ANTONI SARCEVIC

Full Name: Antoni Charles Sarcevic

Born: 13 March 1992

Came from: Shrewsbury Town   Went to:

First game: 31 January 2017   Last game: 29 February 2020

Appearances: 132 (122/10)   Goals: 20

Although his name suggests otherwise, Antoni Sarcevic was born and bred in Manchester, his name the consequence of an Italian grandmother and a Serbian grandfather. He joined Manchester City's youth setup at the age of seven and spent eight years progressing through the ranks before leaving to join the youth system at Northern Premier League Division One North side Woodley Sports in 2008. He made his first team debut a year later and that same season was offered a trial at Premier League club Blackburn Rovers.

In May 2010 the 18-year-old signed for Crewe Alexandra in League Two, and in the following October was loaned to Northern Premier League Division One North club Chester. After impressing in his loan spell, he was recalled to Crewe and went on to make his Football League debut in February 2011. Ten months later he returned to Chester as a permanent signing. Chester were promoted twice in the following two seasons, reaching the Football Conference, and after impressive performances for his club, Sarcevic won an England C cap, scoring in a match in Bermuda.

In the summer of 2013, with a season remaining on his Chester contract, Sarcevic joined League Two side Fleetwood Town, whom he helped to promotion in his first season at the club. That season he scored 15 goals from midfield, including a hat-trick in November and a goal from a free-kick in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. In all he played 138 times for Fleetwood, scoring 20 goals.

In May 2016 Sarcevic joined fellow League One side Shrewsbury Town on a two-year deal, but the move was not a success. Six months later his contract was terminated by mutual consent, and in January 2017 the 24-year-old arrived at Home Park to become Derek Adams' third capture of the transfer window, signing an 18-month deal.

'Sarce' went on to become a popular player at Home Park, aided by a goal in his first start for the club. Due to his passion and consistent performances - a midfield engine not really seen since that days of David Norris - he was given the nickname 'Manchester Messi' by the Green Army.

Playing a part in Argyle's promotion from League Two in 2016-17, and then a season of consolidation back in League One, he signed a two-year contract extension (on the same day as Ryan Taylor) to commit himself to the club until 2020.

After Argyle's relegation back to League Two after just two seasons in League One, he tasted success again under Ryan Lowe with the points-per-game promotion of the COVID-curtailed season in 2019-20. With his contract up, he was offered a further extension, but citing a desire to return closer to his family in his native North West, he declined and left Home Park after 132 games, 20 goals, two promotions and one relegation - certainly an eventful four seasons. His dedication to the team following relegation and the commitment and role he played as part of the side that won promotion back under Lowe further cemented his cult status - few will forget his impressive goals in key wins at Salford City and Forest Green Rovers in front of the travelling Green Army.

In July 2020 he joined League Two side Bolton Wanderers, signing a two-year deal, and shortly after was named club captain for the forthcoming season. He once again scored on his debut and quickly endeared himself to the Bolton faithful, helping Wanderers back up to League One in May 2021. However, Sarcevic was dropped to the bench just ahead of their visit to Home Park in October 2021 (for the memorable rain-sodden game). It was reported that this caused an argument with manager, Ian Evatt with both considering their relationship to be irreparable as a result. This led to Sarcevic accepting an immediate move to Stockport County. In all he played 52 times for the Trotters and scored 11 times.

With his move to Stockport on a free transfer confirmed, he signed a contract at Edgeley Park until 2024. Weaving his magic again, he helped County back out of the National League to return to the EFL, and two seasons later he was a member of the County side that won the League Two title in 2023-24. In May 2024, Stockport announced that he would leave the club at the end of his deal, having scored 18 times in 97 apperances for them.

In May 2024, Sarcevic, now 32, joined Bradford City on a two-year deal, reuniting with Graham Alexander, his manager at Fleetwood Town.