Steve Lilwall

Steve Lilwall

Born 15 February 1970 (Age 25 at debut)

Position: Defender

(Diamonds player #52)

Total appearances 20

(11 League, 4 FA Cup, 3 League Cup, 1 Hillier Senior Cup, 1 Conference Shield)

Debut:

19 August 1995 (Home Salisbury)

Final game:

2 November 1996 (Away Southport)

Steve started his career with non-league side Moor Green before signing for Kidderminster Harriers in 1987. The left back was a member of the Harriers team which reached to FA Trophy Final at Wembley in 1991, losing to Wycombe Wanderers. He came to the attention of West Bromwich Albion manager Ossie Ardiles and signed for the Baggies just ahead of the 1992/1993 season. He was ever-present in the side that season – winning the Division Two play-off Final against Port Vale at Wembley Stadium. He made a total of 86 appearances before a series of injuries and the arrival of new manager Alan Buckley in 1994 led to his departure at the end of the following season. Steve arrived at Nene Park in June 1995, but was injured in his second game for the club at Chelmsford City. He only played in 12 games that season, plus a further eight games during the next. Whilst at Nene Park, he was studying for a degree in Physical Education and Social Psychology and he left in May 1997 to be closer to Coventry University, rejoining Kidderminster Harriers. Steve ended his career with Moor Green in 2000 largely due to persistent hip injuries, which resulted in a couple of operations. His studies however helped him to a BA/BSc and he also gained UEFA Coaching awards, sports coaching certificates and a Sports Psychology Diploma. He also passed his teacher qualifications in 2005 and is currently a teacher of PE at Ninestiles School in Acocks Green, Birmingham and also runs the Soccer Start Coaching Academy in Solihull.

Appearances

1995/1996

1996/1997