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{{Short description|English footballer (born 1984)}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Leroy Lita
| name = Leroy Lita
| image = Leroy Lita.jpg
| image = Leroy Lita 2017.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| image_size =
| caption = Lita playing for Middlesbrough
| caption = Lita playing for [[Sisaket F.C.|Sisaket]] in 2017
| fullname = Leroy Halirou Bohari Lita<ref name="Statistics">{{cite web|title=Statistics |url=http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/34/3/0,,12306~131892,00.pdf |publisher=Premier League |access-date=11 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521093531/http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/34/3/0%2C%2C12306~131892%2C00.pdf |archive-date=21 May 2009 }}</ref>
| fullname = Leroy Halirou Bohari Lita<ref name="Statistics">{{cite web
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|12|28|df=y}}
| title = Statistics
| url = http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/34/3/0,,12306~131892,00.pdf
| publisher = Premier League
| accessdate = 11 January 2010
| format=PDF}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|12|28|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Kinshasa]], Zaire
| birth_place = [[Kinshasa]], Zaire
| height = {{convert|1.76|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = 1.76 m
| position = [[Striker]]
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]]
| currentclub = [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
| currentclub = [[Barwell F.C.|Barwell]]
| clubnumber = 18
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 1999–2001
| youthyears1 = 1999–2001
| youthclubs1 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| youthclubs1 = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| years1 = 2002–2005
| years1 = 2002–2005
| clubs1 = [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
| years2 = 2005–2009
| caps1 = 85
| years3 = 2008
| goals1 = 31
| years4 = 2008
| years2 = 2005–2009
| years5 = 2009–2011
| clubs2 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
| years6 = 2011–
| caps2 = 83
| years7 = 2012
| goals2 = 20
| years8 = 2013
| years3 = 2008
| clubs1 = [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
| clubs3 = → [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] (loan)
| clubs2 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
| caps3 = 8
| clubs3 = → [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] (loan)
| goals3 = 3
| clubs4 = → [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
| years4 = 2008–2009
| clubs5 = [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]
| clubs6 = [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
| clubs4 = → [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
| caps4 = 16
| clubs7 = → [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan)
| goals4 = 7
| clubs8 = → [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] (loan)
| years5 = 2009–2011
| caps1 = 85
| clubs5 = [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]
| goals1 = 31
| caps5 = 78
| caps2 = 83
| goals2 = 20
| goals5 = 20
| years6 = 2011–2014
| caps3 = 8
| clubs6 = [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
| goals3 = 3
| caps6 = 18
| caps4 = 16
| goals6 = 2
| goals4 = 7
| years7 = 2012
| caps5 = 78
| clubs7 = → [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan)
| goals5 = 20
| caps7 = 10
| caps6 = 16
| goals7 = 3
| goals6 = 2
| years8 = 2013
| caps7 = 10
| clubs8 = → [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] (loan)
| goals7 = 3
| caps8 = 17
| caps8 = 17
| goals8 = 6
| goals8 = 6
| years9 = 2013
| nationalyears1 = 2005–2007
| clubs9 = → [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
| nationalteam1 = [[England national under-21 football team|England U21]]
| caps9 = 5
| nationalcaps1 = 9
| goals9 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 6
| years10 = 2014–2015
| club-update = 18:14, 7 May 2013 (UTC)
| clubs10 = [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]]
| nationalteam-update =
| caps10 = 19
| goals10 = 2
| years11 = 2015
| clubs11 = → [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] (loan)
| caps11 = 6
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2015–2016
| clubs12 = [[AO Chania F.C.|AO Chania]]
| caps12 = 11
| goals12 = 1
| years13 = 2016
| clubs13 = [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]]
| caps13 = 8
| goals13 = 1
| years14 = 2017
| clubs14 = [[Sisaket F.C.|Sisaket]]
| caps14 = 21
| goals14 = 5
| years15 = 2018
| clubs15 = [[Margate F.C.|Margate]]
| caps15 = 3
| goals15 = 0
| years16 = 2019
| clubs16 =
| caps16 =
| goals16 =
| years17 = 2019
| clubs17 = [[Salisbury F.C.|Salisbury]]
| caps17 = 3
| goals17 = 2
| years18 = 2019–2020
| clubs18 = [[Chelmsford City F.C.|Chelmsford City]]
| caps18 = 12
| goals18 = 1
| years19 = 2020–2022
| clubs19 = [[Nuneaton Borough F.C.|Nuneaton Borough]]
| caps19 = 21
| goals19 = 5
| years20 = 2022
| clubs20 = [[Stratford Town F.C.|Stratford Town]]
| caps20 = 11
| goals20 = 3
| years21 = 2022–2023
| clubs21 = [[Hednesford Town F.C.|Hednesford Town]]
| caps21 = 29
| goals21 = 17
| years22 = 2023
| clubs22 = [[Ilkeston Town F.C.|Ilkeston Town]]
| caps22 = 18
| goals22 = 16
| years23 = 2023–2024
| clubs23 = [[Nuneaton Borough F.C.|Nuneaton Borough]]
| caps23 = 22
| goals23 = 6
| years24 = 2024
| clubs24 = [[Coalville Town F.C.|Coalville Town]]
| caps24 = 6
| goals24 = 1
| years25 = 2024–
| clubs25 = [[Barwell F.C.|Barwell]]
| caps25 = 8
| goals25 = 3
| totalcaps =
| totalgoals =
| nationalyears1 = 2005–2007
| nationalteam1 = [[England national under-21 football team|England U21]]
| nationalcaps1 = 9
| nationalgoals1 = 6
| club-update = 12:33, 2 August 2024 (UTC)
}}
}}
'''Leroy Halirou Bohari Lita''' (born 28 December 1984) is a [[Association football|footballer]] who plays for [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]. Lita was a product of the [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] [[youth system]]. He failed to play for Chelsea, and moved to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] and [[Reading F.C.|Reading]], where his form helped him earn a place with the [[England national under-21 football team|England under-21]] side. He has also played on loan with [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]], [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] and [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]].
'''Leroy Halirou Bohari Lita''' (born 28 December 1984) is an English [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Forward (association football)|forward]] for {{English football updater|Barwell}} club [[Barwell F.C.|Barwell]].

Lita was a product of the [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] [[youth system]] but never made a first-team appearance for the club; in 2002, he moved to [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] and later represented [[Reading F.C.|Reading]], where his form helped him earn a place with the [[England national under-21 football team|England under-21]] side. He later played for [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]], [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]], [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]], in Greece for [[AO Chania F.C.|AO Chania]] and in Thailand for [[Sisaket F.C.|Sisaket]], with loan spells at [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]], [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]], [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]], [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]], [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] and [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]]. He then moved into [[non-league football]].


==Club career==
==Club career==

===Bristol City===
===Bristol City===
Born in [[Kinshasa]],<ref>{{cite news | date=1 October 2005 | url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,9753,1582421,00.html | title=Chelsea finishing school graduate has eyes on Premiership honours | work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | accessdate=23 August 2006 | location=London | first=Jon | last=Brodkin}}</ref> Lita signed his first professional contract for [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] at the age of 18 at the start of the [[2003-04 in English football|2003–04]] season, after being discovered by scout Roger Barton.<ref>{{cite news | date=1 April 2007 | url=http://www.www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/reading/article1596265.ece | title=Lita the fighter | work=[[The Sunday Times (UK)|The Sunday Times]] | accessdate=5 May 2007 | location=London | first=Brian | last=Doogan}}</ref> It wasn't until [[Brian Tinnion]] took over from [[Danny Wilson (footballer born 1960)|Danny Wilson]] as manager at the start of the [[2004-05 in English football|2004–05]] season that Lita really established himself in the first team. That year he scored 29 goals in all competitions for club and one U21 international goal taking his tally to 30 for the season.
Born in [[Kinshasa]],<ref>{{cite news | date=1 October 2005 | url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,9753,1582421,00.html | title=Chelsea finishing school graduate has eyes on Premiership honours | work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | access-date=23 August 2006 | location=London | first=Jon | last=Brodkin}}</ref> Lita made his debut for Bristol City at the start of the [[2002-03 in English football|2002–03]] season, and his first goal followed when he scored a late winner against [[Port Vale]] in September 2002.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/2272696.stm |title=Port Vale 2-3 Bristol City |publisher=BBC |date=28 September 2002|access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2002|name=Leroy Lita |access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref> Lita signed his first professional contract for [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] at the age of 18 at the start of the [[2003-04 in English football|2003–04]] season, after being discovered by scout Roger Barton.<ref>{{cite news | date=1 April 2007 | url=http://www.www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/reading/article1596265.ece | title=Lita the fighter | work=[[The Sunday Times (UK)|The Sunday Times]] | access-date=5 May 2007 | location=London | first=Brian | last=Doogan | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121223124611/http://www.www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/reading/article1596265.ece | archive-date=23 December 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> After [[Brian Tinnion]] had taken over from [[Danny Wilson (footballer, born 1960)|Danny Wilson]] as manager at the start of the [[2004-05 in English football|2004–05]] season that Lita really established himself in the first team. That year he scored 29 goals in all competitions for club and one U21 international goal taking his tally to 30 for the season.


===Reading===
===Reading===
Lita moved to [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] (then in the [[Football League Championship]]) on 13 July 2005 for a then club record fee of £1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news | date=14 July 2005 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4674515.stm | title=Reading snap up £1m striker Lita | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | accessdate=31 January 2008}}</ref>
Lita moved to [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] of the [[EFL Championship|Championship]] on 13 July 2005 for a then club record fee of £1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news | date=14 July 2005 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/4674515.stm | title=Reading snap up £1m striker Lita | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | access-date=31 January 2008}}</ref>

Lita scored on his debut at home to [[Plymouth Argyle F.C|Plymouth]] with a fine header to equalise, but [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] eventually lost 2–1, however they only lost one more league game during the entire season. Lita made it three goals in his first three games as he scored two well taken goals in Reading's 3–0 win away at [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston]]. He scored in home wins against [[Swansea City F.C.|Swansea]] in the Carling Cup and [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] in the league, before scoring a stunning overhead kick in the 3–2 win at home to [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]]. He then endured a barren spell in front of goal, but he ended it with a goal in a 3–0 win at [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich]], a result which took Reading to the top of the Championship.


Lita scored on his debut at home to [[Plymouth Argyle F.C|Plymouth Argyle]] with a fine header to equalise, but Reading lost 2–1, however they only lost one more league game during the entire season. Lita made it three goals in his first three games as he scored two well taken goals in Reading's 3–0 win away at [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston]]. He scored in home wins against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] in the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] and [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] in the league, before scoring an overhead kick in the 3–2 win at home to [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]]. He then endured a barren spell in front of goal, but he ended it with a goal in a 3–0 win at [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich]], a result which took Reading to the top of the Championship.
He then suffered an injury that kept him out for 6 weeks, but on his return against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] in the third round of the [[FA Cup]], he produced a high quality display, netting a superb hat trick that included a spectacular second goal with a dipping shot from 25 yards, after a series of one touch passes from the Royals. He found the net in a 4–0 win at home to [[Norwich City F.C|Norwich]], and followed it up in the next game with two excellent finishes in a 4–3 away win at [[Crewe Alexandra F.C|Crewe]]. He scored for the third league game in a row with a tap in during a 2–0 victory at home to [[Southampton F.C|Southampton]]. He came on as a substitute to score the winner in a 2–1 win at home to Preston but his [[2005-06 in English football|2005–06]] season ended early in the next game at Burnley when he sustained a broken ankle after landing awkwardly, but Reading still won the [[Football League Championship|Championship]] title and [[Promotion and relegation|promotion]] to the [[Premier League]] with a record total of 106 points.


He then suffered an injury that kept him out for 6 weeks, but on his return against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] in the third round of the [[FA Cup]], he produced a high quality display, netting a superb hat trick that included a spectacular second goal with a dipping shot from 25 yards, after a series of one touch passes from the Royals. He found the net in a 4–0 win at home to [[Norwich City F.C|Norwich City]], and followed it up in the next game with two excellent finishes in a 4–3 away win at [[Crewe Alexandra]]. He scored for the third league game in a row with a tap in during a 2–0 victory at home to [[Southampton F.C|Southampton]]. He came on as a substitute to score the winner in a 2–1 win at home to Preston but his [[2005-06 in English football|2005–06]] season ended early in the next game at Burnley when he sustained a broken ankle after landing awkwardly, but Reading still won the Championship title and [[Promotion and relegation|promotion]] to the [[Premier League]] with a record total of 106 points.
Lita had a promising start to life in the Premiership, in which he netted the winner at home to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on the opening day, a game in which Reading came from 2–0 down to win 3–2. He ended a goal drought by scoring in a 2–2 draw against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]], the first of ten goals in twelve games,<ref>{{cite web | title=Leroy Lita career stats | work=Soccerbase | url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?seasonid=136&playerid=32646 | accessdate=16 June 2007}}</ref> as he scored away at [[Manchester United F.C|Manchester United]] in a 3–2 defeat, and scored again in the 6–0 home win over West Ham. He also scored three goals in two games in the FA Cup against Burnley and twice against Birmingham City. His next goal came at home to Wigan in a 3–2 win, and in the next game he scored two late goals in a 2–0 win away at [[Manchester City]]. Both goals came from excellent through balls, for the first Lita hit a powerful first time shot from the edge of the box, across the keeper and into the top corner. The second was a cool finish when through one on one. He would even have a had a hat trick, but had a goal wrongly disallowed. Leroy scored again against Manchester United, as he pulled one back in a 3–2 home defeat in the FA Cup.


Lita had a promising start to life in the Premiership, in which he netted the winner at home to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on the opening day, a game in which Reading came from 2–0 down to win, 3–2. He ended a goal drought by scoring in a 2–2 draw against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]], the first of ten goals in twelve games,<ref name=sb0607/> as he scored away at [[Manchester United F.C|Manchester United]] in a 3–2 defeat, and scored again in the 6–0 home win over West Ham. He also scored three goals in two games in the FA Cup against Burnley and twice against Birmingham City. His next goal came at home to Wigan in a 3–2 win, and in the next game he scored two late goals in a 2–0 win away at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]. Both goals came from through balls; for the first Lita hit a powerful first time shot from the edge of the box, across the keeper and into the top corner. The second was a finish when through one on one. He would have had a hat trick, but had a goal wrongly disallowed in the first half. Leroy scored again against Manchester United, as he pulled one back in a 3–2 home defeat in the FA Cup.
He had suffered some minor injuries and found himself behind [[Kevin Doyle]] and [[Dave Kitson]] for parts of the season, and on 13 April 2007, Lita was banned for three games for allegedly [[headbutt]]ing [[Talal El Karkouri]] of [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] on 9 April, a charge disputed by both the player and Reading's manager, [[Steve Coppell]]. However, Reading still managed to finish eighth in their first ever top division campaign, just missing out on a [[UEFA Cup]] place.


In a freak occurrence just prior to the start of the [[2007-08 in English football|2007–08]] season, Lita was faced with a month of downtime after damaging a leg muscle as he stretched in bed upon waking.<ref>{{cite news | date=7 August 2007 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/6935892.stm | title=Lita sidelined after freak injury | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | accessdate=7 August 2007}}</ref> Coppell told the [[BBC]]: "Leroy is in a great deal of pain. It's a point of laughter but a serious business for him because he's going to be out for three or four weeks." Lita found himself largely our of favour in the 2007–08 season, and spent much of it either left out or injured, he also had a loan spell at [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton]]. He only scored one goal in the Premier League that season, it came on the final day against already relegated [[Derby County F.C|Derby County]] with a diving header in a 4–0 away win. But sadly [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] found themselves joining Derby, as they were relegated on goal difference.
Lita had suffered some niggling injuries and found himself behind in form [[Kevin Doyle]] and [[Dave Kitson]] for parts of the season. On 13 April 2007, Lita was banned for three games for allegedly [[headbutt]]ing [[Talal El Karkouri]] of [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] on 9 April, a charge disputed by both the player and Reading's manager, [[Steve Coppell]]. However, Reading still managed to finish eighth in their first ever top division campaign, just missing out on a [[UEFA Cup]] place. Following the end of that season speculation surrounding the future of Lita increased as he continued to be linked with several premier league clubs. However the striker said in July that he wanted to stay at Reading "I'm happy here. This is an important year for me and the club and I just want to play and be successful." In a freak occurrence just prior to the start of the [[2007-08 in English football|2007–08]] season, Lita was faced with a month of downtime after damaging a leg muscle as he stretched in bed upon waking.<ref>{{cite news | date=7 August 2007 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/6935892.stm | title=Lita sidelined after freak injury | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | access-date=7 August 2007}}</ref> Coppell told the [[BBC]]: "Leroy is in a great deal of pain. It's a point of laughter but a serious business for him because he's going to be out for three or four weeks." Lita found himself largely out of favour in the 2007–08 season, and spent much of it either left out or injured, he also had a loan spell at Charlton Athletic. He only scored one goal in the Premier League that season, it came on the final day against already relegated [[Derby County F.C|Derby County]] with a diving header in a 4–0 away win. But Reading found themselves joining Derby, as they were relegated on goal difference.


====Loan spells====
====Loan spells====
On 5 March 2008, Lita joined Charlton on a one month-loan deal, after finding his first team opportunities limited at Reading during the 2007–08 season.<ref>{{cite news | date=5 March 2008 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1256983,00.html | title=Lita makes Charlton loan move | publisher=Reading F.C. | accessdate=5 March 2008}}</ref> The loan was later extended to the end of the season,<ref>{{cite news | date=27 March 2008 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/7316451.stm | title=Lita extends loan with Charlton | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | accessdate=27 March 2008}}</ref> but he was called back from the loan on 19 April for the last three games of the season.<ref>{{cite news | date=21 April 2008 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1294539,00.html | title=Lita back after Charlton loan | publisher=Reading F.C. | accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref>
On 5 March 2008, Lita joined Charlton Athletic on a one-month loan deal, after finding his first team opportunities limited at Reading during the 2007–08 season.<ref>{{cite news|date=5 March 2008 |url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1256983,00.html |title=Lita makes Charlton loan move |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=5 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309010018/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1256983%2C00.html |archive-date= 9 March 2008 }}</ref> The loan was later extended to the end of the season,<ref>{{cite news | date=27 March 2008 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/7316451.stm | title=Lita extends loan with Charlton | publisher=[[BBC Sport]] | access-date=27 March 2008}}</ref> but he was called back from the loan on 19 April for the last three games of the season.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 April 2008 |url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1294539,00.html |title=Lita back after Charlton loan |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=20 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080425032254/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1294539%2C00.html |archive-date=25 April 2008 }}</ref>


Lita then went to [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] for a month long loan on 1 October. He scored four goals in his initial six game spell including a hat-trick against [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton]] in a 5–2 victory. Reading and Norwich agreed to extend the loan for another six games until 7 December. Following Norwich's 2–0 win over local rivals Ipswich, it was announced on 8 December that Lita would sign a further third month on loan. Lita went onto score 7 goals for Norwich, and in a season which ultimately ended up with relegation, Lita was City's second top scorer – behind own goals.
Lita then went to [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] for a month-long loan on 1 October. He scored four goals in his initial six game spell including a hat-trick against [[Wolverhampton Wanderers]] in a 5–2 victory. Reading and Norwich agreed to extend the loan for another six games until 7 December. Following Norwich's 2–0 win over local rivals Ipswich, it was announced on 8 December that Lita would sign a further third month on loan. Lita went on to score seven goals for Norwich, and in a season which ultimately ended up with relegation, Lita was City's top scorer.


====Return to Reading FC====
====Return to Reading====
Lita returned to Reading and played in the third round FA Cup tie defeat at [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7803237.stm |title=Cardiff 2–0 Reading |date=3 January 2009 |accessdate=9 January 2009 |publisher=[[BBC Sport]]}}</ref>
Lita returned to Reading and played in the third round FA Cup tie defeat at [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7803237.stm |title=Cardiff 2–0 Reading |date=3 January 2009 |access-date=9 January 2009 |publisher=[[BBC Sport]]}}</ref>


He then made his first league appearance since August, coming on as a sub, to score a goal against Watford at home on 9 January 2009, to make it 4–0. Later, in the same week Lita announced that he had changed for the better, and that he would stay with Reading for the promotion push.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1516968,00.html| title=Lita – I've changed for the better| date=12 January 2009| accessdate=12 January 2009| publisher=Reading F.C.}}</ref>
He then made his first league appearance since August, coming on as a sub, to score a goal against Watford at home on 9 January 2009, to make it 4–0. Later, in the same week Lita announced that he had changed for the better, and that he would stay with Reading for the promotion push.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1516968,00.html |title=Lita – I've changed for the better |date=12 January 2009 |access-date=12 January 2009 |publisher=Reading F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113193252/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1516968%2C00.html |archive-date=13 January 2009 }}</ref>


Sheffield United had a seven figure sum accepted by Reading for Lita on 13 January 2009, but the club later withdrew from proceedings after they were not willing to pay the £1.2m signing-on fee being requested by Lita. On 15 May, Lita, [[Michael Duberry]], [[Marcus Hahnemann]] and club captain [[Graeme Murty]] were told that their contracts would not be renewed.
Sheffield United had a seven figure sum accepted by Reading for Lita on 13 January 2009, but the club later withdrew from proceedings after they were not willing to pay the £1.2 million signing-on fee being requested by Lita. On 15 May, Lita, [[Michael Duberry]], [[Marcus Hahnemann]] and club captain [[Graeme Murty]] were told that their contracts would not be renewed.


===Middlesbrough===
===Middlesbrough===
[[File:Leroy Lita.jpg|thumb|upright|Lita playing for [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] in 2010]]
On 3 August 2009, it was announced that he would join [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on a free transfer.<ref>[http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1742212,00.html Leroy Signs For Boro]</ref> He made his debut for Middlesbrough on 7 August 2009 in a 0–0 draw with [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], but had limited opportunities to score.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8185178.stm Middlesbrough 0 – 0 Sheff Utd]</ref> Lita scored his first goal for Middlesbrough against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]], in a 2-0win for the Boro. He received a yellow card for removing his shirt in his subsequent celebration.<ref>[http://ref>[http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1742212,00.html Middlesbrough 2 – 0 Doncaster]</ref> He scored his second goal when returning to his old club Reading in Middlesbrough's 2–0 win on 3 October 2009. His third goal for Middlesbrough came on 21 November 2009 against [[Nottingham Forest]] off a rebound off a [[Julio Arca]] shot. On 5 December 2009, Lita scored two goals in a 5–1 win against QPR, Middlesbrough's first win under new manager Gordon Strachan. Lita again received a yellow card for his goal celebration. On 26 December 2009, Lita received a red card for an elbow during the win against Scunthorpe, which was the first of his career.


On 3 August 2009, it was announced that he would join [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1742212,00.html |title=Leroy raring to go |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807195131/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C1~1742212%2C00.html |archive-date= 7 August 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He made his debut for Middlesbrough on 7 August 2009 in a 0–0 draw with [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], but had limited opportunities to score.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8185178.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0–0 Sheffield Utd |date=7 August 2009 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> Lita scored his first goal for Middlesbrough against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]], in a 2–0 win for the Boro. He received a yellow card for removing his shirt in his subsequent celebration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/mboro-vs-doncaster/106568 |title=Boro go top |publisher=Sky Sports |date=25 August 2009 |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> He scored his second goal when returning to his old club Reading in Middlesbrough's 2–0 win on 3 October 2009. His third goal for Middlesbrough came on 21 November 2009 against [[Nottingham Forest]] off a rebound off a [[Julio Arca]] shot. On 5 December 2009, Lita scored two goals in a 5–1 win against QPR, Middlesbrough's first win under new manager Gordon Strachan. Lita again received a yellow card for his goal celebration. On 26 December 2009, Lita received a red card for an elbow during the win against Scunthorpe, which was the first of his career.
Lita's first goal of the 2010–11 season came on 18 September 2010 against old club Reading and his second followed on 27 November 2010 with a headed goal in a 2–2 draw with Hull.<ref>http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100918/middlesbrough-3-reading-1_70605_52894</ref><ref>http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20101127/middlesbrough-2-hull-2_70605_52144</ref> On 28 December 2010, Lita's 26th birthday, he scored two goals against Preston in a 3–1 win for Middlesbrough – his first being an individual effort, scoring after a weaving run from the halfway line.<ref>http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/20101228/preston-1-middlesbrough-3_70605_52027</ref> Lita scored twice against the club where he began his career, Bristol City, in Middlesbrough's 4–0 away victory on 15 January 2011.<ref>http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,1,00.html</ref> He was yellow carded for his celebration following his first goal, after being subjected to abuse from the home fans. Lita later took the unusual step of using the Bristol City website to apologising to their fans for his actions.<ref>http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~2267988,00.html</ref>

Lita's first goal of the 2010–11 season came on 18 September 2010 against old club Reading and his second followed on 27 November with a headed goal in a 2–2 draw with Hull.<ref name=sb1011/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3283588 |title=Boro 2 Hull City 2 |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=27 November 2010 |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> On 28 December, Lita's 26th birthday, he scored two goals against Preston in a 3–1 win for Middlesbrough – his first being an individual effort, scoring after a weaving run from the halfway line.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3283897 |title=Preston North End 1 Boro 3 |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=28 December 2010 |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> Lita scored twice against the club where he began his career, Bristol City, in Middlesbrough's 4–0 away victory on 15 January 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3284082 |title=Bristol City 0 Boro 4 |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=15 January 2011 |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> He was yellow-carded for his celebration following his first goal, after being subjected to abuse from the home fans. Lita later took the unusual step of using the Bristol City website to apologising to their fans for his actions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~2267988,00.html |title=I'm sorry says Leroy |publisher=Bristol City F.C. |date=17 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406013613/http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10327~2267988%2C00.html |archive-date= 6 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Swansea City===
===Swansea City===
On 27 July 2011, newly promoted Premier League side [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] had a fee of £1.75m accepted by Middlesbrough for Lita's services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~2403131,00.html?|title=Swans confirm Leroy Lita fee|date=27 July 2011|publisher=Swansea City A.F.C.|accessdate=27 July 2011}}</ref> He completed his medical the following week and signed a 3-year contract. He made his Swansea debut against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] as a substitute. Lita scored his first [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] goal on 17 September 2011 against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Brom]] scoring a header in a 3–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~2409151,00.html?|title=Swans complete Lita signing|date=3 August 2011|publisher=Swansea City A.F.C.|accessdate=3 August 2011}}</ref>
On 27 July 2011, newly promoted Premier League side [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] had a fee of £1.75 million accepted by Middlesbrough for Lita's services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~2403131,00.html? |title=Swans confirm Leroy Lita fee |date=27 July 2011 |publisher=Swansea City A.F.C. |access-date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817020012/http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0%2C%2C10354~2403131%2C00.html |archive-date=17 August 2011 }}</ref> He completed his medical the following week and signed a three-year contract. He made his Swansea debut against [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] as a substitute. Lita scored his first Swansea City goal on 17 September 2011 against [[West Bromwich Albion]] scoring a header in a 3–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~2409151,00.html? |title=Swans complete Lita signing |date=3 August 2011 |publisher=Swansea City A.F.C. |access-date=3 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902111152/http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0%2C%2C10354~2409151%2C00.html |archive-date= 2 September 2012 }}</ref>


====Birmingham City (loan)====
====Birmingham City (loan)====
On 6 September 2012, Lita agreed to join [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on a three-month emergency loan, the move to be completed when the loan transfer window opened two days later.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19505173 |title=Birmingham City agree loan for Swansea's Leroy Lita |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 September 2012 |accessdate=6 September 2012}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on his second appearance, touching in a [[Paul Caddis]] cross to open the scoring at home to [[Bolton Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2012/09/19/birmingham-city-2-bolton-wanderers-1-colin-tattum-s-full-time-report-97319-31863141/ |title=Birmingham City 2 Bolton Wanderers 1 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |work=Birmingham Mail |date=19 September 2012 |accessdate=19 September 2012}}</ref> After ten league games in which he scored three goals, Lita's loan was terminated on 12 November to allow him to return to his owning club to complete his recovery from a thigh injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcfc.com//news/article/lita-returns-to-swansea-482781.aspx |title=Lita returns to Swansea |first=Andy |last=Walker |publisher=Birmingham City F.C |date=12 November 2012 |accessdate=12 November 2012}}</ref>
On 6 September 2012, Lita agreed to join [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on a three-month emergency loan, the move to be completed when the loan transfer window opened two days later.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19505173 |title=Birmingham City agree loan for Swansea's Leroy Lita |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 September 2012 |access-date=6 September 2012}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on his second appearance, touching in a [[Paul Caddis]] cross to open the scoring at home to [[Bolton Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-city-fc/birmingham-city-fc-news/2012/09/19/birmingham-city-2-bolton-wanderers-1-colin-tattum-s-full-time-report-97319-31863141/ |title=Birmingham City 2 Bolton Wanderers 1 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |work=Birmingham Mail |date=19 September 2012 |access-date=19 September 2012}}</ref> After ten league games in which he scored three goals, Lita's loan was terminated on 12 November to allow him to return to his owning club to complete his recovery from a thigh injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bcfc.com//news/article/lita-returns-to-swansea-482781.aspx |title=Lita returns to Swansea |first=Andy |last=Walker |publisher=Birmingham City F.C |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=12 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095237/http://www.bcfc.com//news/article/lita-returns-to-swansea-482781.aspx |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

====Sheffield Wednesday (loan)====
Lita made his debut on 26 January 2013, scoring the winning goal against Charlton Athletic after coming on as a substitute for Kieran Lee in the 54th minute. He went on to score his second goal in as many games, through a first half volley in a 3–1 home victory against [[Brighton & Hove Albion]].
Leroy scored against Crystal Palace on 23 February to take his tally for Sheffield Wednesday to 3 goals. He uses a trademark celebration when he scores goals for Wednesday, using his fingers to make an "M" which stands for massive. Lita scored his fourth goal of the season for [[Sheffield Wednesday]] from a well placed penalty to add to the 3–2 victory against [[Blackburn Rovers]] on 6 April. He has also helped them stave off the relegation with a second goal in a 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough, Lita's former club.

====Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)====
On 16 October 2013, Lita signed for Brighton on loan until 1 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/seagulls-land-lita-1117126.aspx |title=Seagulls Land Lita |first=Adam |last=Tighe |publisher=Brighton & Hove Albion F.C |date=16 October 2013 |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017065848/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/seagulls-land-lita-1117126.aspx |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lita made his début as a substitute in the 0–0 draw against Yeovil on 19 October 2013. Lita scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 away win at [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]]. By the end of his loan spell with the Seagulls, Lita had made 5 appearances, scoring 1 goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Leroy-Lita-Swansea-City-disappointing-Brighton/story-20409984-detail/story.html| title=Leroy Lita back at Swansea City after disappointing Brighton stint|publisher=South Wales Evening Post|date=7 January 2014 |access-date=7 January 2014}}</ref>

===Barnsley===
After his departure from Swansea City, Lita signed a one-year deal at [[EFL League One|League One]] side [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] on 9 August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28723921|title=Leroy Lita: Barnsley sign ex-Swansea striker on a free transfer|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 August 2014|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref>

====Notts County (loan)====
Lita joined [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season in March 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31721644|title=Leroy Lita: Barnsley striker joins Notts County on loan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 March 2015|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref>

===AO Chania===
In August 2015, Lita signed for Greek [[Football League (Greece)|Football League]] side [[AO Chania F.C.|AO Chania]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://aoxania.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1170:sta-xania-o-leroi-lita&catid=2:agonistika-aoxania&Itemid=15|title=ΣΤΑ ΧΑΝΙΑ Ο ΛΕΡΟΪ ΛΙΤΑ|publisher=[[AO Chania F.C.|AO Chania]]|date=19 August 2015|access-date=21 August 2015}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}</ref>

===Yeovil Town===
On 5 March 2016, Lita joined [[EFL League Two|League Two]] side [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] on a short-term deal until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35736528 |title=Leroy Lita: Yeovil sign experienced striker until the end of the season |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=5 March 2016 |access-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> He was released at the end of the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ytfc.net/way-announces-retained-list/ |title=Way announced retained list |publisher=Yeovil Town F.C. |date=16 May 2016 |access-date=16 May 2016 }}</ref>

===Sisaket===
On 7 January 2017, Lita joined [[Thai League T1]] side [[Sisaket F.C.|Sisaket]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sisaketfc.net/%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A5-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7/ |title=บิ๊กดีล! กูปรีอันตราย คว้าตัว "ลีรอย ลีต้า" อดีตดาวยิงสวอนซี ร่วมทัพลุยศึกไทยลีก 2017 |date=7 January 2017 |access-date=7 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107172317/http://www.sisaketfc.net/%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A5-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7/ |archive-date=7 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Non-League football===
In September 2018 Lita joined English non-league club [[Margate F.C.|Margate]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/former-bristol-city-middlesbrough-star-1984474 |title=Former Bristol City and Middlesbrough star Leroy Lita signs for non-league side in seventh tier of English football |first=David |last=Byrom |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=9 September 2018 |access-date=29 September 2019}}</ref>

At the age of 34, Lita announced his retirement from professional football in August 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/former-bristol-city-striker-player-3171778 |title=Former Bristol City striker and player of the season announces his retirement |first=James |last=Piercy |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=3 August 2018 |access-date=29 September 2019}}</ref> He joined [[Haverhill Rovers F.C.|Haverhill Rovers]] as a coach at the end of the month,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/lita-joins-rovers-as-coach-1-6244134 |title=Former Premier League star joins Haverhill Rovers |first=Mike |last=Bacon |newspaper=East Anglian Daily Times |date=30 August 2019 |access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> before signing a short-term deal with [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] club [[Salisbury F.C.|Salisbury]] in late September.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/17932784.ex-premier-league-striker-join-leroy-lita-joins-salisbury/ |title=Ex-Premier League striker Leroy Lita joins Salisbury |newspaper=Salisbury Journal |date=27 September 2019 |access-date=29 September 2019}}</ref> On 8 November, Lita signed a short-term deal for [[National League South]] club [[Chelmsford City F.C.|Chelmsford City]];<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chelmsfordcityfc.com/news/city-sign-lita-2484825.html |title=City sign Lita |first=Chris |last=Berry |publisher=Chelmsford City F.C. |date=8 November 2019 |access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> he left at the end of the season having made 14 appearances in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chelmsfordcityfc.com/news/leroy-lita-leaves-the-club-2534355.html |title=Leroy Lita leaves the club |first=Benjamin |last=Parks |publisher=Chelmsford City F.C. |date=7 May 2020 |access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> He then spent 18 months with Southern League club [[Nuneaton Borough F.C.|Nuneaton Borough]] before joining division rivals [[Stratford Town F.C.|Stratford Town]] in January 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/leroy-lita-signs-nuneaton-borough-18293709 |title=Nuneaton Borough land shock signing of ex-Premier League star |first=Bobby |last=Bridge |newspaper=Coventry Telegraph |date=22 May 2020 |access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/lita-signs-for-the-bards-9235289/ |title=Former Reading and Bristol City striker Leroy Lita signs for Stratford Town from fellow Southern Premier Central outfit Nuneaton Borough |first=Craig |last=Gibbons |newspaper=Stratford Telegraph |date=14 January 2022 |access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref>

====Hednesford Town, Ilkeston Town====
On 24 March 2022, Lita signed for [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Premier Division Central side [[Hednesford Town F.C.|Hednesford Town]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hednesfordtownfc.com/2022/03/forwards-forwards-forwards-welcome-to-hednesford-town-leroy-lita |title=Forwards, Forwards, Forwards… Welcome to Hednesford Town Leroy Lita |publisher=Hednesford Town FC |date=24 March 2022 |accessdate=25 March 2022}}</ref> He scored a hattrick on his debut against [[Stourbridge F.C.|Stourbridge]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Premier League striker Leroy Lita hits hat-trick on Hednesford Town debut |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/non-league/hednesford-town/2022/03/30/former-premier-league-striker-leroy-lita-hits-hat-trick-on-hednesford-town-debut/ |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=Express & Star |date=30 March 2022}}</ref> and finished the season with six goals from six appearances, before signing a new deal with the club for the 2022–23 campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/non-league/hednesford-town/2022/05/25/leroy-lita-stays-on-with-hednesford-for-new-season/ |title=Leroy Lita stays on with Hednesford for new season |publisher=Express & Star |date=25 May 2022 |accessdate=26 May 2022}}</ref>

After Hednesford parted company with manager Keenen Meakin-Richards and his backroom staff, on 27 August 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hednesfordtownfc.com/2022/08/management-team-depart-pitmen |title=Management Team Depart Pitmen |publisher=Hednesford Town FC |date=27 August 2022 |accessdate=28 August 2022}}</ref> Lita was announced as caretaker manager<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/non-league/hednesford-town/2022/08/28/leroy-lita-takes-interim-charge-of-hednesford-town/ |title=Leroy Lita takes interim charge of Hednesford Town |publisher=Express & Star |date=28 August 2022 |accessdate=29 August 2022}}</ref> before being appointed player-coach after the club appointed [[Steve Burr]] as manager on 12 September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hednesfordtownfc.com/2022/09/pitmen-appoint-burr-as-first-team-manager-lita-as-player-coach |title=Pitmen appoint Burr as first team manager, Lita as player/coach |publisher=Hednesford Town FC |date=12 September 2022 |accessdate=13 September 2022}}</ref> On 1 October 2022, Lita scored a four-minute hat-trick as Hednesford beat [[AFC Rushden & Diamonds]] 5–0 for their first win of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hednesfordtownfc.com/2022/10/hednesford-town-5-0-afc-rushden-diamonds |title=Hednesford Town 5–0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds |publisher=Hednesford Town FC |date=7 October 2022 |accessdate=8 October 2022}}</ref> In January 2023, Lita joined Southern League Premier Division Central club [[Ilkeston Town F.C.|Ilkeston Town]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://southern-football-league.co.uk/news/133093/Lita-Adds-Even-More-Experience-to-Ilkeston-Squad |title=Lita adds even more experience to Ilkeston squad |publisher=Southern Football League |date=13 January 2023 |accessdate=1 February 2023}}</ref>


====Nuneaton Borough, Coalville Town, Barwell====
====Sheffield Wednesday====
On 1 August 2023, Lita re-signed for Nuneaton Borough.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/nuneatonboroughfc/news/leroy-returns-2794243.html |title=Leroy Returns! |publisher=Nuneaton Borough F.C. |date=1 August 2023 |accessdate=1 August 2023}}</ref> He left the club on 8 January 2024,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/nuneatonboroughfc/news/leroy-lita-leaves-the-boro-2826110.html |title=Leroy Lita leaves the Boro |publisher=Nuneaton Borough F.C. |date=8 January 2024 |accessdate=10 January 2024}}</ref> and the following day he and former Borough captain [[Scott McManus]] joined another Southern League Premier Central club, [[Coalville Town F.C.|Coalville Town]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.coalvilletownfc.co.uk/news/experienced-duo-join-from-boro |title=Experienced duo join from Boro |publisher=Coalville Town F.C. |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref> After two months and eight appearances, he was released to continue his tour of the Premier Central with [[Barwell F.C.|Barwell]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://coalville.nub.news/news/local-news/ex-premier-league-forward-leaves-coalville-town-just-two-months-after-signing-for-ravens-223588 |title=Ex-Premier League forward leaves Coalville Town just two months after signing for Ravens |newspaper=Nub News |location=Coalville |date=12 March 2024 |access-date=2 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/former-sheffield-wednesday-barnsley-and-middlesbrough-man-joins-24th-club-of-his-career-4558823 |title=Former Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Middlesbrough man joins 24th club of his career |first=Tom |last=Coates |newspaper=The Yorkshire Post |date=18 March 2024 |access-date=2 August 2024}}</ref> He finished the season with three goals from six appearances,<ref name=Aylesbury/> and re-signed for the 2024–25 season.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1803487929173475532 |user=BarwellFC1992 |author=Barwell FC |author-link= Barwell F.C. |title=Ladies and Gentlemen, HE'S BACK 🤩 Veteran striker Leroy Lita puts pen to paper for the upcoming season |date=19 June 2024 |access-date=2 August 2024}}</ref>
Lita made his debut on 26 January 2013, scoring the winning goal against Charlton Athletic after coming on as a substitute for Kieran Lee in the 54th minute. He went on to score his second goal in as many games, through a first half volley in a 3–1 home victory against [[Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton]].
Leroy scored against Crystal Palace on 23 February to take his tally for Sheffield Wednesday to 3 goals. He uses a trademark celebration when he scores goals for Wednesday, using his fingers to make an "M" which stands for massive. Lita scored his fourth goal of the season for [[Sheffield Wednesday]] from a well placed penalty to add to the 3–2 victory against [[Blackburn Rovers]] on 6 April. He has also helped them stave off the relegation with a second goal in a 2–0 victory over [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], Lita's former club. He and Sheffield Wednesday fans do hope for a return trip and this time for it to be perminant. He was also spotted running around his local park with a tattoo of Dave Jones tattoed to his penis.


==International career==
==International career==


===England U21 breakthrough===
===England U21 breakthrough===
Lita turned down the chance to play for [[Congo DR national football team|DR Congo]] in favour of pursuing an international career with England, despite having previously stated he wished to represent the country of his birth.<ref>{{cite news| date=22 January 2004| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3404339.stm| title=Lita seeks Simba stardom| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| accessdate=30 August 2006}}</ref> He scored on his debut for [[England national under-21 football team|England U21]] with a goal against [[Netherlands national under-21 football team|Holland U21]] in a 2–1 loss on 8 February 2005, coming on as a second half substitute.<ref>{{cite news| date=8 February 2005| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/4233991.stm| title=England U21 1–2 Holland U21| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| accessdate=6 February 2007}}</ref> He had to wait over a year to make his second appearance, again as a substitute, in a 3–1 win over Norway on 28 February 2006.<ref>{{cite news| date=28 February 2006| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4750998.stm| title=England U21 3–1 Norway U21| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| accessdate=6 February 2007}}</ref> Following excellent goal-scoring form in the Premier League, Lita was awarded with a further [[Cap (sport)|cap]] as a substitute in the 2–2 draw with Spain on 6 February 2007, scoring his second goal in three international appearances.
Lita turned down the chance to play for [[Congo DR national football team|DR Congo]] in favour of pursuing an international career with England, despite having previously stated he wished to represent the country of his birth.<ref>{{cite news| date=22 January 2004| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/3404339.stm| title=Lita seeks Simba stardom| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| access-date=30 August 2006}}</ref> He scored on his debut for [[England national under-21 football team|England U21]] with a goal against [[Netherlands national under-21 football team|the Netherlands U21]] in a 2–1 loss on 8 February 2005, coming on as a second-half substitute.<ref>{{cite news| date=8 February 2005| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/4233991.stm| title=England U21 1–2 Holland U21| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| access-date=6 February 2007}}</ref> He had to wait over a year to make his second appearance, again as a substitute, in a 3–1 win over Norway on 28 February 2006.<ref>{{cite news| date=28 February 2006| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4750998.stm| title=England U21 3–1 Norway U21| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| access-date=6 February 2007}}</ref> Following excellent goal-scoring form in the Premier League, Lita was awarded with a further [[Cap (sport)|cap]] as a substitute in the 2–2 draw with Spain on 6 February 2007, scoring his second goal in three international appearances.


===2007 European U21 Championship===
===2007 European U21 Championship===
Despite being 22, Lita was eligible to compete in the [[2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship]],<ref>{{cite news| date=6 February 2007| url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~976694,00.html| title=Lita hoping for his first England start tonight as he looks to Euro championships| publisher=Reading F.C.| accessdate=6 February 2007}}</ref> and was called up to the squad.<ref>{{cite news| date=10 May 2007| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6644497.stm| title=FA names 30-man England U21 squad| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| accessdate=10 May 2007}}</ref>
Despite being 22, Lita was eligible to compete in the [[2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship]],<ref>{{cite news| date=6 February 2007| url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~976694,00.html| title=Lita hoping for his first England start tonight as he looks to Euro championships| publisher=Reading F.C.| access-date=6 February 2007| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805162550/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~976694,00.html| archive-date=5 August 2012| df=dmy-all}}</ref> and was called up to the squad.<ref>{{cite news| date=10 May 2007| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6644497.stm| title=FA names 30-man England U21 squad| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| access-date=10 May 2007}}</ref>


In the first group game against the [[Czech Republic national under-21 football team|Czech Republic]], England were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute which Lita subsequently dragged wide condemning England to a scoreless draw.<ref>{{cite news| date=11 June 2007| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6738781.stm| title=Czech Rep U21 0–0 England U21| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| accessdate=12 June 2007}}</ref> However he then scored for England in each of their next three games; a 2–2 draw against [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]], a 2–0 win over [[Serbia national under-21 football team|Serbia]], and a 1–1 (13–12) penalty shoot-out loss to Holland in the semi-finals.
In the first group game against the [[Czech Republic national under-21 football team|Czech Republic]], England were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute which Lita subsequently dragged wide condemning England to a scoreless draw.<ref>{{cite news| date=11 June 2007| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6738781.stm| title=Czech Rep U21 0–0 England U21| publisher=[[BBC Sport]]| access-date=12 June 2007}}</ref> However, he then scored for England in each of their next three games; a 2–2 draw against [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]], a 2–0 win over [[Serbia national under-21 football team|Serbia]], and a 1–1 (13–12) penalty shoot-out loss to the Netherlands in the semi-finals.


After the tournament he was named in the ''UEFA Dream Team'' for the tournament.<ref>{{cite news| date=2 July 2007| url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1065230,00.html| title=Lita gets award from UEFA| publisher=Reading F.C.| accessdate=2 July 2007}}</ref>
He was named in the ''UEFA Dream Team'' for the tournament.<ref>{{cite news| date=2 July 2007| url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1065230,00.html| title=Lita gets award from UEFA| publisher=Reading F.C.| access-date=2 July 2007| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805122818/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1065230,00.html| archive-date=5 August 2012| df=dmy-all}}</ref>


== Career statistics ==
==Career statistics==
{{updated|match played 9 January 2024}}

{{updated|match played 16 March 2013}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|+ Club statistics
|-
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|[[FA Cup]]
!colspan="2"|National cup
!colspan="2"|[[Football League Cup|League Cup]]
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
!colspan="2"|Total
Line 136: Line 232:
!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
|rowspan="4"|[[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]]
|[[2002–03 Bristol City F.C. season|2002–03]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=132 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2002/2003 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2002–03 Bristol City F.C. season|2002–03]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2002|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[Football League Second Division|Division Two]]
|[[Football League Second Division|Second Division]]
|15||2||1||2||0||0||2<ref group=lower-alpha name=FLTPO>One appearance in [[Football League Trophy]], one in [[Football League One play-offs|Football League Second Division play-offs]]</ref>||0||18||4
|15||2||1||2||0||0||2{{efn|name=FLTPO|One appearance in [[Football League Trophy]], one in [[EFL League One play-offs|Second Division play-offs]]}}||0||18||4
|-
|-
|[[2003–04 Bristol City F.C. season|2003–04]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=133 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2003/2004 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2003–04 Bristol City F.C. season|2003–04]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2003|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|Second Division
|Division Two
|26||5||2||0||1||0||2<ref group=lower-alpha name=FLTPO/>||0||31||5
|26||5||2||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=FLTPO}}||0||31||5
|-
|-
|[[2004–05 Bristol City F.C. season|2004–05]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=134 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2004/2005 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2004–05 Bristol City F.C. season|2004–05]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2004|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[Football League One|League One]]
|[[EFL League One|League One]]
|44||24||2||1||2||2||3<ref group=lower-alpha>Appearances in Football League Trophy</ref>||2||51||29
|44||24||2||1||2||2||3{{efn|Appearances in Football League Trophy}}||2||51||29
|-
|-
!colspan="3"|Bristol City total
!colspan="2"|Total
!85!!31!!5!!3!!3!!2!!7!!2!!100!!38
!85!!31!!5!!3!!3!!2!!7!!2!!100!!38
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Reading F.C.|Reading]]
|[[2005–06 Reading F.C. season|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=135 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2005/2006 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2005–06 Reading F.C. season|2005–06]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2005|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[Football League Championship|Championship]]
|[[EFL Championship|Championship]]
|26||11||3||3||3||1||colspan="2"|–||32||15
|26||11||3||3||3||1||colspan="2"|—||32||15
|-
|-
|[[2006–07 Reading F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=136 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2006/2007 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2006–07 Reading F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref name=sb0607>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2006|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[Premier League]]
|[[Premier League]]
|33||7||3||4||2||3||colspan="2"|–||38||14
|33||7||3||4||2||3||colspan="2"|—||38||14
|-
|-
|[[2007–08 Reading F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name=sb0708>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=137 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2007/2008 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2007–08 Reading F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name=sb0708>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2007|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|Premier League
|Premier League
|14||1||2||0||2||1||colspan="2"|–||18||2
|14||1||2||0||2||1||colspan="2"|—||18||2
|-
|-
|[[2008–09 Reading F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=138 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2008/2009 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2008–09 Reading F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2008|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|Championship
|Championship
|10||1||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||12||1
|10||1||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||12||1
|-
|-
!colspan="3"|Reading total!!83!!20!!9!!7!!8!!5!!colspan="2"|–!!100!!32
!colspan="2"|Total
!83!!20!!9!!7!!8!!5!!colspan="2"|—!!100!!32
|-
|-
|[[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] (loan)
|[[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]] (loan)
|[[2007–08 Charlton Athletic F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name=sb0708/>
|[[2007–08 Charlton Athletic F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name=sb0708/>
|Championship
|Championship
|8||3||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||8||3
|8||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||3
|-
|-
|[[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
|[[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] (loan)
|[[2008–09 Charlton Athletic F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809/>
|[[2008–09 Norwich City F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name=sb0809/>
|Championship
|Championship
|16||7||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||16||7
|16||7||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||7
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]]
|[[2009–10 Middlesbrough F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=139 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2009/2010 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2009–10 Middlesbrough F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2009|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|Championship
|Championship
|40||8||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||41||8
|40||8||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||41||8
|-
|-
|[[2010–11 Middlesbrough F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=140 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2010/2011 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2010–11 Middlesbrough F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref name=sb1011>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2010|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|Championship
|Championship
|38||12||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||41||12
|38||12||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||41||12
|-
|-
!colspan="3"|Middlesbrough total
!colspan="2"|Total
!78!!20!!1!!0!!3!!0!!colspan="2"|–!!82!!20
!78!!20!!1!!0!!3!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!82!!20
|-
|-
|[[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
|rowspan="4"|[[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]]
|[[2011–12 Swansea City A.F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=141 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2011/2012 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|[[2011–12 Swansea City A.F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2011|access-date=24 September 2012}}</ref>
|Premier League
|Premier League
|16||2||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||18||2
|16||2||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||18||2
|-
|[[2012–13 Swansea City A.F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213/>
|Premier League
|0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0
|-
|[[2013–14 Swansea City A.F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name=sb1314/>
|Premier League
|2||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!18!!2!!2!!0!!1!!0!!0!!0!!21!!2
|-
|-
|[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan)
|[[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] (loan)
|[[2012–13 Birmingham City F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32646&season_id=142 |title=Games played by Leroy Lita in 2012/2013 |publisher=Centurycomm |work=Soccerbase |accessdate=17 March 2013}}</ref>
|[[2012–13 Birmingham City F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213/>
|Championship
|Championship
|10||3||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||10||3
|10||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||3
|-
|-
|[[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] (loan)
|[[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] (loan)
|[[2012–13 Sheffield Wednesday F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213/>
|[[2012–13 Sheffield Wednesday F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2012|access-date=17 October 2013}}</ref>
|Championship
|Championship
|14||5||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||9||3
|17||6||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||6
|-
|[[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] (loan)
|[[2013–14 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name=sb1314>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2013|access-date=17 October 2013}}</ref>
|Championship
|5||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5||1
|-
|[[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]]
|[[2014–15 Barnsley F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name=sb1415>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2014|access-date=8 June 2015}}</ref>
|League One
|19||2||4||0||1||0||0||0||24||2
|-
|[[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] (loan)
|[[2014–15 Notts County F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name=sb1415/>
|League One
|6||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
|[[AO Chania F.C.|AO Chania]]
|[[2015–16 Football League (Greece)|2015–16]]<ref name="Soccerway"/>
|[[Football League (Greece)|Football League]]
|11||1||4||2||colspan="2"|—||0||0||15||3
|-
|[[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]]
|[[2015–16 Yeovil Town F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref name=sb1516>{{Soccerbase season|32646|2015|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>
|[[EFL League Two|League Two]]
|8||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||1
|-
|[[Sisaket F.C.|Sisaket]]
|[[2017 Thai League|2017]]<ref name="Soccerway"/>
|[[Thai Premier League]]
|21||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||21||5
|-
|[[Margate F.C.|Margate]]
|[[2018–19 Isthmian League|2018–19]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/margate/appearances/2018-2019/leroy-lita/492701 |title=Margate – Appearances – Leroy Lita – 2018–2019 |website=Football Web Pages |access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>
|[[Isthmian League]] Premier Division
|3||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||4||0
|-
|[[Salisbury F.C.|Salisbury]]
|[[2019–20 Southern Football League|2019–20]]<ref name=Aylesbury/>
|[[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Premier Division South
|3||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|One appearance in [[FA Trophy]], one in [[Southern Football League Cup (England)|Southern League Cup]]}}||0||6||2
|-
|[[Chelmsford City F.C.|Chelmsford City]]
|[[2019–20 National League|2019–20]]<ref name="Soccerway">{{cite web |title=L. Lita |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/leroy-lita/2583/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=Aylesbury />
|[[National League South]]
|12||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in [[Essex Senior Cup]]}}||1||14||2
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Nuneaton Borough F.C.|Nuneaton Borough]]
|[[2020–21 Southern Football League|2020–21]]<ref name=Aylesbury />
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|8||4||3||1||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|Appearances in FA Trophy}}||1||14||6
|-
|[[2021–22 Southern Football League|2021–22]]<ref name=Aylesbury />
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|13||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|Two appearances and one goal in FA Trophy, one appearance in Southern League Cup, two in [[Birmingham Senior Cup]]}}||1||19||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!21!!5!!4!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!8!!2!!33!!8
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Hednesford Town F.C.|Hednesford Town]]
|[[2021–22 Southern Football League|2021–22]]<ref name=Aylesbury />
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|6||6||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||6
|-
|[[2022–23 Southern Football League#Premier Division Central|2022–23]]<ref name=Aylesbury />
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|23||11||1||1||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Three appearances and one goal in FA Trophy, one appearance in Birmingham Senior Cup}}||1||28||12
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!29!!17!!1!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!4!!1!!34!!18
|-
|[[Ilkeston Town F.C.|Ilkeston Town]]
|[[2022–23 Southern Football League#Premier Division Central|2022–23]]<ref name=Aylesbury />
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|18||16||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0||18||16
|-
|Nuneaton Borough
|[[2023–24 Southern Football League#Premier Division Central|2023–24]]<ref name=Aylesbury/>
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|22||6||1||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|Four appearances and three goals in FA Trophy, two appearances and three goals in Birmingham Senior Cup}}||6||29||12
|-
|[[Coalville Town F.C.|Coalville Town]]
|2023–24<ref name=Aylesbury/>
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|6||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in [[Leicestershire and Rutland Senior Cup]]}}||1||8||2
|-
|[[Barwell F.C.|Barwell]]
|2023–24<ref name=Aylesbury>{{cite web |url=https://www.aylesburyunitedarchive.com/player/leroy-lita |title=Leroy Lita |website=Aylesbury United Archive |publisher=Luke-Buckingham Brown |access-date=2 August 2024}}</ref>
|Southern League Premier Division Central
|8||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||3
|-
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!colspan="3"|Career total
!305!!89!!16!!10!!15!!7!!7!!2!!343!!108
!507!!151!!33!!14!!16!!7!!31!!13!!587!!184
|}
|}
{{notelist}}


==Honours==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
'''Reading'''
*[[Football League Championship]]: [[2005–06 Football League Championship|2005–06]]


'''Individual'''
==Personal life==
*[[PFA Team of the Year]]: [[2004–05 Football League One|2004–05 League One]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4475213.stm |title=Sunderland/Wigan dominate line-up |website=BBC Sport |date=24 April 2005 |access-date=15 January 2023}}</ref>
On 30 August 2006, Lita was arrested on suspicion of causing [[grievous bodily harm]] in Bristol on 27 August,<ref>{{cite news| date=30 August 2006| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5298340.stm| title=Footballer arrested over attack| publisher=[[BBC News]]| accessdate=30 August 2006}}</ref> but on 18 September 2006 the complaint was withdrawn and police confirmed that no further action would be taken.<ref>{{cite news| date=18 September 2006| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5355882.stm| title=Complaint against player dropped| publisher=[[BBC News]]| accessdate=18 September 2006}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Leroy Lita}}
*[http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10306~22482,00.html Leroy Lita profile] at readingfc.co.uk
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{soccerbase|32646|Leroy Lita}}
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=12248 Photo and stats] at sporting-heroes.net
*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=12248 Photo and stats] at sporting-heroes.net


{{Navboxes
{{Bristol City F.C. Player of the Season}}
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{2004–05 Football League One Team of the Year}}
{{2004–05 Football League One Team of the Year}}
{{Swansea City A.F.C. squad}}
{{Bristol City F.C. Player of the Season}}

{{Persondata
|NAME=Lita, Leroy Halirou
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=English footballer
|DATE OF BIRTH=28 December 1984
|PLACE OF BIRTH=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lita, Leroy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lita, Leroy}}
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:People from Kinshasa]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Association football forwards]]
[[Category:Footballers from Kinshasa]]
[[Category:English people of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent]]
[[Category:Democratic Republic of the Congo men's footballers]]
[[Category:Democratic Republic of the Congo footballers]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:English footballers]]
[[Category:England men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:England under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Chelsea F.C. players]]
[[Category:Chelsea F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bristol City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Bristol City F.C. players]]
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[[Category:Swansea City A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:Swansea City A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:Birmingham City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Birmingham City F.C. players]]
[[Category:The Football League players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Black British sportspeople]]
[[Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players]]
[[Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players]]
[[Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players]]
[[Category:Barnsley F.C. players]]
[[Category:Notts County F.C. players]]
[[Category:AO Chania F.C. players]]
[[Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Sisaket F.C. players|Leroy Lita]]
[[Category:Margate F.C. players]]
[[Category:Salisbury F.C. players]]
[[Category:Chelmsford City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Nuneaton Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Stratford Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Hednesford Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Ilkeston Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Coalville Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Barwell F.C. players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Football League (Greece) players]]
[[Category:Thai League 1 players|Leroy Lita]]
[[Category:Isthmian League players]]
[[Category:Southern Football League players]]
[[Category:National League (English football) players]]
[[Category:Black British sportsmen]]
[[Category:English people of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent]]
[[Category:English expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Thailand]]
[[Category:English football coaches]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century Democratic Republic of the Congo sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 01:58, 27 December 2024

Leroy Lita
Lita playing for Sisaket in 2017
Personal information
Full name Leroy Halirou Bohari Lita[1]
Date of birth (1984-12-28) 28 December 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Kinshasa, Zaire
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Barwell
Youth career
1999–2001 Chelsea
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2005 Bristol City 85 (31)
2005–2009 Reading 83 (20)
2008 → Charlton Athletic (loan) 8 (3)
2008–2009 → Norwich City (loan) 16 (7)
2009–2011 Middlesbrough 78 (20)
2011–2014 Swansea City 18 (2)
2012 → Birmingham City (loan) 10 (3)
2013 → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 17 (6)
2013 → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 5 (1)
2014–2015 Barnsley 19 (2)
2015 → Notts County (loan) 6 (0)
2015–2016 AO Chania 11 (1)
2016 Yeovil Town 8 (1)
2017 Sisaket 21 (5)
2018 Margate 3 (0)
2019 Salisbury 3 (2)
2019–2020 Chelmsford City 12 (1)
2020–2022 Nuneaton Borough 21 (5)
2022 Stratford Town 11 (3)
2022–2023 Hednesford Town 29 (17)
2023 Ilkeston Town 18 (16)
2023–2024 Nuneaton Borough 22 (6)
2024 Coalville Town 6 (1)
2024– Barwell 8 (3)
International career
2005–2007 England U21 9 (6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:33, 2 August 2024 (UTC)

Leroy Halirou Bohari Lita (born 28 December 1984) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Southern League Premier Division Central club Barwell.

Lita was a product of the Chelsea youth system but never made a first-team appearance for the club; in 2002, he moved to Bristol City and later represented Reading, where his form helped him earn a place with the England under-21 side. He later played for Middlesbrough, Swansea City, Barnsley, Yeovil Town, in Greece for AO Chania and in Thailand for Sisaket, with loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion and Notts County. He then moved into non-league football.

Club career

[edit]

Bristol City

[edit]

Born in Kinshasa,[2] Lita made his debut for Bristol City at the start of the 2002–03 season, and his first goal followed when he scored a late winner against Port Vale in September 2002.[3][4] Lita signed his first professional contract for Bristol City at the age of 18 at the start of the 2003–04 season, after being discovered by scout Roger Barton.[5] After Brian Tinnion had taken over from Danny Wilson as manager at the start of the 2004–05 season that Lita really established himself in the first team. That year he scored 29 goals in all competitions for club and one U21 international goal taking his tally to 30 for the season.

Reading

[edit]

Lita moved to Reading of the Championship on 13 July 2005 for a then club record fee of £1 million.[6]

Lita scored on his debut at home to Plymouth Argyle with a fine header to equalise, but Reading lost 2–1, however they only lost one more league game during the entire season. Lita made it three goals in his first three games as he scored two well taken goals in Reading's 3–0 win away at Preston. He scored in home wins against Swansea City in the League Cup and Burnley in the league, before scoring an overhead kick in the 3–2 win at home to Crystal Palace. He then endured a barren spell in front of goal, but he ended it with a goal in a 3–0 win at Ipswich, a result which took Reading to the top of the Championship.

He then suffered an injury that kept him out for 6 weeks, but on his return against West Bromwich Albion in the third round of the FA Cup, he produced a high quality display, netting a superb hat trick that included a spectacular second goal with a dipping shot from 25 yards, after a series of one touch passes from the Royals. He found the net in a 4–0 win at home to Norwich City, and followed it up in the next game with two excellent finishes in a 4–3 away win at Crewe Alexandra. He scored for the third league game in a row with a tap in during a 2–0 victory at home to Southampton. He came on as a substitute to score the winner in a 2–1 win at home to Preston but his 2005–06 season ended early in the next game at Burnley when he sustained a broken ankle after landing awkwardly, but Reading still won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League with a record total of 106 points.

Lita had a promising start to life in the Premiership, in which he netted the winner at home to Middlesbrough on the opening day, a game in which Reading came from 2–0 down to win, 3–2. He ended a goal drought by scoring in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the first of ten goals in twelve games,[7] as he scored away at Manchester United in a 3–2 defeat, and scored again in the 6–0 home win over West Ham. He also scored three goals in two games in the FA Cup against Burnley and twice against Birmingham City. His next goal came at home to Wigan in a 3–2 win, and in the next game he scored two late goals in a 2–0 win away at Manchester City. Both goals came from through balls; for the first Lita hit a powerful first time shot from the edge of the box, across the keeper and into the top corner. The second was a finish when through one on one. He would have had a hat trick, but had a goal wrongly disallowed in the first half. Leroy scored again against Manchester United, as he pulled one back in a 3–2 home defeat in the FA Cup.

Lita had suffered some niggling injuries and found himself behind in form Kevin Doyle and Dave Kitson for parts of the season. On 13 April 2007, Lita was banned for three games for allegedly headbutting Talal El Karkouri of Charlton Athletic on 9 April, a charge disputed by both the player and Reading's manager, Steve Coppell. However, Reading still managed to finish eighth in their first ever top division campaign, just missing out on a UEFA Cup place. Following the end of that season speculation surrounding the future of Lita increased as he continued to be linked with several premier league clubs. However the striker said in July that he wanted to stay at Reading "I'm happy here. This is an important year for me and the club and I just want to play and be successful." In a freak occurrence just prior to the start of the 2007–08 season, Lita was faced with a month of downtime after damaging a leg muscle as he stretched in bed upon waking.[8] Coppell told the BBC: "Leroy is in a great deal of pain. It's a point of laughter but a serious business for him because he's going to be out for three or four weeks." Lita found himself largely out of favour in the 2007–08 season, and spent much of it either left out or injured, he also had a loan spell at Charlton Athletic. He only scored one goal in the Premier League that season, it came on the final day against already relegated Derby County with a diving header in a 4–0 away win. But Reading found themselves joining Derby, as they were relegated on goal difference.

Loan spells

[edit]

On 5 March 2008, Lita joined Charlton Athletic on a one-month loan deal, after finding his first team opportunities limited at Reading during the 2007–08 season.[9] The loan was later extended to the end of the season,[10] but he was called back from the loan on 19 April for the last three games of the season.[11]

Lita then went to Norwich City for a month-long loan on 1 October. He scored four goals in his initial six game spell including a hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 5–2 victory. Reading and Norwich agreed to extend the loan for another six games until 7 December. Following Norwich's 2–0 win over local rivals Ipswich, it was announced on 8 December that Lita would sign a further third month on loan. Lita went on to score seven goals for Norwich, and in a season which ultimately ended up with relegation, Lita was City's top scorer.

Return to Reading

[edit]

Lita returned to Reading and played in the third round FA Cup tie defeat at Cardiff City.[12]

He then made his first league appearance since August, coming on as a sub, to score a goal against Watford at home on 9 January 2009, to make it 4–0. Later, in the same week Lita announced that he had changed for the better, and that he would stay with Reading for the promotion push.[13]

Sheffield United had a seven figure sum accepted by Reading for Lita on 13 January 2009, but the club later withdrew from proceedings after they were not willing to pay the £1.2 million signing-on fee being requested by Lita. On 15 May, Lita, Michael Duberry, Marcus Hahnemann and club captain Graeme Murty were told that their contracts would not be renewed.

Middlesbrough

[edit]
Lita playing for Middlesbrough in 2010

On 3 August 2009, it was announced that he would join Middlesbrough on a free transfer.[14] He made his debut for Middlesbrough on 7 August 2009 in a 0–0 draw with Sheffield United, but had limited opportunities to score.[15] Lita scored his first goal for Middlesbrough against Doncaster Rovers, in a 2–0 win for the Boro. He received a yellow card for removing his shirt in his subsequent celebration.[16] He scored his second goal when returning to his old club Reading in Middlesbrough's 2–0 win on 3 October 2009. His third goal for Middlesbrough came on 21 November 2009 against Nottingham Forest off a rebound off a Julio Arca shot. On 5 December 2009, Lita scored two goals in a 5–1 win against QPR, Middlesbrough's first win under new manager Gordon Strachan. Lita again received a yellow card for his goal celebration. On 26 December 2009, Lita received a red card for an elbow during the win against Scunthorpe, which was the first of his career.

Lita's first goal of the 2010–11 season came on 18 September 2010 against old club Reading and his second followed on 27 November with a headed goal in a 2–2 draw with Hull.[17][18] On 28 December, Lita's 26th birthday, he scored two goals against Preston in a 3–1 win for Middlesbrough – his first being an individual effort, scoring after a weaving run from the halfway line.[19] Lita scored twice against the club where he began his career, Bristol City, in Middlesbrough's 4–0 away victory on 15 January 2011.[20] He was yellow-carded for his celebration following his first goal, after being subjected to abuse from the home fans. Lita later took the unusual step of using the Bristol City website to apologising to their fans for his actions.[21]

Swansea City

[edit]

On 27 July 2011, newly promoted Premier League side Swansea City had a fee of £1.75 million accepted by Middlesbrough for Lita's services.[22] He completed his medical the following week and signed a three-year contract. He made his Swansea debut against Manchester City as a substitute. Lita scored his first Swansea City goal on 17 September 2011 against West Bromwich Albion scoring a header in a 3–0 win.[23]

Birmingham City (loan)

[edit]

On 6 September 2012, Lita agreed to join Birmingham City on a three-month emergency loan, the move to be completed when the loan transfer window opened two days later.[24] He scored his first goal for the club on his second appearance, touching in a Paul Caddis cross to open the scoring at home to Bolton Wanderers.[25] After ten league games in which he scored three goals, Lita's loan was terminated on 12 November to allow him to return to his owning club to complete his recovery from a thigh injury.[26]

Sheffield Wednesday (loan)

[edit]

Lita made his debut on 26 January 2013, scoring the winning goal against Charlton Athletic after coming on as a substitute for Kieran Lee in the 54th minute. He went on to score his second goal in as many games, through a first half volley in a 3–1 home victory against Brighton & Hove Albion. Leroy scored against Crystal Palace on 23 February to take his tally for Sheffield Wednesday to 3 goals. He uses a trademark celebration when he scores goals for Wednesday, using his fingers to make an "M" which stands for massive. Lita scored his fourth goal of the season for Sheffield Wednesday from a well placed penalty to add to the 3–2 victory against Blackburn Rovers on 6 April. He has also helped them stave off the relegation with a second goal in a 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough, Lita's former club.

Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)

[edit]

On 16 October 2013, Lita signed for Brighton on loan until 1 January 2014.[27] Lita made his début as a substitute in the 0–0 draw against Yeovil on 19 October 2013. Lita scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 away win at Doncaster Rovers. By the end of his loan spell with the Seagulls, Lita had made 5 appearances, scoring 1 goal.[28]

Barnsley

[edit]

After his departure from Swansea City, Lita signed a one-year deal at League One side Barnsley on 9 August 2014.[29]

Notts County (loan)

[edit]

Lita joined Notts County on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season in March 2015.[30]

AO Chania

[edit]

In August 2015, Lita signed for Greek Football League side AO Chania.[31]

Yeovil Town

[edit]

On 5 March 2016, Lita joined League Two side Yeovil Town on a short-term deal until the end of the season.[32] He was released at the end of the 2015–16 season.[33]

Sisaket

[edit]

On 7 January 2017, Lita joined Thai League T1 side Sisaket.[34]

Non-League football

[edit]

In September 2018 Lita joined English non-league club Margate.[35]

At the age of 34, Lita announced his retirement from professional football in August 2019.[36] He joined Haverhill Rovers as a coach at the end of the month,[37] before signing a short-term deal with Southern League club Salisbury in late September.[38] On 8 November, Lita signed a short-term deal for National League South club Chelmsford City;[39] he left at the end of the season having made 14 appearances in all competitions.[40] He then spent 18 months with Southern League club Nuneaton Borough before joining division rivals Stratford Town in January 2022.[41][42]

Hednesford Town, Ilkeston Town

[edit]

On 24 March 2022, Lita signed for Southern League Premier Division Central side Hednesford Town.[43] He scored a hattrick on his debut against Stourbridge.[44] and finished the season with six goals from six appearances, before signing a new deal with the club for the 2022–23 campaign.[45]

After Hednesford parted company with manager Keenen Meakin-Richards and his backroom staff, on 27 August 2022,[46] Lita was announced as caretaker manager[47] before being appointed player-coach after the club appointed Steve Burr as manager on 12 September 2022.[48] On 1 October 2022, Lita scored a four-minute hat-trick as Hednesford beat AFC Rushden & Diamonds 5–0 for their first win of the season.[49] In January 2023, Lita joined Southern League Premier Division Central club Ilkeston Town.[50]

Nuneaton Borough, Coalville Town, Barwell

[edit]

On 1 August 2023, Lita re-signed for Nuneaton Borough.[51] He left the club on 8 January 2024,[52] and the following day he and former Borough captain Scott McManus joined another Southern League Premier Central club, Coalville Town.[53] After two months and eight appearances, he was released to continue his tour of the Premier Central with Barwell.[54][55] He finished the season with three goals from six appearances,[56] and re-signed for the 2024–25 season.[57]

International career

[edit]

England U21 breakthrough

[edit]

Lita turned down the chance to play for DR Congo in favour of pursuing an international career with England, despite having previously stated he wished to represent the country of his birth.[58] He scored on his debut for England U21 with a goal against the Netherlands U21 in a 2–1 loss on 8 February 2005, coming on as a second-half substitute.[59] He had to wait over a year to make his second appearance, again as a substitute, in a 3–1 win over Norway on 28 February 2006.[60] Following excellent goal-scoring form in the Premier League, Lita was awarded with a further cap as a substitute in the 2–2 draw with Spain on 6 February 2007, scoring his second goal in three international appearances.

2007 European U21 Championship

[edit]

Despite being 22, Lita was eligible to compete in the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship,[61] and was called up to the squad.[62]

In the first group game against the Czech Republic, England were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute which Lita subsequently dragged wide condemning England to a scoreless draw.[63] However, he then scored for England in each of their next three games; a 2–2 draw against Italy, a 2–0 win over Serbia, and a 1–1 (13–12) penalty shoot-out loss to the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

He was named in the UEFA Dream Team for the tournament.[64]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 9 January 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bristol City 2002–03[65] Second Division 15 2 1 2 0 0 2[a] 0 18 4
2003–04[66] Second Division 26 5 2 0 1 0 2[a] 0 31 5
2004–05[67] League One 44 24 2 1 2 2 3[b] 2 51 29
Total 85 31 5 3 3 2 7 2 100 38
Reading 2005–06[68] Championship 26 11 3 3 3 1 — 32 15
2006–07[7] Premier League 33 7 3 4 2 3 — 38 14
2007–08[69] Premier League 14 1 2 0 2 1 — 18 2
2008–09[70] Championship 10 1 1 0 1 0 — 12 1
Total 83 20 9 7 8 5 — 100 32
Charlton Athletic (loan) 2007–08[69] Championship 8 3 — — — 8 3
Norwich City (loan) 2008–09[70] Championship 16 7 — — — 16 7
Middlesbrough 2009–10[71] Championship 40 8 0 0 1 0 — 41 8
2010–11[17] Championship 38 12 1 0 2 0 — 41 12
Total 78 20 1 0 3 0 — 82 20
Swansea City 2011–12[72] Premier League 16 2 1 0 1 0 — 18 2
2012–13[73] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2013–14[74] Premier League 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Total 18 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 21 2
Birmingham City (loan) 2012–13[73] Championship 10 3 — — — 10 3
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2012–13[73] Championship 17 6 — — — 17 6
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 2013–14[74] Championship 5 1 — — — 5 1
Barnsley 2014–15[75] League One 19 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 24 2
Notts County (loan) 2014–15[75] League One 6 0 — — — 6 0
AO Chania 2015–16[76] Football League 11 1 4 2 — 0 0 15 3
Yeovil Town 2015–16[77] League Two 8 1 — — — 8 1
Sisaket 2017[76] Thai Premier League 21 5 0 0 — — 21 5
Margate 2018–19[78] Isthmian League Premier Division 3 0 1 0 — 0 0 4 0
Salisbury 2019–20[56] Southern League Premier Division South 3 2 1 0 — 2[c] 0 6 2
Chelmsford City 2019–20[76][56] National League South 12 1 0 0 — 2[d] 1 14 2
Nuneaton Borough 2020–21[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 8 4 3 1 — 3[e] 1 14 6
2021–22[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 13 1 1 0 — 5[f] 1 19 2
Total 21 5 4 1 — 8 2 33 8
Hednesford Town 2021–22[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 6 6 — — — 6 6
2022–23[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 23 11 1 1 — 4[g] 1 28 12
Total 29 17 1 1 — 4 1 34 18
Ilkeston Town 2022–23[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 18 16 — — 0 0 18 16
Nuneaton Borough 2023–24[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 22 6 1 0 — 6[h] 6 29 12
Coalville Town 2023–24[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 6 1 — — 2[i] 1 8 2
Barwell 2023–24[56] Southern League Premier Division Central 8 3 — — — 8 3
Career total 507 151 33 14 16 7 31 13 587 184
  1. ^ a b One appearance in Football League Trophy, one in Second Division play-offs
  2. ^ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ One appearance in FA Trophy, one in Southern League Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in Essex Senior Cup
  5. ^ Appearances in FA Trophy
  6. ^ Two appearances and one goal in FA Trophy, one appearance in Southern League Cup, two in Birmingham Senior Cup
  7. ^ Three appearances and one goal in FA Trophy, one appearance in Birmingham Senior Cup
  8. ^ Four appearances and three goals in FA Trophy, two appearances and three goals in Birmingham Senior Cup
  9. ^ Appearances in Leicestershire and Rutland Senior Cup

Honours

[edit]

Reading

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Statistics" (PDF). Premier League. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  2. ^ Brodkin, Jon (1 October 2005). "Chelsea finishing school graduate has eyes on Premiership honours". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  3. ^ "Port Vale 2-3 Bristol City". BBC. 28 September 2002. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  4. ^ "Games played by Leroy Lita in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  5. ^ Doogan, Brian (1 April 2007). "Lita the fighter". The Sunday Times. London. Archived from the original on 23 December 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  6. ^ "Reading snap up £1m striker Lita". BBC Sport. 14 July 2005. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
  7. ^ a b "Games played by Leroy Lita in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  8. ^ "Lita sidelined after freak injury". BBC Sport. 7 August 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
  9. ^ "Lita makes Charlton loan move". Reading F.C. 5 March 2008. Archived from the original on 9 March 2008. Retrieved 5 March 2008.
  10. ^ "Lita extends loan with Charlton". BBC Sport. 27 March 2008. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
  11. ^ "Lita back after Charlton loan". Reading F.C. 21 April 2008. Archived from the original on 25 April 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
  12. ^ "Cardiff 2–0 Reading". BBC Sport. 3 January 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2009.
  13. ^ "Lita – I've changed for the better". Reading F.C. 12 January 2009. Archived from the original on 13 January 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
  14. ^ "Leroy raring to go". Middlesbrough F.C. Archived from the original on 7 August 2009.
  15. ^ "Middlesbrough 0–0 Sheffield Utd". BBC Sport. 7 August 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  16. ^ "Boro go top". Sky Sports. 25 August 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  17. ^ a b "Games played by Leroy Lita in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  18. ^ "Boro 2 Hull City 2". Middlesbrough F.C. 27 November 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  19. ^ "Preston North End 1 Boro 3". Middlesbrough F.C. 28 December 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  20. ^ "Bristol City 0 Boro 4". Middlesbrough F.C. 15 January 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  21. ^ "I'm sorry says Leroy". Bristol City F.C. 17 January 2011. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012.
  22. ^ "Swans confirm Leroy Lita fee". Swansea City A.F.C. 27 July 2011. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  23. ^ "Swans complete Lita signing". Swansea City A.F.C. 3 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
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