Mike Astbury Explained

Mike Astbury
Fullname:Michael John Astbury
Height:[1]
Birth Date:1964 1, df=y
Birth Place:Kippax, England
Years1:1980–1986
Caps1:48
Goals1:0
Years2:1986
Clubs2:Peterborough United (loan)
Caps2:4
Goals2:0
Years3:1986–1987
Caps3:38
Goals3:0
Years4:1987–1988
Caps4:5
Goals4:0
Years5:1988–1989
Caps5:8
Goals5:0
Years6:1989
Years7:1989–1991
Clubs7:Sliema Wanderers

Michael John Astbury (born 22 January 1964), also known as Mick Astbury, was a professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for five Football League clubs.

Playing career

Astbury became York City's youngest ever goalkeeper when, as a 16–year old, he played in goal during City's 1–1 draw at AFC Bournemouth in the 1980–81 season.[2] He had spells in and out of the side over the next few years, with one of the highlights being playing in goal when York surprisingly knocked Arsenal out of the 1984–85 FA Cup, where some brave goalkeeping from Astbury kept City in the game before their late winner.[2]

He moved to Peterborough United on loan in January 1986, two months before signing permanently for Darlington. Astbury moved on again in July 1987 to Chester City. Injured shortly after arriving,[3] Astbury had to wait until December 1987 for his first-team debut. He played in five successive games during the month but was never picked again, as Billy Stewart became the regular goalkeeper for the club.

Astbury was released at the end of the season and joined Chesterfield, where just eight league appearances were made in a relegation season from Football League Division Three. That marked the end of Astbury's professional career as he joined non–league side Gainsborough Trinity.[4] He later emigrated to play in the USA.[2]

Honours

As a player

York City

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88 . Peter . Dunk . Queen Anne Press . London . 1987 . 150 . 978-0-356-14354-5 .
  2. Web site: City's keepers 1970–94 . York City South. 8 February 2020.
  3. Book: Chas Sumner . On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997 . 1997. 104 . 1-874427-52-6.
  4. Web site: Mike Astbury . UK A–Z Transfers . Neil Brown . 8 February 2020.