James is one of two Dawber brothers to have represented Ladybridge Football Club over the years. Brought up on the Ladybridge estate, James was one of the original local lads to play for the club throughout the 1990s. But where is he now? Ladybridge.net caught up with him to find out.

James spent a year living in Munich  as part of his university degree

What dates did you play for Ladybridge and in what position?

I played from U11s through to U16s from 1991 to 1998. Most of the time I played left full-back but I was occasionally allowed to showcase my talents in midfield!

What is your best memory of playing for the club?

From a personal point of view, winning player of the season in the U11 team was a highlight - it was all downhill from there! Also scoring my five goals for the club - they didn't come very often but they were well worth waiting for!

And the worst?

Losing by about 20 goals to a team in Rossendale! They allegedly all went to Manchester United's centre of excellence but how true that is I'm not sure. The next season we went back and beat them as word had got out about them having such good players and they'd all been poached by bigger clubs!

What fixture did you most look forward to each season?

In the early years I looked forward to playing CMB Westhoughton as we always used to put about ten past them. I went to school with a couple of their players so got bragging rights for the season.

So what have you been up to since leaving the club?

I stopped playing for Ladybridge when I was 16, so since then I've finished school and been to university in Manchester. I lived in Munich in Germany for nine months during my thirrd year at university which was a great experience.

And where are you now?

I moved away from Ladybridge last August and am currently living with a couple of friends from university in Chorlton, south Manchester. I work as a trainee accountant at a professional services firm in the city centre which I enjoy, and can often be found frequenting the pubs around Cross Street.

And do you still find time for a game of football in your hectic schedule?

Of course! I play 5-a-side two or three times a week to try and keep relatively fit. My department at work also have the odd 11-a-side game which I like to play in, dictating play from the centre of midfield.

James Dawber
Paul Atherton
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