Tom McIntyre
Thomas Peter McIntyre (born 6 November 1998) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for EFL League One club Bradford City on loan from Portsmouth.[1][2] Born in Reading, England, McIntyre holds dual citizenship with Scotland and joined Reading's academy at the age of eight, progressing through the youth ranks to make his senior debut for the club in 2018.[3][1] Over five seasons with Reading in the EFL Championship and League One, he made 105 appearances and scored 6 goals, establishing himself as a reliable left-sided defender known for his versatility, including stints at left-back and defensive midfield.[4] A Scotland Under-21 international with youth caps at U17 and U20 levels, McIntyre earned his U21 debut in 2018 and has been capped multiple times for the senior youth team.[2][3] In January 2024, McIntyre transferred to Portsmouth for a fee of £75,000, contributing to their League One title-winning campaign with limited appearances before subsequent loans.[5] He spent the second half of the 2024–25 season on loan at Charlton Athletic, making 10 appearances, and joined Bradford City on a season-long loan in September 2025, where he has featured in 4 matches as of November 2025.[4][2] Standing at 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) with a left foot, McIntyre is valued at €600,000 and remains under contract with Portsmouth until June 2026.[1]Early life and youth career
Early years and education
Thomas Peter McIntyre was born on 6 November 1998 in Reading, England, to parents of Scottish descent, which rendered him eligible to represent Scotland at the international level despite his English birthplace.[1][6] Raised in the Reading area, McIntyre developed an early and enduring affinity for football, particularly as a devoted supporter of local club Reading F.C., a passion shared by his family from his childhood. His household provided strong encouragement for his sporting pursuits, fostering a supportive environment that aligned with the club's community-oriented ethos.[7][8] McIntyre received his education at Maiden Erlegh School, located in the Reading vicinity, where he actively engaged in school-based football activities that highlighted his budding talent. These early experiences in structured youth sports complemented his growing interest in the game. At age eight, he transitioned into the Reading F.C. academy, marking the beginning of his formalized football development.[9][3]Introduction to football and academy progression
Tom McIntyre joined the Reading FC academy at the age of eight in 2006, beginning his development in organized football as a local talent from the club's hometown. Progressing steadily through the age-group teams, he honed his skills in the youth system, demonstrating versatility and composure that marked him as a promising defender. By his mid-teens, McIntyre had established himself in the under-18 squad, contributing to team efforts while balancing academic commitments.[3] In July 2016, as he entered the final year of the under-18 program, McIntyre signed his first professional development contract with Reading, a significant milestone that recognized his potential and commitment to the club. This deal transitioned him toward senior opportunities, including appearances with the under-23 reserve team, where he showcased his growing abilities in competitive matches. During this period, McIntyre began featuring more prominently in reserve fixtures, gaining valuable experience against older opponents.[10][11] McIntyre's academy journey was not without challenges, as his scholarship years were marred by long-term injuries, including back and leg issues that sidelined him for extended periods and tested his resilience. Despite these setbacks, he received crucial support from the club's medical team, including specialist surgery that allowed him to return stronger. Academy manager Ged Roddy and other staff played key roles in his rehabilitation and tactical growth, emphasizing his evolution into a left-sided centre-back known for his ball-playing qualities and defensive solidity. These experiences under academy guidance helped McIntyre overcome adversity and prepare for professional demands.[3][7]Club career
Reading
Tom McIntyre made his professional debut for Reading on 15 December 2018, starting in a 1–1 Championship draw away at Rotherham United, where he partnered Tyler Blackett in central defence and was named man of the match despite suffering a head clash that led to a fractured skull.[12][13] The injury sidelined the 20-year-old academy graduate for several months, limiting him to just two appearances that season across all competitions. Following his recovery, McIntyre gradually established himself in the first team during the 2019–20 season, making 14 appearances in all competitions as Reading finished 15th in the Championship. His progress accelerated in 2020–21, a breakthrough campaign where he featured in 28 matches and scored his first senior goals for the club—a header in a 2–1 win over Luton Town on 26 December 2020 and another against Wycombe Wanderers—contributing to Reading's seventh-place finish. McIntyre signed a new three-year contract extension on 29 June 2021, committing his future to his boyhood club until 2024. He remained a key figure in the 2021–22 season with 20 appearances and two goals, before delivering his most consistent performances in 2022–23, logging 41 outings and another two goals despite Reading's severe off-field disruptions, including a six-point deduction for financial breaches and ongoing ownership instability under Dai Yongge that led to fan protests and administrative chaos. These issues hampered the team's campaign, resulting in relegation to League One, and affected player focus, though McIntyre's reliability in defence provided stability amid the turmoil. Over his six senior seasons at Reading from 2018 to 2024, McIntyre amassed 111 appearances and seven goals across all competitions.[14] He departed the club in January 2024, transferring to Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee as Reading continued to navigate financial constraints.[15]Portsmouth
On 31 January 2024, Tom McIntyre transferred from Reading to Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2026.[16] The move came as McIntyre's Reading contract was set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season, allowing Portsmouth to secure the defender on a permanent basis amid their push for promotion from League One.[16] McIntyre made an immediate impact in his Portsmouth debut on 3 February 2024 against Northampton Town, starting in a 1-0 home win, but suffered a season-ending ankle fracture after 54 minutes, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.[17] Despite the injury limiting him to just one league appearance, he remained part of the squad that clinched the League One title with 97 points, contributing to their defensive depth during the promotion-winning run.[18] Portsmouth's success marked a strong end to the 2023-24 season, with the team conceding only 40 goals in 46 matches, though McIntyre's direct involvement was curtailed by his absence.[19] In the 2024-25 Championship season, McIntyre faced challenges adapting to the higher level, making 12 appearances (11 as starts and 1 as a substitute) with no goals, hampered by increased competition from established defenders like Conor Shaughnessy and Ryley Towler, as well as minor injuries that disrupted his rhythm. Portsmouth finished 16th with 54 points, safely avoiding relegation through a solid home record of 11 wins and 7 draws, where McIntyre occasionally provided versatile cover at center-back and left-back.[20][21] His limited starts—11 in the league—highlighted the squad's depth issues but also his struggle to displace regulars amid the physical demands of the second tier.[22] McIntyre's overall impact at Portsmouth has been transitional, aiding their promotion as a squad player before encountering adaptation hurdles in the Championship, which prompted a loan move to Charlton Athletic in February 2025 to regain match fitness.[23] With his contract running until summer 2026, he continues to represent a long-term investment for the club, though his future role remains uncertain following further loans.[24]Charlton Athletic (loan)
On 3 February 2025, Tom McIntyre joined EFL League One club Charlton Athletic on a loan from Portsmouth until the end of the 2024–25 season, aiming to secure regular playing time after limited opportunities at his parent club.[24][23] McIntyre quickly adapted to Nathan Jones's squad as a left-sided centre-back, making 10 appearances in League One during the mid-season push for promotion. He started four matches and substituted in six others, totaling around 400 minutes on the pitch, with his defensive contributions helping Charlton finish fourth and qualify for the playoffs.[25] A standout moment came on his full debut on 1 April 2025, where McIntyre delivered an impressive performance in Charlton's 2–1 victory over Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium, earning praise for his composure and key interventions in a crucial win that bolstered the Addicks' playoff aspirations.[26] Although he did not feature in the playoff semi-finals or final—where Charlton secured promotion with a 1–0 win over Leyton Orient at Wembley on 25 May 2025—his earlier efforts provided solid depth to the backline during a run that included several clean sheets.[27] McIntyre's loan spell concluded on 31 May 2025, after which he returned to Portsmouth without any permanent transfer materializing, having gained valuable experience in a promotion-chasing environment.[28]Bradford City (loan)
On 1 September 2025, Tom McIntyre joined Bradford City on a season-long loan from Portsmouth for the 2025–26 League One campaign, where he was assigned the number 14 shirt.[29][18] The move came after McIntyre had struggled for consistent minutes at Portsmouth in the Championship, having made only sporadic appearances since joining the club in 2024.[2] Seeking to rebuild his match sharpness and confidence, McIntyre cited a frustrating 18-month period marked by injuries and limited opportunities at both Reading and Portsmouth as key motivations for the loan, expressing eagerness to return to regular first-team football in a supportive environment.[30] He quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut in a 1–0 league win over Blackpool on 27 September 2025, where he started and earned a strong performance rating for his defensive solidity.[31] By early November 2025, McIntyre had featured in four league matches for Bradford, accumulating 264 minutes and starting three times, contributing to the team's early-season defensive efforts without recording goals or assists.[31][32] McIntyre's work ethic impressed Bradford's management, as he proactively sought feedback after being overlooked for selection in October, demonstrating his determination to earn a regular starting role.[33] He described the loan as a positive step, highlighting the club's "really positive environment" and his enjoyment of contributing to their strong early form.[34] This followed a brief earlier loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the 2024–25 season, which provided initial relief from his Portsmouth bench role.[2] As of 18 November 2025, McIntyre continued to compete for a spot in Bradford's backline amid their solid start to the campaign.International career
Youth international debut and progression
McIntyre, born in Reading, England, on 6 November 1998, was eligible to represent Scotland through his parental heritage despite his birthplace.[1] McIntyre made his debut for the Scotland U17 squad in September 2014 during qualifying matches, including a 0–0 draw against the Republic of Ireland.[35] He earned a call-up for the 2015 UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Bulgaria, where he started all three group stage matches, accumulating 240 minutes of play as Scotland finished bottom of their group with 1–1 draws against hosts Bulgaria and Italy, followed by a 2–0 loss to Germany.[36] Overall, he amassed 8 caps at U17 level between 2014 and 2015, showcasing his defensive reliability from Reading's academy, which prompted his progression to higher youth categories.[37] McIntyre's youth international journey continued into the 2017–18 season with a debut for the Scotland U20 squad in 2018, where he earned 1 cap, further demonstrating his growth before transitioning to the U21 level.[37]Under-21 appearances and highlights
McIntyre made his debut for the Scotland under-21 national team on 11 September 2018, entering as a late substitute in the 78th minute during a 2–1 victory over the Netherlands at Stadion de Vijverberg in Doetinchem.[37] He replaced Liam Polworth and contributed to the defensive effort as Scotland held on for the win against a strong Dutch side in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying.[38] Over the course of his under-21 career, McIntyre earned three caps, all as a centre-back, with no goals scored.[39] His subsequent appearances came during the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign in October 2020. On 9 October, he started and played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 home win over the Czech Republic at Tynecastle Park, helping secure a clean sheet alongside partner George Johnston.[40] Four days later, on 13 October, McIntyre again started and completed the match in Scotland's emphatic 7–0 away victory against San Marino, contributing to another shutout in the qualifiers. These performances highlighted his reliability in defense during key qualification matches, where Scotland finished second in Group 4 but did not advance to the finals. McIntyre's last under-21 call-up was for the October 2020 internationals, after which he aged out of the category in 2021.[39] Despite his youth international experience, he has not progressed to senior caps for Scotland, amid strong competition for defensive places from established players such as Kieran Tierney and Liam Cooper.Personal life
Family and upbringing
Tom McIntyre was born on 6 November 1998 in Reading, England, where he spent his formative years immersed in the local football culture. Raised in a family deeply devoted to Reading FC, McIntyre's early exposure to the club came through regular match attendance, beginning at the age of four when he joined his father and grandfather in the Upper West stand using family season tickets. Over time, this tradition expanded as more relatives acquired tickets, creating a strong familial bond centered around supporting the Royals at the Madejski Stadium (renamed Select Car Leasing Stadium in 2021).[7] This close-knit family dynamic played a pivotal role in nurturing McIntyre's passion for football and his identity as a dedicated fan-turned-player. His parents provided consistent encouragement throughout his youth, balancing his academy commitments with everyday life. The family's unwavering support helped shape his resilience, enabling him to navigate the challenges of progressing through Reading's youth system while maintaining strong ties to the club's community.[41]Interests and hobbies
McIntyre has demonstrated a strong passion for gaming, particularly during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when he represented Reading FC in the Ultimate Quaran-Team, a charity FIFA esports tournament streamed on Twitch.[42][43] He also participated in live Twitch streams organized by the club, engaging fans by competing against professional gamers.[42] Beyond gaming, McIntyre enjoys golf as a recreational hobby, having taken part in on-course challenges during the Euro 2020 period while based in England.[44] He maintains a rigorous fitness routine as part of his professional preparation, emphasizing endurance and resilience during pre-season training, where he has spoken about pushing through physical discomfort to build match readiness.[45] In interviews, McIntyre has openly reflected on mental health challenges in football, highlighting the stigma and high-pressure environment that can exacerbate issues like injuries and poor team performance. In a 2022 Movember special podcast, he discussed struggling with mental health during a back injury, crediting family support, exercise, and limiting social media exposure as key coping strategies, while noting a growing openness in the sport post-lockdown.[46] More recently, in a 2025 interview amid his loan at Bradford City, he described the "frustrating" off-field turmoil and limited playing time at Reading and Portsmouth as particularly tough periods, expressing relief at gaining perspective through new opportunities.[30]Career statistics
Club statistics
McIntyre's club career statistics encompass his appearances, goals, and assists across various English Football League competitions and domestic cups. The following data covers his senior professional appearances from the 2018–19 season onward, excluding youth and reserve matches. Cumulative totals are presented first, followed by a seasonal breakdown.Cumulative Statistics by Club
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (2018–2024) | 117 | 7 | 4 |
| Portsmouth (2024–2025) | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Charlton Athletic (loan, 2025) | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Bradford City (loan, 2025–) | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Total | 148 | 7 | 4 |
Seasonal Breakdown
The table below details McIntyre's appearances, goals, and assists by season and competition. Data reflects performances up to November 18, 2025. Assists are noted where recorded; defensive metrics such as tackles and interceptions are included for seasons from 2022–23 onward where available from advanced tracking. EFL Cup appearances added for completeness in early seasons based on sources.| Season | Club(s) | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Tackles | Interceptions | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Reading | Championship | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] |
| Reading | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Reading | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Reading | EFL Trophy | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Total | 6 | 0 | 0 | - | - | |||
| 2019–20 | Reading | Championship | 10 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] |
| Reading | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Reading | EFL Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Reading | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Total | 14 | 0 | 0 | - | - | |||
| 2020–21 | Reading | Championship | 26 | 2 | 2 | - | - | [47] |
| Reading | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Reading | EFL Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | ||
| Reading | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Total | 28 | 2 | 2 | - | - | |||
| 2021–22 | Reading | Championship | 19 | 2 | 0 | - | - | [47] |
| Reading | FA Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | ||
| Reading | EFL Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | ||
| Reading | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Total | 20 | 2 | 0 | - | - | |||
| 2022–23 | Reading | Championship | 38 | 2 | 1 | 52 | 38 | [47][4] |
| Reading | FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | - | - | [47] | |
| Reading | EFL Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | ||
| Reading | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Total | 41 | 2 | 2 | 52 | 38 | |||
| 2023–24 | Reading | League One | 10 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | [47][4] |
| Reading | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Portsmouth | League One | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | [5][4] | |
| Total | 12 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | |||
| 2024–25 | Portsmouth | Championship | 12 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 17 | [5][4] |
| Portsmouth | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Charlton Athletic | League One | 10 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 10 | [5][4] | |
| Total | 23 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 27 | |||
| 2025–26* | Bradford City | League One | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 | [47][4] |
| Bradford City | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Bradford City | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [5] | |
| Bradford City | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | [47] | |
| Total | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 |
International statistics
McIntyre earned a total of 8 caps for the Scotland U17 team between 2014 and 2015, without scoring any goals.[37] He also featured once for the Scotland U20 side in 2018, again without contributing goals.[37] At U21 level, McIntyre made 3 appearances from 2018 to 2020, scoring 0 goals.[48] As of November 2025, he has no senior international caps for Scotland.[48] The following table summarizes his youth international appearances by age group:| Age Group | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U17 | 8 | 0 |
| U20 | 1 | 0 |
| U21 | 3 | 0 |
| Year | Date | Opponent | Result (Scotland score first) | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 11 Sep | Netherlands U21 | 1–1 draw | 12 |
| 2020 | 9 Oct | Czech Republic U21 | 1–2 loss | 90 |
| 2020 | 13 Oct | San Marino U21 | 4–1 win | 90 |