Mark Birch: Player of the year 98/99 (From Warrington Guardian)

Mark Birch: Player of the year 98/99

EVER-PRESENT Mark Birch is the Northwich Guardian/Britannia Carpets Player of the Year.

The 22-year-old defender has been rewarded for an outstanding first season at The Drill Field since arriving from Stoke City.

"I think I've done quite well and as a team we haven't done too bad," he said. "There was a lot of new players at the start of last season and it took a bit of time for them to gel. But we've definitely given ourselves something to build on for next season.

"But I think there's a number of players that were probably in the running. There's a lot of players who played well and played a lot of games."

Mark was signed by ex Greens boss Phil Wilson last summer after five years with the Potteries club, two on a YTS scheme and three as a fully-fledged professional.

He's played in every position in the back four this season, defending with style and authority while still managing to make forward runs at every opportunity.

"It's been a long, hard season," he admitted. "It's the first time I've played as this level and played so many games. But I've enjoyed it and I don't regret joining Northwich, they've been good to me. There's a good set-up at the club and it seems to be heading in the right direction."

Mark identifies Vics' cup exploits as the highlight of his season.

"I think the Trophy run gave everybody a lift - but that was the worst thing about the season too, going out in the quarter-finals against Kingstonian.

"I think the win over Cheltenham last week summed up our season. We've beaten all the top sides but lost games we should have won."

Mark is equally sure about how high his team-mates should be aiming next year.

"I think we've got to aim for the top five.

"We are a top five team if you at the clubs we've beaten this season. We've also got to look at progressing in the FA Cup and try and win the FA Trophy."

Mark's performances have attracted attention not just from supporters. Scouts from a string of league clubs have watched him in action this year - something he's aware of and honoured by.

"That's my aim, to get back into the league but you've got to play well week in, week out to have a chance of doing that."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.