Controversial forgotten Aston Villa and Rangers man retires from professional football

Former Premier League defender Phil Bardsley, who was known for his competitive and hot streak, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.

Most successful during his spells at Sunderland, Stoke City and Burnley between 2008 and 2022, Bardsley made a total of 303 appearances in the Premier League throughout his career.

Formerly a Scotland international, Bardsley also spent time with both Aston Villa and Rangers, though both experiences have largely been forgotten.

It was a loan to Rangers in 2006 as the defender impressed on loan from Manchester United, but a training ground bust-up with manager Paul Le Guen meant for an early termination.

In the January that followed, Bardsley made a switch to Villa Park on a six-month basis and played 13 times in the English top flight before going back to Old Trafford.

One more loan – at Championship side Sheffield United – came afterward before the full-back headed to Sunderland on a permanent deal.

More controversy occurred at the Stadium of Light as he made fun of his side’s opening-day defeat to Fulham on social media and was soon temporarily banned by the club.

Bardsley made a career-high of 200 appearances for the Black Cats before going on to play 63 times for Stoke and on 77 occasions for Burnley.

His career ended with League Two outfit Stockport County as he featured in just three competitive matches throughout the 2022/23 season.