Justin Hoyte

Arsenal

Hoyte was born in Leytonstone, Greater London, and joined Arsenal at the age of nine. He progressed through the club's academy, and was an unused substitute in both legs of the final as Arsenal won the 2001 FA Youth Cup. He signed professional terms with Arsenal in July 2002.

Hoyte made his senior debut as an 89th-minute substitute in Arsenal's 6–1 Premiership victory over Southampton in May 2003. He made one equally late league appearance in their 2003–04 FA Premier League-winning season, which was not enough to qualify him for a medal. Hoyte played in the 2004 FA Community Shield, again from the bench, as Arsenal beat Manchester United, and made his first senior start on 28 August 2004, away to Norwich City, as a last-minute replacement for centre-back Pascal Cygan who was injured in the warm-up. Although he conceded a penalty in Arsenal's 4–1 win, the Independent reported that he "[might] have played well enough to forestall a proposed loan to Ipswich". The loan to the Championship club fell through after Arsenal failed to sign backup for Lauren at right back, so Hoyte remained at Arsenal and finished the season with 12 appearances in all competitions. During the summer of 2005, Hoyte was linked with a loan move to Ipswich Town, but Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger made clear he wanted the defender to play Premiership football. He was loaned to Sunderland on 31 August for the 2005–06 Premier League season; as part of the deal, Sunderland goalkeeper Mart Poom…

Club

International

Hoyte was eligible to play for England as well as for Trinidad and Tobago. In February 2006 he rejected a call-up from Trinidad and Tobago as he wanted to play for England. Trinidad had wanted to call the player into their squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Hoyte said: "It's flattering, of course, and the chance of playing in a World Cup would be great. But for the moment I plan to concentrate purely on my England career and I'm hoping that one day I'll be playing for England in a World Cup." Hoyte was capped 18 times for the England under-21 team, and played all four matches at the 2007 UEFA Under-21 Championship. He took part in the epic semi-final shootout against hosts Netherlands, missing his first but scoring his second penalty as England lost 13–12. His sole goal for the team also came against the Netherlands, in November 2006. In February 2013, Hoyte made himself available for selection for the Trinidad and Tobago national team, and he received his first call-up in March.

Hoyte is the son of former British sprinters Les Hoyte (who was born in Trinidad and Tobago) and Wendy Hoyte, who won gold at the 1982 Commonwealth Games. His younger brother, Gavin, also played international football for Trinidad and Tobago. He is a cousin of British sprinter Chris Clarke. His uncle is Trevor Hoyte.