Harry William Brockbank (born 26 September 1998) is an English former footballer who played as a defender for Bolton before playing Non-League football.
Early life Brockbank was educated at Turton School.
Club career Bolton Wanderers Harry Brockbank joined the Bolton Wanderers academy at the age of seven, playing in central defence all through the age groups. Brockbank had numerous different coaches whilst progressing through the academy, most notably former Bolton Wanderers players Gavin McCann at Under 15s and Nicky Spooner at Under 16s.
Loans Brockbank joined Hyde United on loan alongside teammate Ryan White on 16 December 2016. He made no appearances during this loan spell.Hyde United: "Harry Brockbank" Two years later he was loaned to Salford City on 30 November 2018 and made his debut on 18 December, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–1 win against Gateshead in the FA Trophy first round, helping Salford reach the second round for the first time in their history. He played one more game, on 1 January 2019, coming on as a late substitute for Matt Green in a 2–0 league win against Wrexham.
First Team He made his debut for Bolton on 19 April 2019, starting in a 0–2 defeat against Aston Villa. This result meant Bolton were relegated to League One. Brockbank was originally released by the club when his contract expired on 30 June 2019, however he signed a new two-year contract on 3 August 2019 despite interest from Burnley and Sunderland. When the senior players refused to play against Coventry City due to unpaid wages, Brockbank played as Captain, and lead the youngest team in Bolton Wanderers history, with an average age of 19, to a 0–0 draw. Brockbank described captaining the club as his dream come true and that Bolton are the only team he wants to play for.
On 2 June 2021 the club announced that Brockbank had signed a new two-year deal which would keep him at the club until at least June 2023. On 19 January 2022, the club announced that he had been released from the remainder of his contract to take up a potential playing opportunity in America.
El Paso Locomotive On 21 January 2022, Brockbank signed for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive. He made his debut on the opening day of the season in which he came on as a half–time substitute for Shavon John-Brown in a 3–1 defeat against Sacramento Republic. On 24 March he scored the first goal of his career in a 5–4 defeat against Las Vegas Lights. On 21 May, he left El Paso by mutual consentThe Bolton News: "Ex-Bolton Wanderers star Harry Brockbank leaves US club El Paso Locomotive" later stating he left as he was homesick.The Bolton News: "Ex-Bolton Wanderers defender Harry Brockbank on why he quit El Paso Locomotive"
St Patrick's Athletic It was announced on 1 July 2022 that Brockbank had signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club St Patrick's Athletic.St Patrick's Athletic FC @stpatsfc: "𝙎𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙎 𝘼𝘿𝘿 𝘿𝙊𝙐𝘽𝙇𝙀 𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 📝 We are delighted to announce the signings of right-back Harry Brockbank & midfielder Thijs Timmermans We'll be hearing from the lads & Manager Tim Clancy about his new recruits in the coming days ⚽️ #StPatsFC #Saints2022" In signing for St Patrick's Athletic, he reunited with former Bolton team mate Eoin Doyle with Brockbank stating it was Doyle who had arranged for Brockbank to have a trial at the club. His debut came on 15 July 2022, in a 1–1 draw against Dundalk at Richmond Park. Brockbank made his first appearance in European football on 21 July 2022 in a 1–1 draw with Slovenian side NŠ Mura in the UEFA Europa Conference League. After making 15 appearances in his first half season at the club, Brockbank signed a new one-year contract with the club on 8 November 2022.#SAINTS2023 | Brockbank Signs New Deal He made just 9 appearances in an injury plagued 2023, before being released at the end of his contract in December 2023.
Radcliffe In January 2024, he moved to Northern Premier League Premier Division side Radcliffe.https://www.radcliffefc.com/news/harry-brockbank-signs-for-the-boro-2826244.html, Harry Brockbank signs for the Boro, Radcliffe FC, 9 January 2024 A month later, he joined North West Counties Premier Division side Bury on a 28 day loan.The Bolton News: "Ex-Bolton Wanderers man Harry Brockbank on Bury loan switch"Bury: "TWO ADDED TO BOLSTER SQUAD"
Clitheroe In June 2024, he signed for Clitheroe.Harry Brockbank Joins Clitheroe | FIRST INTERVIEW
Personal life In January 2021 Brockbank took on the role as a mental health ambassador for Bolton Wanderers and spends part of his free time helping to support people battling with mental health problems.@harry_brockbank: "I feel honoured to be able to announce that I've taken on a role as Mental Health Ambassador for Bolton Wanderers. I'll be helping to support our Community Trust with their vital work and I'll do as much as I can to help people with their battles against Mental Health issues. On 21 May 2021, he was given an award by the Professional Footballers' Association for his work in helping people that struggle with their mental health.@OfficialBWFC: "@harry_brockbank with his @PFA Community Champion Award for 2020/21. For a young man to come forward with a passion and a desire to help people with their Mental Health deserves great credit!
Style of play He can play in every defensive position and can even play as an emergency goalkeeper though his natural position is as a right-back.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBolton Wanderers2018–19Championship30000000302019–20League One60001010802020–21League Two1800000101902021–22League One4000102070Total310002040370Hyde United (loan)2016–17Northern Premier League0000—0000Salford City (loan)2018–19National League1000—1020El Paso Locomotive2022USL Championship11210—00122St Patrick's Athletic2022LOI Premier Division11000—4015020236000—3090Total17000—70240Radcliffe2023–24Radcliffe – Appearances – Harry BrockbankNorthern Premier League20——0020Bury (loan)2023–24NWCFL - HARRY BROCKBANKNWC Premier Division40——0040Career total6521020120802 Notes
Honours Bolton Wanderers EFL League Two third-place (promotion): 2020–21Soccerbase: League Two 2020/21 Table
St Patrick's Athletic FAI Cup: 2023
Radcliffe Northern Premier League: 2023–24
References