Graham Branch
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| Graham Branch | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Graham Branch | |
| Date of birth | February 12, 1972 | |
| Place of birth | Liverpool, England | |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | |
| Playing position | Left Back/Left Midfield | |
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1991–1998 1992 1997–1998 1998–1999 1999–2007 2007–2008 |
Tranmere Rovers → Bury (loan) → Wigan Athletic (loan) Stockport County Burnley Accrington Stanley |
102 (10) 4 (1) 3 (0) 14 (3) 264 (17) 22 (0) |
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1 Senior club appearances and goals |
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Graham Branch, (born 12th February, 1972 in Liverpool, England) is a footballer currently playing for Football League Two side Accrington Stanley, whom he joined on July 10, 2007 after being released by fellow Lancashire club Burnley earlier in the year.
A childhood Liverpool fan, he started his footballing career across the River Mersey as a trainee with Tranmere Rovers. Having made 109 appearances for them, with loan deals at Bury and Wigan Athletic along the way, he was released on a free transfer to Stockport County for the beginning of the 1998–99 season, and quickly arrived at Turf Moor around Christmas in 1998 when signed by the colourful manager Stan Ternent, following a falling-out with then Stockport manager, Gary Megson.
Once described by Ternent as a Premiership-standard player, his inability to hold down a regular position either as a left-winger, left-sided or central defender, or striker, has seen him play mostly in the lower leagues. This coupled with a self-confessed lack of confidence has meant that the player has struggled to impress sections of the fans, even though he has played more than 200 games for the club. His unpopularity with some supporters has however been balanced with him becoming something of a cult figure, earning him regular chants of "Graham di Branchio," (in reference to the football chant given to Italian footballer Paolo Di Canio), in an effort to boost his confidence and let his more prominent abilities such as pace and height come to the fore.
The 2005–06 season held even more promise for the player after his hard work and commitment paid off after he was offered a new one year extension to his current deal. Although he only scored two goals he played a large role in many victories due to his skill and crossing abilities. The 2006–07 was widely expected to be his last with Burnley and he spent it as a little-used substitute or squad player.
On May 7, 2007 1,809 fans turned out at Turf Moor to say goodbye to the versatile player when the current Burnley side played a 'Branch XI'. Although no official announcement had been made by that stage, Branch's departure had been confirmed by Steve Cotterill in interviews leading up to this testimonial match. His departure was confirmed on May 8, 2007.
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