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John Brough by Ray Taylor

Ray Taylor

There is no doubt that newly signed defender JOHN BROUGH is up for a challenge; he has proved it all through his career!

Born in Heanor in Derbyshire, John started his football career with Notts County as both an apprentice and a professional when the Meadow Lane club progressed to the top flight with successive promotions in 1990 and 1991. Present Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock was in charge there and his values have made a lasting impression on John.

“He said that you have to win your personal battle because the player against you is trying to stop you from achieving. When you do that, you win most games. His words have stuck with me ever since.”

John, who was a centre forward in those days, had to move to Shrewsbury Town, to make his debut, and helped them win the Third Division in 1994 before he dropped into non-league briefly with Telford United. He was soon back in the league however at Hereford and in a game against Darlington he was switched to defence following the sending off of United’s centre half.

After playing for the Bulls team that reached the promotion play-offs in 1996, he was also part of the Hereford team that were relegated into non-league football the following year.

“Hereford lost a lot of experienced players like striker Steve White who went to Cardiff City and Graham Turner was left with a tight budget. We needed a point from the last game against Brighton who themselves needed a win at Edgar Street to stay up and we lost.

“Having been part of the Hereford team that dropped out of the league, I hope they get back up again now.”

John’s next move was to play for another manager who, like Neil Warnock, has helped shape his attitude.

“I had decided to leave Hereford at the end of their first season in the Conference and I scored for them against Cheltenham at Whaddon Road. Steve Cotterill then signed me for Cheltenham and I found him to be in a similar mould as a manager to Neil with the same winning mentality.”

The challenge set by Cotterill was for the Robins to win a place in the Football League and John not only helped them get there but they also progressed for one season to the Second Division via the play-offs in 2002. He spent seven seasons in total at Whaddon Road before joining Aldershot Town last summer.

Despite playing fairly regularly for Shots this term, John recently received a call from one of his old mates Peter Beadle.

“Peter asked me if I fancied the challenge of helping Newport County win the relegation battle and I do. I think it was a good point we won at Bognor last week and if we start hitting the target more often we will lift the pressure.

“I really don’t know where I will be next season. I am planning for my wedding to Rachel in June. We have a property in Ipswich, her home area, to move to but I want to stay in football, and it could be with County.”

	JOHN’S TOP TEN

1	What was your best performance? “Scoring for Hereford in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham in the FA Cup at Edgar Street.”
2	What was your most memorable game? “The 3-2 win for Cheltenham against Yeovil which won the Conference and promotion.”
3	And the best ground you’ve played at? “White Hart Lane, but Spurs beat us 5-0.”
4	Who has been the biggest influence on your career? “My parents always backed me. In football it would be the coaching staff at Notts County, particularly Mick Walker.”
5	Who is the best player you have played with? “Chris Banks the Cheltenham centre half who was so consistent.”
6	And the best you have played against? “Former England centre half Mark Wright. I didn’t get a kick against him!”
7	Whose result do you look for first? “Cheltenham Town’s.”
8	What is your favourite TV programme? “Any cooking programme.”
9	What is your favourite food? “A good fillet steak – or should I say lamb now?”
10	And your favourite holiday destination? “The Maldives where Rachel and I will spend our honeymoon.”

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