Paul Cuddy Explained

Paul Cuddy
Birth Date:21 February 1959
Birth Place:Kendal, England
Position:Central defender
Years1:1977–1978
Clubs1:Rochdale
Caps1:1
Goals1:0
Years2:?–1982
Clubs2:Chorley
Years3:1982–1989
Clubs3:Altrincham
Caps3:255
Goals3:10
Clubs4:Witton Albion
Clubs5:Chorley
Clubs6:Horwich R.M.I.
Years7:1995
Clubs7:Mossley
Years8:1995–?
Clubs8:Fleetwood Town
Years9:1997–?
Clubs9:Ramsbottom United
Manageryears1:1995
Managerclubs1:Mossley (player-manager)
Manageryears2:1999–2000
Managerclubs2:Nantwich Town

Paul Cuddy (born 21 February 1959) is an English former professional footballer who played as a central defender in the Football League for Rochdale before embarking on a long playing and managerial career in semi-professional football. He has played three times for the England semi-professional side.

Career

Cuddy was born in Kendal. He began his career as an apprentice with Manchester City training alongside the likes of Rodney Marsh and Franny Lee.[1] After being released he was on the verge of joining Bolton Wanderers but manager Jimmy Armfield left three days before he was due to sign and new manager Ian Greaves decided against signing him.[1]

He signed for Rochdale in August 1977.[2] He made just one appearance (as a substitute against Barnsley[1]) for Rochdale before being released in May 1978. He was subsequently with Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers before joining Chorley[3]

He joined Altrincham towards the end of the 1981–82 season. During his time with Altrincham he played three times (against Scotland, the Netherlands and Italy[1]) for the England semi-pro side managed by Howard Wilkinson and played in two FA Trophy Finals, including the 1986 win against Runcorn. He left Altrincham in 1989 and subsequently played for Witton Albion, Chorley and Horwich RMI before joining Mossley as player-manager in March 1995.[2] He failed to keep Mossley from relegation and was replaced as manager by Kevin Keelan in August 1995. Cuddy remained with Mossley as a player until October 1995 when he joined Fleetwood Town. He joined Ramsbottom United in October 1997,[1] soon becoming club captain.[4] He was assistant manager of Ramsbottom in October 1998[5]) before taking over as manager of Nantwich Town in January 1999.[6] He was sacked by Nantwich in July 2000.[7]

He returned to Altrincham as a coach to their reserve side, taking over as reserve team manager in October 2001.[8] In December 2001, Cuddy played for the reserve side in their 0–0 draw away to Marine.[9]

He was later assistant manager of Abbey Hey.[10] [11]

Notes and References

  1. News: Cuddy carry it on?. The Citizen. 10 October 1997. 12 February 2010.
  2. Web site: The Mossley Managers. Mossley A.F.C.. 12 February 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100318104154/http://www.mossleyweb.com/MwebFrameset0809.htm. 18 March 2010.
  3. Web site: Altrincham Football Club Legends Section Five Profiles 13 to 15, Paul Cuddy, Ricky Harris, Stan Allan. Terry Rowley. Altrincham FC. 12 February 2010.
  4. News: we meet again!. Lancashire Evening Telegraph. 24 October 1997. 12 February 2010.
  5. News: Charging Rams tackle their giants. The Guardian. 17 October 1998. 12 February 2010 . London . Jeremy . Alexander.
  6. News: Down to earth. Middlewich Guardian. 28 January 1999. 12 February 2010.
  7. News: Jim'll fix it. Middlewich Guardian. 13 July 2000. 12 February 2010.
  8. News: Reserves boss leaves. Altrincham F.C.. 12 February 2010. 19 October 2001.
  9. News: Good draw. Altrincham F.C.. 12 February 2010. 9 December 2001.
  10. Web site: Complete A–Z of players 1919–2010: Cain to Cutler. Mossley A.F.C.. 12 February 2010.
  11. News: Abbey Hey 1 Altrincham 4. 23 July 2003. 12 February 2010.