When I mention the name 'Paul Marshall', what do you think of? That's right. Absolutely nothing.

Position: Centre-midfield

Arrived from: Walsall

Played : 2011

Appearances : 1

Goals : 0

Left for: Droylsden

Paul Marshall was another of Steve Eyre's former Manchester City youngsters signed in the early stages of his short-lived reign at Spotland, having spent nine years in the City academy, spending time on loan at Blackpool, Port Vale and Aberdeen before leaving to join Walsall on a permanent transfer in 2010.

In an 18 game spell with the Saddlers, the midfielder didn't do enough to convince the Bescot Stadium hierarchy that he deserved a contract extension and he was taken on by Dale on a short-term deal at the start of the following campaign after a trial period.

The reason you more than likely won't remember Marshall's spell at Spotland is that his time on the field was limited to an eight minute substitute appearance in a goalless draw with Carlisle in August of 2011.

Clearly he didn't do enough in training to convince Eyre of more minutes or a longer deal and Marshall then dropped into non-league with Droylsden, not far from his hometown of Gorton, before re-joining former loan club Port Vale later in the season.

After managing 15 games at Vale Park, Marshall again dropped into non-league but never made it back to the EFL. He would spend two spells with Halifax, making a total of 93 appearances and scoring six times either side of an 11 game hiatus with Stockport County in the National League.

Since leaving the Shay in 2015, Marshall has featured for Bradford Park Avenue, Alfreton Town, Curzon Ashton, Buxton, Mossley and already this season has appeared for Radcliffe, Workington and Wythenshawe Town, with his last appearance for the North West Counties team coming in November.

In 2017, Marshall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal damage after two incidents that occured in Moss Side in 2015. Now aged 32, alongside playing at semi-professional level he also works for an electrical company.

For anyone who doesn't remember or has never seen the CCF blog, in which Mike documents his memories of every player to play for Dale from his first game in 1981 right through to the end of the promotion season in 2009/2010, you can read it here: http://clarkechroniclersfootballers.blogspot.com

Photo: Action Images

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