Butler & Guests’ XIs 2023 – Day 1
As part of the Christmas content on Severn Sport, Butler has invited some special guests to pick their all-time XIs, once again.
Today is the first day and the guest is former Gloucester City and Cinderford Town Manager, Tim Harris. Harris names his all-time XI of players he either coached or oversaw in a Director of Football role.
Ahead of naming his team, Harris said the following:
“I found this extremely difficult. I have managed over1000 games across three decades, had some great times, many excellent cup runs and much silverware. So to get it down to 11 is near impossible!!”
As with the other guests, they found this tough and Harris, instead of naming a subs bench, provided the alternative choice for each position. Let’s take a look at the team:
Here are how the selections look.
Goalkeeper – Karl Darlow (Newport County) – On loan from Nottingham Forest, now with Leeds United previously Hull City and Newcastle United.
Alternatives in no particular order: Russell Bowles (Cinderford Town), Steve Perrin (Forest Green Rovers) and Jasbir Singh (Gloucester City)
Central Defender – Clive Boxall (Cinderford Town) – Played with him at Cheltenham Town and without doubt one of the best non-league players not to have gone into the professional game. Cool, calm and read the game so well, also played for Leamington and Kidderminster Harriers.
Alternative: Jeff Eckhart (Newport County and Gloucester City)
Central Defender – Gary Kemp (Gloucester City & Newport County) – As any fan of either team mentioned would agree with, a tremendous leader always gave his all, absolute warrior.
Alternative: Gareth Howells (Cinderford Town)
Central Defender – Garry Warren (Newport County) – A younger version of Gary Kemp, who went on to play in the Scottish Premier League with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Yeovil, Exeter and Torquay United. Currently Head of Academy at Ross County Scottish Premier League.
Alternative: Billy Clarke (Newport County, formerly with Bristol Rovers)
Right Wing Back – Chris Price (Cinderford Town) – Played a big part in that historic FA Cup run in 1995-96, former Hereford United, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth defender.
Alternative: Keiran Thomas (Gloucester City)
Left Wing Back – (Andrew Hughes Newport County) – Currently played 170 times for Preston North End and was previously with Peterborough United, after his move from Newport County.
Alternative: Richard Criddle (Cinderford Town)
Midfield – Michael Flynn (Newport County) – He went on a had a good league career with Wigan Athletic, Blackpool, Gillingham, Huddersfield, Bradford City. Currently Manager of Swindon Town
Alternative: Bradley Thomas (Cinderford Town & Newport County)
Midfield – Chris Burns (Gloucester City) – I was assistant to Leroy Rosenior and we had a great team that many, if not everyone, could walk into a best XI. That year we reached the Semi Final of the FA Trophy and Chris was immense, certainly another that led by example.
Alternative: Tom Webb (Gloucester City) – goes without saying another fantastic lad that truly gave his all for the club.
Midfield – Matt Rose (Newport County) or Michael Fowler (Newport County, Gloucester City & Merthyr Tydfil) – So difficult to choose both great characters who played a big part in my managerial career.
Forward – Karl Bayliss (Newport County, Stroud FC (Forest Green Rovers) – Real hardworking striker that had a great strike rate wherever he played. Karl was another tremendous character on and off the pitch.
Alternative: Carl Dale (Newport County, formerly with Cardiff City)
Forward – Neil Grayson (Forest Green Rovers) – Neil was coming to the end of an excellent career when I worked with him for only a short time. Model professional and oner of the reasons he kept playing for as long as he did.
Alternative Mark Beesley (Forest Green Rovers, Currently manager of Warrington Town), or Jason Eaton (Newport County)
Come back tomorrow to see another Guest All-time XI!
Check out the full list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here
