Mark Waddington (footballer)

Mark Thomas Waddington (born 11 October 1996) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Stoke City.

Waddington began his career with Blackpool where he progressed through the youth ranks at Bloomfield Road and into the club's first team in the 2014–15 season. He joined Stoke City in July 2015.

Waddington was born in Standish, Greater Manchester and attended Standish Community High School and began his career at Blackpool's academy.

Blackpool

At age 17, he made his first-team debut for the club on 12 August 2014, as a 60th-minute substitute in a League Cup fixture against Shrewsbury Town. On 9 January 2015, after rejecting a £200-a-week professional contract, Waddington and fellow youth player Dom Telford were turned away from training by Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston and told to play for the youth team until they accepted his offer. On 13 February 2015, Waddington fractured his fifth metatarsal in his right foot during training, which ruled him out for the rest of the 2014–15 season. It was later announced that hen would have to undergo surgery on his right foot.

Stoke City

Waddington joined Stoke City in July 2015 along with Blackpool team-mate Dom Telford.

Kilmarnock (loan)

Waddington joined Kilmarnock on loan on 24 June 2016, linking up with former Blackpool manager Lee Clark who he previously played under at the club. On 23 July 2016, Waddington made his debut for Kilmarnock starting in the Scottish League Cup tie at home to Greenock Morton, playing 55 minutes before being substituted. On 13 August 2016, he appeared as a 90th minute substitute for Jordan Jones to make his league debut for Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership away to Hamilton. On 31 August 2016, Waddington's loan move to Kilmarnock was cut short and he returned to Stoke City.