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Paul Futcher
Personal information
Full name Paul Futcher
Date of birth (1956-09-25)25 September 1956
Place of birth Chester, England
Date of death 23 November 2016(2016-11-23) (aged 60)
Place of death Sheffield, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Centre back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1972–1973 Chester City 20 (0)
1974–1977 Luton Town 131 (1)
1978–1979 Manchester City 37 (0)
1980–1982 Oldham Athletic 98 (1)
1982–1983 Derby County 35 (0)
1984–1990 Barnsley 230 (0)
1990 Halifax Town 15 (0)
1991–1994 Grimsby Town 132 (0)
1994–1995 Dundalk
1995 Droylsden
1995–1997 Gresley Rovers
1997–2000 Southport 65 (0)
Total 763 (2)
National team
1976–1978 England Under-21s 11 (0)
Teams managed
1995 Darlington
1995–1997 Gresley Rovers (player)
1997–2000 Southport (player)
2001–2002 Stalybridge Celtic
2005 Ashton United
  • Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Paul Futcher (born 25 September 1956 – died 23 November 2016) was an English professional footballer. He was a talented defender who played for many teams in the English Football League. He also represented the England Under-21s. After his playing days, he became a manager for several non-league clubs.

Paul is considered a club legend by Grimsby Town. They signed him when he was 35, and many thought his best playing days were over. However, he became one of their greatest players ever. Before Grimsby, he played for Luton Town, Oldham Athletic, and Barnsley. He also played for Chester, Manchester City, Derby County, and Halifax Town. After leaving Grimsby in 1994, he played for Dundalk before starting his management career.

Playing Career Highlights

Paul Futcher was one of three brothers who played professional football. His twin brother, Ron, was a forward, and his older brother, Graham, also played for Chester.

Early Days at Chester

Paul started his career at his hometown club, Chester. He made his first team debut at just 16 years old in March 1973. This was shortly after his older brother Graham played his last game for the club. Paul quickly became a professional player. He played 20 games for Chester before moving on.

Moving to Luton Town

In the summer of 1974, Luton Town signed Paul for £100,000. His brother Ron also joined him there. Paul played over 140 games for Luton. During this time, he also earned ten caps for the England Under-21 team.

Manchester City and Injuries

On 1 June 1978, Paul became the most expensive defender in England. Manchester City paid £350,000 for him. He took the place of a long-serving player, Tommy Booth. However, the team didn't perform as well as expected, and Paul faced some criticism.

Paul was chosen for the England national team squad twice. Sadly, both times, a road accident prevented him from joining the team.

Success at Barnsley

Paul signed for Barnsley along with Calvin Plummer from Derby County. In their first game, they played against their old team, Derby, and Barnsley won 5-1. Paul is remembered as one of Barnsley's best ever central defenders.

Grimsby Town Legend

Grimsby Town signed Paul from Halifax Town reserves when he was 34. Manager Alan Buckley paid £10,000 for him. He was meant to be a short-term replacement for another player. However, Paul became a huge fan favourite for five seasons. He won the Supporters Player of the Year award twice.

Paul was highly respected by Grimsby fans. Even though he left in 1994 after a poor game, he is still thought of as one of the club's best players ever. Years later, his son, Ben Futcher, also played for Grimsby Town.

Later Playing Career

After Grimsby, Paul played for Dundalk in Ireland. He even played in a UEFA Cup Qualifying Round match against Malmo.

Management and Coaching

After his long playing career, Paul Futcher moved into management and coaching.

Gresley Rovers Manager

Paul led Gresley Rovers to win the Dr. Martens Premier Division championship in 1997. However, they couldn't be promoted to a higher league because their home ground wasn't good enough. During his time there, they often played against and beat Burton Albion, who are now in the English Football League.

Southport Manager

Paul spent two and a half years managing Southport. A big moment was when the club reached the FA Trophy final in 1998. At 41 years old, Paul became the oldest player to play in a competitive final at Wembley Stadium. Southport narrowly lost the final to Cheltenham Town. For the rest of his time there, he helped the team avoid relegation.

Ashton United Manager

Paul also managed Ashton United. He was unable to stop them from being relegated to the Northern Premier League. He left the club in December 2005.

Personal Life and Legacy

Paul Futcher came from a footballing family. His twin brother, Ron, played in the English Football League and was a top scorer in the North American Soccer League. Their older brother, Graham, also played professionally for Chester City. Paul's son, Ben Futcher, has also played many games in the Football League. Paul was also the uncle of former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy.

Paul Futcher passed away from cancer on 23 November 2016. Gary Sweet, the Chief Executive of his former club Luton Town, said that Paul was "up there with the very best I've ever seen play for the Club." He added that Paul would "live long in the memory of anyone who saw him play."

After his death, a minute's silence was held at Grimsby's next game. Grimsby also announced they would hold a minute's applause for him at their next home game.

Honours and Awards

As a Player

Grimsby Town

Individual Awards

  • Barnsley Player of the Year: 1984–85, 1988–89
  • Grimsby Town Supporters Player of the Year: 1991–92, 1992–93

As a Player-Manager

Gresley Rovers

  • Southern League Premier Division Champions: 1996–97

Southport

  • FA Trophy Runner-up: 1997–98
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