Tony Naylor
Encyclopedia
Anthony Joseph Naylor (born 29 March 1967 in Manchester
, Lancashire
) is an English
former football player. He is best known for his spells at Port Vale
and Crewe Alexandra
in the 1990s.
He moved to Dario Gradi
's Crewe from non-league Droylsden
in 1990, turning professional at the age of 23. After two successive promotion-hunting campaigns ended at the play-off stage, he helped the Alex to automatic promotion in 1993–94. His goals impressed John Rudge
at nearby Port Vale, and a £150,000 deal was struck between the two rival clubs in 1994. He went on to spend the next seven years at Vale Park
, playing in the Anglo-Italian Cup
final in 1996
, as well as the club's Football League Trophy
success in 2001
. Three times Vale's top-scorer, he left on a free transfer to Cheltenham Town
in 2001. He helped Cheltenham to win promotion via the play-offs in 2002, before he entered the non-league scene with Telford United
in 2003. He retired as a player in 2005, though would make brief a brief cameo at Ashton United
in 2006.
. Having caught the eye of Crewe Alexandra
boss Dario Gradi
, the striker completed an £11,000 switch to the Railwaymen in March 1990. His new club went on to be relegated at the end of the season, however Naylor helped Crewe to the Fourth Division
play-offs in 1991. Hopes of an immediate return to the third tier were then dashed after defeat to Scunthorpe United
at the semi-final stage. He helped them into the play-off final the following year, at which point they lost out
to York City
in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley. On the way to the final he set a club record for most goals in a match when he scored five in a game against Colchester United
on 24 April 1993. Promotion finally came in 1993–94, as Naylor's goals helped to assure Alex of the third automatic promotion place.
After four years in South Cheshire
, Naylor was snapped up by local rivals Port Vale
in a £150,000 deal. John Rudge
's Valiants splashed the cash after sealing promotion
from the Second Division
on the last day of the 1993–94 season
, and Naylor would join the side for the new season in the First Division
. He played in the 1996 Anglo-Italian Cup Final
, as Vale lost 5–2 to Genoa
. He was with the Valiants through one of the clubs most successful periods
as they finished eighth in the 1996–97
First Division (the clubs highest finish since the 1930s). The club also managed to win the LDV Vans Trophy
in 2001, as they defeated Brentford
2–1 in the final
at the Millennium Stadium
in Cardiff
. In total he managed to notch 106 goals in his seven years at Vale Park
, finishing as the club's top goalscorer at the end of the 1995–96
, 1996–97 and 2000–01
seasons with 12, 20 and 21 goals respectively.
The striker turned down the offer of a new contract for pastures new, and Cheltenham Town
ended up being his next port of call, as he joined the Gloucestershire
club on a two year contract. Naylor's goals guided the Robins to promotion to League One
, via the play-offs
, in his first season. It was the first time Cheltenham had been that high in the Football League
pyramid. Manager Steve Cotterill
was keen to praise Naylor, as was his successor Graham Allner
. However, he was unable to prevent relegation the following season and was released at the end of the 2002–03 campaign, after scoring 26 goals in 86 games for the club.
The pint-sized forward joined Conference National
outfit Telford United
shortly into the 2003–04 campaign, linking up with one of his strike partners from his Port Vale days in Lee Mills
. Naylor quickly endeared himself to the supporters at the New Bucks Head
with his trademark pacey and tenacious displays particularly when he scored the second goal in a 2–1 victory of local rivals Shrewsbury Town
in the FA Trophy
. Naylor eventually went on to make 29 appearances during the season scoring 11 goals. Despite helping Telford to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup
and the semi-finals of the FA Trophy
, United were beset by off the field problems during the final few months of the 2004–05 season, and folded at the end of the campaign after their finances spiralled out of control. Naylor was again on the lookout for a new club and was linked with a move to Shrewsbury Town after his impressive displays against them for Telford, but this never materialised, and after several fruitless trials he eventually retired from the professional game.
During the 2005–06 season Naylor joined Ashton United
as assistant to manager Scott Green
, a former team-mate of his from their Telford days. When the club were hit by an injury crisis he donned his boots once more and scored twice from the penalty spot
in a 2–2 draw at Frickley Athletic
. He left Ashton soon afterwards, following a fall-out with Green.
, often being seen in the Stoke-on-Trent
and Leek
area.
In June 2010, Naylor came out as a supporter of Goal-line technology
, thirteen years after a goal he scored against QPR was not recorded because the officials failed to spot it cross the line.
with Port Vale
with Cheltenham Town
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
) is an English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former football player. He is best known for his spells at Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
and Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
in the 1990s.
He moved to Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi MBE is an Italian-born English football manager and former player, who was serving as manager of the Crewe Alexandra F.C. Academy. He is a former manager of Crewe Alexandra, with whom he has been associated for almost thirty years.Gradi is notable for his 24-year first spell as manager...
's Crewe from non-league Droylsden
Droylsden F.C.
Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:...
in 1990, turning professional at the age of 23. After two successive promotion-hunting campaigns ended at the play-off stage, he helped the Alex to automatic promotion in 1993–94. His goals impressed John Rudge
John Rudge
John Robert Rudge is an English former football player and football manager. He is currently working as the director of football at Stoke City....
at nearby Port Vale, and a £150,000 deal was struck between the two rival clubs in 1994. He went on to spend the next seven years at Vale Park
Vale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
, playing in the Anglo-Italian Cup
Anglo-Italian Cup
The Anglo-Italian Cup is a defunct European football competition that was played intermittently between 1970 and 1996 between clubs from England and Italy. Founded by Gigi Peronace in 1970, following the success of the Anglo-Italian League Cup, it was played as a professional tournament until 1973...
final in 1996
1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup
The 1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup was the last ever Anglo-Italian Cup competition. The European football competition was played between eight clubs from England and eight clubs from Italy. Italian side Genoa lifted the trophy after beating English side Port Vale 5-2.-Format:For the competition there...
, as well as the club's Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
success in 2001
2001 Football League Trophy Final
The 2001 Football League Trophy Final was the 18th final of the Football League Trophy, the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Football League Second and Third Divisions...
. Three times Vale's top-scorer, he left on a free transfer to Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town F.C.
Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more...
in 2001. He helped Cheltenham to win promotion via the play-offs in 2002, before he entered the non-league scene with Telford United
Telford United F.C.
Telford United F.C. was an English football club based in Telford, Shropshire.The club existed under various names for a total of 132 years from its formation in 1872. The club was founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 and played at this level for 25 years before being wound up in...
in 2003. He retired as a player in 2005, though would make brief a brief cameo at Ashton United
Ashton United F.C.
Ashton United Football Club is an English football club, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.-History:The club was originally founded in 1878 as Hurst F.C. and the earliest known match report dates back to March 1879. By 1880 the club were playing at Hurst Cross, their current ground....
in 2006.
Playing style
A consummate finisher, he posed a great threat inside the opposition's penalty area.Playing career
Naylor began his career at non-league DroylsdenDroylsden F.C.
Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:...
. Having caught the eye of Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
boss Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi MBE is an Italian-born English football manager and former player, who was serving as manager of the Crewe Alexandra F.C. Academy. He is a former manager of Crewe Alexandra, with whom he has been associated for almost thirty years.Gradi is notable for his 24-year first spell as manager...
, the striker completed an £11,000 switch to the Railwaymen in March 1990. His new club went on to be relegated at the end of the season, however Naylor helped Crewe to the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
play-offs in 1991. Hopes of an immediate return to the third tier were then dashed after defeat to Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
at the semi-final stage. He helped them into the play-off final the following year, at which point they lost out
1993 Football League Third Division play-off Final
-External links:*...
to York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley. On the way to the final he set a club record for most goals in a match when he scored five in a game against Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
on 24 April 1993. Promotion finally came in 1993–94, as Naylor's goals helped to assure Alex of the third automatic promotion place.
After four years in South Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
, Naylor was snapped up by local rivals Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in a £150,000 deal. John Rudge
John Rudge
John Robert Rudge is an English former football player and football manager. He is currently working as the director of football at Stoke City....
's Valiants splashed the cash after sealing promotion
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
from the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
on the last day of the 1993–94 season
1993–94 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1993–94 season was Port Vale's eighty-second season of football in the Football League, and fifth successive season in the Second Division. They won promotion to the First Division as the division's runners-up, just one point away from champions Reading...
, and Naylor would join the side for the new season in the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
. He played in the 1996 Anglo-Italian Cup Final
1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup
The 1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup was the last ever Anglo-Italian Cup competition. The European football competition was played between eight clubs from England and eight clubs from Italy. Italian side Genoa lifted the trophy after beating English side Port Vale 5-2.-Format:For the competition there...
, as Vale lost 5–2 to Genoa
Genoa C.F.C.
Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to simply as Genoa , is a professional Italian football club based in the city of Genoa, Liguria...
. He was with the Valiants through one of the clubs most successful periods
History of Port Vale F.C.
The history of Port Vale F.C., an English association football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, began when the club was formed in 1876. In 1884, the club moved to the town of Burslem, changing their name to Burslem Port Vale in the process. The club joined the Football League Second Division upon its...
as they finished eighth in the 1996–97
1996–97 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1996–97 season was Port Vale's eighty-fifth season of football in the Football League, and third successive season in the First Division. John Rudge led the club to its joint-second highest ever league finish, as Vale finished in eighth spot, four points from the play-offs...
First Division (the clubs highest finish since the 1930s). The club also managed to win the LDV Vans Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
in 2001, as they defeated Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
2–1 in the final
2001 Football League Trophy Final
The 2001 Football League Trophy Final was the 18th final of the Football League Trophy, the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Football League Second and Third Divisions...
at the Millennium Stadium
Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage...
in Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
. In total he managed to notch 106 goals in his seven years at Vale Park
Vale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
, finishing as the club's top goalscorer at the end of the 1995–96
1995–96 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1995–96 season was Port Vale's eighty-fourth season of football in the Football League, and second successive season in the First Division. Despite a poor start to the season, John Rudge led his side to a twelfth place finish. The league highlights were two derby wins over Stoke City, had these...
, 1996–97 and 2000–01
2000–01 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2000–01 season was Port Vale's eighty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and first season back in the Second Division. A season of two halves, Vale were struggling at the bottom of the table when Isthmian League minnows Canvey Island knocked the Vale out of the FA Cup with a 2–1...
seasons with 12, 20 and 21 goals respectively.
The striker turned down the offer of a new contract for pastures new, and Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town F.C.
Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more...
ended up being his next port of call, as he joined the Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a county in South West England. The county comprises part of the Cotswold Hills, part of the flat fertile valley of the River Severn, and the entire Forest of Dean....
club on a two year contract. Naylor's goals guided the Robins to promotion to League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
, via the play-offs
Football League Two play-offs
The Football League Two play-offs are a series of play-off matches, contested by the teams finishing from 4th to 7th in the Football League Two table to determine the fourth promotion place to the third tier of English football, League One. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with 7th playing...
, in his first season. It was the first time Cheltenham had been that high in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
pyramid. Manager Steve Cotterill
Steve Cotterill
Stephen "Steve" Cotterill is an English former footballer who is manager of Nottingham Forest.-Playing career:...
was keen to praise Naylor, as was his successor Graham Allner
Graham Allner
Graham Allner is a retired British footballer and football manager.He was manager of Kidderminster Harriers from 1983 until 1998.-Playing career:...
. However, he was unable to prevent relegation the following season and was released at the end of the 2002–03 campaign, after scoring 26 goals in 86 games for the club.
The pint-sized forward joined Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
outfit Telford United
Telford United F.C.
Telford United F.C. was an English football club based in Telford, Shropshire.The club existed under various names for a total of 132 years from its formation in 1872. The club was founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 and played at this level for 25 years before being wound up in...
shortly into the 2003–04 campaign, linking up with one of his strike partners from his Port Vale days in Lee Mills
Lee Mills
Rowan Lee Mills , usually known as Lee Mills, is an English former footballer, who played as a striker....
. Naylor quickly endeared himself to the supporters at the New Bucks Head
New Bucks Head
New Bucks Head is a stadium in Telford, England and the home of Conference National football club A.F.C. Telford United. It was originally built for Telford United to play at before they went bankrupt. The stadium is on the same site as the original Bucks Head, which had been home to Telford...
with his trademark pacey and tenacious displays particularly when he scored the second goal in a 2–1 victory of local rivals Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
in the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
. Naylor eventually went on to make 29 appearances during the season scoring 11 goals. Despite helping Telford to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
and the semi-finals of the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
, United were beset by off the field problems during the final few months of the 2004–05 season, and folded at the end of the campaign after their finances spiralled out of control. Naylor was again on the lookout for a new club and was linked with a move to Shrewsbury Town after his impressive displays against them for Telford, but this never materialised, and after several fruitless trials he eventually retired from the professional game.
During the 2005–06 season Naylor joined Ashton United
Ashton United F.C.
Ashton United Football Club is an English football club, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.-History:The club was originally founded in 1878 as Hurst F.C. and the earliest known match report dates back to March 1879. By 1880 the club were playing at Hurst Cross, their current ground....
as assistant to manager Scott Green
Scott Green (footballer)
Scott Paul Green is a retired English football defender. He is currently running the Yeovil Town Centre of Excellence....
, a former team-mate of his from their Telford days. When the club were hit by an injury crisis he donned his boots once more and scored twice from the penalty spot
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
in a 2–2 draw at Frickley Athletic
Frickley Athletic F.C.
Frickley Athletic F.C. are a football club based in South Elmsall, in West Yorkshire, England. They were established in 1910 as Frickley Colliery F.C., and changed to their present name in 1974.-History:...
. He left Ashton soon afterwards, following a fall-out with Green.
Since retirement
Naylor or "Tosh" as he was known is classed as a playing legend amongst Port Vale supporters and still lives in StaffordshireStaffordshire
Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. Part of the National Forest lies within its borders...
, often being seen in the Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent , also called The Potteries is a city in Staffordshire, England, which forms a linear conurbation almost 12 miles long, with an area of . Together with the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme Stoke forms The Potteries Urban Area...
and Leek
Leek, Staffordshire
Leek is a market town in the county of Staffordshire, England, on the River Churnet. It is an ancient borough and was granted its royal charter in 1214.It is the administrative centre for the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council...
area.
In June 2010, Naylor came out as a supporter of Goal-line technology
Goal-line technology
In association football, goal-line technology is a proposed technology currently in testing stages, which determines when the ball has completely crossed goal line, assisting the referee in calling a goal or not. So far FIFA, footballs governing body, has resisted goal-line technology as well as...
, thirteen years after a goal he scored against QPR was not recorded because the officials failed to spot it cross the line.
Honours
with Crewe Alexandra- Football League Third DivisionFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
third place promotion winner: 1993–94
with Port Vale
- Anglo-Italian CupAnglo-Italian CupThe Anglo-Italian Cup is a defunct European football competition that was played intermittently between 1970 and 1996 between clubs from England and Italy. Founded by Gigi Peronace in 1970, following the success of the Anglo-Italian League Cup, it was played as a professional tournament until 1973...
runners-up: 19961995–96 Anglo-Italian CupThe 1995–96 Anglo-Italian Cup was the last ever Anglo-Italian Cup competition. The European football competition was played between eight clubs from England and eight clubs from Italy. Italian side Genoa lifted the trophy after beating English side Port Vale 5-2.-Format:For the competition there... - Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
winner: 20012001 Football League Trophy FinalThe 2001 Football League Trophy Final was the 18th final of the Football League Trophy, the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Football League Second and Third Divisions...
with Cheltenham Town
- Football League Third DivisionFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
play-offFootball League Two play-offsThe Football League Two play-offs are a series of play-off matches, contested by the teams finishing from 4th to 7th in the Football League Two table to determine the fourth promotion place to the third tier of English football, League One. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with 7th playing...
winner: 2002