Glossop captain Dave Young racked up a notable landmark for the club when The Hillmen took on Congleton Town on Saturday, pulling on a North End shirt for the 400th time.
Photograph – Jim Lockwood
Since making his debut in 2002/03 Dave has played for the club in two spells. He left the club at the end of the 2009/10 season before returning for 2013-14 – coming out of retirement in the process – to play under Chris Willcock.
Dave has been captain of the club for the majority of those 400 games, including what would be expected to be one of his proudest moments in 2009, when he led his team onto the Wembley turf for the FA Vase final.
To mark the occasion of ‘400 up’, Glossop North End asked Dave’s Surrey Street managers for their thoughts on ‘Youngy’. It was Chris Nicholson who gave Dave his debut as a 17 year-old and poolside in Australia, where he now lives, Chris wrote:
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Dave and his family since 1990 when he was 4 years old. His Dad Steve played for me at Spurley Hey and then Poynton, and like every eager son does, Dave followed his dad everywhere….even into the changing rooms before and after games
Initially the supporters were split with opinions on Dave’s ability, but I always had faith in his qualities, and with maturity and in time they certainly have shone through. Dave was courted by many clubs at a higher standard and tried his luck at Ashton United, Curzon and then Mossley, before returning to his spiritual home of Surrey Street, no better place to be.
It’s been a long time now since I moved over to Australia, but I still keep Tabs on my old club, and it is great to see how far Glossop North End has progressed, the same goes for “Youngy”…who has gone from boy to Family Man, Business Man and now a Glossop Legend.”
When Chris emigrated in 2007, Dave’s dad Steve took over at the club, and put together a side that went from strength to strength, including that memorable run to Wembley. Rather than cower from the challenges of having your father in charge, Dave’s game further improved.
Reflecting on his son’s 400th game, Steve Young said
“I’m a very proud father of a young man whose commitment to Glossop North End over numerous seasons has seen him mature into a fabulous role model to all players around him.
With the added pressures of bringing up a young family and running his own business Dave considered retiring from the game, somewhat prematurely.
I’m so glad he continues to play and bring so much enjoyment to the fans he loves so much.
For the fans of Glossop I hope he leads the club to success in the near future.”
It was when he left Mossley in May 2013 that Dave announced he was hanging up his boots at the tender age of 27. He had three very young children and a successful business, so everyone understood his decision, but weren’t sure they quite believed it! However, a call from Chris Willcock came to get involved in the coaching team he was putting together for Glossop North End, perhaps some scouting…maybe the odd game in emergencies…he was soon back training and playing as usual.
Chris Willcock also paid tribute to Dave on his landmark occasion:
“It’s a great achievement to play 400 games for one club. I know it has been over two spells but still a feat in this day and age where loyalty from players is often in question, and many will leave clubs at the drop of a hat for various reasons. One of my first phone calls when I was appointed was to try and pursue Youngy from “temporary” retirement (ha ha ha) and back to the club in a playing and management role. After a couple of conversations, Youngy decided to get involved with this adventure we have already started. My next reason for bringing him back to Glossop North End was because I knew he had great affection for the club and that the supporters would love to see him playing back in the Hillmen kit. I also knew that his experience and knowledge of non-league was going to be vital in the success of the club going forward. Well done Youngy – here’s to 500!!!”
Chris is right to say that Dave and his family are popular with the Glossop North End family. That affection showed itself when he was the landslide of winner of the Player of the Year award at the end of the 2013-14 season. All that remains for him to achieve for the club is to lift a trophy, and fans will hope it is not long before that one is ticked off too.