Gavin Hoyte

Career

Arsenal

Early career

Born in Leytonstone, London, Hoyte signed with Arsenal when he was nine. He featured regularly for Arsenal's U18 and Reserve teams, and was captain of Arsenal's U18 team during 2006–07. He signed as a professional with the club on 10 September 2007.

From 2007 onwards, Hoyte featured for Arsenal on the bench as an unused substitute several times; the first in an FA Cup fifth round replay against Blackburn Rovers on 28 February 2007. He then featured in four of Arsenal's five games in the 2007–08 League Cup campaign, against Newcastle United, but was always an unused substitute.

2008–09 season

Hoyte played two first-team matches in Arsenal's 2008 pre-season friendly campaign, and was named captain of the Arsenal Reserves side for the 2008–09 season. He made his first-team competitive debut for Arsenal in a League Cup tie against Sheffield United on 23 September 2008, playing at right back for the full 90 minutes, in a match that Arsenal won 6–0. He started in subsequent rounds in the competition against Wigan Athletic and Burnley and also made his Premier League debut against Manchester City on 22 November 2008, in which he was substituted for Aaron Ramsey after 60 minutes.

In December 2008 Hoyte signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. On 31 December 2008 Hoyte joined Championship side Watford on loan for the rest of the 2008–09 season.

2009–10 season

In October 2009, Hoyte signed on a one-month loan for Brighton & Hove Albion as cover for the injured Andy Whing. Hoyte's loan spell at Brighton was extended until January 2010, and again on 12 January until the end of the 2009–10 season.

2011–12 season

In late January 2012, Hoyte signed for League Two club AFC Wimbledon on a one-month loan deal.

In April 2012, Hoyte appeared as a trialist for League One club Stevenage, playing for their reserve team in a 6–1 loss to Southend United. On 22 May 2012 it was announced he would become a free agent on 1 July, and he would be released by Arsenal.

Dagenham & Redbridge

Following his release from Arsenal, Hoyte signed a two-year contract with Dagenham & Redbridge on 10 July 2012, becoming their first signing of the new season. He made his debut on 14 August 2012 against Coventry City in a 1–0 defeat, playing the full 90 minutes. In June 2014, he was released by Dagenham after failing to agree a new contract with the club despite being offered improved terms.

Gillingham

Following his release from Dagenham & Redbridge, Hoyte signed for Gillingham on a short-term contract. He remained with the Kent-based club until the end of the 2014–15 season.

Barnet

Hoyte signed for Barnet on a two-year deal in June 2015. He scored his first league goal in a 1–0 win over Bristol Rovers on 9 January 2016. Hoyte missed most of the 2016 calendar year after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament.

Eastleigh

Hoyte joined Eastleigh on an 18-month contract on 15 December 2016. He was released in May 2018.

Return to Dagenham

On 28 June 2018 he re-signed for National League side Dagenham & Redbridge on a one-year contract having previously spent two years at the club. He also linked up again with manager Peter Taylor whom he had played under for Gillingham. In May 2019, it was announced that he would be released following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2018–19 campaign.

Maidstone United

Hoyte signed a one-year deal with Maidstone United in June 2019. In 2020 he was named vice-captain by manager Hakan Heyrettin. Hoyte went on to make over 150 appearances for the club before leaving at the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Folkestone Invicta

On 17 June 2024, Hoyte joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Folkestone Invicta. He departed the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2024–25 season.

Sittingbourne

In June 2025, Hoyte joined Isthmian League South East Division side Sittingbourne.

International career

Hoyte has played for the England national under-17 football team and was a member of the England squad at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He played in all five of England's matches in the tournament, coming on as a sub three times and starting the games against Brazil and Germany.

In May 2014, he was called up by Trinidad & Tobago to play on their South American tour which involved fixtures against Argentina in Buenos Aires and Iran in São Paulo, Brazil.

Personal life

He is the son of British sprinters Wendy Hoyte and Les Hoyte (who was born in Trinidad and Tobago), and is the younger brother of Justin Hoyte, who also played for Arsenal. His uncle, Trevor Hoyte, reached the 200m final at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and his cousin, Chris Clarke, is also an elite sprinter.

Career statistics

Club

International

England U19

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2009

References

References

1. (May 2013). "Professional retain lists & free transfers 2012/13". The Football League.
2. "Gavin Hoyte". 11v11.
3. "Premier League Player Profile". Premier League.
4. "English National Football Archive: Gavin Hoyte".
5. "Gavin Hoyte signs new long term contract".
6. "Running in the family". TheFA.com.
7. "Gavin Hoyte". Arsenal.com.
8. (28 February 2007). "Blackburn 1–0 Arsenal". BBC Sport.
9. (9 January 2008). "Arsenal 1–1 Tottenham". BBC Sport.
10. "Arsenal 6–0 Sheff United". Arsenal.com.
11. "A new signing for a new year". Watfordfc.com.
12. (9 October 2009). "Brighton snap up Arsenal's Hoyte".
13. Jago, Will. (27 November 2009). "Hoyte's Bubbling". Seagulls.co.uk.
14. (12 January 2010). "Hoyte extends loan at Brighton & Hove Albion". Arsenal.com.
15. (27 January 2012). "Gavin Hoyte loaned to AFC Wimbledon". Arsenal.com.
16. (10 April 2012). "Stevenage Reserves 1–6 Southend Reserves". StevenageFC.co.uk.
17. (22 May 2012). "Arsenal release seven players". Arsenal.com.
18. (10 July 2012). "Gavin Hoyte joins Dagenham and Redbridge". Arsenal FC.
19. (23 June 2014). "New players on the way at Daggers after duo fail to sign deals". Barking & Dagenham Post.
20. Cawdell, Luke. (19 August 2014). "Gillingham boss Peter Taylor adds former Arsenal youngster and Dagenham player Gavin Hoyte to his Priestfield squad". Kent Online.
21. "Gavin Hoyte signs for the Bees".
22. "Barnet 1–0 Bristol Rovers".
23. "Hoyte out for six months as trio return to fitness".
24. "International Defender Gavin Hoyte Signs For The Spitfires".
25. (10 May 2018). "Eastleigh release four players". Daily Echo.
26. (28 June 2018). "Daggers sign defender Hoyte". Barking & Dagenham Post.
27. (9 May 2019). "CLUB NEWS: Dagenham & Redbridge Announce Retained List". Dagenham & Redbridge Official Site.
28. (13 June 2019). "Stones say hello to Hoyte".
29. (29 November 2019). "FA Cup second round: Maidstone United looking to join Premier League clubs in third round".
30. (17 June 2024). "Welcome: Gavin Hoyte".
31. (29 April 2025). "Retained List 2024/25".
32. (3 June 2025). "𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗚𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗬𝗧𝗘 We are excited to announce the experienced defender has joined the Brickies from Folkestone Invicta. From starting his career at Arsenal at the age of 9 and featuring 3 times for Trinidad & Tobago. Gavin has appeared in the football league for Gillingham, Brighton, Dagenham & Redbridge, Lincoln City and Barnet. Gavin captained Maidstone United during their National League South title winning campaign making over 150 appearances for the club in his 5 seasons with the Stones. Gavin Hoyte 🗣"I saw how well the club did, firstly in the league and then secondly how they did in the FA Trophy. Whilst I was at Folkestone in preseason i remember, we played against a very good hard working tough Sittingbourne side, along with some fans who gave me some stick behind the goal 😉. I dont know how many years I have left playing so I want to be succesful [sic] and achieve things in my later stages. I feel the gaffer has the mindset and the hard work to help me achieve something special. I am feeling very fit after not missing a game last season and ready for the challenge ahead." We are looking forward to seeing you out on the pitch for us Gavin, welcome to the club! 🔴⚫️ #UpTheBrickies".
33. {{FIFA player. 274119. Gavin Hoyte
34. (14 May 2014). "Trinidad names roster for South American tour". CONCACAF.
35. "New Hoyte on the block".
36. "Footballer Justin Hoyte talks athletics". Spikes.
37. {{Soccerbase season. 46300. 2014
38. {{Soccerbase season. 46300. 2015
39. {{Soccerbase season. 46300. 2013
40. "G. Hoyte".
41. {{NFT player
42. "England 0–2 Ukraine: Lineups". UEFA.