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Player Profiles |
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Player
Statistics
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Rugby United Player Profiles: 2003/04Goalkeepers
Jason Pearcey Jason is an experienced keeper with a huge amount
of consistency at Nationwide League level including a 9-year spell with
Mansfield Town whilst also playing for Grimsby Town and Brentford. He signed
for the club at the start of the 02/03 season after joining the club from
Conference side Forest Green Rovers. A very strong goalkeeper who is excellent at
dealing with high crosses into the box, picking up most with relative ease.
Also strong and athletic as was proven in last years campaign with some
superb shots tipped over the bar which were crucial for gaining certain
important results. Feels very comfortable on his line earning himself 12
clean sheets in the 2002/03 season. More is expected of his goalkeeping
prowess for the 03/04 season and he will be vital in helping the club push
for a high finish. And he has so far had a very good start to his 2003/04
season with some excellent displays between the sticks. Currenly out with a
thigh injury. Season Statistics: App: 11 Con: 12 Clean Sheets: 3 MoM: 1 Yel: 0 Red: 0 Goalkeeper signed from Shepshed Dynamo in March
2001 and immediately slotted into his role with some good opening displays,
including a clean sheet on his debut against Rothwell Town. Dean is a valuable deputy to Jason Pearcey and
filled in during games where Pearcey was unavailable with added confidence
producing an array of stylish saves whilst keeping goals to a minimum. Both
keepers will be fighting for their place this season with both worthy of a
first team start at any stage. A reliable keeper who will be hoping to make
more of a mark this season. Has been drafted into the line-up due to the
injury of Jason Pearcey and has performed to his usual high standards. Season Statistics: App: 5 (1) Con: 3 Clean Sheets: 1 MoM: 0 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Defenders
Andy Commander Andy was one of Shepshed's valued players winning
awards in his time at The Dovecote giving them 3 years of service before
coming to Butlin Road in July 2002. A very strong centre back that always rises high to
the ball with the opposing player losing out. Consistent with headers out and
clears his lines with accuracy throughout the game. A very tough defender to
get past with his passing ability second to none. Solid during the 02/03
season and will be no different for the 03/04 campaign, Andy never fails to
disappoint in his role. Solid start to his 2003/04 season, picking up Man of
the Match in the 3-1 win against Bromsgrove. Season Statistics: App: 6 (1) Gls: 0 Asts: 0 MoM: 1 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Adam Hart Adam signed for The Valley in February 2002 from
fellow Western Division side, Atherstone United where he commanded the back
four very competently during his time at Sheepy Road. He can operate in any defensive position and his
versatility is an asset to Tony Dobson, so much so that he was rewarded for
his efforts last season with the Player's Player of the Year award. Quick in
his defensive role and his passing is pinpoint allowing the team to make
quick movements up the pitch. Adam is regarded as one of the best sweepers in
this league and is an integral part of the side having gained five man of the
match awards last season. His award for last season can only spur him on for
even better performances in 03/04. During which, he has so far remained
ever-present after 16 games. Season Statistics: App: 16 Gls: 0 Asts: 2 MoM: 1 Yel: 1 Red: 0
Craig Herbert Craig was appointed as club captain in the 01/02
season after joining in 2001. Has experience at Football League level making
appearances for West Bromwich Albion and Shrewsbury Town. A strong defender who never fails to make his
presence known with his passing constantly accurate providing for a
free-flowing game. Craig is yet another brick wall in the Rugby defence as he
often prevents opposition forwards from creating chances. He rarely makes any
errors or misjudgment in his role, leading his side out charged up looking
for all three points from the offset. Regular during 02/03 season and even
popped up for the winner at the death in the memorable tie against Merthyr
Tydfil. Will lead by example again this season as his experience shines
through. Season Statistics: App: 10 (2) Gls: 0 Asts: 1 MoM: 1 Yel: 2 Red: 0
Gary Moran The right-sided defender/midfielder rejoined his
old side after a two-year spell at the professional ranks of Grimsby Town at
the beginning of 02/03. Beforehand, Gary had played for The Valley as a
junior though professional football at Grimsby unfortunately saw him lacking
a regular place in the side. Speedy on the wing and whips in some deadly crosses
for the frontline from the right. Can operate in either defence or midfield,
Gary loves to run at opposition players and put them under pressure. Very
reliable player and vital as well with his versatility. Scored two goals last
season as well including a vital equaliser away to Swindon Supermarine. With
the whole squad signed on contract competition for places will be even
tougher but Moran is essential to the side, staying ever-present so far for this
season and has shown a liking to push further up field.
Season Statistics: App: 16 Gls: 0 Asts: 2 MoM: 0 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Gary Redgate Gary is now in his fourth spell at the club leaving
Atherstone United for Rugby in the 01/02 season remaining a regular at the
back ever since. An experienced and powerful defender who makes sure
he never loses a header and is very quick to swing the momentum in the favour
of his side. Likes to dribble with the ball out of his area into an attacking
position charging his way down the pitch instantly looking to create an
opening for the forwards. Had a good 02/03 season though needs to clean up on
his discipline after earning himself a ban for two sending-offs. Another key
player for this season being part of Rugby's concrete defence. Season Statistics: App: 16 Gls: 0 Asts: 0 MoM: 0 Yel: 2 Red: 0
Midfielders
Craig Dutton
A strong midfielder that likes to open up gaps
within the defence for the forwards to pounce upon. Craig likes to get into
the thick of the action and often attempts to hit a thunderbolt past the
keeper. Claimed four man of the match awards last year whilst winning the
Vice Presidents Player of the Year award for 2002/03. Has looked sharp during
pre-season games and always a threat throughout the season. An overall
entertaining player. During this campaign, Craig has lead by example taking
control of the midfield and has scored a couple himself whilst always getting
himself into the action. Season Statistics: App: 16 Gls: 2 Asts: 1 MoM: 1 Yel: 2 Red: 0
Danny Hall Danny signed for Rugby from Hastings Town in August
2001. Was also a Coventry City reserve team regular and played for England at
schoolboy level. Another of the versatile players within the squad
as he can operate as sweeper as well as a central midfielder. Strong and
quick-footed, a hard player for the opposition to tackle and loves to get
involved with the goalscoring action. Danny scored 11 goals during 2002/03, a
very good achievement for a midfield player. He is the sides free-kick
specialist looping in every free-kick with dangerous consequences for the
opposition. Also scores many from penalties when given the opportunity. Shall
be more dominant for the forthcoming season and won the Manager's Player of
the Year award for 2002/03. Has just recovered from a dislocated shoulder away
to Gresley to re-surface on the starting eleven and settling into a similar
vein of form shown from last season. Season Statistics: App: 8 (1) Gls: 3 Asts: 0 MoM: 0
Yel: 1 Red: 0 Michael Hegarty Michael joined Valley in October 2003 on a two-year
contract from Northern Irish Premier League club, Institute as he is on a
physiotherapy course at Coventry University. The 19 year-old is a former
Northern Ireland youth international and looks an exciting new young talent
as many others in the squad already are. Was a regular in Institute’s starting line-up in
2002/03 and played his part in his club finishing 6th in the table.
Precise passer of the ball who loves to battle hard and tackle defenders. Season Statistics: App: 4 Gls: 0 Asts: 0 MoM: 0
Yel: 1 Red: 0
Neil Melvin Neil was a former Derby County and Coventry City
junior and has made a first-team breakthrough at a very early age, making his
debut for the side against Erith & Belvedere aged 15 in 01/02. Scored on his full debut for the side against
Stourport Swifts back in September 2002 and secured his first team place for
the rest of the season. Quick moving player who enjoys to go on mazy runs
attempting to find gaps in the defence whilst also laying the ball off
quickly for attackers. Scored four goals during the 02/03 season and provided
six assists during the campaign proving he's worth his place despite his age.
Plenty of time to nurture his skills and this season will see continued
progress for the attacking midfielder. Will require keyhole surgery for a knee injury
sustained against Yate and a re-occurance of the injury in training means he
will be out for the whole of the the 2003/04 campaign, hoping to be back for
next season. Season Statistics: App: 2 (1) Gls: 1 Asts: 0 MoM: 0 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Aaron Shanahan Aaron has signed forms with the club this
pre-season after impressing in pre-season games against Arlesey Town and
Leicester City. He has had a two-year spell with Bristol City and is a former
Coventry City trainee. He has continued his good form during the
pre-season campaign looking very confident in an attacking position, scoring
his first goal against Northampton Town. Already looks a talented player and
will hopefully keep up this promising form. Has looked a good signing scoring
two goals in his opening games against Yate and Stourport in the FA Cup.
Currently finding his feet within the squad. Season Statistics: App: 7 (2) Gls: 2 Asts: 1 MoM: 0 Yel: 1 Red: 1
Rory Squire Rory has progressed though junior, youth and
reserve team levels to burst his way into the first team after making his
debut aged only 15. Forced his way into the starting line-up in 02/03
and he did not let down as he displayed his talent with some very assured
displays. Rory is still making progress and as one of many young players in
the squad, his development with first team experience shows signs of a bright
future ahead for the Valley. A good back-up player for the first team and
will be looking to make more of a mark on the starting line-up this season.
Has looked a rock in the midfield for Valley and a very worthy replacement
when the squad has been at its bare bones. Rory has had a superb 2003/04 season so far with
two Man of the Match awards and a persistant 100% workrate. Season Statistics: App: 9 (5) Gls: 0 Asts: 0 MoM: 2 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Nathan Thompson Nathan signed from Bedworth in early 2002 after he
had been released from Coventry City where he gained three years of
experience. Can play in a left-wing back role or in a midfield
position. Nathan is a player who will put in 100% effort into his game, as he
likes to dip in with occasional goal to complement his support for his
attackers. Loves to run with the ball and another of his skills is his
accurate passing ability. Has found himself drop to the substitutes bench
though he is one of those players who can change the swing of the pendulum in
any game. During this current campaign, Nathan has worked his
socks off in both defence and in midfield with a never say die attitude. Season Statistics: App: 8 (3) Gls: 0 Asts: 3 MoM: 0 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Jamie Williams Jamie re-signed for Rugby after a brief spell with
Hucknall Town during 02/03 where he lost out against his current team in the
Trophy match between the sides, scoring a piledriver for Hucknall during the
game. Has also had experience with Nuneaton Borough during their spell in the
Conference, and has played for Hinckley United. A skilful left-sided player that on many occasions
last season went on surging runs from his own box into the opposition's to
wreak havoc into defences. Being a strong defender helps him on these runs
and is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet. In 2003/04 he'll be
looking to make more of an impact and has looked good during pre-season. Solid asset so far this season and has grabbed two
goals as he likes to advance forwards. Came on as a substitute against Clevedon
Town and was inspirational, fully deserving a permanent place in the starting
line-up. Season Statistics: App: 8 (5) Gls: 2 Asts: 0 MoM: 0 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Forwards
Robbie Beard Robbie joined the club from Bedworth at the start
of the 00/01 season and has kept his place in the starting line-up throughout
his stay at the club winning the Player of the Year award for that season. A pacy forward who loves to run at defenders and
has a fantastic finishing ability and was one of the league's top scorers
last season with 22 goals, indeed Valley's top scorer for the campaign. Robbie
claimed two hat-tricks against former club Bedworth United and Cinderford
Town as he went on a goalscoring flourish towards the end of 02/03. Top
scorer for the Western Division is well within his sights. The 2003/04 season has already been a momentous one
For Robbie as he secured the acclaim of reaching 50 League goals for the
club. Arguable the most determined player within the ranks and is so far this
season’s top scorer. Season Statistics: App: 12 Gls: 7 Asts: 5 MoM: 2 Yel: 1 Red: 1
Justin Marsden Justin burst into the team in September 2002 and
his instant ability created sparks of trouble in fellow Western Division
defences. His raw pace and sharp movement with the ball
brings the fear straight into the eyes of opposing defenders as he runs at
them causing worry. His quality play developed as last season progressed and
the ten goals he scored as an introduction to the first team side can only
shine the light on the good times ahead for the young forward. Also creates
chances for others as his eight assists proved vital last season including a
treble of assists in the demolition of Racing Club Warwick. Only more can be
expected of Marsden for 2003/04. Has been influential in many goals for the start of the 2003/04 campaign, scoring two in the Stourport FA Cup tie and supplying five assists in his first eight games and has continued to cause defences trouble, deserving more goals than he has scored with the best yet to come.
Season Statistics: App: 14 Gls: 4 Asts: 6 MoM: 1 Yel: 0 Red: 0
Dave Pearson Dave is another former Coventry City trainee within
the squad and has had spells with Hereford United, Luton Town and Shepshed
Dynamo whilst having a trial with Spanish side Las Palmas before joining
Butlin Road for the second occasion. One of the three prolific forwards at Rugby, he
captivates the attention of fans with his unrivalled ability to score some
entertaining goals. Another forward who is quick and lightning paced on the
ball, he'll be hoping to score more goals this season and further push for a
place in the starting line-up. Scored two in the Preliminary Round FA Cup tie at
Kidsgrove and is now firmly in the mind of Tony Dobson when it comes to
selection for 2003/04 games ahead. Providing a selection headache, being an
excellent cover for Beard and Marsden Season Statistics: App: 8 (5) Gls: 6 Asts: 1 MoM: 2 Yel: 0 Red: 0
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