This week’s player spotlight will be shined upon former FC Halifax Town hitman, Joe Ironside. The Shaymen faithful will remember the striker when he played at the MBi Shay Stadium during the 2013-14 season on loan from Sheffield United, but it is at the Coombe Abbey Arena where Ironside is making his home, having already scored 11 league goals this season.
Nuneaton Town may not be having the season they were expecting. After last season’s push for the play-offs saw Boro finish just a single point behind Boston United in fifth place, everyone associated with the club would have been forgiven for expecting to enjoy another exciting season in the Vanarama National League North. Instead Nuneaton are having to endure the campaign, languishing in 14th place and closer to the relegation places than the play-off spots.
Ironside remains a bright spark within Tommy Wright’s ranks, continuously managing to find the back of the net in clinical style.
Coming from a footballing family, the 23-year old is the son of former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ian Ironside. Having football (and iron) in the blood, still has many years ahead of him and could prove himself as one of the league’s top prospects.
As a youth prospect with Sheffield Ironside was part of the impressive youth side that made it all the way to FA Youth Cup final in 2011. The only thing that stopped the young striker and his side picking up the trophy was a star-studded Manchester United side which contained the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane. Not a bad team to be beaten by.
It wasn’t always as comfortable for Ironside. He failed to make much of an impact at Bramall Lane, playing only 16 times in the league for The Blades and going out on loan four times, including Halifax, Harrogate Town, Alfreton and Hartlepool United.
His most successful loan spell came at Alfreton. Making 16 appearances for The Reds and scoring four goals. Prompting the Derbyshire side to make a move for him when he became available in 2015.
After another successful season with Alfreton, Ironside joined Nuneaton in hopes of pushing the side to the play-offs and although this season hasn’t gone according to plan, the striker could end the season with more than 20 goals in the league.
You can watch FC Halifax Town take on Nuneaton Town at the MBi Shay Stadium on Saturday the 11th of January.
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