NORTHWICH VICTORIA FC PEN PICTURES 2009/2010

Written by Steven Smith

CURTIS ASPDEN (GK)

Curtis started his career as a trainee at Hull City in February 2006. He joined Farsley Celtic in January 2008 on loan, before being released by Hull at the end of that month and signing for the Blue Square North club.  He joined Vics in July and has already made a number of starts in goal.

JAMES COATES (GK)

James is a young shot-stopper with plenty of non-league experience. He played in every game for Vauxhall Motors in the Blue Square North last term, earning the Player of the Year accolade for the 2008/09 season.

James spent some time at Worcester City working under Andy Preece, and has also been on the books of Mansfield, newly promoted Coca Cola League Two club Burton Albion and also Moor Green.

In July 2008 James was offered a trial at Vics’ bitter local rivals Altrincham and he started between the sticks in a 5-1 victory away at Abbey Hey on July 12. The Welshman has also won underage caps for his country.

KYLE CLANCY (GK)

Kyle has joined the club from Blue Square North rivals Droylsden, where he starred in their famous 1-0 FA Cup victory over Coca Cola League Two outfit Darlington.

He spent some time as a reserve goalkeeper for Coca Cola Championship side Blackpool after joining The Seasiders as a trainee.

JAMES SPENCER (GK)

James is a former Stockport County trainee. The 6" 3' shot stopper signed for his hometown club in October 2001 and went on to make 90 appearances before joining north-west rivals Rochdale on a free transfer in June 2007.

James made 20 appearances for Rochdale, before he was snapped up by Chester City in February 2009. He made just five appearances though before becoming Vics' fourth keeper to join in the summer.

 MICHAEL ASPIN (DEF)

19-year-old Michael started his career at the tender age of eight after joining his hometown club Blackburn Rovers through their youth system. He later joined Coca Cola Championship side Preston North End at the age of 16, but failed to earn a professional contract.

Michael joined Vics last summer and made 32 appearances for the club before leaving at the end of the 2008/09 campaign to join Thai Premier League outfit Nakhon Pathom in June.

The move didn’t work out and Michael returned to England and spent some time with fellow Blue Square North side Farsley Celtic, before making a u-turn and rejoining us.

RYAN BROWN (DEF)

24-year-old Ryan was born in Stoke-on-Trent and started his career with the Potters’ local rivals Port Vale, signing up to their youth team aged just nine. He made his first team debut as a teenager in May 2003 and went on to make 38 league appearances, including a win over newly promoted Barclays Premier League side Birmingham City.

He was released by Vale manager Martin Foyle in May 2005 and after a stint with Leek Town he signed for Vics in June 2006.

In April 2008 Ryan signed a two-year extension to his contract.

MAT BAILEY (DEF)

23-year-old Mat was born in Crewe. He started his career at Stockport County in 2003 and impressed enough to be offered a three-year contract by then manager Carlton Palmer. He spent spells on loan at Scunthorpe United in 2004 and made five loan appearances for Vics in 2005. He was released by Stockport in May 2005.

Mat soon signed for Crewe Alexandra after impressing manager Dario Gradi whilst training with his hometown club. During his time at Crewe he was sent out on loan to Hereford United, Southport and Lancaster City in the 2005/06 season, in order to gain vital first team experience.

After being reverted to a central defender by Crewe boss Gradi, Mat spent further loan spells at Barrow and Weymouth. He was released by Crewe in May 2008 and signed for Vics shortly afterwards. He was loaned to Hinckley United in December 2008, scoring on his debut for the Blue Square North club.

Mat made 26 Blue Square Premier appearances for Vics last season, scoring three goals including a brace away at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground at the end of January.

SIMON GRAND (DEF)

Simon began his career at Rochdale, joining as a trainee in August 2001. He made 42 appearances for The Dale, scoring two league goals. He also picked up the club's Young Player of the Year award in May 2002.

The 6" 1' defender joined Carlisle on a free transfer in August 2004 and has also spent spells at Grimsby and Morecambe. Simon signed for Vics in September 2008 and is the current club captain.

NAT KERR (DEF)

Youngster Nat started his career at Crewe Alexandra's youth academy, although he was released and snapped up by Rotherham United in August 2006. He made his league debut on 21 April 2007 at Yeovil's Huish Park.

Nat was loaned out to Vics in November 2007 following Rotherham's relegation. At the end of that season he was released by The Millers.

In October 2008 Nat joined Barrow on non contract terms but failed to gain a regular place in the team. He was released in May 2009 and resigned for Vics.

JUNIOR BROWN (DEF)

Junior started his career at hometown club Crewe Alexandra, for whom he made a solitary appearance as a substitute in a league match with Brighton on 2nd February 2008.

He spent last season at FC Halifax Town, becoming a fan favourite despite spending a month on the sidelines through injury. He signed for Vics in July 2009.

DANNY MEADOWCROFT (DEF)

Danny began his career at Stockport County as a trainee in July 2003.  He spent two years with County, before being released at the end of May 2005.

He signed for Morecambe as a free agent in August 2006 and made seven appearances before being signed by Vics in January 2008. He left Vics just four months later though and signed for Halifax on a free, before rejoining us in March 2009.

WAYNE RILEY (MID)

Local youngster Wayne came through Vics' academy system, after impressing former player and academy coach Jon McCarthy at Mid Cheshire College.

Wayne, who was a fringe player in last season's Blue Square Premier campaign has played a starring role in Andy Preece's first team squad this season.

The teenager, who can play on either flank or up front, has started this season brightly and is a talented lad who will continue to improve as the campaign wears on.

LEE ELAM (MID)

Born in Bradford, 32-year-old Lee is one of the most experienced players within the squad. He has played for no fewer than 13 clubs during his career.

Lee made over 100 appearances for Blue Square North rivals Southport between November 1998 and August 2002 before he was snapped up by Morecambe on a free transfer.

From there he went to Halifax Town, scoring twice in 15 appearances. He then moved to Yeovil on a free then Chester on loan. He then joined Hornchurch, scoring twice in 13 appearances before making the step back up the league ladder by signing for Burton Albion.

Lee made just a single appearance for The Brewers though and rejoined Morecambe just three weeks later. More recently he has spent spells with Crawley, Weymouth, Exeter and Altrincham respectively, before joining Vics on loan in January.

He stayed with us until the end of last season, before making his move from Altrincham a permanent one.

LUKE HORROCKS (MID)

Winger Luke signed for Vics in October 2007, having previously plied his trade for Woodley Sports in the Unibond Premier division.

He was released by the club last season as Vics struggled at the foot of the the Blue Square Premier table, but was brought back to the club in October 2008.

IAN HERRING (MID)

25 year old Ian started his career as a trainee at Swindon Town. His debut came on 20th April 2002 and he made six senior club appearances for The Robins between 2001 and 2004.

During that time, however, he spent much of the 2002/03 season on loan at Salisbury City. Ian then spent a loan spell at Chippenham Town before later signing for them in 2003.

He spent two seasons with The Bluebirds before rejoining Salisbury City on a free transfer in July 2006. He went on to make 46 appearances for The Whites.

He signed for Vics in July 2009, after being released by Salisbury and moving to the North-West.

JONATHAN D'LARYEA (MID)

Jon signed permanently for Vics at the end of November 2009 following a successful loan move from Blue Square Premier outfit Mansfield Town.

The 6″ 1′ central midfield enforcer was originally signed on a months loan at the end of August, but that loan deal was extended to the end of November as Jon went on to make 15 starts for Vics in league and cup – featuring in all four of Vics’ FA Cup victories en route to the Second Round, before signing permanent terms at the Victoria Stadium.

Jon made 162 appearances for Mansfield Town, many of which were in the Football League between 2005 and 2008. Now Jon is one of the first names written on the Vics team sheet and the club turned down several January transfer window bids from Blue Square North rivals Eastwood Town in order to maintain his services.

HARRY WINTER (MID)

Harry is a young talent who signed for Vics in August, ahead of the current Blue Square North campaign. He joined from Trafford FC, who currently play in the Unibond League First Division North.

Harry spent two years with the Manchester based club. He was offered a new contract at Trafford, who were desperate to keep hold of their 19-year-old club captain.

After turning down the offer due to his desire to 'mix it with the big boys' a few leagues higher, Harry was offered a trial at Vics and immediately impressed Andy Preece and Andy Morrison.

He is more than capable of playing at this level, and is certainly one to watch this season as he continues to progress.

MICHAEL CONNOR (MID)

Michael joined Vics in July, during a period which saw a flurry of signings by Andy Preece following the transfer embargo being lifted.

Michael made the step up from the Cheshire League, where he won the Division One title with feeder club Woodley FC last season.

BRIAN DUTTON (MID)

Brian was born on 12 April 1985 in Malton, North Yorkshire. His professional career began at Cambridge United in November 2003. After being offered a trial he played just 30 minutes before impressing enough to be offered a contract on the spot. Here he settled into a midfield role, although he played as a striker at youth level and is capable of occupying a forward role.

Dutton was released by Cambridge and returned to Pickering Town for the start of the 2004/05 season. He was then offered a trial at Weymouth, which he took up and was later signed by then manager Steve Johnson. Brian went on to make 31 appearances for The Terras, scoring five goals.

After turning down a contract extension in 2006, he was released and joined Eastleigh where an injury kept him out of the game for three months. In January 2007 he rejoined Weymouth and made a further 14 appearances for the Dorset club.

He has since played for Mangotsfield United, Dorchester Town and Blue Square Premier outfit Salisbury City – where he played alongside Ian Herring. Most recently he has played for Blue Square North rivals Harrogate Town, for whom he featured against Vics in our 3-2 win at the Victoria Stadium on October 3rd 2009.

MARK CADWALLADER (MID)

Mark was another to join Vics in July 2009. He signed for Chester City on July 1st 2006 and spent six months at the Deva Stadium.

He then moved to Bangor City, but only ever made a single substitute appearance. From there Mark joined Connah's Quay Nomads the following season, where he made 25 appearances and scored once.

Mark then moved again, this time to Welsh Premier League outfit Airbus UK Broughton for the 2008/09 campaign. He scored twice in 23 appearances, before completing a move to Vics.

JONNY ALLAN (ATT)

Jonny is Vics' longest serving player, having made well over 200 appearances for the club since his arrival from Carlisle United in 2002.

Born in Penrith, Jonny joined The Cumbrians when he was just 12 years old. He made over 30 first team appearances for the club and scored several goals before moving to the old Drill Field and signing for Vics.

The last time we were in the Conference North - that famous 2005/06 season - Jonny finished the campaign as the top scorer in the league. He capped the season off in style by scoring a brace against nearest challengers Stafford Rangers, a victory that saw Vics win the game 3-1 and clinch the title in front of over 3000 fans at the Victoria Stadium.

AARON BURNS (ATT)

Aaron was born in Manchester in November 1987. He joined Manchester United's youth academy as a teenager and made a number of appearances for their reserve side.

The 5" 10' striker was on the books of Cardiff City, but he was released by the Championship club.

Aaron later moved to FC United under Karl Marginson, following the formation of the breakaway club after Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford. The move also offered Aaron the opportunity to play regular first team football.

Aaron signed for Vics on 4th January 2008.

MARK DANKS (ATT)

Mark was born in Warley, West Midlands in February 1984 and began his career as a youngster at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He then moved to Bradford City in 2002 where he made three appearances for The Bantams, including an FA Cup goal against West Bromwich Albion.

He then scored three goals in 12 loan appearances for Halesowen Town before joining Hednesford Town, where he scored 13 goals in 35 games and won the FA Trophy.

Mark has since spent spells with Forest Green Rovers, Stafford Rangers, Kettering Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, Cirencester Town, Worcester City as well as a return to Halesowen Town. He also made one appearance for Telford United in 2009 before signing for Vics ahead of our Blue Square North campaign.

JON NEWBY (ATT)

Jon was born in Warrington in November 1978. The experienced striker started his career at Liverpool and was part of their FA Youth Cup winning side in 1996. He made four appearances for the Anfield club, just one of which was in the Premier League - against Middlesbrough.

He then spent loan spells at Carlisle United, Crewe Alexandra, Sheffield United and Bury before moving to Gigg Lane on a permanent deal. Jon scored 20 goals in 113 appearances for The Shakers in all competitions.

Jon has since played for Huddersfield Town, York City, Bury again, Kidderminster Harriers,  Wrexham, Southport, Morecambe, Greenock Morton and Burton Albion. He signed for Vics in July 2009, the 14th club that he has played for.

CAYNE HANLEY (ATT)

Cayne was born in May 1988 and was on the books of Barclays Premier League new boys Burnley between February 2005 and May 2005.

Unfortunately for Cayne, he struggled for a regular place in the reserve squad and was released by The Clarets.

He signed for Vics on 4th January 2008, before leaving the club at the end of May that season. He has since returned to us for this Blue Square North campaign.