Paul Konchesky

Paul Martyn Konchesky (born 15 May 1981 in Barking, London) is a professional England football (soccer) player currently playing for Fulham F.C. in the left-back position. He is a versatile player capable of appearing across the back four or in midfield.

Background

Konchesky studied at Eastbrook Comprehensive School in Dagenham, London and played for West Ham United F.C. as a boy at the The Academy of Football.

Club career

Charlton Athletic

Konchesky joined Charlton Athletic F.C. as a trainee in August 1997. He became the youngest player to appear in the first team for Charlton (a record which has since been broken) when he played against Oxford United F.C. in August 1997 at the age of 16 years and 93 days However, firm offers were not forthcoming and in September 2003, Konchesky joined Tottenham Hotspur F.C. on one-month loan. The loan was extended for a further month and then until January 2004. Although Konchesky was keen on a permanent move to Tottenham, no move materialised and a spate of injuries at Charlton led to Konchesky being recalled from loan in December 2003, when he also came off the transfer list. In July 2005, Konchesky signed for West Ham United, having made a total of 169 appearances for Charlton in all competitions, scoring six goals, and 15 appearances for Tottenham. He lost his place in the first team during the 2006–07 season, making only 25 appearances,

Fulham

Konchesky signed a four-year contract with Fulham F.C. in July 2007 for a fee of up to £3.25 million. Konchesky played the first game of the 07/08 season for Fulham against new Premiership Team Hull City but his mistake greatly helped the opposing team score a winner after he stumbled over the ball. He missed the next game against Arsenal due to injury but returned to action the following league game against Bolton.

International career

Konchesky made 15 appearances for the England national under-21 football team, and has two caps for senior England team. He made his England national football team first team debut in a half-time substitution in the friendly against Australia national football team in February 2003 and made a second appearance for England again in a half-time substitution in the friendly against Argentina in November 2005.