Frank Simek

Frank Simek

Personal information
Full name	Franklin Simek
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Sheffield Wednesday
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 June 2007

Franklin "Frank" or "Frankie" Simek (born October 13, 1984 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA) is an American soccer (football) player who currently plays for English club Sheffield Wednesday at right back.

Playing Career

Simek played soccer as a child in the United States, but didn't think of the game as a career until his family moved to London after his father was assigned to a position at the English office of Anheuser-Busch when Frank was 12. He was signed by Arsenal to a development contract, but decided to move back to St. Louis, where he played at Saint Louis University High School. However, during this time Arsenal called him back to play on the youth team.

While at Arsenal he rose to assume the captaincy of the reserve side, but had difficulty breaking into the first team; he found himself behind Lauren, Kolo Touré, Emmanuel Eboué and Justin Hoyte in the pecking order. He played a single match for Arsenal, in the League Cup against Wolves on December 2 2003.

Simek joined the Owls on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer of 2005 and made his Sheffield Wednesday debut on the opening day of the 2005-06 season away at Stoke City. He went on to win a regular starting spot, ousting fan-favourite Lee Bullen from his preferred right-back position. Simek scored his first goal in his first season at Wednesday away at Millwall. The goal gave the Owls a 1-0 win and helped them in their battle against relegation. Frank then managed to get his first home goal against Colchester in the 2006-2007. Frank has managed to gain a regular first team place at Hillsborough and is becoming a crowd favourite for his tough tackling and powerful running.

Simek signed a new contract with Sheffield Wednesday on 26th July 2007. The contract will see him through until 2010.

International Career

Simek received his first call up to the United States National Team in 2007, and made his full debut on the international stage on March 28 in a 0-0 draw against Guatemala in Frisco, Texas. Frank currently has five full caps for his country. His most recent call up was for the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

External links

• Frank Simek at Soccerbase
• Frankie Simek articles on Yanks Abroad