Ross Wallace

At 38 years old, Ross Wallace has this physical status:

Ross Wallace (born 23 May 1985) is a Scottish professional footballer who last played as a winger for EFL League One club Fleetwood Town.

Personal life

Early in his football career, Wallace developed a reputation for taking off his shirt after scoring a goal. After his sending off against Hull City on 28 October 2006, Wallace said he would stop taking off his shirt and learn from his mistake. In response, manager Keane said he has no sympathy for Wallace, but decided against "crucify him" and hope the player learned his lesson. However after scoring his first goal in the Premier League, he took off his shirt once again and was booked as a result. After the match, Wallace, once again, apologised and promised not to do it again, but doesn't regret his actions. He, nevertheless, acknowledged of facing a fine from manager Keane. Two years later, Wallace, once again, was sent–off for taking off his shirt after celebrating a goal against Birmingham City, which turned to be a winning goal, in a 2–1 win on 25 April 2009 and was suspended for one match.

In October 2013, Wallace became a victim of Death hoax when a Twitter users tweeted that he died in a car crash. Four months later, Wallace spoke in the interview about the tweet for the first time and was bemusement about, as well as, the acknowledgment use of social media.

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Club career

Wallace, a native of Dundee, began his playing career with Celtic and advanced through the club's youth program. In a 4–2 victory over In the third round of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday, he made his Celtic debut and came as a 68th-minute substitute. Wallace had one appearance in the 2002–03 season, and he signed his first professional deal with the club on June 23, 2003, on a four-year contract.

Wallace, a pacy left winger, played in his UEFA Champions League debut against FBK Kaunas in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second round, starting as an 80th-minute replacement in a 1–0 victory that advances to the next round. He didn't appear in Celtic's first league game until November 1, 2003, when he came on as an 81st-minute replacement in a 5–0 victory over Kilmarnock. In a 5–0 win over Dunfermline Athletic on November 8, 2003, the club's first goal was scored. Although Wallace made only a few more first-team appearances this season, the club's first-choice wide-left player earned the league after beating Kilmarnock 1–0 on 18 April 2004. Following a 1–1 draw against Motherwell on May 12, 2004, the Celtic's supporters assaulted him, prompting a police probe. In Celtic's 3–1 victory over Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup, Wallace earned his first silverware with the club, replacing Stephen Pearson in a second-half replacement. He made fourteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions during the 2003–04 season.

Wallace began to play more for Celtic in the midfield position, shifting in and out of the starting lineup. In an 8–1 win over Falkirk in a Scottish League Cup tie on September 21, 2004, he returned to a hat-trick on his return from being sidelined with a hamstring injury. Wallace's boss, Martin O'Neill, lauded his performance, saying that "he will never see the day that Wallace scores a hat-trick." Wallace's manager, Alan Thompson, also said he was on his sidelined in the future, with Wallace expected to replace him if Wallace's at the helm. However, he made no impression in either his league or European appearances, leading to a loan inquiry into Inverness CT, whose offer was turned down. Wallace's appeal was dismissed by manager O'Neill, who said the player remained a part of his scheme. Since the transfer window ended, he continued to play, despite being on the reserve bench for the remainder of the 2004–05 season. Wallace continued to make twenty-one appearances and scoring three times in all competitions as a second place in the league and just won the Scottish Cup.

Wallace made his first appearance of the season on season 2005–06 with a 2-0 win over Artmedia Bratislava in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round second leg and setting up the second goal of the game for Celtic but not enough for Celtic to overcome a 5–0 deficit from the away leg. Despite announcing his intention to compete for his first team position, he quickly discovered himself on the sidelines for the first few months and discovered his playing time after coming from the bench. Strachan began playing Wallace at left-back in lieu of Mo Camara on December 3, 2005, defeating Aberdeen 3-1. However, this was a strange pick considering Wallace's little build and inexperience with playing in a defensive role. Strachan stayed with this squad pick for several weeks, angering fans who could immediately see the player's inability for playing in defense. When he scored an own goal in the New Year game against Hearts at Tynecastle, he highlighted his lack of positional awareness in playing in defense. The club still beat 3–2 on January 1, 2006. Towards the end of the season, new signing Mark Wilson was pushed back at left back, despite the fact that it wasn't his natural position (Wilson is a right back). Wallace, however, was in the Scottish League Cup Final at a left-back position against Dunfermline Athletic, who lost 3–0. Wilson was cup-tied, but Celtic defeated Celtic in the Scottish League Cup Final. Despite being cut from the first team earlier this season, he made two appearances in the 2005–06 season, and the club won the league. Wallace made 14 appearances in all competitions from 2005 to 2006.

Wallace went on trial at Birmingham City's Championship team ahead of the 2006–07 season. It came after he put on a weak showing in Celtic's pre-season tour. Wallace made two more appearances for Celtic in the 2006–07 season, despite his player's future. However, he was obviously not involved in the Celtic management's scheme and was expected to leave the team.

Wallace was sold to Sunderland in a contract with teammate Stanislav Varga for a total fee of up to £1,100,000. He told his fellow player, turned boss Roy Keane, that he's been on the wrong end of a Roy Keane rollicking incident before joining the club, but I've since decided to come here. To be fair, if he does say something, it will be beneficial for you. He wants to help you. If he does it, it's positive feedback. Since being in the world class for a decade, he expects the best. He obviously needs the best from everyone here to step back from the team.

Wallace won by 2–1 on his first appearance against Derby County on September 9, 2006, and scored the winner. Liam Miller, who had 14 yards past the goalkeeper in a 3–0 victory over Leeds United four days later on September 13, 2006, was rewarded with a goal. In a game against Ipswich Town on September 23, 2006, Jason de Vos scored his own goal in the 86th minute, but he was dismissed after a 3–1 loss. Wallace returned to the first team after serving a one-match suspension in a 4–1 loss to Preston North End on October 14, 2006. He scored his second goal for the club on Sunday, which turned out to be the winning goal, but he was banned for his second bookable offence for taking off his shirt while celebrating. Wallace scored on his return, scoring the game's breakthrough goal in the 62nd minute in a 1–1 draw against Southampton on November 11, 2006. Following this, he was in the first team, and the left-wing slot had been a contested match between the player and teammate Tobias Hysén. He's early form suffered due to injuries, so he came to a halt towards the back end of the season. Wallace, on the other hand, was able to re-find his form as the season came to an end, with him playing either the left-back position or left-wing, with three more goals. When Sunderland defeated the Championship in 2006–07, they were more than thrilled with the player's promising form throughout the 2006–07 season. He made thirty-three appearances and scoring six times in all competitions during the 2006–07 season. Following this, Wallace was in talks with Sunderland about an extended deal.

Despite several new defenders joining the club during pre-season, Wallace started the 2007–08 season as Sunderland's first choice left-back. He lined up against Sunderland's starting eleven on August 11, 2007, giving him his first game of the season and enabling Michael Chopra to score and the club went on to win the game. Wallace was instrumental in the pivotal game against Birmingham City as he gave Stern John's late equalizer a key point. In a 2–1 victory over Reading at the Stadium of Light on September 15, Wallace scored his first Premier League goal. In a 3–2 loss to Arsenal on September 7, 2007, he scored his second goal of the season, marking the first goal for Sunderland in their first ever game at the Emirates Stadium. Despite his initial participation in the first team, manager Keane confirmed that he would consider Wallace, along with five other players, and that he was placed on a transfer list. Wallace sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury on January 18, 2008, and would therefore miss the remainder of the 2007–08 football season. When on the sidelines, he was tagged with a MLS team that Toronto is looking to sign him but talks never came. Wallace recovered from his injury in early-March and spent two months with the club's reserve team making strides. He wasn't until May 11th, the season's final game of the season, that began with a 1–0 loss against Arsenal. Wallace made twenty-two appearances and scoring once in all competitions at the end of the 2007–08 season.

Wallace stayed on the transfer list, with leading interests from Preston North End and Sheffield United continuing to be involved throughout the summer. In the 2008 summer transfer window, it was announced that he had turned down a transfer to Preston North End and remain at Sunderland to fight for his spot in the first team. Wallace was kicked off the transfer list and thanked by manager Keane for giving him a second chance to play for the club ahead of the 2008-09 season. Wallace did however sign a year-long loan at Preston with the intention of a long-term contract at the end of the season on July 31, 2008.

In a 2–0 win over Manchester, he made his debut for the club against Chesterfield in the first round of the League Cup, beginning the whole game and setting up a goal for Neil Mellor. Wallace made his league debut on August 23, 2008, against Sheffield in a 1-1 draw. Having started off from the bench, he regained his first team job and started playing in the midfield position. In a 2–0 victory over Watford on October 28, Wallace then scored his first goal for Preston North End. He scored two more goals by the end of the year, including against Bristol City and Barnsley. Wallace joined the club on January 12th, 2009, and he has been on a permanent basis. In a 3–1 loss against Southampton, he scored his first goal since joining Preston North End on a permanent basis in a 3–1 loss. Wallace soon became a fan favorite due to the number of times he delivered superb crosses, chiefly for Jon Parkin, and he went on to deliver nineteen assists. Wallace made thirty-nine appearances and scoring five times in all competitions during the 2008–09 season.

Wallace continued to develop himself in the first team, where he began to play in a playmaker role at the start of the 2009–2010 season. In a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on September 29, Wallace scored his first goal of the season. He then scored three more goals before the year's end. In a 4–2 loss to Bristol City on January 16, 2010, Wallace scored his fifth goal of the season. He scored two more goals against Nottingham Forest and Reading later this season. Wallace wasn't able to give more assistance this season, having only seven. However, he earned thirteen bookings while also missing two games as a result. Wallace made forty-five appearances and scoring seven times in all competitions since the 2009–2010 season.

Wallace expressed disappointment in saying goodbye to his Preston teammates after leaving the club. However, Wallace was chastised in an interview with The Lancashire Telegraph when he expressed his indignation with Preston North End's struggles, which culminated in them being suspended the following season. Wallace booed his teammates whenever he touched the ball during the game, losing 1–0.

Wallace was transferred to Burnley, a rival in the Championship, for an undisclosed fee on July 2, 2010. He was dubbed by boss Brian Laws as "one of the best left-sided players in the Championship" after completion of the transfer. Since losing interest in signing Hearts' midfielder Andrew Driver, the club decided not to sign him.

Wallace scored his first goal in a Burnley shirt a week later in a pre-season friendly against Bury. In a variety of games, he put on a good show throughout the club's pre-season tour. In a 1–0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the first game of the season, Wallace made his league debut for Burnley, starting the whole game. In a 3–0 victory over Leicester City two weeks later, Chris Iwelumo scored his first goal for the club and set up a goal for Chris Iwelumo. In a 4–3 victory over Preston North End, Wallace faced his former club Preston North End on September 11, 2010, he was key in the match's beginning and ending with a winning goal for Jay Rodriguez. Wallace recovered his playing time after suffering from a groin injury during a game due to competitions in the midfield position. Despite this, Burnley's second goal was scored in a 3–2 victory over Watford on November 13, 2010. In a 2–1 loss to Reading on 3 January 2011, Wallace scored his third goal for the club. By January, he was both in and out of the starting lineup for the remainder of the 2010–11 season. Wallace made forty-three appearances and scoring three times in all competitions since the 2010-11 season.

Wallace assisted Burnley in the club's opening game of the 2011–12 season by setting up a goal for Keith Treacy. In a 6–3 win over Burton Albion in the first round of the League Cup, Jay Rodriguez scored his first goal of the season and set up a goal. Wallace was the team's first regular for the 2011–12 season when he began playing in the left-wing role. Wallace then began to play various positions, starting in the right-midfield position and then to a left-back wing. In a 5–1 victory over Nottingham Forest on September 27, 2011, he scored from 20 yards for his second goal of the season. In a 1–0 victory over Millwall, Rodriguez scored his only goal of the game after setting up a goal for him. Wallace scored four goals in four consecutive games from October 22nd 2011 to November 5th. Wallace continued to play in every match until being forced to cancel a match against Leeds United on November 19, 2011, due to a injury in preparation. Wallace then returned to the starting lineup against Birmingham City three days later, losing by 2–1 to the complete game on November 22nd. Nonetheless, his return was short-lived since he missed just one game this season for picking up five yellow cards. Wallace returned to the first team against West Ham United on December 3, 2011, serving as a 58th-minute replacement and setting up the winning goal for Sam Vokes in a 2–1 victory. He became the club's most consistent performer for the remainder of the 2011–12 season, with nine assists. Wallace continued to make forty-four appearances and scoring six times in all competitions at the end of the 2011–12 season.

Wallace stayed in the first team during the 2012–13 season by rotating in playing either right midfield or left field. This lasted until October 20, 2012, the first match against Bristol City, where he sustained a hamstring injury and missed two games as a result. Wallace returned to the starting line-up against Wolverham Wanderers on November 3rd 2012, setting up the second goal of the game after missing two games. After a one-match suspension, he returned to the starting line-up and scored two goals against Hull City and Barnsley. Wallace scored from a free kick in a 2–2 draw against Birmingham City on December 22, 2012; up until now, he hasn't scored since the 2012-13 season. In a 2–0 victory, Keith Treacy scored on a penalty and set up a goal. In a 2–1 victory over Birmingham City three weeks later, Wallace scored his third goal of the season on January 26. He signed a two-year contract with Burnley, putting him on the payroll until 2015 and taking a pay cut. Wallace, on the other hand, sustained a hamstring injury that kept him out for weeks. In a 1–0 loss to Hull City, it wasn't until on March 11th that he returned to the starting lineup and played 84 minutes before being suspended. Wallace debuted in the next seven games, establishing himself in the right midfield position until being moved to the reserve bench for the remainder of the 2012–13 season. He made forty appearances and scoring three times in all competitions at the end of the 2012–2013 season.

Wallace appeared in the right-midfield position in the first three league games of the 2013-14 season. However, after going through surgery, he sustained a knee injury that kept him out for five months. Wallace recovered from a knee injury in January and was selected in a friendly match against Wolverhampton Wanderers' reserve. He made his return to the first team after appearing as an unused replacement against Queens Park Rangers on February 1, 2014, defeating Millwall 3–1. Wallace found himself in and out of the starting lineup for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season due to midfield competitions. Burnley's return to the first team saw them promoted to the Premier League after defeating Wigan Athletic 2–0 on April 21, 2014. He made fifteen appearances in all competitions by the end of the 2013-14 season.

Wallace, on the other hand, found his playing time while coming from the bench at the start of the 2014–15 season. In a 1–0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the second round of the League Cup on August 26, 2014, he made his first appearance of the season, starting the entire game. In a 2–2 draw against Leicester City on October 4, Wallace scored his first Premier League goal in seven years. In a 4–2 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the third round FA Cup replay on January 14, 2015, he scored his second goal of the season. Wallace, on the other hand, was sidelined on two separate occasions towards the end of the 2014–15 season. Wallace was released by Burnley after five seasons with the club, totaling 165 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 times.

Following his release from Burnley, Wallace joined Sheffield Wednesday on a one-year contract on July 10. He was given a number thirty-three shirt on his first day of playing for the team.

In a 2–0 loss, Wallace made his Sheffield Wednesday debut against Bristol City in the first game of the season, setting up a goal for Lewis McGugan. In a 2–1 loss at Ipswich Town, he scored his first goal for the club. Wallace quickly established himself in the first team after joining Sheffield Wednesday, playing in either the left-midfield or right-midfield position. He scored a hat-trick assists in a 3–2 victory over Fulham on September 19, 2015 in a match against Fulham. Since joining the club and was named PFA Fans of the Month for August and September, Wallace made a huge difference. In a 3–0 win over Arsenal in the fourth round of the League Cup, he scored his second goal for Sheffield Wednesday and then set up a goal for Lucas Joo. Wallace then scored his third goal for the club over Fulham in the Championship on January 2nd; a 25-yard dipping shot after cutting in from the right wing. Sheffield Wednesday's next goal came against Blackburn Rovers on Friday, winning by a 2–1 victory and scoring a winning goal. However, he was issued a straight red card after an off-the-ball match against Milton Keynes Dons on April 19, 2016 in a 0–0 draw. Wallace returned to the starting line-up against Brighton & Hove Albion in the first leg of the Championshup play-offs, winning 2–0. He scored the equalizer goal in the return leg to help the team reach the final. Wallace got off and played 64 minutes before being suspended as Sheffield Wednesday lost 1–0. Despite missing two games in the 2015–16 season, Wallace went on to make forty-eight appearances and scoring six times in all competitions. He signed a new deal with Sheffield Wednesday, keeping him on file and beyond, showing an eagerness to remain with the club and beyond.

Wallace continued to develop himself in the first team by playing in the right midfield position at the start of the 2016–17 season. He started to play in the first XI in the last games by November, and Wallace was the player with the most impact on the game so far. He didn't play, but if he goes outside, he'll try to make it better, and it's true that he did a lot to do this." However, Wallace soon returned to his first team position in the starting lineup. In a 2–0 victory over Huddersfield Town on January 14, 2017, he ended the drought after suffering an eight-month goal drought by scoring from a 25-yard piledriver. In a 2–2 draw against Bristol City two weeks later, Wallace scored his second goal of the season on January 31. In a 1–0 victory over Wigan Athletic, he scored his third goal of the season. Following this, manager Carvalhal lauded his efforts in regaining his form. As a result, he was named Player of the Month for January and March at the club. In the upcoming two games against Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers, Wallace scored two goals. He scored two more goals against Norwich City and Burton Albion between March 4 and March 7, 2017. Wallace returned to the starting line-up against Rotherham United and Newcastle United after missing two games due to a knee injury. Since helping Sheffield Wednesday beat Ipswich Town on Sunday, he was determined to help the club qualify for the Championship play-offs. Following a 1–1 draw, the club lost 4–3 on penalties in the second leg of the Championship play-offs semi-final against Huddersfield Town, however, he suffered an injury and was expelled in the 5th minute. Despite missing a total of five games in the 2016–17 season, Wallace went on to make forty-five appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.

Wallace found himself in and out of the starting lineup during the 2017-18 season, having played in different roles. In a 3–1 victory over Nottingham Forest on September 9, he made his 100th appearance for Sheffield Wednesday. In a 2–1 win over Brentford on September 12, Wallace scored his first goal of the season, which turned out to be the winning goal. In a 2–1 loss to Middlesbrough on December 23, 2017, he scored his second goal of the season. Wallace sustained a knee injury while playing in the false nine position against Millwall on February 20, 2018, but was forced to return in the 79th minute. It was announced after the match that he would be out for the remainder of the 2017-18 season. Wallace made thirty-one appearances and scoring two times in all competitions at the end of the 2017-18 season. With just one game remaining in the 2017-18 season, it was announced that his contract will not be renewed and he would not leave before the season ends.

Wallace reacted with skepticism when he spoke out in favour of the dismissal of boss Carvalhal in March 2020. "Ross made a good contribution in the first two seasons, and I must respect this," Wallace replied on Twitter.

Wallace went on trial with Wigan Athletic on Wednesday and was featured in a friendly match against Tranmere Rovers on July 14, 2018, but despite impressing the club, he did not win a contract. He then began his trial at Fleetwood Town, an EFL League One club. Wallace joined the club on September 21, 2018, following a fruitful trial period.

In a 1–0 loss to Southend United on the following day, he made his debut for Fleetwood Town and came as a 59th-minute replacement. Wallace made a quick debut with the club by being in the center midfield position. He has played in various positions in defense and midfield at times. Wallace signed a deal with Fleetwood Town for the remainder of the 2018-19 season on October 18, 2018. In a 3–2 win over Blackpool on October 27, 2018, he scored his first goal for the club and set up the team's first game of the season. Wallace played in every match before being suspended, before being banned from two matches. Wallace returned to the starting lineup against Walsall on March 9, 2019 and played 72 minutes before being suspended in a 2–0 loss. Following his reinstatement from suspension, he resumed his first team position, playing in various midfield positions for the remainder of the 2018–19 season. Wallace made thirty-eight appearances and scoring once in all leagues at the end of the 2018-19 season. Following all of this, the club gave him a new deal.

Wallace signed a new deal on August 10, 2019. However, he appeared in four matches for Fleetwood Town as a replacement bencher. Despite signing a new deal, Wallace, who has made four appearances in various tournaments, has resigned.

Wallace signed a short-term deal with Scottish Premiership club St Mirren on February 11, 2020, making his return to his home country for the first time in 14 years. Since joining the club, he said he was determined to help St Mirren avoid relegation.

In a 2–1 victory over Motherwell on February 25, Wallace made his debut for the club, coming as a 75th-minute replacement. In a 0–0 draw against St Mirren, he made his first appearance for the team and played for 84 minutes before being called off. In a 1–0 victory over Hearts on March 11, the opposition team was relegated to the opposition team after the season was postponed, with the team finishing ninth in the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jonathan Obika set up a goal for the game's only goal of the season on March 11, 2020. He made three appearances in all competitions at the end of the 2019-20-20 season. Following this, it was announced on May 2, 2020, when Wallace was one of thirteen top-flight Saints players when his deal came to an end.

Post-playing career

Wallace withdrew his release from professional football in St. Mirren's, he resigned from playing football. After his playing days are over, he has hinted that he intends to teach. Wallace re-joined Burnley in March 2021 as part of the club's youth group.

International career

Wallace played for Scotland from 2002 to 2006, representing Scotland from U18 and Scotland U21.

Wallace was called to the Scotland B team squad for the first time in November 2007. In a 1–1 draw against the Republic of Ireland's B team on November 20, 2007, he made his B team debut, starting the whole game. Wallace made arguments that moving to new clubs and performances would help him get a call-up from Scotland's national team throughout his football career.

While teammates and managers wanted to convince the national team to call him to the squad, he was turned away instead. With the notable exception in October, when he was called up to the national team squad. In a friendly match against Japan on October 10, Wallace made a complete international appearance for Scotland.

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