Gavin Ronald Oliver (born 6 September 1962) is an English former professional footballer who made more than 350 Football League appearances playing as a central defender.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Gavin Ronald Oliver[1] | ||
Date of birth | [1] | 6 September 1962||
Place of birth | Felling,[1] England | ||
Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Central defender | ||
Youth career | |||
1979–1980 | Sheffield Wednesday | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1980–1985 | Sheffield Wednesday | 20 | (0) |
1983 | → Tranmere Rovers (loan) | 17 | (1) |
1985 | → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) | 16 | (0) |
1985–1995 | Bradford City | 313 | (9) |
Total | 366 | (10) | |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Oliver played for Sheffield Wednesday, Tranmere Rovers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bradford City.[3][4][1]
He began his career as a centre forward but switched to playing as a central defender following an injury to a player in that position in a youth match. He joined Sheffield Wednesday's groundstaff in July 1979, and turned professional in August 1980. After loan spells at Tranmere Rovers and Brighton & Hove Albion he signed for Bradford City for £20,000 in November 1985.[5]
After retiring as a player, in November 2007 he was working as Sunderland's recruitment officer.[6]