David Ferguson (footballer, born 1994)

David Lee Ferguson (born 7 June 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back for club Hartlepool United.

Born in Sunderland, Ferguson began his career with Darlington before signing for Sunderland in 2012. He left Sunderland in 2015 for Blackpool where he became club captain. After leaving Blackpool in 2016, Ferguson had spells in non-League with Shildon, Darlington and York City. In 2020, he signed for Hartlepool United where he earned promotion from the National League in his first season and was named in the division's Team of the Year.

Early life
Ferguson was born in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.

Darlington
Ferguson began his career in Darlington's youth system, breaking into the first team in early 2012. He finished the 2011–12 season with six Conference Premier appearances.

Sunderland
Ferguson signed for Premier League club Sunderland in June 2012 on a one-year contract. He went out on loan to Conference North club Boston United, making his debut on 1 March 2014 when starting a 4–0 home win over Hednesford Town.

Blackpool
Ferguson signed for Championship club Blackpool on 9 January 2015 on a one-and-a-half-year contract, with the option of a further year. He scored his first professional goal on 14 February 2015 in a 4–4 home draw with Nottingham Forest on 14 January 2015, in only his second appearance. The goal was a header from a Jamie O'Hara cross in the seventh minute of stoppage time, and was the final goal of the match. On 4 August 2015, Ferguson was appointed as team captain of Blackpool. He was released at the end of the 2015–16 season.

Shildon
He signed for Northern League Division One club Shildon in August 2016, but moved back to Darlington, now in the National League North, the following January. Ferguson played for England C for the first time in May 2017.

York City
On 6 October 2017, Ferguson signed for Darlington's National League North rivals York City on a contract running to June 2019, after York activated a release clause in his contract. He was signed by manager Martin Gray, who had left Darlington for York days earlier. Ferguson gave up a job in refuse upon returning to full-time football with York.

Hartlepool United
Ferguson signed for National League club Hartlepool United on 5 August 2020 after turning down the offer of a new contract with York. He scored his first goal for Hartlepool with a free kick in a 2–0 home win against Solihull Moors. Ferguson started in the 2021 National League play-off final as Hartlepool were promoted back to the Football League. In his first season, Ferguson contributed 11 assists in total. His performances earned him a place in the National League Team of the Year.

In January 2022, Ferguson scored the equaliser against Championship side Blackpool in a 2–1 win as Hartlepool reached the fourth round of the FA Cup. On 6 May 2022, Ferguson signed a new two-year contract. Ahead of the 2023–24 season, Ferguson was named as Hartlepool's new captain. After a loss of form during the season, the captaincy reverted to Nicky Featherstone. At the end of the season, he was offered a new deal with the club. On 15 May 2024, he agreed a new deal with Hartlepool.

Style of play
Ferguson is an attack-minded left back who is known for getting a high number of assists.

Personal life
He attended St Aidan's Catholic Academy. While playing part-time for Shildon and Darlington, Ferguson worked for his local council in the refuse investigation department dealing with issues such as fly-tipping.

Honours
Hartlepool United
 * National League play-offs: 2021

Individual
 * National League Team of the Year: 2020–21