Paul Heckingbottom

Paul joined Harrogate Town from Gateshead on the eve of the new season, having made over 440 appearances in a career that has spanned 18 years.

Barnsley born Paul started his career with none other then Manchester United in 1993 but failed to win a professional contract and joined Sunderland on his release in 1996. Despite not making an appearance for the “Black Cats” during his stay, Paul enjoyed three good loan spells at Scarborough, Hartlepool United and Darlington and it was his impressive displays at the latter of these clubs which convinced Darlington to make the move permanent in 1999.

During his three years at the “Quakers”, Paul made over 120 appearances and became a fans favourite. His displays caught the attention of Norwich City who signed him in time for the start of the 2002-2003 campaign. However after just a handful of games, Paul and Norwich separated and he joined Bradford City. Paul, again, became very popular with the fans and despite the fact that Bradford suffered relegation, Paul was voted the Player of the Year.

Sheffield Wednesday became Paul’s seventh club when he signed in May 2004 and he went on to cement the left back position until an ankle injury forced him out of the team. Unable to force his way back into the side, Paul left in 2006 and joined Barnsley where he made over 50 appearances.

In July 2007, Paul returned back to Bradford City initially on loan but this was soon turned into a permanent deal. Unfortunately, injury struck again and he was unable to stake a constant claim to a first team place. In 2009, Paul left Valley Parade and dropped into non-league football with Mansfield Town. Despite making a decent amount of appearances for the “Stags”, Paul was loaned out Gateshead who made the move permanent in May 2010.

Debut: v Altrincham
Date: 13 August 2011
First Goal: Not Scored
Date: NA

Previous Playing History.

Interview with Paul (5th November 2011)