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
Age
33
Position
Centre-back
Current Club
Harrogate Railway
Previous Clubs
Knaresborough Town, Nostell Miners Welfare, Garforth Town
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
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.
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
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.
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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