Michael Blackwood

Michael Blackwood joined us at the same time as striker Charlie MacDonald, competing for a left midfield role that had two contenders already. Adrian Clarke and Scott Houghton soon found themselves moving onto pastures new, however, with Wayne Turner showing a clear preference for his new charges. It was a call that backfired on the gaffer, however. That’s because Blackwood failed to make the promised impact.

Even worse was that his commitment to the cause wasn’t always apparent; exposing his full-back to extra work due to a less-than-ideal enthusiasm for defensive work. He made 22 starts for us and found the net twice; both occasions when Boro’ hit five against their unlucky opponents that day. It’s probably no surprise, though, that the winger’s time with us came to an end after Graham Westley took charge. And his last match for us was our rubbish 3-0 defeat at Tamworth in the FA Trophy.

Simon Wormull and new signing Jamie Cook took up the left-sided role, which meant no room for Blackwood in the squad. A player with obvious raw talent, but a questionable attitude. It’s likely that only the hardened few recall him with too much fondness – if at all, to be fair.