Michael Rose (footballer, born 1995)

Michael Alexander Rose (born 11 October 1995) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Stoke City.

Rose began his career with Aberdeen and spent time on loan for Forfar Athletic before signing for Ayr United in June 2016. After three seasons at Somerset Park, Rose moved to English club Coventry City in July 2019. He spent four years with the Sky Blues before joining Stoke City in July 2023.

Aberdeen
Raised in Bridge of Don, Rose attended Oldmachar Academy and started playing youth football with Glendale and Aberdeen until he was released at the age of 12. He played for Lewis United for three years before he was re-signed by Aberdeen, signing a professional contract at 17. Before making a senior appearance for Aberdeen, he joined Scottish League One side Forfar Athletic on loan for one month on 5 November 2015, with the loan then being extended for a further month on 7 December 2015. He made seven appearances with Forfar before returning to Aberdeen.

Rose made his debut for Aberdeen in a 3–0 defeat against St Johnstone on 22 April 2016. Rose was released by Aberdeen at the end of the 2015–16 season.

Ayr United
After leaving Aberdeen, Rose signed for newly promoted Scottish Championship side Ayr United in June 2016. In the 2016–17 season Rose made 24 appearances as Ayr finished bottom of the table and were relegated to League One. Ayr had much more successful 2017–18 campaign as they finished as champions on the final day of the season. Rose made 44 appearances in 2018–19 as Ayr reached the Premiership play–offs but were beaten 4–2 on aggregate by Inverness Caledonian Thistle. At the end of the season Rose was named in the PFA Scotland Scottish Championship Team of the Year.

Coventry City
Rose signed a pre-contract agreement with EFL League One side Coventry City in January 2019. Rose played 40 times in 2019–20 as Coventry won the League One title after the season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic. He signed a new three-year contract with Coventry in October 2020. Rose had an injury hit 2020–21 season and was restricted to 18 appearances.

Rose played 32 times in 2021–22, as Coventry finished in 12th position. He made 26 appearances in 2022–23, as Coventry reached the Championship play-off final where they lost on penalties to Luton Town. He was released by the club at the end of the season.

Stoke City
On 17 July 2023, Rose joined fellow Championship side Stoke City on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal. He scored his first goal for Stoke on 28 October 2023 in a 2–0 win against Middlesbrough. Rose made 41 appearances for Stoke in 2023–24 as the team avoided relegation, finishing 17th.

Honours
Ayr United
 * Scottish League One: 2017–18