18/11/02

These are the players and officials that are going to win Up & Under F.C. the league for 2002/03. What an attractive bunch of fighting fit, finely toned athletes they are as well.

Scott Forster: Eccentric 24 year old player/manager/secretary. Insists that his due a goal soon, and one that will rifle into the net from all of 40 yrds. The self professed non-league love-child of David Batty and Faustino Asprilla. Not quite sure where that came from but you have to go along with it or you will be dropped for the next game! usually found bossing the midfield, that is if he has managed to tear himself away from the Walkabout Inn. He comes from up Geordie-way and is often on the receiving end of humorous remarks about his accent. Does a lot of work for the club on and off the pitch. If there was no Scott Forster, there probably would be no Up and Under!

Paul Hutchings: A big, strong, surprisingly nimble -footed Centre-Forward. His goal scoring achievements are very much welcome. He brings a presence to the front line, in some cases he is the front line. Good in the air and not an easy opponent for most defenders, as his South-Western League ventures verify. Only 30 years young, he feels he has plenty of juice in the tank. Previous clubs include Newquay, Perranporth and the RAF Colts (The main RAF team & wherever he was posted at the time). Drives a Mitsubishi Colt 1.8 GTI, and is engaged to the Captain's Sister!

Rob Southgate: Captain of the team, Robert boasts the most experience even though he is only 23 years of age. Skilful on the ball, able to pass, cross, tackle and head. Left-footed and able to use his right foot, sits in the midfield but tracks back and can attack when needed. Described by his manager as
"The best Bobby he knows. A left foot that only Daniel Day-Lewis comes
close too", apparently. His experience from playing at South-Western League standard shows. Previous clubs include: Elburton, Torpoint, Millbrook, Saltash and Bideford Res.

Tim Hutchings: 1st choice Goalkeeper of the club. Good reactions for a big man, he is comfortable in dealing with aerial threats. 26 years of age this year, he brings the average age UP believe it or not. His speciality is shot stopping.

Rory Meakes: Player, coach and assistant manager. Quite a lot of jobs for a little fella. Compact player who doubles as a right-back or a central midfielder. Strong in the tackle and not afraid to put himself about when need be. This 24 year old likes to think he is unfit, but compared to most, he is anything but!

Steven Cole: 24 years old, plays as a full-back/winger (or in this day and age a wing-back). Also is the club's treasurer, has the ability to get forward and pose a threat to the oppositions' defence as well as his own. not a stranger to getting his name on the score sheet either. A good, solid reliable player.

Ian Miller: 22 years old and probably the biggest man in the squad. Can deputise for Tim Hutchings as a Goalkeeper. His height is also an asset when he is put up front. Acts mainly as a target man to cause problems for the opposition in the more aerially orientated of games. His beef also makes it difficult for him to be knocked out of the way.

Andrew Livingstone: One of the various strong central defenders in the club. 23 yrs old.

James Raymond: 23 year old utility player, usually plays anywhere in the midfield.

Stewart Thompson: Centre-defence or right wing. Strange combination of positions, but it just shows the versatility of this player. Gets on the score sheet now and again. First ever U&U Man of the Match. Unfortunately has an on-going shoulder injury which requires an operation. Will be looking to get himself fit quickly and target a big impact on his return.

John Ball: Can play anywhere in the defence. 25 years old.

Stuart Ruffle: 35 years old, the father of the team. Has a lot of respect from the other players. Maybe because he is the Chairman and the one who sorts out the beer after the game. Plays at full-back when required.

Iain Plaitfoot: Youngster of the team at only 20 yrs old. Plays as a striker but can also play wide right.

Ed Wright: Centre-defence, 23 yrs old. Has the coolest head ever seen outside the Premiership when he is on the ball in his own 18 yrd box. Sometimes can be too casual for the rest of the team, but his sure footedness is a breath of fresh air compared with the majority of lower league centre-halves.

Dan Edmunds: 21 year old defensive midfielder

Richard Wood: Youngest player in the team at 19. Plays wing-back or right wing. Nicknamed "Ronan" purely because he is Irish, what more of a reason do you need.

Daniel Depledge: Left-wing/forward. 21 yrs old. Can get forward and swing in a good ball. Also no stranger to finding the back of net himself.

Chris Howlett: 20 year old midfielder.

Stuart Cook: 20 year old attacking midfielder. Likes to get forward and cause his opponents bother whenever he can. quick feet and an eye for goal.

Jim Ayres: 22 years old. Midfielder. Big guy, not the fastest around, nor the most mobile. Pretty tough customer though. Used to work as a security guard or "Bouncer".

David Harvey: 32 year old midfielder.

George Cole: 23 year old central defender.

Steven Jones: 28 year old right-back.

Geoff Morrison: 25 year old full-back. Described as "Pacey" by his burger tossing understudies.

Rob Mitchell: 22 year old right-winger.

Mark Williams: Centre Half.

Greg Paull: Midfielder.

Jon Wills: 32 year old Goalkeeper. signed from Heavitree to deputise for Tim Hutchings when he is not available.

Tom Mungoven: Utility midfielder, helping out the team whilst finishing his time in Exeter.