Focus On…..Mark Hallam

Series continues on players who have spent some of their careers as a player or manager in the Southern League.

Mark Hallam was a strong, powerful striker who came through the youth and reserve sides at Leicester United before making a name for himself in the senior side in the Southern League Midland Division.

His form soon alerted higher level clubs and he gained a move into the Conference with Boston United in 1992.

However, he found obtaining a place in the Pilgrims side tough and after 14 games, he moved to Hednesford Town.

He was on the move again in the summer of 1994 when Southern Premier Division rivals Gloucester City paid the Pitmen a £5,000 fee for him.

He finished as the Tigers` top scorer in 94/95 with 20 goals which also earned him their player of the year award.

A similar fee then changed hands in a move to Ilkeston Town in March 1996 before a further £5,000 to him to fellow Southern League outfit Hinckley United in January 1997.

He switched to Worcester City for a small fee in the summer of 1997.

He went on to win Southern Premier Division championship medals with Forest Green Rovers and Tamworth as well as a `golden boot` after scoring 45 goals in one season, and a FA Trophy Final appearance in 2003 – both whilst with the Lambs.

He joined Bedworth United after a spell with Halesowen Town in December 2003 for his first managerial job which ended in 2006.

Clubs played for:

Leicester United, Boston United, Hednesford Town, Gloucester City, Ilkeston Town, Hinckley United, Worcester City, Forest Green Rovers, Tamworth, Halesowen Town, Bedworth United (player manager)

Best Game Played In?

So many for so many different reasons but my top 5 are:

Forest Green Rovers vs Merthyr Tydfil 1998, Southern League Premier title decider. Won 3-0.

Tamworth vs Havant & Waterlooville 2003, FA Trophy Semi-Final second leg. Drew 1-1 after extra-time.

Tamworth vs Bury 1999, FA Cup First Round. Drew 2-2.

Leicester United vs Chelmsford 1987. My full debut in Southern Premier. Won 2-0 and I scored both!

Tamworth vs Cambridge City, 2003 clinched the Southern League Premier title. Won 1-0.

Best 11 played with?

Darren Acton (Tamworth)

Rob Warner (Tamworth)

Steve Walsh (Tamworth) pictured

Martin Hardy (Boston United)

Kevin Willetts (Gloucester City)

David Foy (Tamworth)

Andy Adebowale (Gloucester City)

Mark Cooper (Tamworth)

Joe O’Connor (Hednesford Town)

Paul Hunt (Forest Green Rovers)

Warren Haughton (Tamworth)

Subs:

Paul Bastock (Boston United)

Mark Freeman (Hednesford Town)

Steve Portway (Gloucester City)

David Putnam (Leicester United)

Chris Honor (Forest Green Rovers)

Best Captain?

Mark Cooper (Tamworth)

Funniest Team-Mate/Manager:

Mark Wolsey (Tamworth). An absolute nutter!

Best Manager?

Frank Gregan (Forest Green Rovers) and Gary Mills - pictured - (Tamworth)

Best Mate in Football?

Too many to mention, very privileged to have made some fantastic friends over all my years playing, who remain mates to this day.

Are You Still Involved in the Game?

No not at all. Following my brief managerial spell at Bedworth united (2004-06) my work took over and I never got back into the game.

Words of Advice:

You only get one brief shot at it, work hard on and off the pitch, don’t chase money and don’t have any regrets. You are retired for a long time and make sure you look back and say I achieved the best I could.