Robert James Karl Cleary (born May 15, 2003) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Bamber Bridge on loan from EFL League Two club Salford City.
Early life
Cleary began his career with the RVDL Lions, created by former Dutch player Robin van der Laan, later playing for the Burlington Bayhawks in OPDL and then moved to Sigma FC at age 14.
College career
In January 2021, Cleary committed to Oakland University.[1] He played 10 games in 2021, recording 3 assists.[2]
Club career
In June 2021, Cleary signed a developmental contract with Canadian Premier League club Forge FC.[3] He made his professional debut on July 1 against FC Edmonton, subbing in for Chris Nanco in an eventual 2–0 defeat.[4] As part of his developmental contract, he also played with Sigma FC in League1 Ontario.[5]
In 2022, he played for Sigma FC in League1 Ontario,[6] also playing for the Sigma FC U21 in the Reserve Division where he scored 6 goals in 10 games.[7]
In May 2024, Cleary signed with English League Two club Salford City, with the deal taking effect upon the opening of the transfer window on July 1, 2024.[8][9] In September 2024, he went on a month-long loan to F.C. United of Manchester in the seventh tier Northern Premier League Premier Division.[10] In January 2025, he joined Bamber Bridge on loan.[11]
Career statistics
- As of match played November 12, 2024[12]
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Forge FC | 2021 | Canadian Premier League | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Sigma FC (loan) | 2021[5] | League1 Ontario | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| Sigma FC | 2022[6] | 18 | 2 | — | — | — | 18 | 2 | ||||
| Total | 19 | 2 | — | — | — | 19 | 2 | |||||
| Salford City | 2024–25 | EFL League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2[a] | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| F.C. United of Manchester (loan) | 2024–25[13] | Northern Premier League Premier | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| Career total | 28 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 2 | ||
- ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
References
- ^ Sigma FC [@SigmaFC] (January 11, 2021). "Congratulations to Robbie Cleary signing his NLI with @OaklandMSOC. We'd like to wish you the best of success at Oakland" (Tweet). Retrieved October 5, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "2021 Oakland University Men's Soccer Overall Statistics". Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
- ^ "Forge FC Adds Three Young Local Players to Roster". Forge FC. June 24, 2021.
- ^ Forge FC [@ForgeFCHamilton] (July 1, 2021). "79' - Substitution It's a Forge FC and CPL debut for Robbie Cleary as he comes on for @ChrisNanco" (Tweet). Retrieved July 1, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "Robert Cleary L1O 2021 Stats". League1 Ontario.
- ^ a b "Robbie Cleary 2022 L1O Stats". League1 Ontario.
- ^ "Robbie Cleary 2022 L1U21 Stats". League1 Ontario.
- ^ "Young Canadian Agrees Salford Deal". Salford City F.C. May 15, 2024. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ "Former Bayhawk Signs with Salford City FC". Burlington SC. May 29, 2024.
- ^ "Robbie Cleary heads out on loan". Salford City F.C. August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Player News: Welcome to Brig Sandro Da Costa and Robbie Cleary". Bamber Bridge F.C. January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ Robbie Cleary at Soccerway
- ^ "Robbie Cleary FCUM stats". FC United Fan.
External links
- Robbie Cleary at Soccerway
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