Neil Illman Player Profile
Debut:
Scarborough (H, 1-1), 19/08/2000
Joining us in 2000, Neil Illman was an industrious forward with an eye for goal and happy to make life tough for defenders. In his debut season at Boro’, it felt as if he took to us as well as we could’ve hoped for; topping the charts with 17 goals from 29 starts and 11 sub appearances. Injury started to get in the way, however, and the 2001-2 season returned no more goals. For any striker, that spells danger and so it proved; Illman featuring in his last game for us in December 2001.
Did you know, though, that Illman’s move to us nearly didn’t happen. In an interview with the Boro’ matchday programme, he revealed that Cloughie’s first approach was rebuffed after he fell out with chairman Victor Green. With the arrival of Phil Wallace, however, in went Cloughie again; this time capturing his man.
Neil Illman: Before Boro’
Illman started his career as a trainee at Middlesbrough – a rare example of a lad to play for ‘both’ Boro’s. After his time in Teeside, the player stepped down into non-league with Eastwood Town. After a successful spell at the Badgers and finding the net often, he got his move back into the Football League with a switch to Plymouth Argyle.
Unfortunately, that move didn’t work out and he went to Cambridge United. While at The Abbey, he moved out on loan to Exeter City. Illman’s time with the Grecians was followed by a permanent move to Northwich; a club at which Illman found his feet. Although injury did much to limit his game time, he still contributed 16 goals during a two-year spell.
Neil Illman: After Boro’
After leaving Stevenage in 2002, Illman rejoined Northwich. After that, he had spells back at Eastwood and then Stratford Town. We lose the scent after a 2003 move to Askern Welfare – but we guess that’s where he hung up his football boots. If you know more, do let us know.
Author: Matthew Kett
Image: Keith Mayhew (if incorrect, please contact us and we’ll happily credit you)
Saturday 18 August 2001
Tuesday 21 August 2001
Saturday 25 August 2001
Monday 27 August 2001
Saturday 01 September 2001
Monday 03 September 2001
Tuesday 18 September 2001
Saturday 22 September 2001
Tuesday 02 October 2001
Monday 08 October 2001
Saturday 13 October 2001
Saturday 20 October 2001
Saturday 27 October 2001
Tuesday 30 October 2001
Saturday 10 November 2001
Saturday 24 November 2001
Saturday 01 December 2001
Saturday 15 December 2001
Saturday 19 August 2000
Wednesday 23 August 2000
Saturday 26 August 2000
Monday 28 August 2000
Tuesday 05 September 2000
Saturday 09 September 2000
Monday 11 September 2000
Tuesday 19 September 2000
Saturday 23 September 2000
Tuesday 26 September 2000
Saturday 14 October 2000
Tuesday 24 October 2000
Tuesday 31 October 2000
Saturday 11 November 2000
Saturday 18 November 2000
Saturday 25 November 2000
Saturday 16 December 2000
Friday 22 December 2000
Monday 01 January 2001
Saturday 06 January 2001
Saturday 13 January 2001
Saturday 27 January 2001
Saturday 03 February 2001
Saturday 10 February 2001
Saturday 17 February 2001
Saturday 24 February 2001
Monday 26 February 2001
Saturday 03 March 2001
Tuesday 20 March 2001
Monday 26 March 2001
Saturday 31 March 2001
Monday 02 April 2001
Saturday 07 April 2001
Tuesday 10 April 2001
Monday 16 April 2001
Saturday 21 April 2001
Monday 23 April 2001
Saturday 28 April 2001
Monday 30 April 2001
Saturday 05 May 2001
Previous Clubs:
Barrow
Frickley United (loan)
Doncaster Rovers (loan)
Northwich Victoria
Exeter City
Cambridge United (loan)
Plymouth Argyle
Eastwood Town
Middlesbrough
Later Clubs:
Northwich Victoria (2002)
Eastwood Town (-)
Stratford Town (-)
Evesham United (-)
Eastwood Town (2003)
Askern Welfare (2003)