Paul Crossley

A prominent schoolboy footballer, he had a trial with Blackpool at 15. He first gained prominence as a 17-year-old with Rochdale, where his father was a leading light in the Supporters Club. After just 17 League games he was transferred to Preston North End for a then club record fee of £7,500. He got few chances at Deepdale and spent two months on loan at Haig Avenue. Southport wanted to sign him but could not afford the asking price. Nevertheless he had a brief but happy spell at Haig Avenue where he was played in every possible game. He served Tranmere Rovers and Chester well, taking his tally of League appearances to over the 300 mark. He had a good record of scoring from the penalty spot — twice recording six successes in a season. His best seasonal return was 14 goals in 40 games for Chester. He finished his career with Baltimore Blast and has settled in the United States where he still works as a soccer coach for Washington State.