|
An honest, 100% player who filled the right-back slot for most
of Leeds' stay in Division 2 in the 1980s. He made his debut under
Allan Clarke at the age of 16 and notably postponed his wedding to
avoid the unexpected clash with the FA Cup semi-final game against
Coventry in 1987.
The arrival of Howard Wilkinson - and more particularly Mel
Sterland - spelled the end of his time at Leeds. He moved on to
Port Vale where he spent 10 years, before moving back to his native
north-east to anchor the Darlington defence at the age of 34. He
moved on to Hartlepool in early 2001 and after helping them shore
up their defence for the rest of the season, joined Harrogate Town
as player-coach in summer 2001.
Neale Sheldon says: I come from the Port Vale area and I told
Neil that Vale had been watching him. Neil said,"do you really
think I'd leave Leeds for them?" Needless to say Wilko, had other
ideas and to Vale he went. Neil Aspin's wife carried a yellow
rubber washing up glove as a lucky item during Leeds' FA Cup run
and play offs under Bremner.
John Oliver says: Went to school with Neil from 1976 until he
left to join Leeds. Funny thing I remembered his birthday was in
April - but it was only when looking at your site realised it was
the same as my sons born some 29 years later. Haven't seen Neil for
years.
Les Cole says: saw Neil Aspin play for the Vale and can only say
not a lot got past him. He was a rock at the back. Sorry to see him
move on but had a very good testimonial when the likes of robbie
earle and robbie williams played and he had a very good time.
Mark Hassall says: I am a Port Vale fan, Neil Aspin was one of
the best defenders ever to put on a Vale shirt. He sweated blood
for the club and was a model profesional. How I wish we still had
him now.
chris montgomery says: i did a football course with him in spain
alcudia
Matty Hebditch says: I remember a fantastic solo goal by 'Skull'
(as we liked to call him) at home to the mighty Shrewsbury in the
'nearly' season of 86/87. he must've ran from the half-way line,
admittedly looking like he was going to fall over his feet a few
times on his way to goal. Great player for Leeds- he loved the
club, never gave up and despite not being the silkiest, most
skillfull player in the team (at a time when skillfull Leeds
players were thin on the ground) he was a solid, robust, brave and
mostly reliable defender who loved to get stuck in. If not a bona
fide Leeds legend, then a fondly-remembered cult figure who was
prepared to get blood on his boots for the Whites' cause.
George Macdonald says: Had the pleasure of going on 2 school
tours with Neil as a teacher - to Glasgow (1980) & Rhyll
(1981). Even then he was rock solid as a footballer and as a human
being. Saw him make his debut against Middlesbrough. Not many
people know this, but he went to the same school as Paul Gascoigne
- chalk & cheese.
|
