English footballer
James Paul Hardy (born 11 May 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ashton United.[2]
Club career
Born in Stockport, Hardy signed for Oldham Athletic as a nine-year-old and spent six years with the club before being released in 2011. Following his release, Hardy was offered a trial by boyhood club Manchester City and signed a contract with the club in May 2012.[3]
Hardy joined AFC Fylde in October 2015 and quickly became one of the brightest prospects in non-league football.[4] He scored eight goals to help Fylde to the National League North title in 2016–17[5] but faced injury problems throughout the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, limiting his game time.[4][5] A hernia injury ruled Hardy out for four months in the 2018–19 season. On his return he joined FC Halifax Town on loan for a month in February 2019.[6] Hardy played six times for the Shaymen before returning to Fylde.[7] In total Hardy made 91 league appearances for Fylde, scoring 16 goals.[5]
Hardy signed for Walsall in June 2019 after his contract expired at Fylde.[8] He scored a late equaliser on his professional debut in a 1–1 draw against Forest Green on 10 August 2019.[9]
He was released by the club at the end of the 2019–20 season,[10] and signed for AFC Telford United in August 2020.[11] On 20 February 2021, Hardy left the club by mutual consent.[12]
On 22 February 2021, Hardy signed for National League side Altrincham.[13]
On 15 June 2021, Hardy joined Chester on a one-year deal.[14]
On 18 March 2022, Hardy joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Buxton on loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.[15] On 19 June 2022, Hardy joined the club on a permanent basis following their promotion.[16]
In October 2022, Hardy joined Northern Premier League Division One West club Macclesfield on an initial one-month loan deal.[17] This was later extended until the 8 January,[18] becoming permanent upon the end of this extension.[19] During his time at the club he was a part of the squad that won the 2022–23 Division One West title.[20] In September 2023, he joined Ashton United on an initial one-month loan deal.[21] He returned to Ashton United on a permanent basis in November 2023.[22]
International career
Hardy made his England C debut in November 2016, providing the assists for both goals in a 2–1 win against Estonia U23s.[23]
He was awarded FA England C Player of the Year at the National Game Awards in May 2019[24] and earned five caps in total before entering the professional game.
References
