Stephen Brackstone

Club career Born in Hartlepool, County Durham, Brackstone played in the Middlesbrough youth system as a trainee before signing a professional contract on 7 July 2000. He made his first team debut as an 87th minute substitute in a 2–0 victory over Darlington on 15 March. He finished the season with nine appearances and signed a new contract in May. Brackstone scored a direct free kick from 20 yards in stoppage time to give York a 2–2 draw with Bristol Rovers on 19 October. He suffered a back injury in October and after a late fitness check missed a game against Wrexham, eventually making his return in a 0–0 draw at Hartlepool United.

He had an operation to remove his appendix after being taken to hospital following his substitution against Lincoln City in December and after being expected to be out of action for six weeks he made his return in a 1–0 victory over Bournemouth on 15 March 2003. He finished the 2002–03 season with 29 appearances and two goals. He signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division team Bishop Auckland and made six appearances for them during the 2004–05 season.

Career statistics

A. The "League" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the Football League and Northern Premier League. B. The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the Football League Trophy.