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'''John Alexander''' (born 24 September 1985) is an English [[association football|footballer]] who made four appearances in [[the Football League]] playing as a [[forward (association football)|forward]] for [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] in the 2000s.<ref name=NB>{{cite web |url=http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player11/johnalexander.html |title=John Alexander |work=Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Players Database |publisher=Neil Brown |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> While still at Darlington, he had loan spells at [[Northern Premier League]] club [[Bishop Auckland F.C.|Bishop Auckland]], and went on to play [[non-league football]] in the north-east of England for a number of clubs, mostly in the [[Northern Football League|Northern League]]. He also played American college soccer for the [[Stetson Hatters]].
'''John Alexander''' (born 24 September 1985) is an English [[association football|footballer]] who made four appearances in [[the Football League]] playing as a [[forward (association football)|forward]] for [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] in the 2000s.<ref name=NB>{{cite web|url=http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/player11/johnalexander.html |title=John Alexander |work=Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Players Database |publisher=Neil Brown |accessdate=4 December 2014 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> While still at Darlington, he had loan spells at [[Northern Premier League]] club [[Bishop Auckland F.C.|Bishop Auckland]], and went on to play [[non-league football]] in the north-east of England for a number of clubs, mostly in the [[Northern Football League|Northern League]]. He also played American college soccer for the [[Stetson Hatters]].


==Football career==
==Football career==
Alexander was born in [[Middlesbrough]],<ref name=NB/> and despite receiving offers of a traineeship from [[Wolverhampton Wanderers]] and [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]], began his football career in the youth system of [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] in June 2002.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/06/07/7071419.Gray_puts_faith_in_youth_as_Quakers_look_to_the_future/ |title=Gray puts faith in youth as Quakers look to the future |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=7 June 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He was included among the [[substitute (association football)|substitutes]] for the [[Football League Third Division|Division Three]] match against [[Carlisle United]] on 27 August, chosen in preference to the injured [[Danny Mellanby]] and the out-of-form [[Mark Sheeran]], but remained unused.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/08/29/7061575.Tino_s_fitness_warning/ |title=Tino's fitness warning |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=29 August 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> The 16-year-old Alexander was given his debut the following Saturday, as a second-half substitute in the visit to [[Kidderminster Harriers]]. He entered the game together with [[Neil Wainwright]] and [[Phil Hadland]] just after the home side had taken a lead, and the energy of the fresh players helped Darlington exert enough pressure to draw the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/09/02/7061140.New_tactics_almost_so_costly_for_tinker_Taylor/ |title=New tactics almost so costly for tinker Taylor |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=2 September 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>
Alexander was born in [[Middlesbrough]],<ref name=NB/> and despite receiving offers of a traineeship from [[Wolverhampton Wanderers]] and [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]], began his football career in the youth system of [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] in June 2002.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/06/07/7071419.Gray_puts_faith_in_youth_as_Quakers_look_to_the_future/ |title=Gray puts faith in youth as Quakers look to the future |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=7 June 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He was included among the [[substitute (association football)|substitutes]] for the [[Football League Third Division|Division Three]] match against [[Carlisle United]] on 27 August, chosen in preference to the injured [[Danny Mellanby]] and the out-of-form [[Mark Sheeran]], but remained unused.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/08/29/7061575.Tino_s_fitness_warning/ |title=Tino's fitness warning |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=29 August 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207084326/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/08/29/7061575.Tino_s_fitness_warning/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> The 16-year-old Alexander was given his debut the following Saturday, as a second-half substitute in the visit to [[Kidderminster Harriers]]. He entered the game together with [[Neil Wainwright]] and [[Phil Hadland]] just after the home side had taken a lead, and the energy of the fresh players helped Darlington exert enough pressure to draw the match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/09/02/7061140.New_tactics_almost_so_costly_for_tinker_Taylor/ |title=New tactics almost so costly for tinker Taylor |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=2 September 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207090716/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/09/02/7061140.New_tactics_almost_so_costly_for_tinker_Taylor/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref>


A trial with [[Premier League]] club [[Blackburn Rovers]], in which he scored twice for their under-17 team against [[Tottenham Hotspur]] under-17s, came to nothing,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/archive/2002/09/10/5947939.Rovers_extend_unbeaten_records/ |title=Rovers extend unbeaten records |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |date=10 September 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and Alexander made no more first-team appearances before December, when he joined [[Northern Premier League]] club [[Bishop Auckland F.C.|Bishop Auckland]] on loan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/12/13/7050081.The_UniBond_League/ |title=The UniBond League |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=13 December 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He returned to Darlington's first team in December 2003, when he made three appearances, each time as a late substitute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32951&season_id=133 |title=Games played by John Alexander in 2003/2004 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> After another brief loan spell with Bishop Auckland,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2004/03/22/6996949.Next_three_are_vital__Honour/ |title=Next three are vital, Honour |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=22 March 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> Alexander was released in April 2004 and signed for [[Billingham Synthonia]].
A trial with [[Premier League]] club [[Blackburn Rovers]], in which he scored twice for their under-17 team against [[Tottenham Hotspur]] under-17s, came to nothing,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/archive/2002/09/10/5947939.Rovers_extend_unbeaten_records/ |title=Rovers extend unbeaten records |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |date=10 September 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209084618/http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/archive/2002/09/10/5947939.Rovers_extend_unbeaten_records/ |archivedate= 9 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> and Alexander made no more first-team appearances before December, when he joined [[Northern Premier League]] club [[Bishop Auckland F.C.|Bishop Auckland]] on loan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/12/13/7050081.The_UniBond_League/ |title=The UniBond League |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=13 December 2002 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207085641/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2002/12/13/7050081.The_UniBond_League/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> He returned to Darlington's first team in December 2003, when he made three appearances, each time as a late substitute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=32951&season_id=133 |title=Games played by John Alexander in 2003/2004 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> After another brief loan spell with Bishop Auckland,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2004/03/22/6996949.Next_three_are_vital__Honour/ |title=Next three are vital, Honour |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=22 March 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207084445/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2004/03/22/6996949.Next_three_are_vital__Honour/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> Alexander was released in April 2004 and signed for [[Billingham Synthonia]].


He scored on his [[Northern Football League|Northern League]] debut, against [[Dunston UTS F.C.|Dunston Federation]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2004/04/16/6994337.The_Albany_Northern_League/ |title=The Albany Northern League |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=16 April 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and finished the season with the club. He then took up a place at [[Stetson University]], in [[DeLand, Florida]], where he played college soccer for the [[Stetson Hatters]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:ORLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1064CD81A81B6FAF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Alexander paces Stetson |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=10 October 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |via=Newsbank}}</ref> He helped them reach the 2004 [[Atlantic Sun Conference]] post-season tournament,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DBNC&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1064CD81A81B6FAF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Hatters punch postseason ticket&nbsp;– Stetson extends season after beating FAU |author=Plaisted, Ed |newspaper=Daytona Beach News-Journal |date=10 November 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |via=Newsbank}}</ref> but was sent off in the quarter-final match which the Hatters lost after two periods of [[overtime (sports)|overtime]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gohatters.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14600&ATCLID=744266 |title=Mercer rallies late to defeat Stetson in A-Sun Tournament |website=GoHatters.com |publisher=Stetson University |date=10 November 2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He returned to Billingham Synthonia in January 2005,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2005/01/08/6965599.The_Albany_Northern_League__Revenge_over_Prudhoe_is_the_main_driving_force_for_Nissan/ |title=The Albany Northern League: Revenge over Prudhoe is the main driving force for Nissan |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=8 January 2005 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and took his total appearances for the club to 18, with two goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.synners.co.uk/synners/archives/a-z.php |title=A–Z of 'The Synners' 1945/46&nbsp;– 2013/14 |publisher=Billingham Synthonia FC |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>
He scored on his [[Northern Football League|Northern League]] debut, against [[Dunston UTS F.C.|Dunston Federation]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2004/04/16/6994337.The_Albany_Northern_League/ |title=The Albany Northern League |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=16 April 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207090117/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2004/04/16/6994337.The_Albany_Northern_League/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> and finished the season with the club. He then took up a place at [[Stetson University]], in [[DeLand, Florida]], where he played college soccer for the [[Stetson Hatters]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:ORLB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1064CD81A81B6FAF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Alexander paces Stetson |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=10 October 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |via=Newsbank}}</ref> He helped them reach the 2004 [[Atlantic Sun Conference]] post-season tournament,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DBNC&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1064CD81A81B6FAF&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Hatters punch postseason ticket&nbsp;– Stetson extends season after beating FAU |author=Plaisted, Ed |newspaper=Daytona Beach News-Journal |date=10 November 2004 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |via=Newsbank}}</ref> but was sent off in the quarter-final match which the Hatters lost after two periods of [[overtime (sports)|overtime]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gohatters.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14600&ATCLID=744266 |title=Mercer rallies late to defeat Stetson in A-Sun Tournament |website=GoHatters.com |publisher=Stetson University |date=10 November 2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He returned to Billingham Synthonia in January 2005,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2005/01/08/6965599.The_Albany_Northern_League__Revenge_over_Prudhoe_is_the_main_driving_force_for_Nissan/ |title=The Albany Northern League: Revenge over Prudhoe is the main driving force for Nissan |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=8 January 2005 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207090120/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2005/01/08/6965599.The_Albany_Northern_League__Revenge_over_Prudhoe_is_the_main_driving_force_for_Nissan/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> and took his total appearances for the club to 18, with two goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.synners.co.uk/synners/archives/a-z.php |title=A–Z of 'The Synners' 1945/46&nbsp;– 2013/14 |publisher=Billingham Synthonia FC |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>


Alexander signed for [[Marske United F.C.|Marske United]] in January 2006,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/28/7155788.Safety_is_the_big_incentive_for_Shildon_ahead_of_crunch_clash/ |title=Safety is the big incentive for Shildon ahead of crunch clash |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=28 January 2006 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and was [[Billingham Town F.C.|Billingham Town]]'s top Northern League scorer in 2008–09 with 21 goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://northernleague.org/archive/view_archive_goalscorers.php?type=2&submit=Go!&arch=0809 |title=Division One Leading Scorers (League Only) 0809 |publisher=Northern Football League |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He joined [[Conference North]] club [[Blyth Spartans A.F.C.|Blyth Spartans]] ahead of the next season, and scored six goals from 56 appearances in all competitions for them over two seasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blythspartansafc.co.uk/new_php/?p=1650 |title=John Alexander |publisher=Blyth Spartans A.F.C. |accessdate=3 August 2014}}</ref> He then signed for Northern League champions [[Spennymoor Town F.C.|Spennymoor Town]], but only four weeks into the season and having scored four times already, he was transfer-listed and returned to Blyth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/9250418.Spennymoor_exodus_continues/ |title=Spennymoor exodus continues |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=14 September 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> After four more games for Blyth, and a loan spell with [[Ashington A.F.C.|Ashington]] during which he played once, in the [[Northern League Cup]], Alexander signed for fellow Northern League club [[Norton & Stockton Ancients F.C.|Norton & Stockton Ancients]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ashingtonafc.com/news-90-colliers-sign-alexander.html |title=Colliers sign Alexander |publisher=Ashington A.F.C. |date=17 October 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}<br>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/9349511.Town_debut_tonight_for_Magowan/ |title=Town debut tonight for Magowan |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=8 November 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In March, he made a sideways move to [[Newcastle Benfield F.C.|Newcastle Benfield]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nonleague.pitchero.com/news/march-moves-part-four-12272/ |title=March moves (part four) |publisher=Pitchero Non-League |date=3 April 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> where he finished the season.
Alexander signed for [[Marske United F.C.|Marske United]] in January 2006,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/28/7155788.Safety_is_the_big_incentive_for_Shildon_ahead_of_crunch_clash/ |title=Safety is the big incentive for Shildon ahead of crunch clash |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Middlesbrough |date=28 January 2006 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207084122/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/28/7155788.Safety_is_the_big_incentive_for_Shildon_ahead_of_crunch_clash/ |archivedate= 7 December 2014 |df= }}</ref> and was [[Billingham Town F.C.|Billingham Town]]'s top Northern League scorer in 2008–09 with 21 goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://northernleague.org/archive/view_archive_goalscorers.php?type=2&submit=Go!&arch=0809 |title=Division One Leading Scorers (League Only) 0809 |publisher=Northern Football League |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He joined [[Conference North]] club [[Blyth Spartans A.F.C.|Blyth Spartans]] ahead of the next season, and scored six goals from 56 appearances in all competitions for them over two seasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blythspartansafc.co.uk/new_php/?p=1650 |title=John Alexander |publisher=Blyth Spartans A.F.C. |accessdate=3 August 2014}}</ref> He then signed for Northern League champions [[Spennymoor Town F.C.|Spennymoor Town]], but only four weeks into the season and having scored four times already, he was transfer-listed and returned to Blyth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/9250418.Spennymoor_exodus_continues/ |title=Spennymoor exodus continues |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=14 September 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> After four more games for Blyth, and a loan spell with [[Ashington A.F.C.|Ashington]] during which he played once, in the [[Northern League Cup]], Alexander signed for fellow Northern League club [[Norton & Stockton Ancients F.C.|Norton & Stockton Ancients]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ashingtonafc.com/news-90-colliers-sign-alexander.html |title=Colliers sign Alexander |publisher=Ashington A.F.C. |date=17 October 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}<br>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/9349511.Town_debut_tonight_for_Magowan/ |title=Town debut tonight for Magowan |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=8 November 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In March, he made a sideways move to [[Newcastle Benfield F.C.|Newcastle Benfield]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nonleague.pitchero.com/news/march-moves-part-four-12272/ |title=March moves (part four) |publisher=Pitchero Non-League |date=3 April 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> where he finished the season.


In 2012 pre-season, he had a trial with former club [[Darlington 1883|Darlington]], who had lost most of their players after administrative demotion to the Northern League, but no contract ensued,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9819231.Quakers_parade_trialists/ |title=Quakers parade trialists |author=Stoddart, Craig |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=16 July 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}<br>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9820765.Gray_goes_cool_on_former_Quakers/ |title=Gray goes cool on former Quakers |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=17 July 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and he remained with Benfield until rejoining another former club, Marske United, in another sideways move in October.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/9968333.Consett_try_to_stop_the_Spennymoor_juggernaut/ |title=Consett try to stop the Spennymoor juggernaut |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=5 October 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://www.marskeunitedfc.com/2013-Newcastle-Benfield-away.htm |title=Match Report: Newcastle Benfield (Away) |publisher=Marske United F.C. |date=8 December 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> He was their top scorer in 2013–14 with 21 goals in all competitions, 14 in league matches,<ref name=MarskeGoals>{{cite web |url=http://www.marskeunitedfc.com/top-scorers.htm |title=Top scorers |publisher=Marske United F.C. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514171946/http://marskeunitedfc.com/top-scorers.htm |archivedate=14 May 2014}}</ref> and started in the Northern League Cup final as Marske beat [[Whitley Bay F.C.|Whitley Bay]] 2–1 [[after extra time]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/marske-win-northern-league-cup-7077956 |title=Marske win Northern League Cup after late spot kick drama against Whitley Bay |newspaper=Evening Gazette |location=Middlesbrough |date=7 May 2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, he joined yet another Northern League club, [[Crook Town A.F.C.|Crook Town]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/11512553.Whitley_back_in_Vase_qualifying_for_first_time_in_eight_years/ |title=Whitley back in Vase qualifying for first time in eight years |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=3 October 2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>
In 2012 pre-season, he had a trial with former club [[Darlington 1883|Darlington]], who had lost most of their players after administrative demotion to the Northern League, but no contract ensued,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9819231.Quakers_parade_trialists/ |title=Quakers parade trialists |author=Stoddart, Craig |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=16 July 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}<br>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9820765.Gray_goes_cool_on_former_Quakers/ |title=Gray goes cool on former Quakers |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=17 July 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> and he remained with Benfield until rejoining another former club, Marske United, in another sideways move in October.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/9968333.Consett_try_to_stop_the_Spennymoor_juggernaut/ |title=Consett try to stop the Spennymoor juggernaut |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=5 October 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014 }}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.marskeunitedfc.com/2013-Newcastle-Benfield-away.htm |title=Match Report: Newcastle Benfield (Away) |publisher=Marske United F.C. |date=8 December 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304003528/http://www.marskeunitedfc.com/2013-Newcastle-Benfield-away.htm |archivedate= 4 March 2016 |df= }}</ref> He was their top scorer in 2013–14 with 21 goals in all competitions, 14 in league matches,<ref name=MarskeGoals>{{cite web |url=http://www.marskeunitedfc.com/top-scorers.htm |title=Top scorers |publisher=Marske United F.C. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514171946/http://marskeunitedfc.com/top-scorers.htm |archivedate=14 May 2014}}</ref> and started in the Northern League Cup final as Marske beat [[Whitley Bay F.C.|Whitley Bay]] 2–1 [[after extra time]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/marske-win-northern-league-cup-7077956 |title=Marske win Northern League Cup after late spot kick drama against Whitley Bay |newspaper=Evening Gazette |location=Middlesbrough |date=7 May 2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, he joined yet another Northern League club, [[Crook Town A.F.C.|Crook Town]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/northernleague/division1/news_articles/11512553.Whitley_back_in_Vase_qualifying_for_first_time_in_eight_years/ |title=Whitley back in Vase qualifying for first time in eight years |author=Simpson, Ray |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=3 October 2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 01:21, 24 April 2017

John Alexander
Personal information
Date of birth (1985-09-24) 24 September 1985 (age 39)[1]
Place of birth Middlesbrough, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[2]
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
– Darlington
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2004 Darlington 4 (0)
2002–2003 → Bishop Auckland (loan)
2004 → Bishop Auckland (loan)
2004 Billingham Synthonia
2004 Stetson Hatters
2005 Billingham Synthonia
2006–200? Marske United
200?–2009 Billingham Town
2009–2011 Blyth Spartans
2011 Spennymoor Town
2011 Blyth Spartans
2011 → Ashington (loan) 0 (0)
2011–2012 Norton & Stockton Ancients
2012 Newcastle Benfield
2012–2014 Marske United[3] (22)
2014– Crook Town
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

John Alexander (born 24 September 1985) is an English footballer who made four appearances in the Football League playing as a forward for Darlington in the 2000s.[1] While still at Darlington, he had loan spells at Northern Premier League club Bishop Auckland, and went on to play non-league football in the north-east of England for a number of clubs, mostly in the Northern League. He also played American college soccer for the Stetson Hatters.

Football career

Alexander was born in Middlesbrough,[1] and despite receiving offers of a traineeship from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley, began his football career in the youth system of Darlington in June 2002.[4] He was included among the substitutes for the Division Three match against Carlisle United on 27 August, chosen in preference to the injured Danny Mellanby and the out-of-form Mark Sheeran, but remained unused.[5] The 16-year-old Alexander was given his debut the following Saturday, as a second-half substitute in the visit to Kidderminster Harriers. He entered the game together with Neil Wainwright and Phil Hadland just after the home side had taken a lead, and the energy of the fresh players helped Darlington exert enough pressure to draw the match.[6]

A trial with Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, in which he scored twice for their under-17 team against Tottenham Hotspur under-17s, came to nothing,[7] and Alexander made no more first-team appearances before December, when he joined Northern Premier League club Bishop Auckland on loan.[8] He returned to Darlington's first team in December 2003, when he made three appearances, each time as a late substitute.[9] After another brief loan spell with Bishop Auckland,[10] Alexander was released in April 2004 and signed for Billingham Synthonia.

He scored on his Northern League debut, against Dunston Federation,[11] and finished the season with the club. He then took up a place at Stetson University, in DeLand, Florida, where he played college soccer for the Stetson Hatters.[12] He helped them reach the 2004 Atlantic Sun Conference post-season tournament,[13] but was sent off in the quarter-final match which the Hatters lost after two periods of overtime.[14] He returned to Billingham Synthonia in January 2005,[15] and took his total appearances for the club to 18, with two goals.[16]

Alexander signed for Marske United in January 2006,[17] and was Billingham Town's top Northern League scorer in 2008–09 with 21 goals.[18] He joined Conference North club Blyth Spartans ahead of the next season, and scored six goals from 56 appearances in all competitions for them over two seasons.[19] He then signed for Northern League champions Spennymoor Town, but only four weeks into the season and having scored four times already, he was transfer-listed and returned to Blyth.[20] After four more games for Blyth, and a loan spell with Ashington during which he played once, in the Northern League Cup, Alexander signed for fellow Northern League club Norton & Stockton Ancients.[21] In March, he made a sideways move to Newcastle Benfield,[22] where he finished the season.

In 2012 pre-season, he had a trial with former club Darlington, who had lost most of their players after administrative demotion to the Northern League, but no contract ensued,[23] and he remained with Benfield until rejoining another former club, Marske United, in another sideways move in October.[24] He was their top scorer in 2013–14 with 21 goals in all competitions, 14 in league matches,[3] and started in the Northern League Cup final as Marske beat Whitley Bay 2–1 after extra time.[25] In October 2014, he joined yet another Northern League club, Crook Town.[26]

References

  1. ^ a b c "John Alexander". Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Players Database. Neil Brown. Retrieved 4 December 2014.[permanent dead link‍]
  2. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2003). Playfair Football Annual 2003–2004. London: Headline. p. 48. ISBN 978-0-7553-1313-6. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |lastauthoramp= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b "Top scorers". Marske United F.C. Archived from the original on 14 May 2014.
  4. ^ "Gray puts faith in youth as Quakers look to the future". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 7 June 2002. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  5. ^ "Tino's fitness warning". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 29 August 2002. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "New tactics almost so costly for tinker Taylor". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 2 September 2002. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Rovers extend unbeaten records". Lancashire Telegraph. 10 September 2002. Archived from the original on 9 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "The UniBond League". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 13 December 2002. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "Games played by John Alexander in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Next three are vital, Honour". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 22 March 2004. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "The Albany Northern League". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 16 April 2004. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Alexander paces Stetson". Orlando Sentinel. 10 October 2004. Retrieved 4 December 2014 – via Newsbank.
  13. ^ Plaisted, Ed (10 November 2004). "Hatters punch postseason ticket – Stetson extends season after beating FAU". Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved 4 December 2014 – via Newsbank.
  14. ^ "Mercer rallies late to defeat Stetson in A-Sun Tournament". GoHatters.com. Stetson University. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  15. ^ "The Albany Northern League: Revenge over Prudhoe is the main driving force for Nissan". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 8 January 2005. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "A–Z of 'The Synners' 1945/46 – 2013/14". Billingham Synthonia FC. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  17. ^ "Safety is the big incentive for Shildon ahead of crunch clash". The Northern Echo. Middlesbrough. 28 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "Division One Leading Scorers (League Only) 0809". Northern Football League. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  19. ^ "John Alexander". Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  20. ^ Simpson, Ray (14 September 2011). "Spennymoor exodus continues". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  21. ^ "Colliers sign Alexander". Ashington A.F.C. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
    Simpson, Ray (8 November 2011). "Town debut tonight for Magowan". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  22. ^ "March moves (part four)". Pitchero Non-League. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  23. ^ Stoddart, Craig (16 July 2012). "Quakers parade trialists". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
    "Gray goes cool on former Quakers". The Northern Echo. Darlington. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  24. ^ Simpson, Ray (5 October 2012). "Consett try to stop the Spennymoor juggernaut". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
    "Match Report: Newcastle Benfield (Away)". Marske United F.C. 8 December 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ "Marske win Northern League Cup after late spot kick drama against Whitley Bay". Evening Gazette. Middlesbrough. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  26. ^ Simpson, Ray (3 October 2014). "Whitley back in Vase qualifying for first time in eight years". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 December 2014.

John Alexander at Soccerbase Edit this at Wikidata

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