Mikele Leigertwood

Wimbledon

Born in Enfield, Leigertwood began his career with Wimbledon. After progressing through the ranks at Wimbledon, he was one of a number of youngsters called up to the first team by the manager Terry Burton in September 2001. After his loan spell at Leyton Orient ended, he was given his first game for Wimbledon at the end of the 2001–02 season in a 1–0 defeat against Barnsley. In November 2001, Leigertwood was loaned out to Leyton Orient and made his professional debut in a 3–0 win over Oxford United. His performances quickly led to the extension of his loan spell at Leyton Orient on two occasions. Leigertwood went on to make eight appearances for Leyton Orient before returning to his parent club. At the start of the 2002–03 season, Leigertwood began to establish himself in the starting eleven for the side. However, it wasn't until 1 October 2002 that he scored his first goal for Wimbledon against Portsmouth in the League Cup. Leigertwood continued to hold down a first team spot until he suffered injuries in early March. While on the sidelines, he signed a contract extension that tied him to the club until 2006. He returned from injury on 7 April 2003, starting a 1–0 win over Sheffield United. By the end of the 2002–03 season, Leigertwood had made thirty–three appearances, scoring once in all competitions. At the start of the 2003–04 season, Wimbledon entered administration. Up until his departure from the club, Leigertwood started every match in the first…

Leigertwood is eligible to represent Antigua and Barbuda. Willie Donachie, Antigua and Barbuda's manager, tried to bring Leigertwood into the squad for a World Cup qualifier in June 2008, but the player had a wedding to attend. He was also eligible to represent Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. While serving a four match ban after receiving a red card against Birmingham City on 28 October 2008, he accepted a call up for the 2008 Caribbean Championship to represent Antigua and Barbuda. He made his international debut on 5 November 2008 in a 3–2 loss against Trinidad and Tobago and scored his first goal in their next match against Guyana. In November 2010, he returned to the national team and participated in the second stage of the 2010 Caribbean Championship, playing in all three matches.

After retiring from professional football, Leigertwood took up a coaching role at Maccabi London Lions as their Sunday Team Coach. On 19 July 2016 Leigertwood returned to Reading as Academy Loan Manager. On 13 December 2024 Leigertwood became a first team coach at Reading.

In March 2010, Leigertwood was involved in Kick It Out's latest campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of homophobia in football. During his time at Reading, he became the Royals' 'Reading Stars' ambassador. Growing up, he supported Arsenal. Leigertwood is good friends with Jobi McAnuff, the two having known each other since school and been teammates at Wimbledon, Crystal Palace and Reading. He has two children.