Paul Futcher facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Paul Futcher | ||
| Date of birth | 25 September 1956 | ||
| Place of birth | Chester, England | ||
| Date of death | 23 November 2016 (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 | ||
|
|||
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.
Contents
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
- Promoted from Third Division (third place): 1990–91
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
