Kevin Summerfield (born 23 January 1959) is an English former professional [[footballer]] who played as a [[winger]] or [[forward]], and later had an extensive career as a coach and assistant manager. He is notable for his playing career across various clubs in the [[Football League]], particularly [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.]], and his long coaching partnership with manager [[Paul Sturrock]].
Early Life and Playing Career
Born in [[Walsall]], England, Summerfield began his professional football career with his hometown club, [[Walsall F.C.]], making his senior debut in 1976. He spent four seasons with Walsall before moving to [[Birmingham City F.C.]] in 1980. After two years at Birmingham, he joined [[Ipswich Town F.C.]] in 1982.Summerfield's playing career spanned several clubs, including [[Cardiff City F.C.]], [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.]], [[Exeter City F.C.]], and [[Yeovil Town F.C.]]. He enjoyed a particularly significant spell at Plymouth Argyle, where he made over 200 appearances across two stints, becoming a prominent figure for the club in the mid-1980s. Known for his pace and dribbling ability on the wing, he also scored regularly. He later played for Exeter City before moving into non-league football with clubs such as [[Tiverton Town F.C.]] before his retirement as a player.
Coaching and Managerial Career
Upon retiring from playing, Summerfield transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career at Plymouth Argyle, initially working with the youth teams before being promoted to assistant manager. This marked the start of a long and often successful coaching partnership with [[Paul Sturrock]], whom he first assisted at Argyle.Summerfield followed Sturrock to several clubs, serving as his assistant manager at [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.]], [[Swindon Town F.C.]], and later returned to Plymouth Argyle for Sturrock's second managerial spell. His coaching roles also included assistant manager positions at clubs such as [[Chesterfield F.C.]], [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.]], [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.]], and [[Preston North End F.C.]]. During his coaching career, Summerfield was widely regarded for his tactical knowledge, player development skills, and his ability to forge strong working relationships within the management team. He briefly took charge of Plymouth Argyle as caretaker manager in 2000.
References
- Various football encyclopaedias and club histories.
- Official club websites and historical archives.