Mark Lever
Encyclopedia
Mark Lever is a former English
footballer
who played as a defender
from 1988 until 2005 notably for Grimsby Town
where he spent the first 12 years of his career. He also played as a professional for Bristol City
and Mansfield Town
before dropping into the Non League game with Ilkeston Town
and Ossett Albion
.
and was promoted to the clubs first team squad by Alan Buckley
at the beginning of the 1987-1988 season. He naturally soon became one of the clubs regular centre backs, and found himself slotting in at the side of veteran centre half Paul Futcher
. Lever received the clubs "Supporters Young Player of The Season" awards in both 1989 and 1991. He went on to be an integral part of the Town side that earned two back to back promotions in 1990 and 1991. When Futcher moved on, Grimsby nurtured in Peter Handyside
as his long term replacement, and both players were part of an iconic Mariners defensive line up in the nineties that included the likes of Gary Croft
, Graham Rodger
, John McDermott and Tony Gallimore
. Arguably Lever's most successful season was the 1997-1998 campaign, in which Grimsby bounced back from relegation the previous season, to clinch promotion back to the English First Division via a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town
at Wembley Stadium
in the English Second Division play-off final. Also before the final victory, Grimsby, aided by Lever defeated A.F.C. Bournemouth
at Wembley in the Football League Trophy
final with a 2-1 scoreline. Mark continued to play for The Mariners in the 1998-1999, and 1999-2000 campaigns, and was also used as a makeshift captain in the absence of Paul Groves on several occasions. Lever's contract expired with The Mariners in the summer of 2000, and he opted to leave Blundell Park
. In his time at Grimsby, he made over 400 appearances in all competitions, scoring a total of 8 goals, he made his final appearance against Birmingham City
in the final league game of the season, a few weeks after this match, Lever received the "Supporters Player of The Season" for the 1999-2000 campaign. Lever is considered to this day to be a cult hero by Grimsby Town supporters, and is one of the most successful players in the clubs history.
in July 2000 on a free transfer, and naturally became the main candidate to be the club captain. However his first season, was ruined by injury, after making his debut on the opening day of the season in a 2-0 defeat against Wrexham
, Lever went on to feature in two more games, before injury ruled him out for the rest of the 2000-2001 campaign. The following season was more successful for Lever, as he completed 34 games in all competitions, coupled with a single goal in a 3-0 victory over Oldham Athletic
on February 2, 2002. At the end of the 2001-2002 campaign, City decided not to renew Lever's two year contract and he was released.
. He made his debut for The Stags in the 2-0 derby defeat against local rivals Chesterfield
on 28 August 2002. Lever would only go on to make 15 league appearances for Town in the 2002-2003 season, while also playing in the 3-0 FA Cup
defeat against Crewe Alexandra
on 7 December. Lever was released by the club at the end of the season, thus bringing to end his career playing in the professional leagues. The FA Cup defeat with Crewe, turned out to be his final game for the club, and in professional football.
outfit Ilkeston Town
at the start of the 2003-2004 season. This would be his first taste of the Non League football circuit, and he notably formed a defensive partnership with former Nottingham Forest
stalwart Steve Chettle
. Lever signed a one year contract extension for the 2004-2005 season, and during this season he had fallen out of favour within the Ilkeston playing squads, thus opening up a loan move too lowly Yorkshire
amateur side Ossett Albion
. He remained with Albion for two months before returning too Ilkeston. Lever was released by Town in May 2005, and subsequently retired from playing competitive football aged 35.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
footballer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
who played as a defender
Defender
Defender usually refers to a position in association football .Defender or The Defender may also refer to:-Film and television:* The Defender or The Bodyguard from Beijing, a film starring Jet Li...
from 1988 until 2005 notably for Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
where he spent the first 12 years of his career. He also played as a professional for Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
and Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
before dropping into the Non League game with Ilkeston Town
Ilkeston Town F.C.
Ilkeston Football Club is an English football club based at the New Manor Ground in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.-History:The club was established in 1894 as Ilkeston Town F.C.....
and Ossett Albion
Ossett Albion F.C.
Ossett Albion Association Football Club are an English football team who play in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They play at Queen's Terrace in Ossett, in the City of Wakefield district, West Yorkshire , more commonly known as Dimplewells, the area of Ossett the ground is situated...
.
Grimsby Town
Lever came through the youth ranks at Grimsby TownGrimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
and was promoted to the clubs first team squad by Alan Buckley
Alan Buckley
Alan Peter Buckley is an English football manager. He was manager of League Two side Grimsby Town until his dismissal in September 2008...
at the beginning of the 1987-1988 season. He naturally soon became one of the clubs regular centre backs, and found himself slotting in at the side of veteran centre half Paul Futcher
Paul Futcher
Paul Futcher is a former professional footballer who had a distinguished career as defender in the English football league, for England under 21s and as manager of several non-league clubs. Futcher is also the father of fellow footballer Ben Futcher.-Playing career:Futcher was the defensive half...
. Lever received the clubs "Supporters Young Player of The Season" awards in both 1989 and 1991. He went on to be an integral part of the Town side that earned two back to back promotions in 1990 and 1991. When Futcher moved on, Grimsby nurtured in Peter Handyside
Peter Handyside
Peter David Handyside is a former Scottish professional footballer who played his entire professional career in England between 1992 and 2007...
as his long term replacement, and both players were part of an iconic Mariners defensive line up in the nineties that included the likes of Gary Croft
Gary Croft
Gary Croft is a former English football player who played as a left back. He played as a professional between 1992 and 2008 notably for Grimsby Town, Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town, having also had spells with Wigan Athletic, Cardiff City and Lincoln City...
, Graham Rodger
Graham Rodger
Graham Rodger is a Scottish born English former professional footballer and football manager. He played as a defender from 1984 until 1998 for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City and Luton Town before finishing his career with a six year stint at Grimsby Town, where he retired in 1998 following...
, John McDermott and Tony Gallimore
Tony Gallimore
Anthony Mark "Tony" Gallimore is an English former professional footballer who made more than 500 appearances in the Football League between 1990 and 2006, playing for Stoke City, Carlisle United, Grimsby Town, Barnsley and Rochdale. The major part of his career was spent at Carlisle United and...
. Arguably Lever's most successful season was the 1997-1998 campaign, in which Grimsby bounced back from relegation the previous season, to clinch promotion back to the English First Division via a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
in the English Second Division play-off final. Also before the final victory, Grimsby, aided by Lever defeated A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
at Wembley in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
final with a 2-1 scoreline. Mark continued to play for The Mariners in the 1998-1999, and 1999-2000 campaigns, and was also used as a makeshift captain in the absence of Paul Groves on several occasions. Lever's contract expired with The Mariners in the summer of 2000, and he opted to leave Blundell Park
Blundell Park
Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and home to Grimsby Town Football Club. The stadium was built in 1898, but only one of the original stands remain. The current capacity of the ground is 9546, though with the introduction of all seating in the late...
. In his time at Grimsby, he made over 400 appearances in all competitions, scoring a total of 8 goals, he made his final appearance against Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
in the final league game of the season, a few weeks after this match, Lever received the "Supporters Player of The Season" for the 1999-2000 campaign. Lever is considered to this day to be a cult hero by Grimsby Town supporters, and is one of the most successful players in the clubs history.
Bristol City
After 12 years at Grimsby, Lever dropped down a division and signed for Bristol CityBristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
in July 2000 on a free transfer, and naturally became the main candidate to be the club captain. However his first season, was ruined by injury, after making his debut on the opening day of the season in a 2-0 defeat against Wrexham
Wrexham A.F.C.
Wrexham Football Club are a professional football team based in Wrexham, north-east Wales, who play in the English football pyramid.Founded in 1872, they are one of the oldest surviving football clubs in Britain and the oldest professional club in Wales...
, Lever went on to feature in two more games, before injury ruled him out for the rest of the 2000-2001 campaign. The following season was more successful for Lever, as he completed 34 games in all competitions, coupled with a single goal in a 3-0 victory over Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
on February 2, 2002. At the end of the 2001-2002 campaign, City decided not to renew Lever's two year contract and he was released.
Mansfield Town
In August 2002, Lever signed for newly promoted Second Division side Mansfield TownMansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
. He made his debut for The Stags in the 2-0 derby defeat against local rivals Chesterfield
Chesterfield F.C.
Chesterfield Football Club is an English football club based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The club currently plays in Football League One, the third tier of English football. Despite being the fourth oldest Football League club in England, they have spent most of their existence in the lower...
on 28 August 2002. Lever would only go on to make 15 league appearances for Town in the 2002-2003 season, while also playing in the 3-0 FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
defeat against Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
on 7 December. Lever was released by the club at the end of the season, thus bringing to end his career playing in the professional leagues. The FA Cup defeat with Crewe, turned out to be his final game for the club, and in professional football.
Ilkeston Town
Lever signed a one year deal with Northern Premier LeagueNorthern Premier League
The Northern Premier League, is one of the regional English football leagues which sits directly below the Football Conference featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. Geographically, the league covers all of Northern England, and the northern areas of the Midlands. Originally just one...
outfit Ilkeston Town
Ilkeston Town F.C.
Ilkeston Football Club is an English football club based at the New Manor Ground in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.-History:The club was established in 1894 as Ilkeston Town F.C.....
at the start of the 2003-2004 season. This would be his first taste of the Non League football circuit, and he notably formed a defensive partnership with former Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
stalwart Steve Chettle
Steve Chettle
Stephen "Steve" Chettle is an English former footballer who currently works as the U13 team coach at Nottingham Forest. He is best known for his time as a player at Forest...
. Lever signed a one year contract extension for the 2004-2005 season, and during this season he had fallen out of favour within the Ilkeston playing squads, thus opening up a loan move too lowly Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
amateur side Ossett Albion
Ossett Albion F.C.
Ossett Albion Association Football Club are an English football team who play in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They play at Queen's Terrace in Ossett, in the City of Wakefield district, West Yorkshire , more commonly known as Dimplewells, the area of Ossett the ground is situated...
. He remained with Albion for two months before returning too Ilkeston. Lever was released by Town in May 2005, and subsequently retired from playing competitive football aged 35.
Grimsby Town
- Division FourFootball League Fourth DivisionThe Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
runners up, Promoted: 1990 - Division ThreeFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
3rd place, Promoted: 1991 - Auto Windscreens ShieldFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
winner: 1998 - Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
playoff winner: 1998 - Supporters Player of the Year: 2000
- Supporters Young Player of the Year: 1989, 1991
External links
- Electronic Fishcake Player Profile
- Bristol City Net Player Profile