They Played for Both Clubs: Chris Eagles

Christopher Mark Eagles was born in Hemel Hempstead in November 1985.

Spurs fan Eagles began his footballing career at the Watford academy, before being controversially signed by Manchester United at the age of 14, in 2000.

Eagles turned professional in 2003, and made his Manchester United debut as a second-half substitute for fellow United academy graduate Kieron Richardson in an away win over Leeds United in the League Cup. He would make a single further appearance that season, again as a substitute, when he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo as United lost 2-0 away to West Bromwich Albion again in the League Cup.

In 2005, and with opportunities at Old Trafford being restricted by the development of Cristiano Ronaldo, Eagles was sent out on loan. First he made 13 appearances for Watford, scoring once, before then spending the remainder of the season out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday where he scored three goals in 25 appearances in the Championship.

The following season saw Eagles again loaned out, firstly to experience a second spell with Watford - one which yielded three goals in 17 games before he eventually went on to spend the rest of the season with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. He would make 15 appearances in the Eredivisie, scoring once.

Whilst at Watford, Eagles' goal in the 1-0 away win at Brighton & Hove Albion from 50 yards (almost the halfway line) - reminiscent of David Beckham's goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon a decade earlier - won him the club's goal of the season award.

Eagles would return to United and again struggled for first team action, though in 2007 he scored his first goal for the clubin April 2007, coming in a 4-2 Premier League away win over Everton. After coming on as a second half substitute, he scored a 93rd-minute goal, which sent United five points clear in their race for the Premier League title.

He would leave United that summer, making a £1m move to Burnley, signed by Owen Coyle.

Eagles made his league debut for the club in a 4-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday. and then went on to score his first goal for the club the following month in a 3-1 victory over rivals Preston North End, scoring in the 95th minute. He finished his first season at Burnley as a Play Off winner, and enjoyed a solid season in the Premier League the year after, scoring twice in 35 appearances.

In 2010/11 Eagles enjoyed his most successful season, emerging with 15 goals from his 48 games.

In July 2011, Eagles and his then-Burnley team-mate Tyrone Mears joined Bolton Wanderers on three-year contract for a joint fee in the region of £3 million, linking up with their ex-manager Owen Coyle for a second time in their careers.

He made his debut in am opening day 4-0 away win at Queens Park Rangers, where he created the second goal following a cross that was diverted into his own goal by former West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon.

Eagles' first season at Bolton yielded six goals in 41 games, although the side suffered relegation on the final day against Stoke City.

He would become a key member of the Bolton side the following season, back in the Championship, though his 12 goals in 46 games was not quite enough to lead the side back to the Play Offs. He did however finish the season as Bolton's top goalscorer with twelve goals, and also created the most number of goals, with twelve assists. Though obviously assists are irrelevant.

Eagles has found it tougher to come by both goals and games in the 2013/14 season. Injury and a loss of form has cost him his place in the team on occasion, though little doubt remains that when on form he is one of the most important members of Dougie Freedman's Bolton Wanderers side.

Eagles' contract expires at the end of this season, and it is suggested that he will leave the club, though he has often professed his desire to stay at the Reebok Stadium. One of the higher earners, the club's troublesome financial state may dictate that his three year association with Bolton could come to an end.

Career Statistics