Striker role gives veteran Morris a new lease of life

Photo: PICTURES by TIM BRADLEY

COMEBACK KID . . . Gareth Morris back for another spell at Chadderton FC.

WHEN utility player Gareth Morris made his debut for his beloved Chadderton FC as a raw 19 year old, Joe Royle’s Everton had just won the FA Cup, Blackburn were Premiership champions and Frank Bruno won the WBC world heavyweight title.

Despite occasional breaks, Gareth is still turning out for Chaddy as they push for promotion from the North-West Counties League First Division. Morris is approaching 40, but he’s still as fit and enthusiastic as his current squad-mates at Andrew Street and he has no intention of quitting.

Gareth bagged the winning goal in a 4-3 thriller against Widnes recently — his third of the season — and is lapping up his new role as a striker.

“I actually feel a bit fitter this season than I did last,” beamed Morris. “I picked up a few little injuries last season and missed the last few games including the play-off defeat, but if I carry on feeling the way I do now, I’ll just keep playing for as long as Chaddy need me.

“I’m normally a centre-half, but this season I’ve been playing up front and I’m loving it. I feel a bit stiff after games and it can take a day or so to fully recover, but fitness has never been much of a problem.”

Morris began his football career as an 11-year-old midfielder with Heyside Juniors. After five successful years he was spotted by Wigan Athletic and offered a trial. His confidence took a bit of a dive when he wasn’t successful, but after a year out he returned to play for Coldhurst United in the Manchester League on Saturdays and Oldham Sunday League outfit Hope and Anchor. Then he was first snapped up by Chadderton when he was 19.

“Chaddy had a great side then,” recalls Morris. “I enjoyed six good seasons in the North-West Counties Premier Division. We were holding our own and had a good run in the FA Vase, but the money dried up, players departed, then-manager Dave Stewart left and we were relegated.”

Morris moved back into the Manchester League with Royton Town and enjoyed Premier Division and Gilgryst Cup success. Then, 10 years ago, Chadderton came calling again.

“But when I got to the age of around 34 or 35, playing regularly was becoming tougher. I played a bit of vets football and that appeared to be that.”

That was until the summer of last year, when current joint-bosses Steve Patterson an Mark Cook asked Morris to return for a third time. Since then Gareth hasn’t looked back.

He bagged two goals from defence last term as helped Chaddy to a superb play-off finish before they lost in the semi-final at Darwen, and this season Morris has been in terrific form so far as a promotion push could well be on the cards again.

Retirement? Don’t hold your breath.