Steve Halford, (pictured) a young defender signed from Bury, was one of four players who made his debut in the home game against Margate in October 2001. This was Steve Vaughan’s first home game in control of the club and it proved to be Gordon Hill’s last as City crashed 3-0 to the Kent side. After Hill’s departure Steve became the regular centre half during Steve Mungall’s short spell as manager. His final game for City, the 3-1 Boxing Day capitulation at Northwich, also proved to be Steve Mungall’s last in charge. The signings of Phil Bolland and Gary Brabin marked the end of Steve’s brief career at the Deva Stadium and in January he moved to Accrington Stanley of the Unibond League. Steve is now a key figure in an Accrington side that has started the season in excellent form and he might well be returning to the Conference next season with the ex-league side.

Centre forward David McNiven was signed by Gordon Hill on a short term contract in the middle of September 2001. After scoring 2 goals, as a substitute, in a reserve game against Burscough he made his full debut in the home game against Boston United and played three games in total, all of which resulted in defeats. David is the son of the former Leeds United player of the same name and twin brother of Scottish Under 21 international Scott who is currently with Oxford United. David started his career with Oldham Athletic but failed to make the grade at Boundary Park and most of his appearances were from the substitutes bench. After loan spells with Linfield, Vasalund (Sweden) and Scarborough he joined York City in summer 2000. He met with some success at Bootham Crescent and finished leading scorer in the 2000/01 season but was surprisingly released and joined Chester. For David it appeared a case of wrong club, wrong time and after leaving City he attempted to kick start his career with Scottish Second Division side, Hamilton Academicals. At Hamilton he only missed one game in the rest of the 2001/02 season and scored six goals. During the summer David joined our Conference neighbours, Northwich Victoria.