Midfielder who joined Leeds as a 16-year-old and made his debut
just over two years later but made no impression. Moved on to a
variety of lower division and non-league clubs where he was plagued
with injuries. He even spent some time in the Far East (Hong Kong
according to one source, Foshan in China according to a more recent
informant) before finishing his career at Scunthorpe.
James Riley says: Roger and his family have just moved next to
our family in Bradford. He's a great bloke.
Mark Bennett says: Roger Eli was an absolute legend in Burnleys
4th division champion season. He was brilliant, he scored some
priceless goals and will go down in Burnley Football Clubs recent
history. Thanks Roger, for some fantastic moments.
Keith Urquhart (Secretary, Otley Town AFC) says: Roger Eli
signed for Otley Town this season and will be player/coach. Otley
Town play in the West Riding County Amateur Premier Division. Roger
is assisting Gordon Rayner(who took Guiseley to Wembley twice) to
run the first team at Otley. Roger hasn't played for a while and
has been training along side the players to regain his fitness.
Roger has been used as a sub and made his first full debut last
week against Wibsey in midfield. This week (Saturday, 27/3/2004)
played in a familiar role as a striker, against Ovenden WR and
scored the first goal in a 2-1 win.
Thomas Clare says: Roger was an immense player. His goal against
Blackpool at Turf Moor in the 1991/92 season, summed up his
attitude and commitment to the game.
Liam Walsh says: His hairstyle while at burnley was one to
remember, will always be remembered at Turf Moor for his part in
winning Div 4 in 1992!
James McDonough says: Eli is a legend at Burnley, I even named
my dog after him. He gave Burnley some of their best times, even if
it was division 4!!!
Anon says: Eli! Eli! Eli! Pace, power, a great strike and a
fantastic haircut. He'll never be forgotten for everything he did
for Burnley during that one great 91/92 season. It was a pity
injury cut him short. As an 8 year old (as I was back then!) he was
my first football hero and I still have a picture of him on my old
bedroom wall, holding off a defender before completing his
hat-trick. Magic! Hope you're well Roger! Come back to Turf Moor
soon.
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