Altrincham Football Club : First Team Squad 2001-02
2001-02 Season's Squad
FOR PLAYERS WHO LEFT IN 2001-02 OR THE 2002 CLOSE SEASON, CLICK HERE.
Back row L to R: Mark Maddox, Mark Sertori, Ian Craney, Stuart Coburn, Paul Taylor, Terry Bowker, Gary Scott; middle L to R: Gary Thompson (Physio), Keith Mairs Senior (Coaching Staff), Kevin Hulme, Jason Gallagher, Danny Murphy, Carl Furlong, Chris Adams, Graham Heathcote (Coach), Graham Wright (Reserves' Manager); front L to R: Dave Swannick, Keith Mairs, Steve Hawes (Captain), Bernard Taylor (Manager), Mark Harris (Chairman), Rod Thornley, Lee Poland, Jeremy Illingworth.
Goalkeepers
Stuart joined Altrincham from Unibond First Division side Trafford in March, 1997, having previously played for lower-league Manchester sides, Maine Road and Irlam Town. Although kept out of the side at the start of the 1998/99 season by the veteran ex-Manchester City keeper, Andy Dibble, Stuart soon forced himself into the team. He was elected the fans' Player of the Year for 1998/99 and also jointly won the non-league goalkeepers' award for conceding the least goals of any non-League team. In December 1998, he even scored a League goal in the away fixture at Runcorn. Sadly, Stuart only managed nine Conference appearances in 1999/2000 after being a major factor in the Club's promotion to that league. Although he returned for 7 league and cup games between late September and 23 October he then had to undergo a major operation on his knee which sidelined him for the rest of the season. He made a successful return to the side in season 2000-01 and in late August, 2000 spent a few days at Selhurst Park but a rumoured signing for Crystal Palace for £100,000 failed to materialise, however. Stuart also played for Leicester City Reserves in late November 2000 and was invited back for further trials at Filbert Street in January 2001 but this led to no offer from The Foxes. Stuart has been playing very well again in 2001-02 despite a troublesome ankle injury. He is seen, left, in the home match versus Lancaster and, right, with Mark Maddox after defeating Frickley on New Year's Day, 2001. Stuart left the Club for Leigh RMI in late May 2002. Appearances by June 2001 - 111, goals 1.
Although he has been at Moss Lane for a few years, Dale is still a teenager. He was an integral part of 2000-01's treble-winning Altrincham Youth side he made his full first-team début in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Trafford in October 2001. Dale is the regular Reserves' keeper. Picture courtesy of Terry Rowley.
Defenders
Terry has now left the Club; click "Departed Players" button above for details.
Pat (right) is a Reserves' centre-back who was an important member of last season's double-winning Youth side. He has been on the bench in two Trophy games but is yet to make his first-team debut. Pat suffered a bad ligament injury playing in the Reserves in March, 2002.
A 25 year-old right-back/midfielder, with Australian and Vietnamese league experience, Barry has also been with Marlow Town of the Ryman Division Two. He made his first team debut for Alty v Colwyn Bay in February, 2002.
Stuart has now left the Club; click "Departed Players" button above for details.
Mark is a popular Liverpudlian-born centre-back who rejoined Altrincham, the club he had originally joined in 1996, in December 1998 after a brief spell at Barrow. On his return, he had to settle for a role as substitute but then re-established himself as first-choice centre-back alongside Gary Talbot. He also played occasionally in 1999/2000 at right-back and in midfield. Nick-named 'Mad Dog' he is an excellent tackler. He has had an excellent season (2001-02) and firmly established himself as first-choice partner to Mark Sertori at centre-back. Mark is the current player with most starts to his name for Altrincham having, by the end of 2000/1 season, made 135(+10) appearances and scored four goals.
A very promising two-footed defender who was a key member of last year's and this year's Youth team. Vernum plays with a maturity beyond his years. He made his first team debut in right midfield at Bishop Auckland, 13 March 2002, but later appearing at right-back .
A right-back/midfielder signed from USA side Portland Timbers, Neil is the son of Jim Ryan the Manchester United coach. He made his debut on 12 December 2001 against Vauxhall Motors in the UniBond Cup. In the USA he also played for Boston Bulldogs and in the A-League in Richmond and Worcester, (MA). Neil is the side's regular corner-taker.
Gary made his debut for Altrincham on 3 October as a midfielder (v. Stalybridge), having played the previous Saturday for Leigh RMI at right-back. Born in Liverpool, he began his career at Tranmere and transferred to Rotherham United on 7 August 1997. Gary then moved to Marine from where he went to Leigh, who released him in September, 2000 after he had made nine appearances in the Conference. After two games in midfield, his first appearance for Altrincham at right-back was at home to Leek Town (10 October, 2000). Gary opened his scoring account with two goals at Hyde (16 October 2000) and played for the Unibond Representative Side against the F.A. XI on 22 November. Defensive experiments meant that he was an irregular rather than ever-present member of the team at the end of last season but he had become a regular starter this season at right-back or in midfield until sidelined by injury in March 2002. Appearances by June 2001 - 28(+8), goals 2.
Mark started at Stockport as a striker but converted to become a centre-back. After 3 league games for Stockport County in 1987, he went to before playing at Lincoln, Wrexham, Bury, Scunthorpe (82+1) and then Halifax. However, from Halifax he moved to York City for £20,000, where last season he was re-converted to be a striker/target-man. York City released him in March 2001. After leaving York he had one game for Shrewsbury and ten at Cheltenham before the season ended in 2001. In all, he has made 382 league appearances and scored 17 goals. He signed at Moss Lane, with Kevin Hulme on 25 July 2001 and is seen on the left of the accompanying photo with Hulme. Mark has brought great stability and organisation to the Altrincham defence. He became team captain in March 2002.
A defender, signed on loan from Macclesfield, Barry (seen right) made his debut in left midfield for Alty on 2 March 2002 against Bishop Auckland. Born in Accrington, he started at Bury as a trainee (95-97) before moving on a "free" to Rotherham (97-98) then Blackpool (98-00) and Scarborough (00-01). He made 16 league starts for Blackpool and 2 for Scarborough. He had made three Division 3 sub appearances for the Silken before joining Alty. He has proved a very useful acquisition.
Leon has now left the Club; click "Departed Players" button above for details.
Steven has now left the Club; click "Departed Players" button above for details.
Born at Bebington (The Wirral), as a trainee Dave had spells at Manchester City and Wrexham. In May, 1999, he joined the Morecambe FC Youth system and progressed to the first eleven, but was released by the Shrimps. He joined Altrincham in August 2001 after playing well in the pre-season games at right-back and also in central defence which is his preferred position. Dave made his first league start in February 2002 and has had a consistent run in the side since then. Picture courtesy of Terry Rowley.
Bernard Taylor's first signing after resuming as manager, Paul joined Altrincham on 25 May 2001 from Hyde United. He had long been admired by Bernard and Graham Heathcote and despite having had an indifferent season in 2000-01 because of a cartilage operation, the Alty management were keen to acquire Taylor on a "Bosman" deal. Paul is a centre-back, who started out at Bury and also had spells at Castleton Gabriels and Bamber Bridge before moving to Ewen Fields. He injured himself in pre-season and only made his league debut in December, 2001, at left-back where he established himself before a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season. Picture courtesy of Terry Rowley.
James is a young ex-Macclesfield Town defender, who made his debut against Spalding in the FA Trophy replay on 6 November 2001.
Midfielders
Ian is a skilful, young and very promising midfielder, who was formerly at Runcorn. He made his first-team Alty debut against Emley on 9 September, 2000. Ian is strong on the ball and has a powerful long-range shot in his armoury but his first goal for the first-team, against Spennymoor, was a skilful chip from outside the penalty area. Last season Ian attracted a number of scouts from clubs which included Manchester City. He is seen right with director, Kevan Guiney. Ian has continued to perform very well in 2001-02 as an ever-present member of the first team. Appearances by June 2001 - 35(+12), goals 5.
Jason (seen, left) has spent his Altrincham career to date (79 starts up to the start of 2000-01 season) as a pacy and hard-working midfielder who generally operates on the right. However, he was originally signed by Altrincham from Hyde United as an understudy for George Shepherd at right-back and Mark Ward played Jason as a full-back in 2000-01 as well as in midfield. His former clubs include Marine, Witton Albion, Northwich Victoria, Runcorn and Caernarfon Town, as well as Ternia in Belgium. Despite his lack of inches he is a good header of the ball. He pulled a hamstring at Worksop (September 2000) but after returning to the side picked up a nasty double injury at Bamber Bridge (25/11/00) in his 100th appearance for Alty. Jason was injured yet again in January 2001 but returned to the first team, only to be sidelined once more (March 2001). He underwent a hernia operation in December 2001 and after trying a comeback, he was ruled out for the rest of the season. With his friendly attitude to supporters, Jason remains one of the most popular players at the Club. Appearances by June 2001 - 109(+11), goals 7.
Anthony has now left the Club; click "Departed Players" button above for details.
Steve is that rarity at Altrincham, a southern-born player; he hails from High Wycombe. He signed for Altrincham late in 1999 from Hull City, for whom he started 18 games. Steve played 31 games and made a further 4 substitute appearances for Altrincham in 1999-2000. He is a young and tenacious midfielder who displays a lot of effort and stamina. He also can play very well at right-back, where he has been playing in the 2001/2 pre-season. Steve also regularly takes corners and free-kicks and has a good long throw. Steve was the youngest player ever to play in the Sheffield United first team, for which he made one full and three substitute appearances, before moving on to Belle Vue where he played 18 full games for Doncaster Rovers. He then drifted into Sunday league football before being snapped up by Bernard Taylor in 1999. He has become a great asset to Altrincham, with his wholehearted approach to his game. Steve was the sole non-Conference player in the FA XI versus the Unibond XI in November 2000 and turned down a £20,000 move to Southport in December, 2000. He was appointed captain on 27 January 2001 on the departure of Gary Talbot but withdrew from this post in March 2002. Went on trial to Doncaster (mid-February 2001) and was due to go to Barnet for trials in mid-March but he re-signed for Alty for 2001-2. After starting the season at right-back, he has reverted to midfield where he performs consistently well. Left Alty for Worksop Town in May 2002. Appearances by June 2001 - 81(+4), goals 7.
Kevin, a central midfielder signed on 25 July 2001. His career started at Radcliffe Borough before he joined Bury and then Chester. Then, after 34 league games for Doncaster Rovers (8 goals) he returned to Gigg Lane for the same £45,000 fee which had taken him to Yorkshire. In all, for Bury he played 139 games. Next, he signed for Lincoln City (5 starts) and after a spell at non-league Macclesfield from Christmas 1995, he joined Halifax Town (33 games and 4 goals), where he became the team captain. He won a Trophy Winner's medal for Macclesfield and also played in a Wembley play-off for Bury. Kevin followed his former Halifax team-mate, Mark Sertori, to York City in September 1999. At York he started 38 league games and scored 7 goals but he was out for two months with a hernia operation and suspensions. In all, he played 253 League games and netted 40 goals. Kevin has proved a very useful and versatile acquisition, playing in midfield, at centre-back and up-front this season.
Jeremy has now left the Club; click "Departed Players" button above for details.
Keith is a young midfielder who made the bench for one Conference game in 1999-2000 and then was an unused first-team sub against Burscough (6 January 2001). He made an impressive first-team debut in the Unibond Cup match at home to Ashton (9 January 2001) and appeared again as sub at Ossett Town the following week. A product of the Alty Youth set-up, he made his league starting debut at Gateshead (January 2001). Keith also now captains the Reserves and towards the end of 2001-02 has begun to figure regularly in the first-team squad. Appearances by June 2001 - 2(+6), goals 0.
A speedy, wide midfielder who can operate on either wing but is also a fine header of the ball. He was signed on the strength of a fine performance for Mossley against Altrincham in the F.A. Cup. He made his debut on 10 October 2000 and scored against Leek Town. Danny is pictured, right, in an image reproduced by courtesy of John Cawthorne, editor of the Mossley match-day programme. He picked up an injury in mid-October and missed some games but reappeared as sub at Ilkeston (4/11/00) before succumbing once more. On his return he scored inside a minute versus Bishop Auckland (2/12/00). Danny has had some injuries this season which have limited his effectiveness and he had to undergo a hernia operation in the Spring which has ruled him out of the side for many weeks.
Appearances by June 2001 - 32(+4), goals 10.
Gareth Strange was born in Bolton. He is a right-sided midfielder/defender who played more than 20 games in the 2000/01 for Manchester United Reserves. Gareth was signed by Accrington in September 2001, for whom he made 8 appearances. He played against Altrincham for Stanley as a sub in October, 2001 and was named as a sub for Alty v Gainsborough on 16 March 2002, but made his debut on 23 March at Hucknall as a sub, playing on the right of midfield.
Lee (seen, right) is a skilful left-sided attacking player who made his first-team debut at North Ferriby in the FA Trophy in January 2002. He joined the Alty Youth side this season and has played regularly for both the Youth and Reserves teams, scoring at both levels.
Stockport-born Andy made an impressive debut, as a substitute at Hucknall on 23 March, 2002, after arriving on loan from Manchester City. Sadly, he broke his leg just ten minutes into his first Alty start, against Hyde United.
Ashton-born, David made his Alty debut as a right-sided midfielder against Vauxhall Motors in the UniBond Cup on 11 December 2001. His most recent club has been Trafford FC but he was at Hyde United in 2000-01 season. Prior to that he was a trainee at Halifax Town and Manchester City. He now appears to have moved to Abbey Hey FC (March 2002).
Strikers
A Trinidad Youth international and member of last year's and this year's Alty Youth team, Mario is a very fast front man. He made his first team Alty debut under Mark Ward in November, 2000. Mario was also a winner of a national Nike soccer "freestyle" skills competition in 2001.
Lee (23) signed for Northwich on 1 August 1999 before going on loan in March 2001 to Leek Town. His initial month's loan to Leek was extended but he came to Moss Lane on trial in Summer 2001 and signed for the Robins in early August. Although not the tallest of strikers, Lee's strength is on the ground where he shows good pace and skill. He is a particularly good left-footed striker of a dead ball. Lee scored four against Woodley Sports in the CSC and a memorable hat-trick in the FA Cup 1st Round replay at Lancaster. By March 2002 he had hit 15 goals in all but has been most often used a substitute this season. Picture courtesy of Terry Rowley.
Signed from NW Counties' side, Congleton Town, in time to play against Droylsden on 17 March, 2001. He was top scorer for the Cheshire side and played two games for Altrincham before signing, a friendly against Doncaster and a reserve game against Ashton, in which he scored the opening goal. Rod's brother, Ben, played for Manchester United and Rod himself works for United and for the England national side as a masseur. These duties sometimes oblige him to miss Altrincham games. His other former clubs include Warrington Town, Doncaster Rovers and Salford City. Rod re-signed for Alty for 2001-2 and went on to hit 20 goals in his first 20 games for Alty this season. He is a speedy and hard-working front-man with good ball-control and is also the side's penalty-taker. All his goals are celebrated with a cartwheel. Appearances by June 2001 - 9, goals 9.
Marc (right) had four years at Manchester United before he moved to Bury at the start of 2001-02 season on a free transfer. He has come on loan to Moss Lane and made his Alty debut on 16 March 2002.