Ford: Mark Stuart (Mark)

1993-1997 (Player Details)

Midfield

Born: Pontefract: 10-10-1975

Debut v Swindon Town (a) (substitute): 07-05-1994

5’8” 10st 8lb (1995)

As a youngster he represented York and North Yorkshire boys, joining United’s professional ranks in March 1993 after attending Tadcaster Grammar School and coming through the Leeds Juniors. He was captain of United’s successful FA Youth Cup winning team, who was also rewarded with England Youth Caps and two England Under-21 caps. Handed a debut in the last game of the 1993-94 season, he failed to make the first team in the next season and it looked as though he was on the way out of Elland Road. The hard-tackling Ford looked like a player in the David Batty mould when he broke back into the side during the 1995-96 season on a more regular basis. Ford made a solid contribution to United’s run to the Coca Cola Cup Final, earning a place in the starting line-up against Aston Villa at Wembley. However the bookings piled up and suspensions kept him out of the team at the end of the season. He was restricted to only fifteen starts in 1996-97 and was sold to Burnley for £250,000 in June 1997. He had a successful first season but broke an ankle early in the following season and after three months out he struggled to regain his place. He stayed at Turf Moor for two years, playing almost fifty games, but after a change of manager in May 1999 he was given a free transfer to Belgian club KFC Lommelse Sportkring, before being released by them in July 2000. Torquay United quickly took him on a Bosman move and Ford turned down offers from Darlington, Hull City and Rotherham United in favour of the Devon team. A popular player with the fands he was appointed temporary club captain. He made thirty-three appearances for them before he was sold to Darlington in February 2001 for £15,000, where he played over sixty games before leaving in August 2003 after having a short spell on loan with non-League Leigh RMI. He was snapped up by Harrogate Town, in August 2003 on a free transfer, scoring on debut. Ford is now a conductor on the Rail service between Leeds and Knaresborough