Trio make Holker Street return
Last updated at 16:47, Wednesday, 09 May 2012
FOR Millom FC trio Mike Brown, Ryan Tyson and Carl Waters, tonight’s Furness Senior Cup Final against Cartmel could be their last appearance at Holker Street – a ground they all know very well, writes MICHAEL THOMPSETT.
Brown signed for Barrow in the 1992/93 season at the age of 26 and made his debut shortly afterwards in a high-profile friendly against a Manchester United side containing the likes of Roy Keane, Dion Dublin and Bryan Robson.
He marked Irish international Keith Gillespie in the game, and when asked how he did, he joked: “He never got a look in!”
Tyson went for trials at Barrow in the 1993/94 season as an 18-year-old, when AFC resurrected the reserves set-up and he was helped by former Bluebirds coach Neil McDonald.
“They operated a trials system at the time and Neil really encouraged me to believe that I could play first team at that level,” he said.
“My debut came in an away game at Atherton which we won 1-0 and my performance got good reviews.”
Waters was 21 when he signed for Barrow in the 2001/02 season, and he went on to make 42 appearances and score 22 goals. His personal highlight of his time as a Bluebird was the opportunity to face his beloved Oldham Athletic in the first round proper of the FA Cup.
Barrow fans will also remember him as Grant Holt’s strike partner. Asked about his time alongside the now Norwich City star and England hopeful Holt, Waters remained humble.
“He made it easy for me. Every ball in the air was a probable chance,” said Waters, who went on to become a prolific goalscorer for Millom, netting an unbelievable 60 goals in a single season, from a team total of 85.
As all three approach the end of their playing days and another Holker Street final, this may be Barrow fans’ last chance to say farewell to the three from Millom.
Cartmel, meanwhile, go into the final having last lifted the cup in 2009/10. Colin Cowperthawaite – Barrow’s record scorer of all time with 282 goals – has long been part of the Cartmel’s management team.
Tonight’s (Wednesday's) Travis Perkins-sponsored Furness FA Senior Cup final kicks off at 7pm.
First published at 13:15, Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Well done boys, you have all done the town proud over the last 15 years. We all hope your stay in the game and give something back. Good luck to Mike with his weight loss charity event in the next few months.
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Carl is a cracking player and has plenty more years
left in him. Mike Brown will make a good manager one day
and should be looking around the local scene for opportunities . Botley reserves are looking for a Manger and Mike could do a lot worse!
Posted by Mike Hall on 16 May 2012 at 17:38