Dave Norton Explained

Dave Norton
Fullname:David Wayne Norton
Birth Date:3 March 1965
Birth Place:Cannock, England
Height:[1]
Position:Midfielder
Youthyears1:1981–1983
Youthclubs1:Aston Villa
Years1:1983–1988
Years2:1988–1991
Years3:1990–1991
Years4:1991
Years5:1991–1994
Years6:1994–1996
Years7:1996–1998
Years8:1998–1999
Years9:1999
Years10:1999–2001
Years11:2001
Years12:2001–2002
Clubs3:Rochdale (loan)
Clubs4:Hull City (loan)
Clubs12:Gainsborough Trinity
Caps1:44
Caps2:27
Caps3:9
Caps4:15
Caps5:134
Caps6:82
Caps7:43
Caps8:49
Caps9:11
Caps10:43
Caps11:?
Caps12:2
Goals1:2
Goals2:1
Goals3:0
Goals4:0
Goals5:5
Goals6:0
Goals7:1
Goals8:3
Goals9:2
Goals10:2
Goals11:?
Goals12:?
Nationalyears1:1983
Nationalteam1:England Youth
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:1 + 2 pens
Manageryears1:2000–2001
Manageryears2:2001–2002
Manageryears3:2002–2004
Manageryears4:2004
Managerclubs3:Tamworth (assistant)
Managerclubs4:Grantham Town

David Wayne Norton (born 3 March 1965) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

His career started at Aston Villa, where he began as an apprentice on leaving school in the summer of 1981, turning professional two years later and making his First Division debut in a 3–0 away win over Coventry City on 19 January 1985, a few weeks before his 20th birthday. He made 20 league appearances in both the 1985–86 and 1986–87 seasons, but endured the disappointment of Villa's relegation in 1987 and made just two appearances the following season as they were promoted. He did not form part of Villa's return to the First Division, as he was transferred to Third Division Notts County.

He helped the Magpies reach the First Division in 1991 following back-to-back promotions (both via the playoffs) but once again he dropped down two divisions, this time signing for a Hull City side who had just fallen into the Third Division.

He spent three years at Boothferry Park before beginning a two-year spell in the league's lowest division with Northampton Town in 1994. He signed for Hereford United in 1996, but had to endure the disappointment of relegation from the Football League the following year and he retired soon afterwards due to injury.[2]

After surgery David was able to play again at non-league level and after leaving Hereford United signed for Cheltenham Town helping them win the Football Conference but because he had taken an insurance payout on his injury he was not able to play when the club were promoted to the Football League. He moved on firstly to Yeovil Town and then to Forest Green Rovers where he became joint-manager alongside former England international Nigel Spink. He helped lead Forest Green to the 2001 FA Trophy final where they lost to Canvey Island at Villa Park. He had further spells at Tamworth and finally Gainsborough Trinity.

His brother Trace Norton also played for Aston Villa youth team before later playing for Exmouth Town and later becoming an accountant.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88 . Peter . Dunk . Queen Anne Press . London . 1987 . 50 . 978-0-356-14354-5 .
  2. Web site: David Norton - Aston Villa FC - Football-Heroes.net . Sporting-heroes.net . 2011-03-14.