NICKY MAYNARD

Born: 11 December 1986, Winsford, England
Former clubs: Crewe Alexandra, Witton Albion (loan), Bristol City

Born in the Cheshire town of Winsford in December 1985, Maynard spent a period with Arsenal as a schoolboy before linking up with Crewe in 1994 at the age of seven. The forward remained at Gresty Road for 14 years, graduating from the club's famous Academy under the watchful eye of Dario Gradi.

After netting 27 goals for the youth team in 2003/04, Maynard signed his first professional contract at the age of 18 before making his senior debut for Crewe in a 4-2 win over Millwall at the end of the 2005/6 campaign. The following season, 2006/07, saw Maynard enjoy a prolific partnership with Luke Varney and cement his place in the Railwaymen's starting XI.

A further 15 goals in 2007/08 tempted Bristol City to spend £2.25m to take Maynard to Ashton Gate in July 2008 and he maintained his fine scoring record for the Robins. The 2009/10 season was his best in a City shirt, with 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions.

2011/12

Joined West Ham United on a three-and-a-half year contract on 31 January 2012...Named as an unused substitute in West Ham United's 2-1 npower Championship win over Millwall on 4 February 2012...Made his full West Ham United debut in the 1-1 home npower Championship draw with Southampton on 14 February 2012...Scored his first West Ham United goal in the 4-1 npower Championship win at Blackpool on 21 February 2012...Netted in the 4-0 npower Championship victory at Barnsley on 6 April 2012...Scored his first Boleyn Ground goal in the 3-0 npower Championship semi-final second leg win over Cardiff City on 7 May 2012.

International career

None.

Before West Ham United

Joined Crewe Alexandra's Academy at the age of seven in 1994...Spent 14 seasons with Crewe Alexandra...Loaned to Northern Premier League club Witton Albion in January 2006...Made his Crewe Alexandra debut as a substitute in a 4-2 win over Millwall on 30 April 2006, scoring within two minutes of appearing off the bench at half-time...Netted 19 goals in 38 matches in 2006/07 - his first season as a regular starter for Crewe Alexandra...Managed 15 goals in 28 appearances for Crewe Alexandra in 2007/08...Joined Bristol City for a reported £2.25m in summer 2008...Scored 46 goals in 130 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons with Bristol City.

Any other business

Roomed with West Ham United loanee Jordan Spence at Bristol City...Sucks his thumb as a goal celebration as a tribute to his young son.