Michael Paul Trevor Bostwick (born 17 May 1988) is an English professional footballer and manager who plays as a centre-back and currently serves as the player-interim manager for Isthmian League Premier Division club St Albans City.[1][2][3]Bostwick began his career in the youth academy at Millwall, before moving to non-league clubs including Crawley Town, Rushden & Diamonds, and Ebbsfleet United.[4] He broke through at Stevenage in 2008, where he made 107 league appearances and contributed to the club's successes in winning the FA Trophy, the Conference National title, and promotion via the League Two play-offs, while also reaching the League One play-off semi-finals.[4] In 2012, he transferred to Peterborough United for a reported £500,000 fee, going on to play 228 games over five seasons in the EFL Championship and League One.[4]Bostwick joined Lincoln City in 2017, where he won the EFL Trophy in 2018 and was named the club's Player of the Year.[4] He later played for Burton Albion and returned to Stevenage, before captaining Boston United to promotion via the 2024 National League North play-offs.[4] In June 2025, he signed with St Albans City, bringing over 750 career appearances across various English leagues, including more than 35 in the Championship, 250 in League One, and 170 in League Two.[4][5] Bostwick has also represented England at semi-professional level.
Early life and youth career
Early life
Michael Bostwick was born on 17 May 1988 in Eltham, a district in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London, England.[2][6]
Youth career
Bostwick progressed through the youth ranks at Millwall, where he developed as a defender after joining the club's academy system.[7]To gain senior-level experience, Bostwick was loaned to Conference National club Crawley Town on a work experience basis in March 2006, alongside fellow Millwall youngsters Jack McLeod and Dean Pooley.[8] During this initial spell until the end of the 2005–06 season, he made his senior debut and featured in eight matches, scoring three goals in league fixtures.[5]Upon returning to Millwall, Bostwick signed his first professional contract in May 2006, a one-year deal that recognized his potential following time in the under-18 and reserve teams.[7][9]Bostwick returned to Crawley Town on a new loan in August 2006 for the 2006–07 season.[5] The loan was extended in October 2006 for the remainder of the season, allowing him to continue building non-league experience; he ultimately made 24 appearances and scored two goals during this spell.[10][11]
Club career
Millwall
Bostwick signed his first professional contract with Millwall in July 2005 at the age of 17, transitioning from the club's youth academy to the senior setup in League One. Despite being named in several matchday squads, he failed to make any first-team appearances for the Lions during his tenure, instead focusing on gaining competitive experience through loans to lower-tier clubs.[2]In the 2005–06 season, Bostwick was loaned to Conference National side Crawley Town until the end of the campaign, where he made 8 appearances and scored 3 goals, marking his breakthrough into senior football. His debut start came on 15 April 2006 in a 2–0 league victory over Aldershot Town, during which he netted the second goal. The loan provided crucial minutes in a competitive environment, helping him develop as a versatile defender-midfielder.Bostwick returned to Crawley Town on loan ahead of the 2006–07 season, establishing himself as a regular with 24 appearances and 2 goals in the Conference National. His first league start of the campaign arrived in September 2006, and he played a key role in the team's efforts amid a challenging season affected by a 10-point deduction for administration issues, ultimately finishing 12th in the table. These performances highlighted his growing reliability and physical presence in midfield.[11][12]Over his time contracted to Millwall from 2005 to early 2007, Bostwick accumulated 32 senior appearances and 5 goals, all on loan, underscoring his development without breaking through at the Championship-level club. In late January 2007, seeking regular first-team football, he departed Millwall on a free transfer to sign an 18-month deal with Conference National club Rushden & Diamonds, as part of the Lions' squad reconfiguration under new management.[13]
Rushden & Diamonds
After being released by Millwall without making a first-team appearance, Bostwick signed for Conference National club Rushden & Diamonds on a free transfer on 27 January 2007, agreeing an 18-month contract as a utility player capable of operating in defense or midfield.[14][15]He made 8 appearances (5 starts and 3 as substitute) across all competitions during the second half of the 2006–07 season, primarily featuring as a defender in a team that endured a turbulent campaign marked by managerial changes and poor form.[16] Rushden & Diamonds finished 22nd in the Conference National table, resulting in relegation to the Conference North, with Bostwick's limited starts reflecting the side's defensive instability and his own adaptation to full-time non-league football after youth-level experience.Bostwick fell out of favor following the departure of manager Barry Hunter in April 2007 and was released by mutual consent later that month, having struggled for consistent playing time amid the club's ongoing challenges.[16]
Ebbsfleet United
In August 2007, Bostwick signed for Conference National club Ebbsfleet United on an initial three-month contract following his release from Rushden & Diamonds, providing defensive and midfield cover amid injuries to key players.[17] He quickly established himself in the squad, extending his deal until the end of the 2007–08 season in November.[18] Over the course of that campaign, Bostwick made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and contributing to a solid defensive record for the team.[19]Bostwick played a pivotal role in Ebbsfleet's successful FA Trophy campaign, appearing in seven matches during the run to the final. His most notable contribution came in the semi-final second leg against Aldershot Town on 15 March 2008, where he scored a dramatic injury-time equalizer in a 1–1 draw, securing a 4–2 aggregate victory and advancing the team to Wembley for the first time.[20] In the final on 10 May 2008, Bostwick started in central midfield as Ebbsfleet defeated Torquay United 1–0, with Chris McPhee scoring the winner after an earlier missed penalty; this triumph marked the club's first major trophy and highlighted Bostwick's growing influence in non-league football.[21]Following the Trophy win, Bostwick rejected an offer of a new contract from Ebbsfleet and departed the club in June 2008, signing a two-year deal with fellow Conference Premier side Stevenage on a free transfer after his existing agreement expired.[22] Ebbsfleet subsequently pursued compensation through a tribunal, receiving a reported fee of around £10,000 for the 20-year-old utility player.[23][24]
Stevenage
Michael Bostwick joined Stevenage on a two-year contract in May 2008 after his deal at Ebbsfleet United expired, bringing his experience from the previous season's FA Trophy triumph to the club.[22] He quickly established himself as a key squad member, signing multiple contract extensions to commit his future, including a two-year deal in June 2010 that kept him until 2012 and another extension in August 2011 amid the club's rising ambitions.[25]Over his initial four-year stint from 2008 to 2012, Bostwick made more than 200 appearances across all competitions, contributing 21 goals while showcasing his versatility as a centre-back and central midfielder.[26] His physical presence and tactical awareness made him a cornerstone of manager Graham Westley's defensive and midfield setups, often anchoring the backline or providing robust support in central areas during transitions.[27]Bostwick played a pivotal role in Stevenage's back-to-back promotions, first helping secure the 2009–10 Conference Premier title with a 2–0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers on the final day, earning the club its entry into the Football League. He also featured prominently in the 2009 FA Trophy final, starting in the 2–0 win against York City at Wembley Stadium, adding to his earlier cup success at Ebbsfleet.[28] The following season, in 2010–11, Bostwick started every League Two playoff match, including the 1–0 victory over Torquay United in the final at Old Trafford, which promoted Stevenage to League One for the first time in its history.
Peterborough United
Bostwick joined Championship side Peterborough United on 9 July 2012, signing a three-year contract from Stevenage for an undisclosed fee.[29][30] The move represented a step up in competition level following his promotion experiences at Stevenage, where he had to adjust to the increased pace and physicality of second-tier football.[29]In his debut 2012–13 season, Bostwick established himself as a versatile defender and midfielder, making 42 league appearances and scoring 5 goals as Peterborough finished 22nd in the Championship and were relegated to League One. Bostwick remained a key player in subsequent seasons, contributing to a more stable mid-table position. In March 2015, he extended his contract by three and a half years until June 2018.[31]A highlight of his tenure came in the 2013–14 Football League Trophy, where Peterborough won the competition for the first time in their history; Bostwick featured in all six matches, including the full 90 minutes in the 3–1 final victory over Chesterfield at Wembley Stadium on 30 March 2014.[32] Across five seasons from 2012 to 2017, he accumulated 228 appearances in all competitions, scoring 23 goals while primarily deployed as a centre-back or defensive midfielder.[5]Bostwick's time at Peterborough ended in the summer of 2017 after the club finished 10th in League One; he was placed on the transfer list in May before joining Lincoln City on 20 July for an undisclosed fee.[33][34]
Lincoln City
Bostwick joined Lincoln City on a two-year contract on 20 July 2017, transferring from Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee.[34] As a experienced centre-back with prior captaincy at Peterborough, he provided defensive stability and leadership to the newly promoted League Two side under manager Danny Cowley.[35]During his three seasons at Lincoln from 2017 to 2020, Bostwick made 125 appearances across all competitions, contributing 10 goals and establishing himself as a key figure in the team's backline.[5] His consistent performances helped anchor the defense during a period of significant success, including being named the club's Player of the Year for the 2018–19 season.[4]Bostwick's time at Lincoln was marked by major trophies, starting with the 2017–18 EFL Trophy, where the Imps defeated Shrewsbury Town 1–0 in the final at Wembley on 8 April 2018, with Elliott Whitehouse scoring the decisive goal.[36] The following season, Lincoln secured the League Two title in 2018–19, finishing first with a record of 23 wins, 16 draws, and 7 losses for 85 points, earning promotion to League One.[37] Bostwick played a pivotal role in this dominant campaign, featuring regularly as the team conceded just 43 goals in 46 league matches.[38]Bostwick's contract expired at the end of the 2019–20 season, and he was released by Lincoln in June 2020, shortly after the League One campaign was curtailed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[39]
Burton Albion
Bostwick signed a one-year contract with League One club Burton Albion on 5 August 2020, becoming the second former LincolnCity player to join the Brewers that week after Neal Eardley. The 32-year-old defender-midfielder brought experience from his previous campaigns, having contributed to Lincoln's promotion-winning side in the 2018–19 season. Manager Jake Buxton highlighted Bostwick's versatility and leadership qualities as key factors in the signing, noting his ability to operate in central defense or midfield.[40][39]Over the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons, Bostwick made 41 appearances across all competitions for Burton, scoring two goals, primarily in league matches. In his debut season, he featured in 28 League One games, helping the team to a 16th-place finish and survival in the division despite an early struggle near the relegation zone. However, recurring calf injuries hampered his progress; he sustained one shortly after joining, missing several weeks, followed by another upon his return, which delayed his integration into the squad. Despite these setbacks, Bostwick provided solidity in defense during key periods, aiding Burton's mid-table consolidation.[5][11][41][42]The 2021–22 campaign marked a more challenging phase for Bostwick at Burton, with ongoing injury issues limiting him to just 10 league appearances as the team faltered. These physical struggles reflected a broader decline in his later career mobility, reducing his consistent impact compared to earlier years. Burton ultimately finished 22nd in League One and suffered relegation to League Two, after which Bostwick was among the players released in May 2022 at the end of his extended contract.[11][43]
Return to Stevenage
Following his release from Burton Albion in May 2022, Bostwick signed a permanent one-year contract with Stevenage, effective from 1 July 2022, at the age of 34.[44][45]Bostwick featured prominently during the 2022–23 League Two season, making 37 appearances across all competitions as a versatile defender and midfielder.[46] His experience from an earlier spell at the club, where he had made over 200 appearances, positioned him as a veteran leader who provided stability and guidance to a youthful squad.[47]Under manager Steve Evans, Stevenage mounted a strong promotion challenge, ultimately finishing second in the table with 75 points from 46 matches to secure automatic promotion to League One—the club's first return to the third tier since 2014.[48] Bostwick contributed to this success by anchoring the backline in key fixtures, helping the team record 21 wins and concede just 42 goals, the joint-lowest in the division.Bostwick's contract expired at the end of the season, and he was not offered an extension, leading to his departure from Stevenage in June 2023.[49]
Boston United
Bostwick signed for National League North club Boston United on a free transfer on 6 June 2023, returning to non-league football after his release from Stevenage.[50] Appointed club captain by manager Ian Culverhouse, he brought leadership and defensive experience to the squad, drawing on his prior successes in the sixth tier with Ebbsfleet United.[4]During the 2023–24 season, Bostwick played regularly at centre-back, contributing to Boston United's strong campaign that culminated in promotion to the National League via the play-offs.[51] The team secured their spot in the fifth tier with a 2–1 victory over Brackley Town in the final on 6 May 2024, where Bostwick led the side out as captain.[52] In the following 2024–25 season, now in the National League, he continued to feature prominently, making a total of 64 league appearances across both campaigns while scoring once.[5]Bostwick was released by Boston United on 19 May 2025, along with several teammates, following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season.[53]
St Albans City
In June 2025, Michael Bostwick signed with St Albans City of the Isthmian League Premier Division on a one-year deal, reuniting with manager Ian Culverhouse from his time at Boston United.[4][54] As a seasoned centre-back, Bostwick was brought in to provide defensive solidity and leadership, drawing on his extensive experience from over 700 professional appearances across various leagues.[4][2]Bostwick made his debut for the club in a pre-season friendly in July 2025 and featured in the initial matches of the 2025–26 season.[55] By October 2025, he had recorded two starts in league play, contributing to the team's early campaign efforts while emphasizing his role in organizing the backline and mentoring younger defenders.[56]Following the departure of Ian Culverhouse on 29 October 2025, Bostwick was appointed as interim player-manager by Director of Football Harry Wheeler, marking his transition into a dual role focused on stabilizing the squad during a period of club changes.[3] This move came shortly after St Albans' promotion success with Boston United the previous season, where Bostwick had been a key figure in their play-off victory.[3]
International and managerial career
International career
Bostwick earned a single cap for the England C national football team, representing non-League players, during his time with Ebbsfleet United.[57] His debut came in a 2–2 draw against Italy C on 12 November 2008 at Stadio Santa Colomba in Benevento, a friendly match selected based on his strong performances in the Conference National.[58][59] He received no additional appearances for the team and had no involvement with the senior England national team, prioritizing his club career thereafter.[57][60]
Managerial career
Bostwick's entry into management came on 29 October 2025, when he was appointed as interim player-manager of St Albans City following the sacking of manager Ian Culverhouse.[3][61] The decision by director of football Harry Wheeler highlighted Bostwick's extensive playing experience, with over 700 senior appearances across various leagues, as a key factor in his selection for the role.[3][2]This marked a direct transition from his playing career, as Bostwick had no prior coaching roles or formal managerial experience before the appointment.[3][62] During his interim tenure, which lasted until 13 November 2025, Bostwick oversaw three matches for St Albans City. His first game in charge was an FA Cup first-round proper tie against Burton Albion on 1 November 2025, which ended in a 6–0 defeat.[63] This was followed by Isthmian League Premier Division matches: a 4–2 defeat to Dulwich Hamlet on 8 November 2025, and a 3–2 loss to Brentwood Town on 11 November 2025.[64][65] Bostwick's interim role ended on 13 November 2025 with the appointment of Gary McCann as the club's permanent manager.[66]
Playing style and personal life
Style of play
Michael Bostwick primarily operated as a centre-back, accounting for 64% of his career appearances, while also featuring as a defensive midfielder in 30% of his games.[67] His versatility allowed him to anchor defensive lines or shield the back four effectively across various leagues. Standing at 193 cm, Bostwick excelled in aerial duels, leveraging his height for dominance in set-piece situations and defensive clearances.[2][68]Bostwick's strengths extended to his robust tackling and interception capabilities, often registering high rates in these metrics during his peak seasons, complemented by a wholehearted, committed approach to challenges.[68] He demonstrated strong leadership qualities, serving as captain at Peterborough United and emerging as a key leadership figure at Lincoln City, where he was a fans' favourite for captain and led by example in high-stakes matches.[69][70] His style emphasized long-ball distribution from deep positions, aiding transitions in defensive setups.[68][40]Throughout his career, Bostwick evolved from an aggressive, high-energy profile in his early years—characterized as an "obvious animal" on the pitch—to a more composed presence by his Lincoln City tenure (2017–2020), where he contributed to promotion pushes with greater positional discipline and consistency.[71][72] Additionally, his passing accuracy was identified as a relative weakness, occasionally exposing vulnerabilities in build-up play.[68]
Personal life
Bostwick has largely kept details of his personal life out of the public eye, focusing instead on his professional commitments. Family considerations significantly influenced his career move to Lincoln City in 2017, where he opted to drop to League Two and reject offers from Championship clubs like Blackburn Rovers to stay closer to home.[73]Known for his reserved demeanor, Bostwick has described himself as awkward and self-conscious in media interactions, preferring to avoid the spotlight.[73] He maintains certain superstitions, such as wearing the same worn shinpads from age 14 throughout his career, despite their condition.[73]In his off-field time, Bostwick has shown interest in cigars, as noted during a pre-match encounter with fans.[74]
Professional summary
Career statistics
Michael Bostwick has amassed 766 appearances, 63 goals, and 29 assists across his professional career, along with 151 yellow cards and 3 red cards, as of November 2025.[5] These figures encompass all senior competitions from his debut in 2006 through the ongoing 2025–26 season with St Albans City in the Isthmian League Premier Division. In the current campaign, he has made 4 appearances and scored 1 goal.[75]
League Appearances by Division
Bostwick's league career spans multiple tiers of English football, from the Championship down to non-league levels. The following table summarizes his appearances, goals, assists, cards, and minutes played in domestic league competitions:
Bostwick has also featured extensively in domestic cup competitions, including the FA Cup, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy, and playoffs. Key highlights include 2 goals in 35 FA Cup appearances. The table below details his cup record:
Across his clubs—from early stints at Millwall, Crawley Town, and Rushden & Diamonds, to major spells at Stevenage, Peterborough United, Lincoln City, Burton Albion, and Boston United, and now St Albans City—Bostwick's contributions vary by tenure. The aggregated totals per club, including all competitions, are as follows (minutes played available where tracked):
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Minutes Played (League Only)
Millwall (2005–07)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Crawley Town (2006–07)
29
5
0
4
0
2,108'
Rushden & Diamonds (2007)
8
0
0
2
1
430'
Ebbsfleet United (2007–08)
50
7
4
11
1
3,546'
Stevenage (2008–13, loan 2022, 2022–23)
241
21
10
38
0
20,156'
Peterborough United (2012–17)
228
23
12
45
1
16,909'
Lincoln City (2017–20)
125
10
4
21
0
9,326'
Burton Albion (2020–22)
47
2
3
5
0
3,073'
Boston United (2023–25)
43
1
0
10
0
1,410' (partial)
St Albans City (2025–)
4
1
0
1
0
N/A (early season)
Career Total
766
63
29
151
3
57,272'
Honours
Michael Bostwick has collected multiple team honours across his professional career, primarily through successful cup runs and league promotions with various clubs.[2]Ebbsfleet United