|
Paul Futcher (born 25 September 1956 in Chester, England) is a former professional footballer who had a distinguished career as defender in the English football league, for England under 21s and as manager of several non-league clubs. Futcher is also the father of fellow footballer Ben Futcher. ==Playing career== Futcher was the defensive half of twin brothers. His brother was centre-forward Ron. Paul was the most expensive defender in England when he became Manchester City's record signing for £350,000 on 1 June 1978.〔(Paul Futcher ) at Sporting-Heroes.net〕 Paul began his career with hometown club Chester, who he made his debut for as a 16-year-old against Cambridge United in March 1973. This came just a fortnight after his older brother Graham had played his final game for the club and seven months before Ron made his debut for the Blues. Futcher quickly turned professional and had made 20 Football League appearances when Luton Town snapped him up for £100,000 in the summer of 1974. Ron joined him on the journey south, where Paul was to play more than 140 games and won ten England under 21 caps. Paul replaced club stalwart Tommy Booth in the side which failed to live up to expectations and as the major new signing he attracted criticism. Booth won his place back and on 1 July 1979 Paul left Maine Road for a fee of £150,000 and joined Second Division Oldham Athletic. Futcher had twice been chosen for the England squad and each time a road accident had put paid to him fulfilling the invitation.〔(Official Grimsby Town site ) Paul Futcher profile〕 Paul was signed from Halifax Town reserves, aged 34, by Alan Buckley for £10,000 as a short term replacement for Andy Tillson. He went on to be a fans favourite for 5 seasons, winning the Supporters Player of the Year twice in that time. Then his son Ben Futcher joined the club for their League Two play-off final season of 2005–06 before he left for Peterborough United. Whilst Futcher was at Grimsby, he was probably man of the match in nearly every game he played from 1991 until 1994 - at times his performances were just astonishing to the Grimsby faithful. The end came after manager Alan Buckley moved to West Brom and Brian Laws was brought in. Futch was given only one chance under Laws against Oldham and played poorly, and was duly sent on his way. Futcher is one of Grimsby's all time legends. He later played for Dundalk where he played in UEFA Cup Qualifying Round against Malmo. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Paul Futcher」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|