Declan Frith

Declan Frith (born 16 May 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for Thun. He began his career at Welling United before spending time in the academies of both Aston Villa and Chelsea, appearing for both their U21 sides in the EFL Trophy.

Early career
Having trialled with Charlton Athletic, Bromley and Sutton United, Frith failed to find a club to sign a professional contract with after leaving school. A further trial at Southend United would also prove unsuccessful, and he eventually settled at non-league Welling United.

A change in FIFA regulations and the effects of Brexit meant that Premier League side Chelsea had to branch out their scouting network, notably bringing in a number of young, non-league players. As a result of this, Frith was offered a trial with the West London-based club in February 2021, and signed in May of the same year.

Initially signed as a left-sided defender, Frith was used sparingly on both the left and right sides of midfield, he managed a total of five appearances for Chelsea's under-23 side, including featuring in an EFL Trophy game against Exeter City. After initially being set for release at the end of the 2020–21 season, Frith continued to feature for the club’s youth teams.

He eventually left Chelsea at the end of August 2021, and signed a professional contract with fellow Premier League side Aston Villa on 13 October 2021. He settled quickly into the youth team of his new club, notably scoring twice on his debut against West Midlands rivals Birmingham City U23s. He followed this up with a hat-trick against Coventry Sphinx in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup. On 16 June 2023, Frith was released by Aston Villa.

On 5 September 2023, Frith signed for Valencia CF Mestalla, the reserve side of Valencia CF, managed by Miguel Angel Angulo. Frith made his debut in the Segunda Federación, the Spanish fourth tier, on 12 November 2023 - in a 3–2 victory over La Nucía.

Thun
On 10 July 2024, Frith joined Swiss Challenge League side Thun on a three-year deal.

Personal life
Born in England, Frith is of Jamaican and American descent.

Career statistics
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