First came across Neil reffing him playing U13/14 for App Frod(Alan Cooke’s team)They were winning all their games by large margins, mainly due to Neil and another talented lad Wayne Sykes – who joined him as apprentices at the iRON. Fast forward several years and one Saturday we heard that Neil had signed for Villa and was flying out to Hong Kong to join his new team mates. That same afternoon I was reffing Wayne Sykes as he turned out for Swinefleet in the Scunthorpe Saturday League. Such a fine line between these two highly talented youngsters. Wish him all the luck in the world – he may need it!
