Michael Branch (footballer)
Michael Branch, born Paul Michael Branch on 18 October 1978 in Liverpool, is a former English footballer who played as a striker. He started in the Everton academy and made his first-team debut in 1996. He stayed at Everton until 2000, with loan spells at Manchester City (1998), Birmingham City (1999) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (1999–2000).
He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers permanently in 2000 and stayed there until 2003, including a Reading loan in 2002 and a Hull City loan in 2002–03. He then played for Bradford City (2003–04) and Chester City (2004–06), before moving into non-league football with Halifax Town (2007) and Burscough (2010). He also earned one cap for England Under-21s.
After his football career, Branch faced legal troubles. In 2012 he was jailed for seven years for drug offences, including possession with intent to supply drugs. His appeal was dismissed in 2013, and he was released after about three years. In 2016 he was reported to be training to become an accountant.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 03:35 (CET).