Dickson Paul Etuhu, born in Kano on 8 June 1982, established a professional career as a defensive midfielder across English football leagues. Before concluding his playing days in Sweden, he represented various clubs, including spells in the Premier League with Manchester City, Sunderland, and Fulham, while also earning 19 international caps for Nigeria between 2007 and 2011.
Early Career and Preston North End
Starting at Manchester City, where he made 11 appearances, Etuhu moved to Preston North End in January 2002 for a £300,000 fee. Under manager David Moyes, he debuted against Bradford City and scored his first goal against Sheffield Wednesday. Over several seasons, his role fluctuated under managers Craig Brown and Billy Davies. During his time at Deepdale, he made 134 appearances and scored 17 goals before leaving on loan to Norwich City in 2006.
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Norwich City signed Etuhu permanently for £450,000. He recorded his first league goal for the club against Southend United in September 2006 and later scored the winner against Cardiff. In 2007, he moved to Sunderland for £1.5 million, scoring once in 20 league appearances. By August 2008, he joined Fulham on a three-year contract, eventually extending that deal until 2014. At Craven Cottage, he featured in European competition and scored multiple league goals, including one against his former club, Manchester City.
Final Years and Legal Consequences
Etuhu joined Blackburn Rovers on a four-year deal in August 2012, scoring once in 23 appearances. He ended his professional career with two years in Sweden playing for AIK and IFK Rössjöholm. In November 2019, a Swedish court found him guilty of match-fixing. Following subsequent appeals, he received a five-year ban from Swedish football in June 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 June 1982, Kano
- Citizenship: Nigeria
- Position: Defensive midfielder
- International caps: 19 (2007–2011)
- English clubs: Manchester City, Preston North End, Norwich City, Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers
- Swedish clubs: AIK, IFK Rössjöholm
- Match-fixing verdict: November 2019
- Swedish football ban: June 2020
Questions readers ask
Which major English clubs did Dickson Etuhu play for?
He played for Manchester City, Sunderland, Fulham, Preston North End, Norwich City, and Blackburn Rovers.
What was the outcome of his match-fixing trial?
In November 2019, he was found guilty by a Swedish court, and in June 2020, he received a five-year ban from football in Sweden.