Player Profiles

PLAYER PROFILES

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Alex (Greasy Thumbs) Jackson

Gentleman defender and our Club Treasurer, Alex reads a balance sheet almost as well as he reads an interception. Injuries prevented an International appearance in Switzerland (visiting his numbered account) but he’s looking forward to returning to full fitness and all those Standing Orders raining in. Great Clubman and teammate Alex is a dependable defender with immaculate timing (especially publishing annual financial reports)

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Michaylo Fedyk

Club Secretary and trusty goalkeeper Mike demonstrates the happy knack of being our last line of defence with the amazing ability to frustrate one on one attackers. Soccer has always been somewhat of a mystery to Mike, as is sometimes witnessed whilst refereeing. As a GB Karate player that should be no surprise. But what he might lack in footie experience he more than makes up for in determination, application and agility.

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Peter Fitzpatrick

Club Chairman and controversial part time referee. He has a wealth of playing experience which has inevitably led to the knee replacement. Rehabilitation is now well underway Peter is looking forward to upsetting opponents in the near future with his relentless competitive attitude. Quiet and gentlemanly on the pitch (re-checks notes), he’s also known for his insightful and impartial refereeing Play on its only a flesh wound!     

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John Hawkins

Deputy Chairman and Brighton’s finest walking football export (to St Helens). John is a no nonsense defender with the honour of being our only player to have appeared in a tournament whilst sporting a hat! This summer he’s added to his formidable armoury by regularly finding the net and mostly at the correct end of the pitch. Great timing makes him a dependable cornerstone of the Club. He is also very fond of Row Z

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Derek Taylor

The Club’s Official Scouser and sometime Social secretary. Deggsy has modelled his game on his hero Kenny Dalglish and uses his backside to similar destructive effect. A willing worker and have a go striker, all action Deggys is rarely out of the game for very long, even if its only to appeal for some lost cause from the badgered Referee. He missed a call up from the Turks due to an unfortunate incident with a barmaid. Guaranteed 20 shots a game, one or two on target sometimes.    

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Les Brack

Club Health and Safety specialist with the happy ability of blocking shots in defence and sweeping passes to set up counter attacks. Les is reminiscent of Mark Lawrenson (2020 version), with that tall languid style. Les ensures all players are fit to play each week, at least until Deggsy starts kicking them again. Sherdley Park insects will miss Les’ tasty legs when normal games resume at Sutton Leisure.

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Jeff Birchall

Our sometimes ‘Spanish’ international Jeff is a dynamic and skilful midfielder (or would be if he could find the energy oh well manjana will do). Jeff has the hallmark knee injury that is a symptom of all former players of a certain age. An excellent link up player, he likes to use his aerial prowess though he is only 5 feet 7 inches. But his low centre of gravity is a very useful advantage for walking footballers. One of the Club banter merchants – claims to know where Huyton with Roby really is located.    

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Colin Williams

Certainly the quickest walking footballer in the Club, Colin has been a member since the Club was formed. An excellent tournament player Colin has a tremendous appetite for the game. His pace around the pitch presents lots of opportunities for our strikers. He’s another very competitive player who likes to pressure opponents and officials with his boundless enthusiasm

  

Phil Middleton

A relative new boy Phil joined our ranks in the last year but has settled quickly into the weekly sessions with vigour. At one point he seemed to be plagued by niggly injuries that frustrated his progress. Happily he has managed the situation much better of late and as a result is contributing much more. A keen eye for the goal though Phil normally patrols midfield areas which has restricted his appearance in the regular goal scoring charts.

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Chris Fitzpatrick

A former semi-professional Chris has endured 5 knee repair operations that has curtailed his 11 a side game. His touch and speed of thought remains light years ahead of most of the rest of us however. He is a lethal finisher and still talks the chairman through all of his goals, Chris is as enthusiastic off the pitch as when he’s playing. He provides our technical expertise for the website and social media. But then he’s always been a great Clubman (Mr Smiths, Nexus etc)

      

Martin Briggs

Our crafty cockney Martin recently joined the Club and has added a wealth of playing experience to our defensive organisation. An intelligent passer and excellent reader of the game Martin really likes a timely interception. He has thoroughly integrated into the Club, despite the obvious language barrier. We look forward to seeing his contribution to our tournament teams whenever we are allowed to compete again. Newly crowned (self-proclaimed) Penalty Specialist

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Martin Williams

A travelling troubadour, have banjo will burst into song. Despite having never played football Martin or Chopper (as he has become to his teammates) has made great progress week after week. His tackling and defensive strength is formidable, his distribution is a work in progress. Like most defenders Martin does like to clear his lines, with only low-flying aircraft in real danger. We look forward to his set at our next social night if our erstwhile social secretary ever gets his act together. Martin loves the banter with his teammates, hence Chopper.

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Alan McKie

Our Official resident comic and lead banterista, Alan has overcome injury and support of his beloved Blues to become a real fixture in the Club banter pages. Following a long career with Sidac Social his positional excellence and tackling prowess is still very evident. Alan is also a very useful keeper too, with natural agility and good hands. Alan always likes to have the last word in any banter thread.      

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Geoff Painter

A consummate cool defender having modelled his game on Manchester City defensive greats (at this point there aren’t any City defensive greats!). Geoff adds a great competitive edge to any team he plays in. Sweeper or centre back, Geoff is Mr Dependable. However, for some reason never looks totally comfortable wearing a red shirt!  Geoff does possess the finest collection of City shirts in Walking Football and the coolest head under pressure – a truly formidable defender!

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Ian Bridge

Ian can boast the most thunderous shot in walking football, a truly destructive end product when given any space. With his cousin Geoff he plays in a brass band but leads defenders a merry dance for the rest of the time. Hard working link up player always prepared to take on chances, Ian is an all round nice guy and most sporting opponent.

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Lee Speight

A new recruit who only joined our ranks this summer, Lee has quickly slotted into the games. Playing moistly in defence Lee has also produced some of best and most profitable passes in his short time with us. He also scored real rocket from halfway, so good I didn’t have the heart to disallow it! Lee joined us to get fit and lose some weight, he’s well on the way to achieving those goals.  

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Andy Houghton

Andy is another relatively new boy but has settled in very quickly showing a very good understanding of the vagaries of walking football. Generally occupying a deep lying role Andy reads the game exceptionally well and is constantly looking to play the simple ball with devastating effect. His fitness and all round game has added much to this summer’s entertainment. Andy is an unselfish player who will be a very god addition to our tournament squads.

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Tom Parr

A real work horse in our midfield engine room, Tom has an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. His full range of skills and incredible reach make Tom hell to play against but a dream to play with. Tom’s height provides that reach but can be a disadvantage as he lacks the low centre of gravity that is so useful in walking football. A gentleman, Tom is a fantastic role model for less experienced players.

 

Joe Hardman

The enigmatic Joe flits in and out of games to great effect. He takes up great positions though he is less keen on defensive duties. Joe is good at doing the simple things very effectively. He sometimes forms a bewildering partnership with Deggsy, no mean feat given they clearly do not understand each other. He is capable of producing outstanding moments in games, though he doesn’t really know how or why.    

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Gareth Clark

Our other underage ‘ringer’ Gareth has played as a goalkeeper in some very good Championship -winning teams. He’s an enthusiastic larger than life character (aren’t most goalkeepers?) Gareth is a qualified FA Coach with a deep understanding of the game and coaches kids teams again with some success. His work makes it difficult at times to fully commit each week but he always gives 100% whenever he’s available.

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Dave Clark

Another enthusiastic member who is relatively new to playing any sort of football. His natural fitness and energy makes Dave a tricky and tenacious opponent. He has an uncanny ability to stick with his opponent come what may. Sometimes his naïve play will pay off as he doesn’t fall for the tricks that most ‘regular’ players might. Another Wire in Saints backyard!

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John Eden

Possibly the most skilful player in the Club. John enjoyed a very good football career before the years inevitably caught up. A knee injury and brief departure to Wigan interrupted his time with us. Now he’s back to torment defenders and demonstrate his creative ability. Expect goals to follow. John is a great team player, unselfish when it really matters, a formidable asset to any team especially in truly competitive games. 

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John Davis

A vastly experienced midfielder John played most of his career at a very high level. Injuries and the march of time meant we rarely have enjoyed his best play. John is an excellent teammate to play alongside but he is also his own biggest critic. Despite a great first touch and eye for a decisive pass, his frustration at the limits imposed by injury means he is much more vocal in his encouragement these days.  

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Mike Harrison

A whirlwind of all action play Mike has excelled in tournament play. Mike is very compact with quick feet and great first touch. His distinctive gait is sometimes mistaken for running. A great competitor who never gives up Mike also is a terrific finisher in front of goal. We hope to see much more of Mike this year as works commitments allow.

 

Steve Forshaw

Steve is a very solid part of the Club, excelling with his back to goal. He loves to battle to hold the ball up and link with his teammates with deft touches. Steve can switch play very effectively thanks to a great first touch and loves to set up chances for the strikers. Steve is a quiet guy off the pitch until he’s out on one of our social nights! He’s excellent company with a speciality in deadpan humour.

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Dave McCarthy

Dave is a very decent defender who reads the game exceptionally well. His timing of the interception is a real strength. He does like to venture forward and is an enthusiastic all rounder comfortable with the ball at his feet and a really creative passer. Work commitments have restricted his availability at times but we do hope to see him back in action this coming year.