- Kaspars Gorkšs
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Kaspars Gorkšs
Gorkšs playing for LatviaPersonal information Full name Kaspars Gorkšs Date of birth 6 November 1981 Place of birth Riga, Latvian SSR, USSR
(now Republic of Latvia)Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) Playing position Defender Club information Current club Reading Number 17 Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1997–2002 Auda Rīga 77 (9) 2002–2004 Öster 32 (1) 2004–2005 Assyriska Föreningen 23 (0) 2005–2006 Ventspils 28 (5) 2006–2008 Blackpool 51 (7) 2008–2011 Queens Park Rangers 121 (6) 2011– Reading 3 (0) National team‡ 2001–2003 Latvia U21 12 (0) 2005– Latvia 39 (4) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 01:07, 30 January 2011 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 01:07, 30 January 2011 (UTC)Kaspars Gorkšs (born 6 November 1981) is a Latvian footballer who plays for Reading as a defender. He is also a regular with the Latvia national team.
Contents
Club career
Born in Riga, Gorkšs began his career at FK Auda, scoring 9 goals in 77 appearances. After a week long trial he joined Swedish club, Östers IF in December 2002, playing in the Allsvenskan, the Swedish top flight.[1] He moved to Assyriska Föreningen in 2005, who were then in the Allsvenskan. He moved back to Latvia in 2006 signing for FK Ventspils[2] and he scored 5 goals for Ventspils in the clubs Championship winning 2006 Virslīga season.[3] He also played for Ventspils in the second qualifying round of the 2006–07 UEFA Cup, against English Premier League club Newcastle United.[4] and Gorkšs joined Blackpool on 1 January 2007,[5] On 20 August 2007, Gorkšs was named in the Press Association's The Championship "Team of the Week".[6] Eight days later, Gorkšs scored his first goals for Blackpool in a League Cup second-round tie at Derby County. The Latvian's two goals were both equalisers — one in normal time and one in extra time — in a game that went to a penalty-shootout, won by Blackpool 7–6.[7] On 1 October Gorkšs was again named in the Press Association's The Championship "Team of the Week".[8]
Gorkšs scored his first league goal for Blackpool in their 1–0 victory over Scunthorpe United at Bloomfield Road on 10 November 2007.[9][10] On 29 December 2007 he was named as runner-up in the annual Latvian Player of the Year Awards by the Latvian Football Federation behind the winner, Vitālijs Astafjevs of Skonto.[11] He was named in The Championship "Team of the Week" for a third time on 25 February 2008, alongside teammate Stephen McPhee[12] and again on 10 March[13] He was named as the Yorkshire Seasiders Player of the Year on 6 May[14] and the following day Blackpool activated an option to extend his contract with the club by one year.[15]
Following the season, his first full season in English football in which he had become a regular in the Blackpool side and scored seven goals, Gorkšs was linked with moves to various clubs including Scottish Premier League club Rangers, as well as fellow Championship clubs Burnley, Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Preston North End and Watford; however, he dismissed the moves as just rumours, stating, "From my point of view it's just a case of carrying on and seeing what happens, that's all I can really do."[16] On 29 May both he and fellow Blackpool player Wes Hoolahan were linked with a move to Norwich City.[17]
QPR
On 12 June, Queens Park Rangers (QPR) confirmed that they had made an official bid to sign Gorkšs.[18] However, on 17 June, Blackpool issued a brief statement stating that they had reported QPR to the Football Association and the Football League for what they claimed was an illegal approach for Gorkšs.[19] Blackpool manager Simon Grayson stated, "we've got to protect the interests of our club and we're led to believe there's been an illegal approach."[20] On 18 June the Football League, who would be adjudicating on the matter, confirmed that they could block the move if QPR were found to have "tapped up the player",[21] and that the matter could be referred to a disciplinary commission.[22]
On 4 July it was incorrectly reported in the Latvian media that Gorkšs had signed a contract with QPR.[23] QPR announced on their official website that they had been given permission to speak with the player and that he had agreed personal terms. However, this was strongly denied by Blackpool, whose club chairman, Karl Oyston stated, "We definitely have not given them permission to speak to him. I'm disappointed once again with the way they've gone about their business."[24] The statement on the QPR official website was later removed.
On 28 July, Gorkšs completed his move to Loftus Road for a fee of ₤250,000, with Daniel Nardiello (permanent) and Zesh Rehman (loan) going the other way as part of the deal.[25]
Gorkšs scored his first goal for QPR in their 2–1 away win at Sheffield Wednesday on 7 November 2009.
In September 2010, he signed a two year extension with Queens Park Rangers.
Reading F.C.
On 24 August 2011, he signed for Reading on a three-year contract.[26]
International career
Gorkšs has played for the Latvian Under-21 team[1] and he made his debut for Latvia on 24 December 2005 against Thailand in the 36th annual King's Cup in Phang Nga, Thailand.[27] On 11 October 2006, in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Northern Ireland, Gorkšs started the second half in place of Māris Smirnovs.[28] In February 2007 he played for Latvia in the annual Cyprus International Football Tournament. On 6 February, he played the full 90 minutes of Latvia's 2–0 defeat by Bulgaria in the semi finals of the tournament. And the following day he played in the third place play off match against Hungary which they also lost 2–0.[29][30] On 28 March 2007, Gorkšs played for Latvia in their 2008 UEFA European Football Championship qualifer 1–0 defeat by Liechtenstein.[31] On 22 August 2007, Gorkšs played for Latvia in their friendly 2–1 defeat in Riga by Moldova.[32] He scored his first goal for Latvia on 17 October 2007, against Denmark.[15] Gorkšs is the current captain of the Latvian national football team.
Personal life
Gorkšs has two children.[10] His first child, a daughter Luīze, was born in 2005 and his second child, a son, Patriks, was born in Riga on 16 October 2007.[10][15] His two brothers, Jorens Gorkšs and Rihards Gorkšs, both play for his former club FK Auda, whilst his father, Juris Gorkšs, is the club's chairman.[33]
Honours
Club
- Ventspils
- Latvian Higher League champion: (1) 2006
- Blackpool
- League One play-off final winner: 2006–07
- Queens Park Rangers
- Football League Championship Winners: Promotion to the FA Premier League: 2010–2011
Individual-
- The Championship "Team of the Week": 20 August 2007[6]
- The Championship "Team of the Week": 1 October 2007[8]
- The Championship "Team of the Week": 25 February 2008[12]
- The Championship "Team of the Week": 10 March 2008[13]
- The Championship "Team of the Week": 27 September 2010
- Gorkšs has been named "Latvian footballer of the year" twice: in 2009 and in 2010.
References
- ^ a b "Gorkšs lands Sweden switch". UEFA. 2003-10-28. http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=40079.html. Retrieved 2008-02-08.
- ^ "Lights, cameras, Latvian action". UEFA. 2006-04-07. http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=411326.html. Retrieved 2008-02-08.
- ^ "Latvia 2006". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 2007-03-21. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesl/let06.html. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
- ^ "FK Ventspils 0–1 Newcastle". BBC Sport. 2006-08-10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4782233.stm. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ "Gorkss agrees to join Blackpool". BBC Sport. 2006-12-12. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/6173819.stm. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ a b "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week" (PDF). The Football League. 2007-08-20. http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/42/77/0,,10794~96066,00.pdf. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
- ^ "Derby 2–2 Blackpool (Blackpool win 7–6 on penalties)". BBC Sport. 2007-08-27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6963495.stm. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ a b "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week" (PDF). The Football League. 2007-10-01. http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/9a/92/0,,10794~103066,00.pdf. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ "Blackpool 1–0 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 2007-11-10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7076431.stm. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
- ^ a b c "Emotional reunion for goal-hero Gorkss". Blackpool Gazette. 2007-11-12. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Emotional-reunion-for-goalhero-Gorkss.3469485.jp. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
- ^ "Astafjevs named Latvia's number one". UEFA. 2007-12-29. http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=642260.html. Retrieved 2008-02-08.
- ^ a b "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week" (PDF). The Football League. 2008-02-25. http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/8f/da/0,,10794~121487,00.pdf. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
- ^ a b "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week" (PDF). The Football League. 2008-03-10. http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/8b/de/0,,10794~122507,00.pdf. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
- ^ "Pool Player of Year revealed". Blackpool Gazette. 2008-05-07. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Pool-Player-of-Year-revealed.4055775.jp. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ a b c "Retained List Latest". Blackpool F.C.. 2008-05-07. http://www.blackpoolfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1307664,00.html. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ Canavan, Steve (2008-05-15). "Just talk says Gorkss". Blackpool Gazette. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Just-talk-says-Gorkss.4086004.jp. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
- ^ Canavan, Steve (2008-05-29). "Canaries eyeing up Seasiders stars". Blackpool Gazette. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Canaries-eyeing-up-Seasiders-stars.4130848.jp. Retrieved 2008-05-30.
- ^ "Londoners bid for Pool star". Blackpool Gazette. 2008-06-12. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/Londoners-bid-for-Pool-star.4181018.jp. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
- ^ "Club Statement". Blackpool F.C.. 2008-06-17. http://www.blackpoolfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1329720,00.html. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
- ^ "FA to handle QPR Gorkss approach". BBC Sport. 2008-06-17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/7459857.stm. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
- ^ "League may block Gorkss move". Blackpool Gazette. 2008-06-18. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sports-news/League-may-block-Gorkss-move.4195117.jp. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
- ^ "League wait on QPR response – Blackpool's Gorkss claim to be investigated". Sky Sports. 2008-06-18. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11728_3706580,00.html. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
- ^ "Gorkšs arranges a deal with "QPR"" (in Latvian). eSports. 2008-07-04. http://esports.lv/futbols/legionari/04072008-gorkss_vienojas_ar_qpr?page=2#comments. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
- ^ "Oyston denies Gorkss QPR approach". BBC Sport. 2008-07-04. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/7490557.stm. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Blackpool seal deals for QPR pair" – BBC Sport
- ^ "Royals sign Kaspars Gorkss from QPR". readingfc.co.uk. 2011-08-24. http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2429720,00.html. Retrieved 2011-08-24.
- ^ "2005. gads" (in Latvian). Latvian Football Federation. http://www.lff.lv/lv/aizlase/vesture/2005/. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- ^ McCaig, Alvin (2006-10-11). "Northern Ireland 1–0 Latvia". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6042682.stm. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ "Cyprus International Tournament 2007". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://rsssf.com/tablesc/cypr-intltourn07.html. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
- ^ "Cyprus International Football Tournament 2007 – Cyprus". Futbol Planet. 2007. http://www.futbolplanet.de/uefa/friendly_tournaments/cyprus_international_football_tournament_2007.htm. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
- ^ "Liechtenstein beats Latvia 1–0". Fox Sports. 2007-03-29. http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6620058?. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ "Latvia – Latest Match – Wed, August 22, 2007". ESPN. 2007-08-22. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team?id=456&cc=5739. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ "Seasiders record 5–0 win in tour opener". Blackpool F.C.. 2007-07-19. http://www.blackpoolfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1075642,00.html. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
External links
- Profile ar the official Queens Park Rangers website
- Profile ar the Sky Sports.com
- Kaspars Gorkšs career stats at Soccerbase
- Profile at national-football-teams.com
- Profile at the Latvian Football Federation website (Latvian)
- Profile at football.co.uk
- Profile at Soccernet ESPN
- Pictures and Profile at Yahoo UK | Eurosport
Reading F.C. – current squad 1 Federici · 2 Griffin · 4 Karacan · 5 Pearce · 6 Gunnarsson · 7 Tabb · 8 Leigertwood · 9 Le Fondre · 10 Hunt · 11 McAnuff · 14 Kébé · 15 Morrison · 16 Jo. Mills · 17 Gorkšs · 18 Church · 19 Robson-Kanu · 22 Manset · 23 Harte · 24 Cummings · 26 Khumalo · 27 Baseya · 30 Locke · 31 Andersen · 32 Walcott · 34 Gage · 36 Ja. Mills · 37 Obita · 38 Raymond · 40 D'Ath · 43 Arnold · 44 Goddard · 46 MacDonald · 49 Ugwu · 50 C. Edwards · 51 R. Edwards · Manager: McDermott
1995: Astafjevs | 1996: Astafjevs | 1997: Ševļakovs | 1998: Zemļinskis | 1999: Pahars | 2000: Pahars | 2001: Pahars | 2002: Laizāns | 2003: Verpakovskis | 2004: Verpakovskis | 2005: Stepanovs | 2006: Koļinko | 2007: Astafjevs | 2008: Vaņins | 2009: Gorkšs | 2010: Gorkšs |
Categories:- 1981 births
- Living people
- People from Riga
- Latvian footballers
- Latvia international footballers
- Latvian expatriate footballers
- FK Ventspils players
- Östers IF players
- Blackpool F.C. players
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. players
- Reading F.C. players
- The Football League players
- Latvian expatriates in the United Kingdom
- Ventspils
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