MOSSLEY AFC 'SUPPORTERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR'

The Frank Hollingworth Memorial Trophy

(formerly the Gilbert Tarr Trophy - initiated in 1972)

2006-07 ASHLEY CONNOR

It was a defensively poor season for Mossley but goalkeeper Ashley Connor was in outstanding form, gaining a reputation as a more than capable shot stopper.

2006-07 JOEL PILKINGTON

In what was a poor season culminating in relegation Joel was one of the few to show any consistency playing equally well in midfield or wing back on either flank with a high work rate, making him a fans favourite.

2005-06 ANDY THACKERAY

38 years old right back Andy Thackeray was the epitomy of consistency in Mossley's successful UniBond League Division One title campaign. Leading by example Andy became the oldest player to win the award in a season when several players were in contention due to the teams success.

2004-05 RHODRI GIGGS

A brilliant season for Mossley's tenacious winger/midfeidler/forward Rhodri Giggs. Outstanding on so many occasions during the campaign Rhodri pipped Jordan Goodeve for the award by the narrowest of margins. Rhodri is the first striker to win the award since Paul Bowler back in 1990.

2002-03 MARK PHILLIPS

Mark swept the board at the Presentation night after a great season which included him scoring the winning goal in the Worthington Trophy Final. Mark's 10 goal haul was the best return from a Mossley defender since Jim Connor back in the mid 1980's.

2001-02 PAUL TAYLOR

Paul won his third award in four years after another superb season at the heart of the Mossley defence in a year that also saw him make his 200th appearance for the club.

2000-01 PAUL TAYLOR

Paul won his second Player of the Year award in three seasons after a superb season at the heart of the Mossley defence including scoring possibly the goal of the season, a forty yard volley against Fleetwood.

1999-00 PEDRO BRENNAN

Mossley over the seasons that Pedro Brennan has been in the side have been very difficult to beat and very hard to stop. One of the main raesons is Pedro's surging power in the middle of the park. A huge favourite with the fans who never gives less than his absolute all.

1998-99 PAUL TAYLOR

Mossley were more than unfortunate to miss out on promotion back to the UniBond League and the mainstay of the side was the towering presence of centre half Paul Taylor. A former Radcliffe and Frickley player rescued from park football Paul had a superb season.

1997-98 MARK MURRAY

A new regime at Mossley had teething troubles but Mossley had a new Mr Dependable in former Blackpool and Macclesfield player Mark. He spent the season playing left back and midfield and gave a massive effort as always.

1996-97 ROD BATES

Rod became the first player to win the award for a third time as Mossley reached the quarter finals of the FA Vase thanks on more than one occasion to the heroics of Rod Bates. He even played one game at centre forward.

1995-96 WAYNE JOYNES

Mossley's first season in the North West Counties League and a fine one for Mr Dependable Wayne. He played in just about every position bar goalkeeper for Mossley in two lengthy spells with the club and was again a popular recipient of the vote.

1994-95 ROD BATES

Mossley failed to avoid the drop this time and 23 years in the NPL (UniBond) League came to an end. This was despite the heroics of the Mossley keeper who retained the Player of the Year award for a second season.

1993-94 ROD BATES

Local boy Rod became the fifth keeper to take the Trophy as he was instrumental in keeping Mossley in the UniBond League as the side fought a successful relegation battle.

1992-93 GREG CHALLENDER

As Mossley were finally relegated from the NPL Premier Division Greg was one of the few plusses to come from a terrible season. Signed from Horwich RMI he was a key central defender and was regularly watched by League scouts before moving to Preston North End for a £5,000 fee at the end of the season.

1991-92 ANDY NEWELL

The fourth goalkeeper to win the award Andy only signed for the club in December 1991 but such was his impact that he had few rivals in the vote and was a popular winner.

1990-91 WAYNE JOYNES

Wayne Joynes epitomised Mossley's fight for survival in the early nineties. Many would consider him a 'bread and butter' player but his commitment to the cause and never-say-die attitude won him many admirers.

1989-90 PAUL BOWLER

Signed from Chadderton in November 1989 as a natural replacement for Jim McCluskie, Paul's 14 goals in 28 games made him a hit with the fans. He became half of a famous striking double-act with Brendan Burke.

1988-89 JIM McCLUSKIE

Jim became the third player to retain the award as his 32 goals helped Mossley to a respectable League position and to success in the League Cup, Manchester Premier Cup and Floodlit Cup.

1987-88 JIM McCLUSKIE

Big Jim was signed on his return from playing football in the Channel Islands and made an instant impact scoring 23 goals in only half a season.

1986-87 JIM CONNOR

Jim became the second player to retain the trophy as he was again a popular winner in a distictly average Mossley side in the 86-87 season.

1985-86 JIM CONNOR

An outstanding central defender alongside the equally capable Craig Wardle gave Mossley a much stronger defence. Jim, older brother of Mossley team-mate Joe Connor was a big favourite with the fans and a popular player of the year.

1984-85 ROGER LEWIS

The third keeper to win the award Roger was a bit of a loose canon but a great favourite with the fans for his agility and mind boggling bravery as Mossley had a much improved season after the previous year's failings.

1983-84 TIBOR SZABO & JIMMY O'CONNOR (tie)

A terrible season for the Lilywhites but the best two players by a mile were Tibor (pictured) and Jimmy who kept their heads when all around were losing theirs.

1982-83 BENNY PHILLIPS

Snapped up from Stalybridge Celtic at the start of the campaign Benny had a superb season at right back ably filling the boots of the retired Alan Brown. Benny's career is of course well documented on this site.

1981-82 MIKE SHERLOCK

Undoubtedly amongst the best keepers ever to play for Mossley, Mike had been signed a year earlier from Macclesfield and became the second keeper to win the award. Some of his saves were simply breath-taking!

1980-81 DAVE VAUGHAN

As solid and reliable a defender as you would find anywhere Dave had an excellent season in 80-81 as Mossley finished runners up in the NPL and reached the quarter finals of the FA Trophy.

1979-80 ALAN BROWN

'Bomber' Brown was signed as a winger from Bradford Park Avenue in 1971 and eight years later had an outstanding season at right back in the Mossley team that retained the NPL title and reached Wembley in the FA Trophy.

1978-79 LEO SKEETE

Leo became the first player to win the award twice as Mossley won the Northern Premier League and Cup double with the big man's goals and power and creativity making him probably the most feared striker in non-league football.

1977-78 LEO SKEETE

Another great year for the 'dusky destroyer' who continued to menace defences throughout his seven years at Seel Park. Leo could head a ball harder than most players could kick it and scored goals to match.

1976-77 HARRY POLLITT

A true Mossley stalwart who spent his entire semi pro career with Mossley. Outstanding in every season he was a popular winner in 76-77 despite the goalscoring exploits of Skeete, Moore and co.

1975-76 JOHN FITTON

Mr Agile had a superb season, his second with the club after signing from Skelmersdale United. He made a speciality of acrobatic saves and often seemed unbeatable despite rarely leaving his line.

1974-75 GRAHAM SCHOFIELD

Amazingly signed two years before his debut due to injury after being a full professional at Oldham Athletic. Graham was a superb central defender despite a lack of inches. His career was unfortunately ended by a third broken leg before the season ended.

1973-74 TONY STEENSON

Snapped up from Salford Amateurs Tony was was on the cusp of a fine non-league career and had made an instant impression at Seel Park with his solid defensive performances.

1972-73 JIMMY O'CONNOR

Jimmy went on to a club record number of appearances but this was his first season at Mossley and the little Scotsman was a popular vote in Mossley's first season in the Northern Premier League.

1971-72 LENNIE DICKENSON

Outstanding midfeild general and one of the best players ever to appear in a Mossley shirt was deservedly the first recipiant of the Player of the Year award in Mossley's last season in the Cheshire League.