Martin McNeil

Martin McNeil (born 28 September 1980 in Rutherglen) is a Scottish former professional footballer. He played in the football league for Cambridge United and Torquay United. He currently plays for Lowestoft Town.

Martin McNeil
Personal information
Date of birth (1980-09-28) 28 September 1980
Place of birth Rutherglen, Scotland
Position(s) Central defender
Club information
Current team
 Lowestoft Town
Youth career
19??–1998 Cambridge United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2001 Cambridge United 41 (0)
2001–2002 Torquay United 16 (0)
2002 King's Lynn 11 (0)
20??–2003 Fakenham Town
2003–2005 Wroxham
2005–2006 King's Lynn 10 (0)
2006–2007 Wisbech Town
2007–2009 Soham Town Rangers
2009– Lowestoft Town
2010– King's Lynn Town 28 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

McNeil began his career as a trainee with Cambridge United, turning professional in August 1998. He made his league debut for Roy McFarland's side on 24 October 1998, playing in a goalless draw at home to Shrewsbury Town. He played in the same team as Alex Russell as Cambridge won promotion, but fell out of favour during the 2000-01 season and was allowed to join McFarland's new side, Torquay United on trial, playing in the 2-0 away win over Newton Abbot on 25 July 2001. He joined Torquay on loan on 9 August 2001, which enabled him to be registered in time to play in the opening game of the season, a 1-0 defeat away to newly relegated Bristol Rovers, later signing a two-year contract. He played the early part of the season with an injury to his pubis bone, similar to that which had kept teammate Chris Brandon out the previous season, eventually succumbing to the need to rest it.

On 4 January 2002, McNeil was sacked by Torquay having been seen drinking alcohol in public houses in Torquay on New Year's Eve. Teammate Christian Hansen, whose loan was terminated at the same time, admitted that he and McNeil had been drinking and had returned to Hansen's hotel at 2.30 am, just over 12 hours before the start of a league game.[1]

In early February 2002, McNeil signed for King's Lynn.[2] He agreed to join Cambridge City on non-contract terms in August 2002,[3] although only days later the offer was withdrawn by City manager Dave Batch.[4]

In July 2003, he left Fakenham Town to join Wroxham.[5]

He returned to King's Lynn in the 2005 close season, eventually leaving in January 2006 when he joined Wisbech Town.[6] He was voted 'player of the year' at Wisbech in 2006 and 2007.[7]

He joined Soham Town Rangers in the 2007 close season,[8] but left in January 2009 to join Lowestoft Town. He then moved back to King's Lynn Town in summer 2010.[9]

References
  1. Torquay Herald Express 4 January 2002
  2. "Two new boys for Lynn". NonLeagueDaily. 5 February 2002. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  3. "McNeil agrees to join City". NonLeagueDaily. 15 August 2002. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  4. "Batch decides against signing McNeil after all". NonLeagueDaily. 17 August 2002. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  5. "Cunningham adds two". NonLeagueDaily. 7 July 2003. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  6. "McNeil moves across the Fens". NonLeagueDaily. 7 January 2006. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  7. "Programme: Haverhill Rovers v Soham Town Rangers". 11 September 2007. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  8. "Rangers look to be gelling well". NonLeagueDaily. 31 July 2007. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  9. "Fenmen miss out on McNeil but could get Jimson". NonLeagueDaily. 8 January 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2009.
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