Steve Middleton
Stephen Middleton | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 28, 1953 Portsmouth, England |
| Occupation(s) | Footballer (retired), Financial advisor |
| Years active | 1970–1978 |
| Known for | Goalkeeper for Southampton and Portsmouth |
Stephen Roy Middleton (born 28 March 1953) is a retired English footballer who served as a goalkeeper during the 1970s, representing local rivals Southampton and Portsmouth.
Football career
Hailing from Portsmouth, Middleton attended Brune Park School in Gosport, where he guarded the goal for the school team and also played for Gosport & Fareham Schools.
Middleton began his association with Southampton as an associate schoolboy in December 1967, progressed to apprentice status by October 1969, and turned professional in July 1970. He made his first appearance for the Southampton Reserves in December 1969. By 1973, he had established himself as the regular reserve goalkeeper and made his first-team debut on 25 August 1973 when he stepped in for the injured Eric Martin. After three games, he lost his place once Martin recovered.
The arrival of Ian Turner in March 1974 relegated Middleton further down the hierarchy. In March 1975, he was loaned to Torquay United, where he featured in ten league matches before returning to Southampton. At the outset of the 1975–76 season, Middleton claimed a spot as first-choice goalkeeper, playing in 17 fixtures until a dip in confidence prompted Turner's reinstatement. Turner then maintained the goalkeeping duties as Southampton secured the FA Cup in 1976.
During the following season (1976–77), with Turner sidelined due to injury, manager Lawrie McMenemy brought in Colin Boulton and Jimmy Montgomery on loan. Middleton appeared sporadically before Peter Wells was signed in December. Released by Southampton in May 1977, Middleton joined his hometown club Portsmouth. He welcomed this transfer but criticized McMenemy’s strategy of acquiring veteran players.
Middleton’s initial performances for Portsmouth showed promise; however, after a costly mistake during an FA Cup tie against Swansea City and conceding twelve goals across three league matches, he was dropped from the team. He concluded his professional playing career at the end of that season.
Later career
Following retirement from football, Middleton managed a pub in Portsmouth and by 2003 had transitioned into a role as a financial advisor at a building society located in Fareham.