Andy Leigh (Player & Manager)
Andy was an extremely fit and strong striker in his day. He won the double as a player for Town in 1985/86 and then again as manager in 1999/00. He is Mr Rothwell Town and is now a coach for the successful mini soccer campaign. His management style was tough and inspiring and it got results. He was not universally liked but his value as a manager is only apparent after 2 years without him.
Tony Clarkson (Player & Manager)
Tony was one of the fittest players ever to play for Rothwell Town. As a central midfielder he could run all day, even toward the end of his playing days at 35. He played a huge part in the double win of 1999/00 and was also a memeber of the double winning side of 1985/86 which proves just how long he played. He then took over briefly as manager in 2001/02. Although his spell as manager was unsuccessful, he will still be remembered for all he did as a player for Town.
Chris Otley (Centre Back 1998-2001)
Chris was a remarkable centre half. Despite carrying too much weight he had sleight of foot and a turn of pace that had many a centre forward scratching their heads in amazement. He was good in the air and in the tackle. Toward the end of the double winning season he was playing fantastically well, when, the week before the cup final he snapped his cruciate knee ligaments. Chris was told he was unlikely to play football again at the age of 21. A very sad loss for Town he would still be marshalling the defence now.
Lee Poppleton (Centre Back/Centre Forward)
Lee was a huge lad and a huge presence in the team whether at the back or up front, however he will go down in Town history for the game he played in goal. When our regular keeper Mark Paul was sent off after 5 minutes of the Cup Final in 2000 against Methley, Lee came off the bench to go between the sticks. When the game was tied 2-2 after extra time not only did 'Popeye' save a penalty he struck and scored the winner too, causing a huge pitch invasion. He now tends to his nipper and no longer plays. Shame.
Steve Thorp (Centre Midfield 1980-present)
Steve is by some way Town's longest serving player. He has served the club impeccably well throughout his 23 years at the club not only on the pitch but behind the scenes as well. After a long term injury Thorpy collected the cup in 2000 when the Cup Final skipper Ben Parker thought it should really be this guy going up for it above anyone else in the squad. Thorpy will probably end up as Club President and will no doubt die in his Town polo shirt.
Matthew Lloyd (Centre Midfield/Striker 1998-2002)
Matty had a touch of genius about his play. He had a superb first touch and could create a chance out of nothing. He was also a scorer of spectacular goals. He was top scorer in the Double winning season (playing in Midfield) and bagged the equaliser in the Cup final to take the tie to extra time. He also scored his penalty that day. Matty stopped playing for Town at the age of just 20. He now scratches the odd game here and there for lower division sides but will always be welcome back at Town when he's ready.
Ben Parker (Centre Back 1996-present)
The significance of a 16 year old Ben Parker joining Rothwell Town (without knowing any of the other players) is now immeasurable. He found his feet quickly in open age football playing alongside rough and tumble players such as Arthur Oldroyd and Steve Thorp. The Rothwell Town of that era was ageing and beginning to break up and it was Parks who introduced the next generation of Town players. The core of the first team to this day is made up of lads Ben has asked to come and play over the years. He captained the Double Winning side in 1999/00 at the age of 20. The team itself had an average age of 22. Who knows what Town would be like now had Ben chosen to join Athletic or Hood? A commanding centre half who knows deep down he should still be leading Town on the pitch every Saturday. Here's to getting Ben back to his 2000 best.
