1. Ryan Robinson – Goalkeeper (Born – 13/10/82)

 

When Manager Jim Harvey needed a goalkeeper he moved swiftly to sign Ryan from his previous club Morecambe in January 2007. As soon as he made his debut for Rovers it came apparent why he was so highly rated in the league. A superb shot stopper and defensive organiser which won so many points for Rovers towards the end of last season. Started his career as a trainee with Blackburn Rovers before moving on to Southend United for the 03/04 season. Returned to Morecambe but was again loan out to Southport. His work rate was rewarded with a selection to represent England, only for his own wedding and honeymoon plans to take preference.

2. Alex Lawless – Defender (Born – 26/3/85)

 

Proved last season to be a very versatile player, can play at the back of defence or in midfield. Born in Llwyn-y-pia in the Rhonda Valley and a Welsh U21 International, earning a cap against N. Ireland in Feb 06. Started his career as a trainee with Fulham and played several games in their reserves before moving on to Torquay United.

3. Anthony Tonkin – Defender (Born – 17/1/80)

 

Newlyn, Cornwall born left sided defender with vast experience at league and Conference level. Anthony started his career at Yeovil Town before a £50,000 move into the league with Stockport County. A bigger moved followed as Crewe Alexandra paid £150,000 to add him to their ranks, this is where the Manager first saw him play. Return to Yeovil was put out on loan to Grays Athletic at the end of last season. Has represented England in the semi-pro national team.

4. Darren Jones – Defender (Born – 26/8/83)

 

Rovers most experienced player with over 100 games for the club. Strong hard tackling defender with a fiercesome right foot at free-kicks. Newport (Gwent) born player who first came to Rovers whilst a trainee with Bristol City. Cheltenham Town soon took note of his strengths and signed him full time after an initial loan period. Decided to go back to his roots with Newport County before returning to Rovers a couple of seasons ago. Non-League Welsh International.

5. Chris Giles – Defender (Born – 16/4/82)

 

Experienced strong central defender born in Mibourne Port, Nr. Yeovil where he started his playing career. Majestic in the air and a player who can move up front when necessary. Spent most of his playing days in this league with Ebbsfleet, Woking, Aldershot and Crawley joining Rovers in January 07.

6. Jamie Pitman. – Midf'd/Assis't M'ger (Born – 6/1/76)

 

Manager Jim Harvey was pleased to announce that Jamie would be his Assistant this season, a position that he is relishing. With a very young squad he unfortunately picks up the mantle of Players Senior Citizen, being the oldest at just 31. Born in Trowbridge he started as a trainee with Swindon Town before moving into the League with Hereford United. Conference experience followed with Yeovil and Woking before a very successful period again with Hereford United.

8. Simon Clist – Midfield (Born – 13/6/81)

 

Awarded the “Supporters Player of the Season” which was true recognition for last season’s hard work, always gives 100%.  Born in Dorset and started his playing career as a trainee with Bristol City making 50 first team appearances. After a short loan period with Torquay United moved on to Barnet. Joined Rovers at the beginning of last season.

9.  Adriano Rigoglioso – Striker (Born – 28/5/79)

 

Another player brought south by the Manager from Morecambe where, he had been highly rated. Scored 6 goals in 11 appearances before a leg injury curtailed his scoring prowess for the rest of the season. Started his playing career at his home club Liverpool where he played in the same youth team as Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher. Moved on to Marine, Morecambe, Doncaster Rovers and a loan spell with Southport.

10. Michael Brough – Midfield (Born - 1/8/81)

 

Club Captain and another that leads by example, with full effort and commitment. Born in Nottingham and started his playing career at home with Notts County. Made almost 100 first team appearances before having a short loan spell with Spalding. Made several appearances in the Conference with Stevenage Borough before becoming a Lawn favourite with the home fans at Forest Green.

11. John Hardiker - Defender (Born – 7/7/82)

 

Another player to come out of the Morecambe Academy and move on until the full league. In 2002 Carlton Palmer paid £150,000 to take him to Stockport County, a then record fee for a non-league defender. After over 100 games he moved on to Bury, followed by a return to Morecambe, then surprising released to Fleetwood. Has certainly made an impact since joining Rovers and can pop up in the box at the right moment.

12. Mark Preece – Defender (Born - 3/6/87)

 

Mark Joined Rovers at the start of last season after being released by Bristol Rovers, his home club. Soon proved a good young prospect with a strong defensive display during the clubs pre-season matches. Before joining Rovers had a loan spell with Gloucester City; Somerset County honours at both U16’s and U18’s.

14. Stuart Fleetwood – Striker (Born – 23/4/86)

 

Gloucester born striker with league experience with Cardiff City and Hereford United. Joined Cardiff at the age of 12 and went on to play 5 Welsh U21 Internationals. Joined Hereford in 2006 and soon made his name as a prolific striker, including scoring a Carling Cup hat-trick against Championship side Coventry City. A serious virus illness sidelined him for most of last season. Made a great start to the season with 14 goals already.

17. Les Afful – Midfield/Striker (Born – 4/2/84)

 

Liverpool born nippy winger who surprised many last year with inspired performances as the lone front striker. Started his career as a trainee with Exeter City, after being spotted playing for Mersey side youth team Toxteth. Had a short loan spell with Torquay United at the end of last season before joining Rovers and becoming an instant supporter’s favourite. Can turn on a sixpence and leave defenders floundering.

19. Paul Stonehouse - Midfield/Striker (Born - 30/7/87)

 

Paul has progressed well from the clubs Youth Development policy, hopefully the first of many. Broke into the first team last season with some memorable performances after loan spells with Yate Town, Cinderford Town & Gloucester City. Our youngest player at just 19, lives locally to Forest Green, born in Wegburg, Germany.

20. Jonathan Smith – Midfield (Born - 17/10/86)

 

Young central midfielder who came through the youth ranks at Morecambe FC where Jim Harvey kept an eye on his potential. Born in Preston Lancs. and was restricted to a few cup games with Morecambe’s 1^st team but had loan spells at Fleetwood Town and Bamber Bridge.

21. Chris Davies – Striker (Born - 25/6/86)

 

Another young local lad previously with Shortwood United just across the valley from The New Lawn. Chris is in his last year at Loughborough University where he is studying for a BSc in Sports Science and Exercise. Set the Hellenic league alight with 40 goals in 41 games last season, a club record at Shortwood. An U18’s England International.

22. Lee Dodgson – Midfield (Born - 24/3/84)

 

Yet another player to come through the Morecambe FC youth ranks and played regularly in the reserve team. Born in Lancaster he can play both wide left or right of midfield. Had a loan spell with Leek Town and signed permanently with Unibond Premier Side Fleetwood. Join Rovers in January 2007 and scored a spectacular last second goal against Stevenage Borough.

23. Danny Carey-Bertram – Striker (Born - 14/5/84)

 

Danny has the distinction of scoring a goal against Rovers before joining them later last season. Born in Birmingham he started his career with Hereford United where he became a member of their promotion winning team. Had a short spell with Cambridge United before joining Rovers in January 2007. Shocked Oxford United with both goals in Rovers surprise 2-0 win at The Kassam Stadium. Has represented England National Game XI in 2005.

25. Terry Burton – Goalkeeper (Born - 10/02/81)

 

Terry, who was originally from hull, has recently left the Army, and previously played for Wantage Town in the Hellenic League as well as the Army. Jim Harvey had seen qualities in the 26yr old, which made his mind up to offer him terms. Already dubbed by the clubs fans as the Bruce Grobblelar of non league football, he has shown a fearless streak with a good shot stopping ability.

 

 

Jim Harvey - Manager (Born - 02.05.58)

 

When Jim Harvey joined Rovers in September 06 the team was languishing at the bottom of the Conference without a win to their name, by the end of the season the club finish a comfortable 14^th and was riding on a crest of euphoria and optimisms.

Born in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, he went on to signed for Arsenal in 1974, sadly somewhat restricted with only three 1^st team league appearances. In 1980 Jim had a free transfer to Hereford United where he became a favourite with the fans with 278 leagues games.  

Bristol City signed him for £25,000 in 1980 but he was soon loaned out to Wrexham. Another £25,000 move found Jim at Tramere Rovers where he became Club Captain making 121 league appearances, 12 League Cup and 8 F.A. Cup appearances, whilst scoring 15 goals.

Dario Gardi took him to Crewe Alexander as a player/coach before he made his first Conference appearance with Southport in 1993/94. Chester City was the next club to use Jim’s football knowledge, not just as a player but also as Reserve Team Coach and Director of the School of Excellence. 

Leighton James, who was Manager of Morecambe FC, brought Jim in as he’s Assistant Manager/Player, particularly for his F.A qualifications and experience. In June 1994 he became the club Manager, the start of a 12 year reign. In his first season he took them from the Northern Premier League into the GM Vauxhall Conference where he has gained so much respect over the years.

During his time with Morecambe he became runners up in 2003 to Dagenham & Redbridge only to lose on penalties for promotion to The League. Jim also served as Assistant Manager to the Northern Ireland National side, then managed by Sammy McIlroy.

Sadly before the Cambridge United game on November 12 2005, Jim suffered a heart attack and was taken to the local hospital at Lancaster.  After a long recover period everyone was shocked when Morecambe released their longest serving Manager and replaced him with his best friend McIlroy.

Morecambe’s loss has already been Rovers gain, where he has been made so welcome by The Lawn supporters, players and Directors. Everyone relishes the seasons to come under the guidance of the one and only Jimmy Harvey.