Nicholas Culkin

Player Profile

Introduction:

Full Name: Nicholas Culkin
Preferred Position: Goalkeeper
Joined Stretford Paddock FC: 2023
Previous Clubs: Manchester United, Bristol Rovers, Livingston, Chesterfield, Radcliffe Borough, Prescott Cables, FC United of Manchester, and many others.

Career Highlights and Awards:

Highlights:
– Made his debut for Manchester United in 1999, famously holding the record for the shortest Premier League career with just 13 seconds played.
– Played for numerous clubs across various leagues, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to every team he joined.

Personal Football Journey:

Youth Career: Nick started his football journey at York City before joining the youth academy at Manchester United.
Professional Career: He signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in 1995. Despite limited playing time at United, his career spanned various clubs, including loans to clubs like Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers.
Later Career: After leaving Manchester United, Nick played for clubs in England and Scotland, showcasing his goalkeeping skills and providing stability at the back.
Current Role: At Stretford Paddock FC, Nick steps in as a goalkeeper when needed, bringing invaluable experience and mentorship to the squad.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC:

On the Pitch: Nick serves as a reliable and experienced option between the sticks, stepping in when the team needs cover. His presence ensures that the team has a solid last line of defense.
Off the Pitch: Nick’s extensive experience in professional football provides a wealth of knowledge and mentorship to younger players, helping them develop and improve.

Personal Interests and Aspirations:

Hobbies: Outside of football, Nick enjoys staying active and involved in the football community.
Aspirations: To continue contributing to football in various capacities, whether on the pitch or through coaching and mentorship roles.

Message to Supporters:

“Thank you for your unwavering support. It’s an honor to be part of a club with such passionate fans. Let’s continue pushing forward together.”

History

Omar Sinclair 2

Player Profile

Introduction:

Full Name: Omar Sinclair
Position: Centre Back
Joined Stretford Paddock FC: 2021

Career Highlights and Awards:

Omar has had a distinguished career, having been named to the All-America Team during his time in the United States. A notable highlight was winning the US National Championship, showcasing his talent and dedication on the pitch.

Personal Football Journey:

Omar’s football journey has been diverse and enriching. Starting in Sunday league football, he progressed through various academies and earned a scholarship, which led him to play professionally in the US before joining Stretford Paddock FC. His experiences across different levels of the game have shaped him into a resilient and skilled defender.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC:

As a centre back, Omar plays a crucial role in the team’s defensive lineup. His leadership and experience on the pitch make him a key player. Omar is known for his free-kick taking ability, which has seen his deadly set piece strikes win plenty of points for Paddock!

Personal Interests and Aspirations:

Omar’s interests extend beyond football; he enjoys engaging in various sports-related activities. Looking ahead, he is considering a career in coaching, especially as he anticipates the eventual toll of his persistent ankle injury.

Message to Supporters:

“Keep supporting us through thick and thin because you haven’t seen the best of us yet.”

History

Ronaldo Brown 17

Player Profile

Introduction:

Full Name: Ronaldo Brown
Preferred Position: Left Winger (LW)
Joined Stretford Paddock FC: From the beginning
Previous Clubs: Liverpool and Oldham Athletic

Career Highlights and Awards:

Significant Moments:
– Scoring the winning goal in the Youth Cup 4th round against Bury while playing for Oldham Athletic.
– Winning the cup last summer against Droylsden with Stretford Paddock FC.
Awards and Recognitions:
– Won several Golden Boots at Fletcher Moss.
– Most Improved Player during my later stages at Liverpool Academy.

Personal Football Journey:

Early Start: My football journey feels like it has always been a part of me. I don’t remember when I started, but it’s been an ever-present part of my life.
Path to Now: My path in football has been one I’m lucky to have had, full of opportunities many would be grateful for, with the usual ups and downs.
Significant Moments: Signing for Liverpool Academy and earning my scholarship at Oldham Athletic.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC:

On the Pitch: I play as a Left Winger, focusing on having fun and not overthinking things.
Off the Pitch: Nonchalant and fairly uninvolved, but always trying to contribute positively when needed.
Key Contributions: Significant performances in matches, notably away games at West Didsbury last year and against Hashtag United reserves.

Personal Interests and Aspirations:

Occupation: Journalist/Content Producer
Hobbies and Interests: Going to the gym and watching other sports.
Aspirations: Both within and outside of football, my goal is to be content and comfortable.

Message to Supporters:

“Appreciate you all and I’m sure we’ll give back with silverware for all the support.”

Josh Mbala 19

Player Profile

Introduction:

Full Name: Josh Mbala

Position: Left Wing

Joined Club: Mid-season 2023/24

Previous Club: Stalybridge U21s

 

Career Highlights and Awards:

Josh made an immediate impact at Stretford Paddock FC by assisting in his first game for the club. He looks forward to creating more highlights and achieving collective awards with the team.

*Personal Football Journey:*
Josh’s passion for football started in local parks as a young child, dreaming of playing professionally. His journey through various clubs has been a learning experience, culminating in his current chapter at Paddock to elevate his career. A significant moment in his career was playing in the FA Youth Cup with his family watching, a memory he cherishes.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC:

Josh’s role involves contributing goals and assists to help the team meet its objectives. He believes that by working hard and achieving his personal goals, he can significantly contribute to the club’s overall success.

Personal Interests and Aspirations:

Beyond football, Josh is interested in business and entrepreneurship. He enjoys learning new skills, such as additional languages and playing other sports, which enrich his personal and professional life.

Message to Supporters:

“I will give my best to help my teammates and coaching staff achieve the high targets set for this club. I also aim to bring an element of enjoyment and entertainment on the pitch to bring a smile to the supporters’ faces.

History

Zacharias Bell 8

Player Profile

Introduction:

Full Name: Zak Bell
Position: Holding Midfield (Number 6) or Box-to-Box Midfielder (Number 8)
Joined Club: January 2022
Previous Club: Manchester Central

Career Highlights and Awards:

Zak values the engagement and appreciation from Stretford Paddock FC’s supporters and owners immensely, considering their recognition as greater than any formal award. His time at the club and previous teams has been marked by significant contributions and accolades.

Personal Football Journey:

Zak’s football journey began at Hough End Griffins, playing with older age groups which enhanced his physicality early on. After a brief hiatus from football between ages 14 and 17, he resumed playing in college, leading his team to a league and cup double and an undefeated season, culminating in a national cup final which they narrowly lost on penalties. One of his standout moments came when he played a pivotal role in winning the Murray Trophy with Manchester Central as a teenager, highlighting his early exposure to men’s football.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC:

Known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Zak views himself as a natural leader, a trait acknowledged and respected by his teammates, especially the younger players.

Personal Interests and Aspirations:

Outside of football, Zak works at the RAC and enjoys travelling on holidays. His aspirations are straightforward yet profound: to be the best version of himself and maintain a positive outlook, spreading smiles wherever he goes.

Message to Supporters:

“I would like to say coming onto my 2nd year here, every one of the supporters has been amazing. Home games, away games and on social media your support doesn’t go unnoticed. This club is growing by the month and in 10 years time this club will be somewhere you couldn’t have imagined, and that’s down to your support, thank you!”

History

Victor Iyumva 40

Player Profile

Biography coming soon. Stay tuned for more details about the achievements, expertise, and background of our talented player. Check back shortly for a full profile update!

History

Michael Olatunji 5

Player Profile

Biography coming soon. Stay tuned for more details about the achievements, expertise, and background of our talented player. Check back shortly for a full profile update!

History

Edward Fulwood 27

Player Profile

Introduction

Full Name: Edward-Paul Fulwood
Preferred Position: Right Back
Start Date at Stretford Paddock FC: Joined in the 21/22 season, took a break, and returned in the 23/24 season.
Previous Clubs: Played college soccer in America for Campbell University.

Career Highlights

Highlights:
– Playing for Manchester United’s youth system and Oldham Athletic’s youth team.
– Winning two championship titles back to back with Campbell University Men’s Soccer.

Personal Football Journey

Journey: Started playing football at 11. Scouted by several academies before joining Manchester United’s youth system. Later played for Oldham Athletic’s youth team and reserves before moving to America to play for Campbell University.
Significant Moments: Signing for Manchester United Academy and playing for the team I grew up supporting.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC

Role: Background leader, setting standards by example.
Key Contributions: Significant performance in a match against Joao before he joined the team.

Personal Interests and Aspirations

Occupation: Business Consultant in IT, aiming to eventually specialise in cloud systems and AI.
Hobbies: Various sports, technology, horticulture, photography, and Bitcoin.
Aspirations: To continue playing football for as long as possible and maintain fitness. Probably not as long as Gav, but we’ll see.

Message to Supporters

Message: Massive thanks for all the support, from online interactions to buying the shirts and being members. Being a fan myself, it’s exciting to be on this journey together. UTP!

History

Ryan Liddle 33

Player Profile

Introduction

Name: Ryan Liddle
Preferred Position: Centre Back / Left Back
Start Date at Stretford Paddock FC: Starting this season
Previous Clubs: Baugley, Denton Town, Stalybridge, Droylsden, Winsford

Career Highlights and Awards

– Played semi-pro most of my career at Stalybridge, Droylsden, and Winsford.

Personal Football Journey

– Started playing at Rochdale from age 8 to 16.
– Moved on to play full-time with Stalybridge before signing for Droylsden, making a few first-team appearances.
– Sought first-team action by moving to play in the North West Counties.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC

– This will be my first season with Paddock.
– I aim to contribute to keeping clean sheets and playing football from the back.

Personal Interests and Aspirations

Occupation:
– Work in business strategy.
Interests:
– Enjoy the gym and traveling.
Aspirations:
– I want to help the club move up in the football pyramid and play where they deserve to be.

Message to Supporters

– “Keep up the great support and help the club grow with us. It’s great to have such good support.”

History

Florin Salceanu 1

Player Profile

Introduction:

Full Name: Florin Claudiu Salceanu

Position: Goalkeeper

Joined Club: 2024/25 Season

Previous Clubs: Hyde United, West Didsbury & Chorlton, AFC Stockport (Sunday League)

 

Career Highlights and Background:

Florin started his football journey in Spain at the age of 15, where he played until a significant ankle injury at 17 halted his progress. He resumed playing at 21, overcoming adversity with a strong mental attitude. His experience spans several clubs, including a season at Hyde United and playing in the local Sunday league.

Role at Stretford Paddock FC:

As the new goalkeeper for Stretford Paddock FC, Florin is determined to leverage his resilience and tenacity to help the club achieve top results. His goal is to contribute significantly to the team’s success and help secure first-place finishes.

Personal Interests and Aspirations:

Florin is deeply passionate about sports, with a specific focus on advancing his career as a professional goalkeeper. His aspirations are not only to elevate his game but also to achieve professional status in the sport he loves.

Message to Supporters:

“Thank you to everyone at Stretford Paddock FC for this incredible opportunity. I am here to win and bring success to our club. Your support is invaluable, and together, I believe we can achieve great things.”

History

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