Non League Yorkshire

Player Profile – Railway’s Mike Morris

James Grayson
Magic Mike: Harrogate Railway captain Mike Morris

Mike Morris only started playing Non League football when he was 26. Yet despite his lateness to the stage, Morris has enjoyed some fabulous moments and played in front of big crowds. He’s even seen a robot resembling Jesus bust out some dance moves in an opposition’s half.

He was a key member of Billy Miller’s unforgettable 2014//2015 Harrogate Railway side which claimed the club’s highest ever league finish. Now he’s back at his ‘home’ Station View captaining Railway as Mick O’Connell leads a revival.

Name

Mike Morris

Railway’s Mike Morris celebrating scoring at Farsley Celtic in 2015 not long before the game became his lowest moment. Photo: Caught Light Photography

Age

33 

Position

Centre-back

Current Club

Harrogate Railway

Previous Clubs

Knaresborough Town, Nostell Miners Welfare, Garforth Town

Mike Morris briefly played for Knaresborough Town
Mike Morris’ puts his head on the line in Harrogate’s 3-2 defeat to Spennymoor in the FA Trophy in 2014. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Mike Morris leaves Lewis Nightingale on the deck whilst playing for Harrogate Railway against Farsley AFC in 2014. Picture: Caught Light Photography

Day Job

British Army 

Best Mate in Football

Dan Thirkell 

Team Supported

Manchester United 

Football Idol

Roy Keane

Biggest influence on footballing career

Billy Miller 

Billy Miller is one of Harrogate Railway’s greatest manager and is viewed in high acclaim by Mike Morris

Career Highlight

Coming into Non League from Sunday League at 26 and playing in front of 2000 fans for my first start (for Harrogate Railway) at that level (NPL Division One North) away at Darlington. 

Lowest Moment

Breaking my leg on New Years Day 2015 playing for Railway at Farsley.

Most Memorable Match

Beating Salford away 4-1 in front of the Class of ’92 (in November 2014) which was then shown on the documentary Class of 92. 

Funniest Moment

Watching Rob Youhil do the robot after we took the lead against Darlington  after 10 minutes and then losing the game 7-1. Very awkward, Wasn’t funny at the time but looking back now it always makes us all laugh. The goalkeeper Karl Dean knocked out with concussion and got taken off at 1-1. He drove straight home concussed and didn’t watch the game. We would have won if it wasn’t for Lee Ashforth who went in goal.

Wing Wizard and self-styled Hot Jesus Rob Youhill’s ‘worldie’ put Railway ahead at Darlington in 2014 in the 7-1 defeat – which Lee Ashforth will enjoy watching back so he can learn from his mistakes

First semi-pro club and manager

Harrogate Railway and Billy Miller. 

Non League Debut

Padiham away 2013 in the NPL Division One North for Harrogate Railway

Mike Morris has been associated with Harrogate Railway on-and-off since 2013. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
He has chipped in with some important goals this season. Picture: Craig Dinsdale

First Red Card

Straight red after 10 mins against Mossley at home striker had played a nice one two and was through one on one and I dragged him back (apparently). They scored from the free kick as I was walking off. Not the best feeling in the world. 

Morris remonstrating with the referee of Railway’s highly controversial defeat to Glasshoughton in November 2019. Picture: @dribblingcode

First goal

Radcliffe Borough away 2014 for Railway. A corner taken by Rob Youhil and the ball landed at my feet I brought it down took it past the defender and curled it in from 12 yards. 

What Do You Want to Achieve in the Future in Football

To keep playing at a decent standard for as long as possible. Then go into management in the future. 

Favourite Non League ground played at (barring own):

Darlington / Curzon Ashton

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