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An honest, 100% player who filled the right-back slot for most of
Leeds' stay in Division 2 in the 1980s. He made his debut under Allan
Clarke at the age of 16 and notably postponed his wedding to avoid the
unexpected clash with the FA Cup semi-final game against Coventry in
1987.
The arrival of Howard Wilkinson - and more particularly Mel Sterland -
spelled the end of his time at Leeds. He moved on to Port Vale
where he spent 10 years, before moving back to his native north-east
to anchor the Darlington defence at the age of 34. He moved on to
Hartlepool in early 2001 and after helping them shore up their
defence for the rest of the season, joined Harrogate Town as
player-coach in summer 2001.
Neale Sheldon says: I come from the Port Vale area and I told Neil
that Vale had been watching him. Neil said,"do you really think I'd
leave Leeds for them?" Needless to say Wilko, had other ideas and to
Vale he went. Neil Aspin's wife carried a yellow rubber washing up
glove as a lucky item during Leeds' FA Cup run and play offs under
Bremner.
John Oliver says: Went to school with Neil from 1976 until he left
to join Leeds. Funny thing I remembered his birthday was in April -
but it was only when looking at your site realised it was the same as
my sons born some 29 years later. Haven't seen Neil for years.
Les Cole says: saw Neil Aspin play for the Vale and can only say
not a lot got past him. He was a rock at the back. Sorry to see him
move on but had a very good testimonial when the likes of robbie earle
and robbie williams played and he had a very good time.
Mark Hassall says: I am a Port Vale fan, Neil Aspin was one of the
best defenders ever to put on a Vale shirt. He sweated blood for the
club and was a model profesional. How I wish we still had him now.
chris montgomery says: i did a football course with him in spain
alcudia
Matty Hebditch says: I remember a fantastic solo goal by 'Skull'
(as we liked to call him) at home to the mighty Shrewsbury in the
'nearly' season of 86/87. he must've ran from the half-way line,
admittedly looking like he was going to fall over his feet a few times
on his way to goal. Great player for Leeds- he loved the club, never
gave up and despite not being the silkiest, most skillfull player in
the team (at a time when skillfull Leeds players were thin on the
ground) he was a solid, robust, brave and mostly reliable defender who
loved to get stuck in. If not a bona fide Leeds legend, then a
fondly-remembered cult figure who was prepared to get blood on his
boots for the Whites' cause.
George Macdonald says: Had the pleasure of going on 2 school tours
with Neil as a teacher - to Glasgow (1980) & Rhyll (1981). Even
then he was rock solid as a footballer and as a human being. Saw him
make his debut against Middlesbrough. Not many people know this, but
he went to the same school as Paul Gascoigne - chalk & cheese.
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