. Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
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  13. ^ "Clarke and Pierre sign new deals". Brentford F.C. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  14. ^ "Derby 5–0 Brentford". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  15. ^ "Brentford v AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
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  17. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (27 November 2013). "Cambridge United eye loan swoop for Brentford defender". Get West London. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
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  19. ^ Lewis, Matt (25 March 2014). "Bees defender eyes new deal". Get West London. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
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  33. ^ "Burton Albion 1–0 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  34. ^ "Gaz full of praise for Pierre". Wycombe Wanderers F.C. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  35. ^ "Scunthorpe United 0–0 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
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  39. ^ Pilnick, Brent. "Torquay United 0–3 Wycombe Wanderers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
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  41. ^ Lewis, Matt (15 May 2014). "Chairboys eye deal for centre-back Pierre". getwestlondon. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  42. ^ "Aaron Pierre: Northampton Town sign former Wycombe Wanderers defender". BBC Sport. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
  43. ^ a b "Aaron Pierre named Grosvenor Casino Player of the Season". www.ntfc.co.uk.
  44. ^ "Cobblers player of the year Aaron Pierre joins Shrewsbury Town for undisclosed fee". Northampton Chronicle & Echo. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  45. ^ "Shrewsbury Town v Bristol Rovers: Clubs given FA charge after melee". BBC Sport. 27 November 2019.
  46. ^ "Aaron Pierre: Shrewsbury Town defender cleared of violent conduct charge". BBC Sport. 29 November 2019.
  47. ^ "Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Bristol City, FA Cup third-round replay". BBC Sport. 14 January 2020.
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  49. ^ "Sutton bring in defender Pierre". BBC Sport. 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  50. ^ "AFC Wimbledon sign Aaron Pierre, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Kasey McAteer". BBC Sport.
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  52. ^ "Aaron Pierre: Shrewsbury Town re-sign centre-back until January". BBC Sport. 14 October 2023.
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  54. ^ "Aaron Pierre makes international debut". Wycombe Wanderers F.C. 5 September 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  55. ^ Trott, Lawrence (9 June 2017). "Ming and Clemons on the mark in Bermuda draw". Royal Gazette. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  56. ^ Cox, Lewis (12 November 2019). "Grenada's love for Shrewsbury Town is a Caribbean fairytale". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  57. ^ Baldi, Ryan (25 January 2020). "Liverpool's FA Cup opponents Shrewsbury get Grenada support". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
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  60. ^ "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  61. ^ "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  62. ^ "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
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  65. ^ "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  66. ^ "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  67. ^ a b "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  68. ^ "Games played by Aaron Pierre in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  69. ^ "Pierre, Aaron". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  70. ^ "Bermuda & Grenada play to a draw". Bernews. Hamilton. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  71. ^ "PFA awards: Leicester and Spurs dominate Premier League team". BBC Sport. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2018.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aaron Pierre.
Shrewsbury Town F.C. – current squad
Grenada squad – 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Awards
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