MTFC Logoheader

Stand

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O PQ R S T UV W XYZ

 

You are most welcome to use the information throughout this web site including detail from the profiles below but it is requested that you include an acknowledgement to www.silkmenarchives.org.uk

 

Lacey Desmond

Lacey_Desmond

1949-50 Outside-right

CL   League 8 Apps 0 Goals    Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut  10 September 1949 Tranmere Rovers Reserves (Away)

Started his career as a junior at Chester, moving through the ranks to sign an amateur contract at senior level in July 1946 but only made a single appearance. On leaving Chester played for Witton Albion (December 1947 to May 1948, 28 appearances, 12 goals) and Altrincham.

Signed for Macclesfield at the start of the 1949-50 season with all of his appearances coming between September and November 1949 in a season when a number of players filled the outside-right position.

Born: 3 August 1925. Died: 1974 Chester & Ellesmere Port.

 

Lake G

1876-77

Debut  7 April 1877 Normacot (Away)

 

Appeared in this one match making a guest appearance at a time when he was attached to Stoke.

   

Lake Michael Charles 'Mike'

Lake

1986-87 to 1989-90 Midfielder

NPL    League 35(1)4    Cups 13(0)2

Debut 16 August 1986 Caernarfon Town (Away)

Conf   League 83(1)13  Cups 30(0)0

Brother of then Manchester City’s Paul who was later physio for the Silkmen, Mike was a tall, skilful player who had previous experience with Curzon Ashton and Manchester City reserves. Mike played an important role in the 1986-87 treble winning season (NPL Championship, League Cup and Presidents Cup), his first with the club, and won a semi-pro international cap in the 1988-89 season.

Mike moved to Sheffield United in October 1989 for a then record fee of £60,000 (35 league appearances, four goals), where he remained until November 1992, when he signed permanently for Wrexham following a spell on loan

(58 appearances, six goals).

Made one England semi-pro appearance.

A knee injury ended his career after which he worked for the Royal Mail and subsequently has been a BT site representative.

Born: 15 November 1966.

 

Lallamond

1881-82

Debut 5 November 1881 Talk o'th'Hill (Home)

 

There is no information recorded for this player.

   

Lamb

1924-25 Inside-right

 

CL     League 2 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 18 April 1925 Ellesmere Port Town (Away)

 

The inside-right for the Macclesfield reserve team was given a taste of senior football towards the end of the season.

   

Lambert Colin

Colin Lambert

1990-91 to 1992-93 Midfielder/forward

Conf   League 95(7)21   Cups 37(1)3

Debut 18 August 1990 Barnet (Home)

A strong and skilful player, who could play either in the midfield or up front, Colin signed from Winsford United having previously been with Flixton and Manchester Sunday side Astro.  During his time at the Moss Rose he attracted the interest of a number of Football League sides with his natural athleticism, power in the air together with his deceptive pace and control. He gained a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal in 1991.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Halifax Town in the summer of 1993 moving to Hednesford Town in the summer of 1995 and later played for Winsford United, Chorley and Hyde United (1997-98) before returning to Hednesford Town for a time as manager.

 

Lambert Rickie Lee

Rickie Lambert

2000-01 and 2001-02 Midfielder/forward

FL    League 36(8)8    Cups 5(0)2

Debut 3 March 2001 Chesterfield (Home)

A former Blackpool trainee, Rickie joined the Silkmen in December 2000, initially playing most of his football in the Youth and Reserve teams in the centre of midfield where he gave some impressive performances.  He broke into the senior side towards the end of the season and was promoted to the first-team squad for the 2001-02 season, quickly becoming a regular in the starting line-up where he was equally effective in midfield or as a striker. Rickie possesses a devastating right-foot from set-pieces and in November 2001 he scored two spectacular free kicks in the FA Cup tie against Forest Green Rovers at the Moss Rose (his first ever FA Cup appearance), and the following week scored a hat-trick against Luton Town, again at the Moss Rose. 

Rickie moved to Stockport County in April 2002 for a club record fee of £300,000 (98 league appearances, 18 goals). He then moved to Rochdale  in February 2005 on a free transfer (64 appearances, 28 goals), Bristol Rovers in August 2006 for a fee of £200,000 (128 appearances, 52 goals), Southampton in August 2009 (207 appearances, 106 goals) for a fee of £1M. Made his Premier League debut on 19 August 2012 against Manchester City when he scored Southampton's first goal of the match.  His move to Liverpool in June 2014 for a fee of £4M in the summer of 2014 took him back 'home', but he was underutilised (25 appearances, two goals) and signed for West Bromwich Albion for fee of £3M in the summer of 2015 (20 appearances, one goal). Moved to Cardiff City in the summer of 2016 (18 appearances, four goals) but suffered a serious leg injury which took time to heal, and with other injuries following, led to him being released by the Bluebirds in September 2017.

On 2 October 2017 Rickie announced that he had decided to retire from playing football.

At international level, his debut for England came from the substitutes' bench in the friendly match against Scotland at Wembley on 14 August 2013, scoring the winning goal with his first touch and went on to make a total of 11 appearances scoring three goals.

In April 2018 Rickie was awarded the Sir Tom Finney Award for his outstanding contribution to football.

Born: Liverpool, 16 February 1982.

 

Lammano Lou

1979-80 Defender

NPL    League 3(0)0    Cups 1(0)0

Debut 19 February 1980 Buxton (Away)

Signed on non-contract forms from the Welsh League at a time when the side were depleted through injuries.

 

Landon Richard John

Richard Landon

1996-97 to 1998-99

Conf   League   6(0)3    Cups 1(0)1

Debut 25 January 1997 Slough Town (Home)

FL       League 16(16)9  Cups 2(3)0

Debut 9 August 1997 Torquay United (Home)

Richard came into the professional game late at the age of 23 when he signed for Plymouth Argyle in January 1994

(30 appearances, 12 goals) from Bedworth, before moving to Stockport County in July 1995 for a fee of £50,000

(13 appearances, five goals). Spent time on loan at Macclesfield Town from January 1997 and Rotherham United from March 1997.

Following his successful loan spell at the Moss Rose in the Conference Championship season was signed permanently by Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1997. During the 1997-98 season, the tall striker found himself squeezed out of the side on several occasions by new arrivals as Sammy McIlroy tried to find a goal scoring formation, but still finished as one of the team’s top scorers. In his next season, he spent much of the time out on loan at non-League sides Nuneaton Borough, Netherfield and Atherstone United.

Released by Macclesfield in the summer of 1999 he signed for Hednesford moving later to Altrincham, then Radcliffe Borough and is now Stockport County’s kit man.

Born: 22 March 1970.

 

Lane

1919-20 Centre-forward

 

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 21 February 1920 Altrincham (Away)

 

From Stockport, given a two match trial in a season when several players were being tried out in the centre-forward position.

   

Lappin Harry  A

Lappin_Harry

1913-14, 1914-15 and 1919-20 Outside-right

LC     League 36 Apps 2 Goals     Cups 7 Apps 2 Goals

CL     League 8 Apps 0 Goals      Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

20 September 1913 Barnoldswick (Away)

Known to have played for Clapton Orient (now Leyton Orient) at the same time as his brother Hubert.  He went on to play for Hazel Grove (1909-10), Bacup (early 1910-11 season)  and  Hurst (1910-13, 101 appearances, 19 goals) before moving to Macclesfield.

He first played for Macclesfield in 1913 when he was almost ever-present from his debut to the end of October 1914 leaving the club to join the King's Royal Lancasters along with his two brothers in the First World War. He was described as an influential and spectacular player being one of the best outside-rights in the Lancashire Combination.

After the War made five appearances for Hurst as one of 95 different players used by them, before signing for Hazel Grove again in 1919 and was then on the books of Mossley but never progressed beyond their reserve team. 

He returned to Macclesfield, his third club during the 1919-20 season, initially playing for the reserve team.  He moved to the senior side for a series of eight consecutive matches in October and November 1919 and re-appeared for two matches towards the end of the season at a time when a backlog of matches was being cleared.

He then emigrated to Canada where he played for Hamilton Steel Works and it is reported that he continued playing into his fifties. Whilst in Canada, in 1922 he featuired in the Hamilton Cup final, and along with the winning team received a gold ring instead of the usual medal.

(Thanks go to both Neil Kaufman (Historian Leyton Orient) and Charbel Boujaoude for their input to this profile.)

   

Larner Geoff

1981-82 Forward

NPL    League 13(4)6   Cups 3(1)1

Debut 22 September 1981 Worksop Town (Away)

Before joining Macclesfield played in the Cheshire League with St Helens Town. Whilst Geoff was not a regular in the starting line-up, he made a valuable contribution scoring, on average, one goal in every three appearances. He scored two goals in the 4-1 win at Gainsborough Trinity and another brace in the 3-0 home victory against Netherfield.

 

Latham Allan

1966-67 Outside-right

CL    League 1(1)0    Cups 1(0)0

Debut 22 October 1966 Sub Tranmere Rovers Reserves (Away)

A fringe player, brother of David.

 

Latham David Colin

Latham_David

1964-65 to 1967-68 Winger

CL    League 93(2)14    Cups 33(1)4

Debut 7 November 1964 Runcorn (Home)

A Busby babe at Manchester United, David signed his first professional contract at United in October 1961 but did not make any senior league appearances. On leaving United signed for Southport in July 1963 (22 appearances) later moving to Altrincham.

Signed for Macclesfield Town for a fee of £100. He was a stylish, fast and clever ball player who played on both wings. Scored a hat-trick in two and half minutes in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup in September 1965. Whilst at Macclesfield he was a salesman in the soft drinks trade. 

On leaving Macclesfield played for Stafford Rangers and then Nantwich Town. 

Later he worked for Littlewoods Pools. Brother of Allan.

Born: 17 October 1943.

 

Lavelle

1911-12 Inside-right

 

LC     League 1 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 9 September 1911 Stalybridge Celtic (Home)

 

Made just one appearance and, like so many other players during the 1911-12 season, was probably on trial.

   

Lavelle-Moore Malachi

lavelle_moore_malachi

2014-15 Forward

NC     League 1(4)0     Cups 1(1)1

Debut 12 August 2014 Sub AFC Telford United (Away)

Came through the ranks at Notts County signing his first professional contract with them at the age of 18, but did not break into the senior side spending time on loan at Grantham Town during the 2013-14 season.

Signed for the Silkmen in August 2014 but found it almost impossible to force his way into the side becoming a fringe player.  He scored his one goal in an early round of the Cheshire Senior Cup at Hyde in January 2015. Spent a short time on loan at Witton Albion early in 2015.

On leaving Macclesfield, after trials at St Mirren and Cambridge United during the summer of 2015, signed for Torquay United moving to Rushall Olympic in November 2015 and then to Boston United in January 2016 for the remainder of the 2015-16 season. In the summer of 2016 signed for Ilkeston but moved to Coalville Town in January 2017 and then to Carlton Town in February 2017. Signed for Alfreton Town in the summer of 2017 signing dual registration forms with Sutton Coldfield on 1 September 2017 but moved to Ilkeston Town in March 2018, and having assisted them in gaining promotion to the Midland Football League Premier Division was retained for the 2018-19 season however, was signed by Nuneaton Borough in January 2019. Nuneaton Borough announced on 1 March 2019 that he had left the club after making only four appearances. Whilst on trial at Basford United during a pre-season match in the summer of 2019, incurred a devastating knee injury to which Basford United responded by donating half the proceeds of a match between Basford and Ilkeston Town on 27 July 2019 where the attendance was 309.

Born: 24 October 1994.

   

Laws Joseph Minto 'Joe'

Laws_Joe

1929-30 and 1931-32 Outside-left

CL     League 44 Apps 15 Goals     Cups 13 Apps 5 Goals

Debut 31 August 1929 Nantwich (Home) Challenge Cup R1

Born in Cornsay, County Durham, started his career with Spennymoor United before moving to Castleford Town (July 1920), Spennymoor United again (September 1920), Grimsby Town (May 1921), Worksop Town (August 1923), York City (summer of 1925), Nottingham Forest (September 1926) and Southport (June 1927).

Signed for Macclesfield in July 1929. During the 1929-30 season he was the only player to be ever-present and also held the outside-left position throughout the season despite several changes of positions within the team as a whole. He scored on his debut and made a useful contribution of 18 goals in a season when the team amassed a total of 181 goals in all competitions. Joe gained a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal in 1930.

Moved to Ashton National for the majority of the 1930-31 season.

Returned to Macclesfield for the 1931-32 season, but could not establish himself in the team only making three appearances but scored two goals. In the end he asked to be released from the club and signed for Chorley in July 1932.

He was mine host of the Green Dragon and later at the George Hotel.

Born: 6 July 1897. Died: 29 August 1952 in Buxton.

 

Lawton A

Lawton_A

1908-09 and 1909-10 Centre-forward

ML     League 35 Apps 24 Goals     Cups 6 Apps  0 Goals

Debut 19 December 1908 Tonge (Home)

Signed for Macclesfield on 17 December 1908. Although he only featured in the second half of the 1908-09 season he was top season scorer with 15 goals, including four in the 5-0 home win against Denton in February 1909, helping the team to win the Manchester League Championship. He started the 1909-10 season as the first choice centre-forward playing regularly until the end of December 1909 when he lost his place to J McAngus.  When Tommy Nolan was injured he returned for the home match against Tyldesley Albion on 5 March 1910 but was unfortunately injured, however, towards the end of the season he returned for the Cheshire Senior Cup Final when the team were runners' up and for one league match. He represented Cheshire County in December 1909.

   

Lawton Jack

1938-39 Forward

CL     League 4 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 21 September 1938 Altrincham (Home)

Played for Manchester North End and was then on the books of Burnley before playing for Altrincham.

Only with Macclesfield for a short time with all his appearances coming within a space of 14 days, his one goal was scored on his debut in the 2-1 win.

   

Laycock George

1901-02 to 1904-05 Defender

#ML     League 46 Apps 2 Goals     Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 7 September 1901 Northwich Victoria (Home)

 
 
 

A product of Macclesfield School Old Boys where he played at centre-half, he signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1901.  During the 1901-02 season his time was divided between the senior and the reserve teams but he was promoted to the senior side for the 1902-03 season. He filled various defender positions with ease (the committee of that time were well known for moving players from one position to another) and was a popular and respected player.  By the 1904-05 season George only played occasionally as he had left Macclesfield to attend college.  He was the son of the vicar of Hurdsfield.

   

Lea Tom

1888-89 to 1892-83  Forward

#TC     League 4 Apps 0 Goals       Cups 2 Apps 1 Goal

Debut 19 April 1889 Bollington (Away)

 

A native of Southport, he moved to Macclesfield from Southport Central Club when he came to work in Macclesfield, making his debut for the side in April 1889.  Scored the only goal in the semi-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup in February 1890, and gained a winners' medal in the competition when he also scored a goal in the 4-1 victory over Nantwich in the final the following month. Also made a handful of appearances in Macclesfield's Combination League side.

By trade he was a tailor working at Swanwick's in Market Place.

   

Leake Albert George

Leake

1960-61 to 1966-67 Defender/Manager

CL    League 207(2)7   Cups 54(0)0

Debut 21 January 1961 Rhyl (Home)

Albert commenced his football career at Stoke City playing for them as an amateur before signing professional forms for Port Vale where he spent 10 years (269 league appearances, 34 goals) where he was captain, a member of the team which won the Third Division (North) title, FA Cup semi-finalists in 1953-54 and ever-present in Vale's 1958-59 Fourth Division title triumph.

Signing for Macclesfield Town in 1961 initially as a player, he was promoted to player/manager in July 1963 on the departure of Frank Bowyer and, like his predecessor, was a firm disciplinarian. Albert was a successful manager: in his first season in charge the team won the Cheshire Senior Cup and were Champions of Cheshire League. In the following three seasons the side finished second, third and fifth in the Cheshire League. 

He left the Moss Rose in April 1967 spending the following 28 years as an education welfare officer.

Represented England at youth level.

Born: 7 April 1930. Died: 24 July 1999.

 

Leary Liam

Leary_Liam

2012-13

NC     Cups 1(0)0

Debut 26 February 2013 Stalybridge Celtic (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup R2

A member of the Macclesfield Youth Team. His one appearance came when members of the youth team where fielded for the Cheshire Senior Cup tie. Released at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Since leaving Macclesfield Liam has played for Vauxhall Motors, Bootle FC, Waterloo GSOB and Alder FC.

   

Leather John

1893-94 to 1895-96 Goalkeeper

#TC     League 20 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 8 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 23 September 1893 Stockport County (Home)

 

For the 1893-94 and 1894-95 seasons was the reserve 'keeper to Jack Kent, but succeeded Kent when he moved to Congleton, playing throughout the 1895-96 season gaining a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

 

Moved to Woolwich Arsenal on leaving Macclesfield where he made 10 senior appearances between 1896 and 1898 and signed for Queens Park Rangers in August 1898.

   

Leaver Derek

Leaver_Derek

1957-58 Forward

CL  League 16 Apps 7 Goals    Cups 3 Apps 4 Goals

Debut 24 August 1957 Buxton (Home)

Started his career as an amateur at Burnley before signing for Blackburn Rovers, his home town team, in April 1949

(14 league appearances, five goals), moving to Bournemouth in July 1955 (29 appearances, five goals) and then Crewe Alexandra in March 1956 (28 appearances, five goals).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1957 appearing regularly in the first half of the season.  He scored on his debut and netted a hat-trick in the 5-4 home win against Winsford United in the FA Cup preliminary round.

On leaving the Moss Rose signed for Mossley completing the 1957-58 season with them.

On retiring from playing ran Leaver's Pie Shop at Ewood.

Born: 13 November 1930. Died: 24 March 2013.

 

Ledgar Jimmy

1961-62 Winger

CL   League 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 18 November 1961 Bangor City (Away)

With Keith Goalen injured, reserve team player Ledgar was introduced.  His firm tackling was not appreciated by the Bangor supporters who 'got on his back' which had a detrimental effect on his game.  At one stage of the match his tackle gashed a Bangor player resulting in the referee inspecting Ledgar's boots and sending him off to have a nail knocked back in.  This proved to be his sole appearance for the senior side.

 

Lee Andy

1937-38 Left-back

CL    League 19 Apps 0 Goals   Cups 4 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 27 November 1937 Runcorn (Home)

Prior to joining Macclesfield in November 1937 he played for Wisbech (on two occasions), Peterborough and Glentoran. A consistent performer, Andy was ever-present in the side from his debut until the final few matches of the season. He had already incurred a knee injury during this time but injured his knee again, which sidelined him to the end of the season.  After the summer break he played in a pre-season match in 1938, but his knee gave way again and had to be carried off the pitch.  Unfortunately this injury ended his football career.

 

Lee Brian

1970-71 to 1972-73 Defender

NPL    League 18(1)0   Cups 3(2)0

Debut 26 January 1971 Chorley (Away) NW Floodlit League

A local amateur who was a member of the reserve team normally used as a stand in for the senior side.

 

Lee E

1927-28 Outside-left

 

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 3 September 1927 Sandbach Ramblers (Away)

 

Hailed from Langwith, near Mansfield.Previously with Grantham he was given an early season one match trial with Macclesfield, and was one of 10 players who only made a single appearance during the 1927-28 season.

   

Lee Jack E

Lee_Jack

1919-1920, 1922-23 and 1923-24 Goalkeeper

CL     League 44 Apps 2 Goals     Cups 11 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 5 April 1920 Witton Albion (Away) Cheshire League Subsidiary Competition

Played for Cradley Heath before serving in the Army during WW1.

On the books of Aston Villa from March 1919 (18 league appearances) and during his time there was given a one match trial at Macclesfield on 5 April 1920 but was not signed at that time. He then moved to Stoke in August 1921 (22 league appearances).

Signed by Macclesfield in the summer 1922. He shared goalkeeping duties with Joseph Anderton in the 1922-23 season, but at the start of the following season he was the first choice 'keeper. Even though he had been ever-present until early January 1924 he then lost his place to H. Wood.  Whilst at Macclesfield he liked to take penalty kicks and was successful on two occasions.

In May 1923 was appointed Caretaker at the Macclesfield Trades Hall (length of time in that appointment is unnknown)

Signed for Stourbridge in the summer of 1925.

Born: 12 April 1892. Died 1995.

   

Lee Thomas 'Tommy'

Tommy Lee

2005-06 to 2007-08 Goalkeeper

FL    League 62(1)0    Cups 4(0)0

Debut 15 February 2006 Oxford United (Away)

Having spent a successful three month loan spell at the Moss Rose in the 2005-06 season from Manchester United, where he had been a member of the Academy, Tommy moved to Macclesfield on a permanent basis in the summer of 2006.  He shared goalkeeping duties with Jon Brain in the early part of the season but picked up an injury which left him side-lined for a period during which time Jon Brain broke a leg.  On recovering to full fitness, Tommy returned to the side and, other than for one match, was Macclesfield’s sole ‘keeper for the second half of the season.  His performance improved as the campaign progressed, and on more than one occasion he kept the side in the game with some excellent saves. Tommy continued as a member of the Silkmen squad, and was first choice ‘keeper in the 2007-08 season until he broke his hand in November when he was replaced by Jon Brain. From March 2008 to the end of the season Tommy was loaned to Rochdale (11 appearances) when he appeared in the Coca-Cola League Two Play-off Final at Wembley. In the summer of 2008 he signed for Chesterfield.

Announced on 6 November 2017 that Tommy had been forced into early retirement at the age of 31 due to a shoulder injury. Having featured in two League Two title-winning sides and helped Chesterfield win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in 2012, he made a total of 373 appearances in all competitions for Chesterfield and at the time of his retirement was 15th in the club's all-time appearances.

As part of his Testimonial, in conjunction with local Brewery, Brampton, Tommy has launched the Brampton Brewery TestimoniALE 373 ale from which it is assumed a portion of the profits will be assigned to his Testimonial Fund. The name of the ale recognises Tommy's 373 appearances for Chesterfield.

Having retired from playing Tommy was appointed Goalkeeping Coach at the Sheffield Wednesday Academy in August 2018. In May 2020 moved to a position within the Sheffield United academy managed by Jack Lester who played alongside Tommy at Chesterfield. In October 2022 was appointed Lead Goalkeeping Coach at Manchester United's Academy replacing former Silkman Alan Fettis.

Born: Keighley, 3 January 1986.

 

Lee W

1886-87 to 1888-89

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

 

A member of the Macclesfield FC reserve team who made the occasional senior appearance during his three seasons with the club.

   

Lees

1899-1900 Goalkeeper

 

#NSL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 23 September 1899 Leek (Away)

 

Stop-gap 'keeper for the Hallefield-Macclesfield side at the beginning of the1899-1900  season until the appointment of Ennis.

   

Lees Fowen

1885-86 and 1886-87

Debut - unknown due to missing match information

 

A member of Macclesfield's reserve team who also appeared at senior level mainly during the 1886-87 season.

   

Lees Terence 'Terry'

Lees_Terry

1985-86 Midfielder/defender

NPL    League 28(0)0    Cups 10(0)0

Debut 24 August 1985 Goole Town (Away)

Terry was a highly experienced and much travelled defender whose football career started as a member of the youth team at Stoke City in 1968 and concluded at Macclesfield in 1986.

Turned professional in July 1969 at Stoke City where he remained until 1975 making 24 league appearances. However, he spent time on loan firstly in South Africa playing for Cape Town City and secondly at Crewe Alexandra. In 1975 he made 16 league appearances and scored one goal for San Jose Earthquakes in the North American Soccer League.  On his return to England he signed for Port Vale (41 league appearances and two goals) who paid Stoke City a fee of £3,000 for his services. In August 1976 he was sold to Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam (33 league appearances and one goal) for a fee of £25,000 in the Eredivisie and then spent two years from 1977 to 1979 with top-flight club Roda JC.

On his return to England he signed for Birmingham City (12 league appearances) in 1979 and then Newport County (25 league appearances) in 1982. After a short spell in Hong King in 1982 playing for Morning Star he returned to Dutch football with DS'79 in 1982 helping them to win the Eerste Divisie title in the 1982-83 season. Unfortunately in the 1982-84 season the club completed the season in bottom place.

Returning to the England again he signed for Stafford Rangers (1984), Altrincham (1984) and Scunthorpe United (1984-85) where he made 31 league appearances and scored one goal.

To complete his career he spent the 1985-86 season at Macclesfield Town where he featured regularly in the team.

After retiring as a player he was manager at non-League clubs Hanley Town, Kidsgrove Athletic and Ball Haye Green and was also assistant manager at Meir K.A. 

On leaving football he managed a burger van.

Born: 30 June 1952.

 

Leese A

1927-28 Inside-right

 

CL     League 3 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 7 September 1927 Nantwich (Home)

 

From the Potteries, he was one of eight different players used throughout the season at inside-right. 

   

Leese Dave

1974-75 Utility

NPL    League 7(0)0    Cups 1(0)0

Debut 21 September 1974 Matlock Town (Home)

Dave played mainly for the reserve team.

 

Leicester Stuart John

Leicester

1992-93 and 1993-94 Midfielder

Conf    League 35(6)2    Cups 19(1)5

Debut 25 August 1992 Runcorn (Away)

A speedy winger signed from Stalybridge having started his football career at Irlam. Another player who attracted the interest of Football League scouts including Preston North End. Whilst playing for Macclesfield, he was chef at the Fools Nook pub where his father was the licensee.

Moved back to Stalybridge Celtic initially on loan but then permanently for a fee of £750 (158 appearances, 16 goals).  Then played for Witton Albion (September 1994 to May 1995, 43 appearances, one goal), Ashton United (four appearances), Leek Town 49 appearances), Radcliffe Borough and Flixton after which he undertook a coaching role at Manchester University with their first team. Also a member of Manchester United's Academy where he is a coach for the Under 12s. Recognised alongside others in the 2020 UK Coaching Awards for their efforts in developing Manchester United and England player Marcus Rashford's talents. In December 2020 was appointed Lead Coach with Manchester United Schoolboys Scholarship.

 

Leigh

1911-12 Outside-left

 

ML     League 1 App 0 Goals

 

LC      League 2 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 9 September 1911 Stalybridge Celtic (Home)

 

A Mancunian, it would appear that he was signed by Macclesfield in the summer of 1911, however, he did not establish himself in either the Manchester League or the Lancashire Combination teams. His three appearances came in September and October 1911 and January 1912.

Leigh Gordon

Leigh_Gordon

 

1957-58 Inside-right

CL  League 14 Apps 3 Goals 

Debut 16 November 1957 Port Vale (Home)

Came into the side when they were struggling to find any sort of form, and was perhaps unfortunate that in his first nine appearances there was only one victory, however, he was on the score sheet for the home win against Runcorn. Gordon's daughter, Andrea Priestley, has informed us that her father joined the Silkmen probably after completing his National Service and that he had played football during his Army days.  Gordon died in 1996.

 

Lennard A

1906-07 and 1907-08 Outside-right

 

ML     League 4 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 29 March 1907 Denton (Home)

 

Made a single appearance in the 1906-07 season, possibly on trial, and was signed for the Macclesfield reserve team for the 1907-08 season.  Lennard played in three consecutive  senior matches in March 1908 deputising for Trueman when he was out of contention due to illness.

   

Lennon John

1996-97

Conf    Cups 1(0)0

Debut 11 March 1997 Nantwich Town (Away) Cheshire Senior Cup Semi-final

John made just one senior appearance for the Silkmen in the second leg of the Semi-final of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

 

Lennon Pat

1993-94 Goalkeeper

Conf    League 3(0)0

Debut 24 August 1993 Bromsgrove Rovers (Home)

His three appearances came at the beginning of the season in place of the regular ‘keeper Steve Farrelly in Sammy McIlroy’s first season in charge as manager.

 

Levendis Andy

Levendis_Andy

1996-97

Conf    Cups 3(5)0

Debut 19 March 1997 Sub Morecambe (Away) Spalding Challenge Cup Semi-final L1

Andy moved to the Moss Rose from Oldham Athletic. He was used solely in Cup competitions, including appearing in the two legs of both the Semi-final and the Final of the Spalding Challenge Cup when Macclesfield finished as runners-up.  Also gained a winners' medal in the Staffordshire Senior Cup in 1997.

On leaving the Moss Rose, Andy moved to Caernarfon Town (one appearance) then signed for Witton Albion (August to September 1997, four appearances) after which he played for Stalybridge Celtic, Winsford United, Glossop North End, Abbey Hey, Glossop North End, Atherton Collieries and Abbey Hey.

Andy is a capable musician. He is Director of Music at Manchester based Xaverian College, plays the violin in a classical string quartet, plays in a Greek/Jazz band and leads ensembles across the North West.

 

Lewis

1919-20 Outside-left

 

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 17 April 1920 Mossley (Away) Cheshire League Subsidiary Competition

 

Joined Macclesfield from Moston, Manchester in March 1920 at a time when Macclesfield were clearing a back-log of matches, especially in the Subsidiary Competition. Said to have declined an approach from Blackpool.

   

Lewis Paul James

Lewis_Paul 

2012-13 to 2016-17 Midfielder

NC      League 73(22)16     Cups 17(5)3

Debut 31 October 2012 Sub Stockport County Cheshire Senior Cup Round 1

An energetic central midfielder who first joined Macclesfield at the age of 16 from Everton progressing to the youth team. Appeared in both the Cheshire Senior Cup matches for the 2012-13 season scoring a penalty in the second tie against Stalybridge Celtic.

Gained his first professional contract in the summer of 2013. In the early part of the 2013-14 season Paul was used sparingly and was unavailable for a time due to a groin strain. Gradually he was used more frequently and by the end of the season had established himself as a reliable member of the side growing in strength and ability all the time. His league goal was the winning goal scored in the 90th minute in the 3-2 victory at Forest Green Rovers in October 2013.

Paul was regularly in the starting line-up from the beginning of the 2014-15 season performing as strongly as ever. He was unfortunate to break his collar bone in the first minute of the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying round replay at Wrexham at the end of October 2014 which left him out of contention until 17 January 2015 when he returned for the away match at Kidderminster, and then featured regularly in the starting line-up for the remainder of the season. He was voted the most improved player for the 2014-15 season and gained a winners' medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup competition.

Paul was dogged by injury during the 2015-16 season with the result that he only featured in 28 of the 54 matches, nevertheless, when he was in the team he made some strong and telling midfield performances scoring  five goals including the winner against Guiseley at the Moss Rose.

In the first half of the 2016-17 season Paul was a regular in the side only missing a few matches through injury.  His best performance came against top-of-the table Tranmere Rovers at the Moss Rose on 1 January 2017 when his hat-trick earned the Silkmen a well deserved victory.

Signed a three and a half year contract with Cambridge United on 13 January 2017, Macclesfield receiving an undisclosed fee. Spent time on loan to Dover Athletic in September 2017. Signed for Tranmere Rovers in the summer of 2020 moving to Northampton Town in the summer of 2021 on a two-year contract but was released by Northampton in the summer of 2022 when he returned to Tranmere Rovers signing a two-year deal.

Born: 17 December 1994.

 

Leyfield John George

'Jack'

1956-57 Right-half

CL  League 32 Apps 1 Goal    Cups 8 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 18 August 1956 Buxton (Home)

Started off as an amateur with Chester before signing for Wrexham in July 1946 (34 league appearances, one goal) moving to Southport in September 1950 (26 appearances). Then played for Non-League sides Ellesmere Port and Winsford United.

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1956 featuring regularly in the starting line-up throughout his sole season at the Moss Rose and was the club captain for the team which reached the Semi-final of the Cheshire Challenge Cup.

Born: 5 August 1923. Died: 21 December 2014.

 

Liburd Patrece Ovel

Liburd_Patrece

2008-09 Defender

FL    League 1(0)0

Debut 2 May 2009 Grimsby Town (Away)

Patrece commenced his career with Bradford City centre of Excellence  before moving to Nottingham Forest where he played in the youth and reserve sides.  When he was released, after a short trial with Cardiff City, he joined Guiseley, then Worcester City, Garforth Town and Dorchester Town where he was made team captain.  When Dorchester encountered financial problems, Patrece was released in February 2009.

After a trial at Macclesfield he signed non-contract forms to the end of the 2008-09 season. Patrece made his Football League debut in his one and only appearance at centre-back for the Silkmen in their last match of the 2008-09 campaign, at a time when other defenders were out of contention through injury. 

Signed for Farsley Celtic in the summer of 2009 and in July 2010 signed for Belgium Fourth Division club Royal Racing Club Montegnee, returning to the UK in 2012.  Since then he has played for Thackley AFC, Harrogate Town, Garforth Town, Cuzon Ashton, Frickley Athletic, Ossett Town and Worksop Town. There are no records of his playing career extending beyond 2013.

At international level has represented St Kitts and Nevis in World Cup qualifying games.

Born: Leeds, 1 March 1988.

 

Liddle Johnny

1946-47 and 1947-48 Goalkeeper

CL    League 40 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 6 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 30 November 1946 Witton Albion (Away)

Johnny's football career started with Manchester Boys, and having spent two seasons with Altrincham he signed professional forms with Aldershot. He was a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF where he was a sports' officer.  During the Second World War he guested for Manchester United, Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers and Mossley. After the war he left Aldershot due to a housing shortage returning north where he made two appearances for Mossley.

With Foxcroft leaving the Silkmen at short notice in November 1946, Macclesfield signed Johnny as their regular goalkeeper.  He was recognised as a talented ‘keeper who played many brilliant games and was almost ever-present until he moved to Wellington in November 1947.

   

Lievesley Wilfred

Lievesley_Wilfred

1930-31 Inside-right

CL    League 26 Apps 20 Goals     Cups 5 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 30 August 1930 Nantwich (Home)

Started his career at in his home town playing for Staveley Old Boys before moving to Derby County (May 1920), and then Manchester United (October1922) but only made two senior league appearances there. Wilfred spent the next five years from August 1923 with Exeter City making almost 100 league appearances and scored 38 goals. He then partnered Cecil Smith (see separate entry) at Wigan Borough in the 1928-29 season before moving to Cardiff City in May 1929 where he scored over 30 goals for their reserve side and made three appearances with the First Division side.

Wilfred signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1930 regularly filling the inside-right position from  the start of the season until  March 1931. He was a stylish performer with a good shot, scoring 20 league goals including a hat-trick in the 6-1 home win against Altrincham in November 1930.

Signed for Matlock Town in July 1933 and completed his career with Haydock Colliery.

One of three footballing brothers. Fred played for Manchester City, Southend United and Rotherham United. Joe, a goalkeeper, played for Sheffield United and Arsenal.

Born: 6 October 1902. Died 21 February 1979.

 

Lightbourne Kyle Lavince

Kyle Lightbourne

2001-02 and 2002-03 Forward

FL    League 61(12)14    Cups 7(0)3

Debut 11 August 2001 Swansea City (Home)

Kyle represented Bermuda at international level in both football (Youth and 22 senior appearances) and cricket, first playing football in Bermuda for the Pembroke Zebras.  His English football career started at Scarborough in December 1992 (19 league appearances, three goals). On leaving Scarborough he signed for Walsall (165 appearances, 65 goals), then Coventry City in July 1997 for a fee of £500,000 (seven appearances), spending time on loan at Fulham from January 1998 (four appearances, two goals). Signed for Stoke City in February 1998 for a fee of £500,000

(111 appearances, 21 goals) going out on loan to Swindon Town in January 2001 (two appearances), and Cardiff City in February 2001 (three appearances).

Signed for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2001. In his first season he found it difficult to settle into his striker’s role partly because of an ankle injury spending time on loan at Hull City in March 2002 (four appearances), but enjoyed an injury free second season when he made a useful contribution showing more pace up front and good defensive work against set pieces, scoring 13 goals including his 100th Football League goal. 

Kyle was released in the summer of 2003 when he returned home to become the manager of the Bermuda National Football Team for the 2004-05 season after which he took a career break. He was part of the management team (although still registered as a player) of the Bermuda Hogges from 2007 to 2009, alongside Shaun Goater. Having retired from playing Kyle continued his management career with PHC Zebras (2010-11), Walsall (forward coach - 2011-12) and then Robin Hood (2012-13 to 2016-17).

Returned to the international scene as manager of the Bermuda Under 20 side for the 2015-16 season (initially combining his duties as manager at Robin Hood from 2015-16 to 2016-17), and was then appointed assistant manager and later caretaker manager of the National team before becoming manager again in July 2018 remaining as manager until May 2023 when his contract was not renewed.

Born: Bermuda, 29 September 1968

 

Lillis Mark Anthony

Mark Lillis

1993-94 and 1994-95 Defender

Conf    League 35(2)0    Cups 19(5)1

Debut 21 August 1993 Bath City (Away)

An apprentice at Manchester City, his professional career began at Huddersfield in July 1997 (206 league appearances, 56 goals) where he was captain for two years. He then returned to Manchester City in June 1985 for a fee of £130,000 (39 appearances, 11 goals), moving to Derby County in August 1986 for a fee of £200,000 (15 appearances, one goal), and then Aston Villa in September 1987 for a fee of £130,000 (31 appearances, four goals), Scunthorpe United in September 1989 (68 appearances, 23 goals), Stockport County in September 1991 for a fee of £40,000 (11 appearances, two goals) and Witton Albion (August 1992 to May 1993, 48 appearances, two goals).

Signing for Macclesfield Town in the summer of 1993 Mark played in the majority of the matches in his first season but was appointed coach for the 1994-95 season with his player registration retained although he only made four appearances. In 1994 gained winners' medals in the Conference League Cup and Staffordshire Senior Cup competitions.

When he left the Moss Rose he was appointed Youth Team manager at Huddersfield Town becoming assistant manager at Scunthorpe in 1996. His first full managerial appointment was at Halifax Town in 1999 which he held until September 2000.  In March 2003 he was caretaker-manager of Derby and, also in March 2003, he became assistant to Sammy McIlroy in charge of the Northern Ireland side. When Sammy McIlroy was appointed manager at Stockport County, Mark was again his assistant and when McIlroy quit the job Mark was caretaker-manager until December 2004.

Yet again Mark became assistant to Sammy McIlroy, on this occasion at Morecambe, a position he held until the end of the 2010-11 season when they both left the club by mutual consent.

Subsequently Mark was appointed Academy Manager at Huddersfield Town and in February 2012 was given temporary responsibility for the first team on the departure of the manager. Mark left Huddersfield in 2016 having been their Academy Manager for four and half years at the time of a review of the Youth System as a whole. In 2017 was appointed Assistant Manager to John Gregory at Indian Super League Club Chennaiyin FC.  Returned to the UK at an unknown date. Appointed assistant manager at Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2020, a role he last held in 1996-1999. Along with manager Neil Cox, left Scunthorpe United on 1 November 2021.

Born: 17 January 1960.

 

Lindfield Craig Anthony

Craig Linfield

2009-10 Forward/midfielder

FL    League 12(6)2

Debut 23 January 2010 Sub Port Vale (Away)

Craig spent ten years in the Liverpool Academy before being promoted to the first team squad in August 2006 and scored in his first match, a friendly at Crewe.  He gained league experience with loan spells at Notts County in November 2007 (three appearances, one goal), Chester in January 2008 (five appearances, two goals), Bournemouth in August 2008 (three appearances, one goal) and Accrington Stanley in January 2009 (20 appearances, two goals). 

He left Liverpool in August 2009 and had trials with a number of clubs before signing for Macclesfield on Christmas Eve 2009. The inclement weather meant that he had to wait until 23 January 2010 to make his debut against Port Vale. He made a further 17 appearances either as a striker or as midfield cover. 

An enthusiastic player, nevertheless, he was released by Macclesfield in the summer of 2010 when he signed for Accrington Stanley, moving to Chester  in the summer of 2013 and FC United in 2014 where he made 67 appearances and scored 19 goals. Signed for manager Sean Hessey (former Silkman) at Marine in the summer of 2016. After Sean Hessey's dismissal as manager, Craig's contract was cancelled by mutual agreement at the end of February 2017, however, he signed for Trafford in early March 2017. Returned to FC United in the summer of 2017 and having been released at the end of the 2017-18 season signed for Nantwich Town. Whilst Nantwich held Craig's registration as a non-contract player he also signed for Runcorn Town in September 2018 and Curzon Ashton in January 2019, and as such was registered to three clubs. In February 2019 Craig moved from Curzon Ashton to Radcliffe FC at which time Nantwich Town released his registration with them. Runcorn Town continue to list his profile as a current player, therefore, it would appear that a dual registration remains with them. In August 2019 returned to Marine moving on to Runcorn Linnets in January 2020. Remained with Runcorn Linnets for the 2021-22 season although returned to match action late due to recuperation from an operation in May 2021. Joined Cymru North side Colwyn Bay in January 2022 and was retained for the 2022-23 season when he helped them to win the Cymru North League and were promoted to the Cymru Premier League. Unable to commit to the additional travelling and wanting to put his family first, he regretfully left the club who had appreciated his efforts both on and off the pitch. Signed for Airbus UK Broughton, who were relegated to Cymru North at the end of the 2022-23 season, in the summer of 2023 providing Craig with less travelling and a club nearer to his home in Liverpool.

Craig played for the England Under-19 side in the 2006-07 season on seven occasions.

Away from football Craig graduated from Staffordshire Univeristy with a Batchelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 2014 and was a part-time student at Liverpool John Moores University on a Quantity Surveying course from 2014-19.

His career has  taken him to Carillion as an estimator (March 2104-January 2018), Vermont Construction as an assistant quantity surveyor (February 2018 to March 2021) and Caddick Construction Ltd as a quantity surveyor (March 2021 onwards).

Born: Birkenhead, 7 September 1988.

 

Lindsay

1956-57 Goalkeeper

 

CL League 1 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 10 November 1956 Bangor City (Away)

 

This was a trial match for the young 'keeper who  took the place of regular 'keeper Dave Jones.

   

Lingard EA

Lingard EA

1913-14 and 1914-15 Outside-left

LC     League 39 Apps 7 Goals     Cups 4 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 6 September 1913 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Home)

 Prior to signing for Macclesfield in the summer of 1913 he had played for Tranmere Rovers and Hindley Central and during the 1912-13 season had a trial with Nottingham Forest reserve team. Went straight into the team and was almost ever-present until the middle of December 1913 when he was injured with torn stomach muscles towards the end of the match at Nantwich. A tricky winger, it was reported that he was one of the team's best players. He returned for the home match against Witton Albion on 31 January 1914 and went on to help the side win promotion from the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination.

He featured regularly in the First Division side in the 1914-15 season until January 1915 when he resigned so that he could devote more time to his business. However, played for Altrincham in the war time leagues in 1915-16 and 1917-18.

(Thanks go to Terry Growley of FC Halifax Town for the information relating to the war time leagues)

   

Little Colin Campbell

Colin Little

2002-03 and 2003-04 Forward/midfielder

FL    22(8)6    Cups 5(0)1

Debut 14 December 2002 Rushden & Diamonds (Home)

Started his career at Altrincham, before moving to  Wythenshawe Town, Rossendale, and Hyde United (97 appearances, 56 goals), signing for Crewe Alexandra in February 1996 for a fee of £50,000 (193 league appearances, 33 goals) where he was a member of the side which defeated Brentford in the play-off final at Wembley in 1997. Whilst at Crewe spent time on loan at Mansfield Town (five appearances)

Colin had two loan spells at Macclesfield in the 2002-03 season, the first ending in the eighth minute of his first match with a reoccurrence of a hamstring injury, but he returned to play his part in the Silkmen’s successful battle against relegation.  He signed permanently in the summer of 2003 when he was asked to play in a wide-left midfield position rather than in his more accustomed role as a striker.  Nevertheless, he gave some sterling performances and always made an impact when coming on from the substitutes’ bench. 

He left the club in March 2004 and shortly after signed for Halifax Town (eight appearances, two goals) and later moved to Altrincham (278 appearances, 114 goals). He left Altrincham at the end of the 2009-10 season to take up the appointment of Assistant Coach to Manchester United under 13s team and to play for FC United of Manchester

(3 appearances, two goals).  Being on the coaching staff at Manchester United, Colin is credited with having played his part in the development of striker Marcus Rashford. More recently played for Radcliffe Borough (one appearance), New Mills (one appearance) and Witton Albion (October to November 2010, four appearances, one goal). He then retired from playing semi-professional football although continued to turn out for Sunday League teams in the Wythenshawe area.  Colin continues to work at Manchester United where he is an Under 18s coach. In 2020 recognised alongside others at the UK Coaching Awards for their efforts in developing Manchester United and England player Marcus Rashford's talents. In October 2022 Mancheter United announced that that Colin had been appointed (Lead) Coach for the Under 18s.

In 2018 as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the formation of the Northern Premier League (now the Evo-stik League) a vote was held to find the top 100 NPL players in which Colin was in 69th position.

Born: Wythenshawe, Manchester, 4 November 1972.

   

Littlejohn

1919-20 Inside-left

 

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 6 September 1919 Crewe Alexandra Reserves (Home)

Having appeared in a pre-season practice match he was given a one match trial in the senior side, however, he was not retained.

   

Livesley

1907-08 Forward

 

ML     Cups 2 Apps 1 Goal

 

Debut 14 October 1907 Buxton FA Cup replay 2

 

There is no information recorded for this player whose two appearances both came in the FA Cup competition when he played place of Howarth and then in place of Tommy Nolan. On his debut he scored the first goal in the 3-2 victory.

   

Livsey C

Livsey_C

1899-1900 and 1901-02 Inside-left

NSL      League 6 Apps 2 Goals

#ML     League 4 Apps 1 Goal      Cups 3 Apps 1 Goal  

Debut 11 November 1899 Stone Town (Home)

A local player who initially featured in the Hallefield-Macclesfield side in the North Staffordshire and District League.  Re-signed in the summer of 1901 but only appears to have featured in a few matches, his last appearance being recorded on 23 November 1901.

Played for Bollington Cross FC during the 1900-01 season when they won the Macclesfield and District Charity Cup.

   

Lloyd Brian William

1967-68 Goalkeeper

CL    League 1(0)0

Debut 3 February 1968 Wrexham Reserves (Away)

Lloyd_Brian

Born in St Asaph, Wales he was a youth team player with Rhyl commencing his professional career at Stockport County in March 1967 who signed him for a fee of £1,000 (32 league appearances)

Whilst at Stockport he played one match on loan at Macclesfield Town. The match with Wrexham Reserves was the first match after the famous FA Cup match against Fulham.  Some of the senior players were rested including goalkeeper John Cooke for whom Brian deputised.  The Silkmen won this match with a score-line of 2-1.

Moved to Southend United in September 1969 for a fee of £10,000 (46 appearances) returning to North Wales in August 1971 when he signed for Wrexham (266 appearances). Moved to Chester City in September 1977 for a fee of £6,000

(94 appearances) where he was named Player of the Season in 1977-98.  Following an injury he lost his place spending time on loan at Port Vale in February 1981 (16 appearances). On his release by Chester he returned to Stockport County in the summer of 1981 (91 appearances, one goal against Bradford City in 1982). On leaving Stockport he dropped into Non-League football returning to his native Wales playing for Bangor City, then Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Lex XI.

Capped three times at senior level for Wales having made two appearances for the Welsh Under 23 side.

Following his retirement from playing became a self-employed design consultant in Wrexham having started out on that road after leaving school.  Has won awards for his architectural work.

Born: 18 March 1948.

Photograph from Football Database.eu

   

Lloyd Ernest 'Ernie'

1914-15 and 1922-23 Winger

LC     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals      Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 24 October 1914 Altrincham (Home) FA Cup Q2

 
 
 

Started at Saltney before signing for Chester (September 1912) and then Stockport County (May 1914) where he made 11 senior appearances from December 1914 to February 1915.

Made just a single appearance, probably on trial, for Macclesfield in October 1914.

After WW1 he signed for Crichton's Athletic in 1919 and then Winsford United (April 1920), Wrexham (May 1921) and Ellesmere Port Cement Works (August 1922).

He returned to Macclesfield in May 1923 when he featured in two end-of-season matches.

Signed for Rhyl Athletic in June 1923 and then Chester (summer 1924), Rhos (September 1925), Flint Town (September 1926) completing his career with Sandbach Ramblers.

 

Lloyd Norman William

McClean 'Norrie'

Lloyd_Norrie

1975-76 Midfielder

NPL    League 33(1)0    Cups 15(0)3

Debut 16 August 1975 Gateshead United (Home)

Started his career with Twechar YC moving into the professional ranks with Preston North End in September 1966

(19 league appearances, six goals) spending time on loan at Stockport County in January 1971 (10 appearances). Moved to Southport in July 1971 (103 appearances, 13 goals) where was a member of their Fourth Division championship sides in 1970-71and 1972-73 and then Stockport County on a permanent basis in July 1974 (38 appearances, two goals).

Brought into the Macclesfield Town team in the summer of 1975 at the same time as Jim O’Connor to provide experience in the midfield.

On leaving the Moss Rose he played for Darwen and then Leyland Motors.

He later became a publican in Leyland and also ran two further pubs in Preston, later moving to Spain but has subsequently retired.

Born: 6 September 1949.

 

Lloyd Ryan Anthony

Lloyd_Ryan

2017-18 and 2018-19 Midfielder

NL     League 25(2)4     Cups 2(0)0

FL      League 11(2)0     Cups 1(0)0

Debut 5 August 2017 Wrexham (Away)

Started his career at Port Vale in the club’s under nine side working his way through the ranks to their youth system to become a member of the professional staff making his senior debut on 30 April 2011. He made 12 senior league appearances for Port Vale but spent time on loan at Tamworth in 2013 and two loan spells at Chester during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons where he made a total 71 appearances in all competitions. With limited opportunities for first team football at Port Vale, Ryan was released at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Signed a two-year contract with Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2017. A regular in the starting line-up usually on the left wing in the first half of the season, Ryan had made this position his own until an Achilles injury forced him out of contention at the end of January 2018 ending his season, although he returned as an unused substitute for the final match. His 54th minute goal at Maidenhead on 25 November 2017 was voted 'Goal of the Season' when he hit a stunning long range shot from just inside the Maidenhead half, the ball hitting the back of the net without bouncing. Gained a Vanarama National League championship medal for the 2017-18 season.

Ryan missed the start of the 2018-19 season due to the re-occurrence of an old injury for which he had to wear a protective boot keeping out of contention until 3 November 2018. He then featured regularly until he injured an ankle during the home match against Swindon on 5 January 2019. Having recovered, with other players having established themselves in midfield positions, he only made two further appearances, the last of which was in the home match against MK Dons on 9 March 2019. Having been released by Macclesfield Town in the summer of 2019 signed for Port Vale to rejoin manager John Askey. Was released by Port Vale in the summer of 2020 going on to sign for Hereford in October 2020 with his contract extended for the 2021-22 season and extended again for the 2022-23 season after which he was released.

Born: 1 February 1994.

 
   

Lloyd Tom

1901-02 Goalkeeper

 

#ML     League 10 Apps 0 Goals

 

21 December 1901 Berry's (Home)

 

Moved from Crewe, taking over goalkeeping duties from AG Hawley but was replaced by Frank Smith towards the end of the season after a run of defeats.

   

Locke Stuart

Locke_Stuart

1993-94 to 1995-96 Defender

Conf    League 32(3)0    Cups 22(2)0

Debut 22 March 1994 Southport (Away)

When Stuart came to Macclesfield he was described as a promising young defender who had been an apprentice at Manchester City. He spent two years at Northwich Victoria before moving to Stalybridge and then to Macclesfield Town.

During his time as a Silkmen, Stuart faced competition for the right-back position, initially from George Shepherd whose place he took for almost four months after he was injured, and then Dave Norman and Cec Edey. Gained a winners' medal in the Staffordshire Senior Cup competition in 1994 and played a part in Conference Championship side in the 1994-95 season.

He moved to Flixton on a long term loan early in 1996 where he was member of the team who were champions of the NWCL Division 1 and was signed by Leek Town the following summer where he helped them become champions of the NPL Premier League. Was then with Leigh RMI, where he again enjoyed success when Leigh were crowned champions of the NPL Premier League. Re-joined Stalybridge Celtic where he won a third NPL Premier League champions medal before signing non-contract forms with Altrincham in September 2001 from where he was released in November 2001 due to injury re-appearing for the 2002-03 pre-season games, but went on to sign for Droylsden.

He is now based in Hazel Grove and has worked as a HGV driver.

Born: 29 November 1972.

 

Lockton

1956-57 Left-half

CL  League 33 Apps 0 Goals  Cups 10 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 18 August 1956 Buxton (Home)

Started his career at Leeds United before playing a single match in August 1955 for Witton Albion after which he played for Fleetwood.

Signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1956 and was almost ever-present until March 1957 when he was often replaced by Ridgway.  Resigned from the club in January 1958.

 

Lodge Paul

Lodge_Paul

1987-88 and 1988-89 Midfielder

Conf    League 11(3)0    Cups 2(1)1

Debut 30 January 1988 Enfield (Away)

Paul’s career started at Everton as an apprentice moving to the professional ranks in February 1979 (24 league appearances) from where he spent time on loan at Wigan Athletic from August 1982 (five appearances, one goal) and Rotherham United in January 1983 (four appearances). He moved to Preston North End in February 1983

(38 appearances) and Bolton Wanderers in July 1984 (four appearances) spending a short time on loan at Port Vale in November 1984 (three appearances) before signing for Stockport County in March 1985 (13 appearances, one goal).  He then moved into the Non-League scene with Southport, including a spell as caretaker-manager (235 appearances, nine goals). 

Spent 18 months at Macclesfield Town although he was not a regular in the side.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Witton Albion (September 1988 to September 1991, 180 appearances, 10 goals), then Morecambe for a fee of £3,000, Lancaster City, Chorley, Burscough and Bangor City (five appearances).

On retiring from playing embarked on a managerial career firstly as assistant manager at Stalybridge Celtic, then manager at St Helens Town (Summer 2003 to January 2004), Youth Coach at Accrington Stanley, manager at Chorley and then Academy Manager at Accrington Stanley combining these duties with his role as Head Coach at Accrington & Rossendale College. In November 2020 retired from his role as Head of Academy at Accrington Stanley.

Born: 13 February 1961.

 

Lomas Frank

Lomas_Frank

1909-10, 1911-12, 1914-15 and 1919-20 Left-half

ML    League 17 Apps 0 Goals     Cups 6 Apps 0 Goals

LC     League 20 Apps 3 Goals     Cups 2 Apps 0 Goals

CL     Cups 1 App 0 Goals

Debut 4 September 1909 Northwich Victoria (Home)

A Macclesfield lad, Frank was playing for Buxton in the 1906-07 season but was signed from Congleton Town appearing for Macclesfield's Manchester League team in the 1909-10 season, although he was primarily a member of the reserve side at this time. There is no record of him playing for the club in the 1910-11 season but during the 1911-12 season he appeared regularly for both the Manchester League and the Lancashire Combination teams.  During the 1914-15 season he made a few appearances at left-half before Hyde established himself as first choice in that position. Towards the end of the season he made three appearances at outside-left. Said to be a clever little player who was always in the thick of the fray.

Returned to play for the Macclesfield reserve team early in the 1919-20, and made his one senior appearance in the Subsidiary Competition at a time Macclesfield were clearing a back-log of matches. Also played football for Neckwear FC and cricket for North Rode and the Hewetson's team.

Employed by A W Hewetson.

On 8 May 1922 a benefit match was played at the Moss Rose for his dependents, a Macclesfield team (mainly from their reserves) against a Neckwear team with Macclesfield winning 3-0.

Died: 22 April 1921, aged 30.

 
   

Lomas G

1877-78

Debut 27 October 1877 Mount Pleasant (Home) Staffordshire Association Challenge Cup Round 1

 

There is no information recorded for this player.

   

Lomax

1929-30 Forward

 

CL     League 2 Apps 2 Goals

 

Debut 26 March 1930 Runcorn (Home)

 

Brought in from Leek Alexandra as cover for injured players scoring two goals on his debut in the 5-3 victory.

   

Lomax Billy

Lomax_Billy

1946-47 to 1948-49 Centre-forward

CL    League 80 Apps 55 Goals    Cups 13 Apps 8 Goals

Debut 25 December 1946 Congleton Town (Home)

According to the book 'The Official History of Wigan Athletic' by Dean Hayes published in 1996 Billy began his career at Netherfield scoring four goals on his debut.  Having scored 14 goals in his seven games for Netherfield he signed for Carlisle.  Billy was a paratrooper in the Second World War and took part in the infamous Arnhem battle.

Signed for Macclesfield from Carlisle United in 1946. He was described as a dashing centre forward and was a prolific goalscorer. Joint top-scorer in his first season and top-scorer in both 1947-48 and 1948-49,  he scored two of the goals in the 3-2 replay victory against Altrincham to win the Challenge Cup in April 1947.  His goal scoring record also includes four hat-tricks in the calendar year of 1948.

On leaving Macclesfield in 1949 he signed for Wigan Athletic where he continued his goal scoring achievements, with a tremendous record netting 179 goals in 230 appearances in all competitions, making him second to Harry Lyon in the club's all time scoring records. He was Wigan's top-scorer in the 1949-50 season with 42 goals and again in the 1950-51 season with 55 goals in their Lancashire Combination League One side. Having commenced the 1951-52 season with Wigan he moved to  Nelson but returned to the Latics in the 1952-53 season remaining there until 1955. He won three Lancashire Combination Championship medals with Wigan.  Later played for and managed Wigan Rovers.

Away from football he had been a foundryman and a miner at Bickershaw.

Whilst he lived in Aspul for most of his life he retired to Skegness.

Died in June 2008 at the age of 85.

 

Lomax Michael John 'Mike'

1998-99 Defender

FL    League 0(1)0

Debut 8 May 1999 Sub Bristol Rovers (Home)

A trainee at Blackburn Rovers, Mike was released by them in the summer of 1998 when he signed for Macclesfield.  A key defender throughout the 1998-99 season in the newly formed Reserve side where he showed himself to be a hard tackler with a good turn of speed, Mike eventually made his Football League debut with a 12-minute appearance from the substitutes’ bench in the last game of the season in the former Nationwide Division Two, and was released in the summer of 1999. 

Information of his career path on leaving Macclesfield is limited but it is known that he was with Hyde United during the 2002-2003 season (21 appearances) and later with FC United of Manchester leaving them in March 2007 (five appearances) to join Winsford United.

Born: 7 December 1979.

 

Lonergan Darren

Darren Lonergan

1998-99 Defender

FL    Cups 0(3)0

Debut 24 November 1998 Slough Town (Away) FA Cup R1 replay

First played for Waterford in the Republic of Ireland moving to England in September 1984 when he signed for Oldham Athletic (two appearances). In October 1997 signed non-contract forms with Oldham but did not make any senior league appearances, moving to Stalybridge in November 1997.

Darren signed for Macclesfield in the summer of 1998 specifically to become a member of the newly formed Reserve team.  The big central defender immediately took command of the defence, but had little chance to prove himself in the senior side in three short substitute appearances in Cup competitions.  His contract was cancelled in April 1999 after he had gone missing for some time.

Darren has featured for non-League clubs after leaving Macclesfield including Stalybridge and Hyde United.

   

Long Nigel

Long_Nigel

1981-82 to 1983-84 Midfielder

NPL    League 60(0)13   Cups 16(2)5

Debut 14 November 1981 Mossley (Home)

Played for Frickley Colliery signing for Doncaster Rovers in May 1974 (one appearance) after which he moved to Burton Albion.

Nigel was Initially signed on loan from Burton signing a permanent deal as part of an exchange deal for Ken Higham.  He made a big impact on the side following his arrival weighing in with his fair share of goals as a midfielder, and gained a Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medal in 1983.

Away from football was an electrician by trade.

   

Longfield

1914-15 Left-back

 

LC     League 1 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 12 September 1914 Nelson (Away)

 

There is no information recorded about this player who was probably give a one match trial in the position normally occupied by the vastly experienced Harry Pearson.

   

Lovatt

1927-28 and 1929-30 Defender

 

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 18 February 1928 Manchester North End (A)

 

A young player from the Potteries brought in for two separate matches. On the first occasion five new players, including Lovatt, were introduced in an attempt to break a series of defeats.  Unfortunately the radical approach was unsuccessful when the team lost 1-7.

   

Lovatt Harold Albert 'Harry'

1932-33 Centre-forward

CL   League 4 Apps 4 Goals    Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 27 August 1932 Hyde United (Home)

Harry was a much travelled footballer who never stayed very long at any club. His youth career included Wood Lane United, Red Street St Chad's and Audley. In March 1924 he signed for Port Vale and moved to Preston North End in July 1924 but did not make a senior appearance for either club. In September1925 he signed for Crewe Alexandra (27 league appearances, 14 goals), and in March 1926 to Bradford City (13 league appearances, three goals), in November 1926 Wrexham (11 league appearances, five goals), August 1927 Scarborough, and May 1928 to Leicester City where he scored nine goals in nine league appearances. In December 1930 he signed for  Notts County (nine league appearances, three goals) and in November 1931 Northampton (14 league appearances, seven goals).

Next stop was Macclesfield signing in July 1932 where he remained until early October scoring four goals during an indifferent period for the side.

On leaving the Moss Rose he moved to Stafford Rangers (November 1934) and then Winsford United (July 1936).

Born: 18 August 1905. Died: 1984..

 

Lovenbury

1927-28 Left-half

 

CL     League 1 App 0 Goals

 

Debut 21 January 1928 Runcorn (Home)

 

A local player brought in along with three other new players in an attempt to stem a series of losses which almost worked as the team only lost by the odd goal in five.

   

Lovery Jim

Lovery_Jim

1949-50 and 1950-51 Inside-right/Inside-right

CL   League 59 Apps 28 Goals    Cups 14 Apps 5 Goals

Debut 22 October 1949 Chester Reserves  (Home)

Prior to signing for Macclesfield Town Jim played for Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic (1936-37), Wolverhampton Wanderers (1936-37), Stockport County (1937 - one league appearance) and Hyde United.

Jim regularly appeared on the score sheet scoring almost a goal every two matches, and was second-top scorer in the 1950-51 season with 24 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions.

On leaving the Moss Rose he joined Droylsden

 

Lowe Keith Stephen

Lowe_Keith

2017-18 and 2018-19 Defender

NL     League 46(0)1     Cups 3(0)0

FL      League 11(2)0     Cups 4(0)0

Debut 5 August 2017 Wrexham (Away)

Born in Wolverhampton, Keith started his career in his home town with Wolverhampton Wanderers graduating from the youth system to make his senior debut on 23 August 2004 (14 league appearances). Unable to force his way into the senior side he spent time on loan at six different clubs – Burnley (2005 - 16 appearances)), Queens Park Rangers (2006 - one appearance), Swansea City (2006 - four appearances), Brighton & Hove Albion (2006 - no league appearances), Cheltenham Town (2006 and 2007 - 16 appearances, one goal), and Port Vale (2007-08 - 28 appearances, three goals). Having been released by Wolverhampton Wanderers he signed for Kidderminster Harriers spending the 2008-09 season there (43 appearances. four goals) before moving to Hereford United in May 2009 (19 appearances, one goal). He signed for Cheltenham Town in the summer of 2010 going on to make 111 league appearances scoring seven goals and was Player of the Year for the 2010-11 season. Joined York City in November 2013 initially on loan, signing a permanent contract in January 2014 making 92 league appearances scoring eight goals and was voted as Clubman Player of the Year for 2014-15. Remaining there until January 2016 he then returned to Kidderminster Harriers to make a further 62 league appearances scoring six goals. He was captain for the 2016-17 season and was named in the 2016-17 National League North Team of the Year.

Having been told that he could leave Kidderminster, Keith signed for Macclesfield Town In the summer of 2017 bringing a wealth of experience to the club. He was the only member of the 2017-18 Championship winning squad to play every minute in the Vanarama National League together with the FA Cup and FA Trophy matches. Always performed consistently and strongly, he formed an excellent partnership with fellow central defender George Pilkington. His performance was recognised by his peers when they voted him 'Players' Player of the Year'.

With newly appointed manager Mark Yates preferring his own signings, despite his record during the Championship season Keith found himself on the edge of the team in August 2018, but with the fans calling for his recall Yates gave him a run in the team but there were occasions when Keith was asked to fill a midfield role where he was unable to perform at his best being a career central defender. Perhaps slowing down at this stage of his career, from November 2018 he only made three more appearances, the last of which came on 26 January 2019 after which, with new signings available, he did not even feature as an unused substitute.

Having been released by Macclesfield Town in June 2019 signed for Nuneaton Borough in July 2019 moving to Bradford Park Ave in September 2019. Returned to Kidderminster Harriers for a third time in January 2020 remaining under contract for the 2021-22 season.

In April 2022, Keith announced that he was leaving Kidderminster Harriers at the end of the 2021-22 season with a view to playing part-time football in future alongside his job as a Teaching Assistant. Signed for SFL-Premier Central side Rushall Olympic in the summer of 2022 but moved to Hednesford Town at the end of September 2022, leaving them in February 2023.

Born: 13 September 1985.

   

Lowe Matthew Thomas 'Matt'

Lowe

2009-10 and 2010-11 Defender/midfielder

FL    League 7(4)0

Debut 9 March 2010 Sub Accrington Stanley (Away)

Matthew progressed through the ranks at Macclesfield and was awarded his first professional contract in the summer of 2009.  Initially played for the reserves at both right-back and in the midfield and towards the end of the 2009-10 season regularly appeared for the senior side in midfield where he played with confidence and made good use of his long throw-ins. However, having made just one substitute appearance for the senior side in the 2010-11 season Matthew spent time on loan at Kidderminster Harriers from March to May.

Having been released by Macclesfield joined Nantwich Town in the summer of 2011 signing for Newcastle Town in the summer of 2015. It would appear that he left Newcastle Town at some time as he re-signed for them in March 2018 and was appointed captain for the 2018-19 season. Signed for Stone Old Alleynians in September 2019 returning to Newcastle Town in December 2019.

Born: Stoke-on-Trent, 20 October 1990.

 

Lowesby

1927-28 Forward

 

CL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

 

Debut 21 January 1928 Runcorn (Home)

 

Previously with Altrincham and brought into the side along with three other new players for the match against Runcorn in an attempt to stem a series of losses, which almost worked as the team only lost by the odd goal in five. Only featured once again in the next league match.

   

Lownds Nigel

Lowndes_Nigel

1973-74 and 1975-76 to 1977-78 Goalkeeper

NPL    League 92(0)0     Cups 34(0)0

Debut 26 January 1974 Bradford Park Avenue (Away)

Started his career with Bury FC Youth in the early 1970's before moving to Macclesfield initially playing the reserve team.

He attracted the interest of a number of league clubs whilst still a member of the reserve side, and was on trial with Manchester City for three months during the 1974-75 season, as well as having trials with Everton and Oldham.  On taking over the gloves from Willie Mailey in March 1976 he proved himself to be a capable 'keeper and was the number one until Robin Simpson took his place in March 1978.

On leaving Macclesfield he moved to Australia to play for the Brisbane Lions representing them for six seasons from 1978 to 1983 and was still living in Australia in 2013.

Born: 5 May 1956.

   

Lucas Malcolm

1979-80 Defender

NPL    #League 2(0)0

Debut 23 February 1980 Gainsborough Trinity (Away)

There is no information recorded about this player

 

Lumb

1932-33 Centre-forward

 

CL    League 1 App 1 Goal

Debut 3 September 1932 Winsford United (Away)

 

Had been on the books of Huddersfield Town, Lumb made an impression in a pre-season match when he scored a hat-trick. He was signed straight after the match, however, he only made one senior appearance despite scoring the winning goal.

   

Lunt Tomas 'Tom'

1894-95, 1896-97 and 1898-99 to 1899-1900 Full-back

 

#TC     League 8 Apps 1 Goal      Cups 3 Apps 0 Goals

 

NSL     League 2 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 6 October 1894 Buxton (Home)

 

There is no information recorded for this player whose appearances were spread throughout his time at Macclesfield.

   

Lyon David Edward 'Dave'

Dave Lyon

1968-69 to 1972-73, 1974-75 and 1978-79 Winger

NPL   League 173(6)31     Cups 100(3)27

Debut 21 September 1968 Runcorn (Away)

Having been a member of the youth set-up at both Bolton Wanderers and Bury, Dave signed for Macclesfield Town from Mossley for whom he had played from July 1967 to September 1968.  He was a tenacious and hardworking player who was a target for Football League scouts.  He scored goals at vital times: one of the two goals in the 1970 FA Trophy victory at Wembley and was top scorer in the 1972-73 season.  Having been sold to Wigan for £400 during the summer of 1973, Dave returned in 1975 for a second short spell on loan from Goole and returned for a third time from Runcorn.

Dave's honours at Macclesfield included two Northern Premier League Championships in 1968-69 and 1969-70, a FA Trophy winners' medal in 1970, Cheshire Senior Cup winners' medals in 1969 and 1973, and he was a member of the team which won the North West Floodlit League in 1969-70. He enjoyed a benefit year during the 1972-73 season.

Dave's career path is as follows: Bolton Wanderers and Bury youth, Mossley (July 1967-September 1968), Macclesfield Town, Wigan Athletic (1973-74), Goole Town (1974-1975), Macclesfield Town on loan, Goole Town (July 1975), Mossley (August 1975-May1976), Ashton United, Altrincham, Southport (1977), Runcorn and Macclesfield.

He was a woodworker by trade whilst at Macclesfield. In more recent times he helped to run the family’s dry cleaning shops and has coached Under-17’s in the Tameside League.

Born: 21 November 1948. Died: 19 December 2019.

 

Lyons Darren

Lyons

1989-90 and 1993-94 to 1995-96 Midfielder/striker

Conf    League 66(21)14    Cups 30(13)24

Debut 3 February 1990 Sub Darlington (Away) FA Trophy Round 2

A player with a tremendous turn of pace, Darren joined Macclesfield Town from Droylsden for a short period in the 1989-90 season.

He then had spells with Leek Town and Mossley (fee £500), Accrington Stanley (fee £500) and Ashton United before signing for Bury in March 1992 where he made his Football League debut (36 league appearances, seven goals). He then moved to Southport for fee of £3,000 before returning to Macclesfield Town on a player plus cash deal.

Darren scored four of the seven goals in the third round Cheshire Senior Cup 7-1 victory against Colwyn Bay in the re-arranged tie at the Moss Rose in February 1994, only for the Silkmen to be disqualified as Darren’s registration had not been completed before the original date of the tie. He gained winners' medals in the Conference League Cup and Staffordshire Senior Cup in 1994.

After spells on loan at Fleetwood Town and Ashton United, he returned to Macclesfield to appear in the final matches of the Silkmen’s first Conference Championship season in 1995.  The following season he established himself as a regular member of the first team gaining a FA Trophy winners’ medal in 1996.  Darren took part in a sprint race at Wembley to find out who was the fastest player in the Conference at that time coming a very creditable second.

He was transferred to Winsford United for a fee of £3,000 early in the 1996-97 season.   Subsequently he played for Halifax Town where he was a member of their Conference Championship side in 1997-98, Altrincham, Morecambe and Southport.

He then held the position of player/manager at East Manchester followed by a similar appointment at Salford City in 2005 replacing former Silkman Mark Molyneaux. Darren moved to FC United of Manchester as a player/coach in 2005 before being appointed Head of Player Development there.  Following manager Karl Marginson leaving FC United of Manchester by mutual agreement in October 2017, Darren also left the club. Was appointed (date unknown) coach at Wythenshawe Amateurs but with a new management team in place from October 2019 Darren was no longer involved with the Wythenshawe club. Joined Radcliffe at an unknown date but on 26 January 2020 was placed in joint interim charge until a permanent manager was appointed on 15 February 2020. As a new management team was announced it is not known whether Darren remains with Radcliffe or not.

For several years Darren has played Sunday League football for Langley Rangers alongside his son Ryan.

Away from football Darren has been a fork lift driver for L'Oreal and a stores manager for City Response.

Born: 9 November 1967.

   

Lyons John

Lyons_John

1919-20 to 1921-22 Right-half and Outside-right/Inside-right

CL     League 51 Apps 6 Goals     Cups 14 Apps 0 Goals

Debut 21 February 1920 Altrincham (Away)

Started playing football at the age of 14 for youth teams before signing for Proctor's Gymnasium.  He then played for Cadby Hall (Lyon's Tea firm) where he won medals for the League Championship and the Works' Challenge Cup.

As a member of the Territorial Army he was mobilised for the First World War in August 1914 with the Lancashire Fusiliers. He served in Egypt, Dardanelles and then for a second time in Egypt. Fought the Turks from the Suez Canal and drove them across the desert. During his time in the Army he played for his platoon and because of the impact of rationing, meals were sparse, but it was worth winning matches as the victors were always served a special dinner.  From February 1917 he was involved in working through France to a battle in Belgium where he was taken prisoner. He then had to work as a miner in a tin mine, remaining a prisoner until the armistice.

He returned to England and was soon demobilised when he joined Hulme Amateur Football Club. He moved to Macclesfield in February 1920 and was ever-present in the defence to the end of the season gaining a winners' medal in the Altrincham Cup. In the 1920-21 season John continued at right-half but successfully made the transition to the forward line at the end of February. In his final season at the club, he again played in the forward line but moved back into defence in October and November 1921, but by December he had lost his place and featured in the reserve team.

Away from football John was a part-time professional boxer. In October 1921 he won both his bouts at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester whilst still playing football for Macclesfield.

   

Lyons John

1947-48 and 1948-49 Inside-left

CL   League 76 Apps 25 Goals   Cups 13 Apps 5 Goals

Debut 23 August 1947 Buxton (Home)

Was captain of Whiston Central School and represented St Helens and Lancashire schoolboys. Joined Everton junior teams and played for Everton and Liverpool during WW2 and was unfortunateky taken prisoner during the War.

Joined Macclesfield Town from Everton for a fee of £100 with a clause that Everton would be entitled to 50% of any sell-on fee. In his two seasons at the Moss Rose, John missed very few matches and made a significant contribution with a strike rate of one goal every three matches. John scored four goals in the 5-1 home victory against Ashton United in January 1948, and was a member of the Challenge Cup winning side in 1948 when he scored two goals in the 3-1 replay victory against Altrincham.

His whereabouts for the 1949-50 season are unknown but he featured for Wigan Athletic from 1950 to 1955 before moving to Runcorn in 1955.

Represented England at schoolboy level.

Born: Whiston.

 

 

TC

The Combination

1890-1897

SDL

Stockport and District League

1897-1898

NSL

North Staffordshire and District League

1898-1900

ML

Manchester and District League

1900-1912

LC

Lancashire Combination

1911-1915

CL

Cheshire League

1919-1968

NPL

Northern Premier League

1968-1987

Conf

Vauxhall Conference

1987-1997

FL

Football League

1997-2012

NC

National Conference

     Blue Square Premier 

     Skrill Premier 

     Vanarama Conference 

     Vanarama National League 

 

2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2018

FL

English Football League

    Sky Bet League 2 

2018-2020

   
 

From 1965 Statistics are shown - Appearances(Substitutes)Goals

 

#Known appearances and goals.    Due to the style of reporting there is no information for teams/goal scorers for some matches and in other cases it has only been possible to extract part teams from match reports. In addition, some matches over the Christmas and Easter holiday periods, together with end of season matches, have not been reported.

  

Previous Letter
Back to Top
Next Letter