Paul Brayson

One of the most sought after and feared marksman in non league football. Paul joined Harrogate Town in May 2011 from Blue Square Bet North rivals Blyth Spartans.

Starting his career at Newcastle United, Paul made two appearances in the famous black and white striped shirt in the league cup, however this wasn’t enough to force a way into the side permanently and in 1997 he went on a three month loan to Swansea City where he scored 5 times in 11 appearances.

This form prompted Reading to pay out £100,000 for his services in 1998 and despite playing nearly 50 times for the “Royals” Paul only managed to score a solitary goal. Towards the end of his stay at Reading he was sent on loan to Cardiff City and greatly impressed earning a permanent move in time for the start of the 2000-2001 season. During his two seasons with the Welsh outfit, Paul found the back of the net on a regular basis and it came as some surprise when he joined Cheltenham Town in July 2002.

His two year stint at Whaddon Road earned him a further 58 appearances and 12 goals before he dropped out of professional football and signed with Northwich Victoria in August 2004. His partnership with current Town player Jonny Allan bloomed and despite a brief loan spell at Gateshead he scored 29 goals in 78 games. It was at this stage in his career that Paul was called up to represent the England C team and he won his only cap in a 3-0 win over Scotland.

York City signed Paul in the pre-season of 2007 and he made another 23 appearances with 4 goals scored before being released from his contract and joining ambitious rising club Newcastle Blue Star. A season later and Paul was on the move again, this time making the short distance to Durham City. Again the goals kept on coming and it was this that prompted Blyth Spartans to offer Paul a contract which he accepted in 2009.

Whilst at our Blue Square Bet North rivals, Paul finished top scorer in both campaigns, winning the league’s “Golden Boot” award.

Paul was released from Harrogate Town at the end of the 2011-2012 season.

Debut: v Altrincham
Date: 13 August 2011
First Goal: v Altrincham
Date: 13 August 2011

Previous Playing History.