Dave Syers

Early and personal life

Born in Leeds, Syers attended Leeds Grammar School, representing the school at cricket.

He attended the University of Leeds, where he read classics and represented the English Universities football team during the 2008–09 season.

Dave married his girlfriend Hannah Bickers in June 2013.

Non-league career

Syers started his career with Ossett Albion while still at school. After playing more than 150 games with Ossett, he moved to Harrogate Town in April 2009. After making three appearances for Harrogate, Syers moved to Farsley Celtic in June 2009. During that season Syers scored nine league goals for Farsley. After a second spell with Ossett Albion in the latter stages of the 2009–2010 season, Syers returned to Harrogate in March 2010. During his second spell with Harrogate, Syers scored six goals in ten league appearances. Syers joined Guiseley on 1 July 2010.

Bradford City

Syers went on trial to League Two side Bradford City on 15 July 2010. He signed on non-contract terms with Bradford on 10 August 2010, before making his professional debut for them that same day, in a 2–1 League Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, in which Syers scored the first goal to take the game into extra-time. By the end of the week, Syers signed a full-time contract with City for the rest of the season after impressing manager Peter Taylor. A day later, Syers made his Football League debut, coming on as a second half substitute for Tommy Doherty in 1–0 victory over Stevenage. In March 2011, Syers' contract was automatically extended by Bradford until the end of the 2011–12 season, following the activation of a clause in his contract regarding match appearances. Following his first season in professional football, Syers was awarded Bradford City's Player's Player of the Year award by his teammates in May 2011. The full Player of the Year award had been cancelled two weeks earlier by the City board following a "rubbish season."

Syers was injured in the second match of the 2011–12 season, a 2–3 defeat against Leeds United in the League Cup; it was announced that he would be out of action for 10–12 weeks.

Doncaster Rovers

After his contract with Bradford expired, he signed a two-year deal with Doncaster Rovers on 14 June 2012. Syers said he was attracted by the ambition of Doncaster's manager – and ex-Bradford player – Dean Saunders, after the club made him "an offer I couldn't refuse." On the final day of the season, he helped Doncaster win the League One title with a 1–0 against Brentford.

Scunthorpe United

He signed an initial one-month loan deal with Scunthorpe United on 5 October 2013. He was re-called by Doncaster on 3 January 2014.

In January 2014 he was linked with a return to former club Bradford City, though the club denied the speculation. Later that month he signed a permanent two-and-a-half year contract with Scunthorpe. On 22 February 2014, Syers scored the first hat-trick of his career in a 5–1 home victory over Portsmouth. Syers was injured in the opening game of the 2014–15 season, and would miss the rest of the campaign. He later stated that his time injured while with Bradford City was helping him with his latest injury.

Cricket career

Syers played Bradford League cricket for Spen Victoria, Pudsey St Lawrence, Collingham and Farsley, playing as a wicket-keeper and batsman. In 2010, he scored 225 runs at an average of 75.00 in four innings to help Farsley to the final of the Priestley Cup Final, but was unable to play in the final because of his new professional football career.

Career statistics