Quartet could have turned pro

THERE is no doubt that there have been some outstanding talents in local amateur football down the years, some of whom went on to become full-time professionals

John Pemberton and Brian Marriott from Chadderton Football Club signed for Leeds United and Athletic respectively in the 1980s, while David Platt, who also had a grounding at Chadderton FC, captained England.

But there were many amateur footballers who could have made it, but simply excelled instead on the playing fields of Oldham and Greater Manchester.

Four spring to mind, namely Paul Buckley, David Martin, Tim Thickett and Jimmy Fletcher.

Current Chadderton manager Buckley was a free-scoring striker with a terrific turn of speed allied to supreme finishing.

Martin played mainly for Royton-based teams in the 1980s and was one of the most gifted midfield players of his time.

Thickett, for me, was the most talented of the four and scored regularly and often spectacularly for Chadderton and High Barn.

Fletcher was the most enthusiastic player and manager/leader at High Barn in the late-70s and early-80s. With his strength and fitness, he should have had enough to see him forge a career at professional level.

The link between the aforementioned players? All were naturally left-footed.

But what about the current amateurs?

Dominic Hallam, of AFC Oldham 2005 and Dog and Duck FC, stands out with his awareness, deftness of touch and speed of thought.