Thirty-eight-year-old Simon came to Tadcaster during the summer recess of 2020 and became our Club captain twelve month later. He was a class midfielder who led by example – a player who could read any situation almost before it happened. Calm on the ball but someone who liked to create and score goals.

In his twenty-year career, Simon has played more than 550 senior matches scoring some fifty-five goals in the process.

He was born in Hull and began his career as a trainee at Hull City making his debut against Kidderminster Harriers, a club he then joined in 2004 to be reunited with Manager Jan Molby. He spent four seasons there, before moving to his hometown club, York City, for whom he played in the 2009 FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium

Spells at Cambridge United, Lincoln City and Alfreton Town followed before he moved on for a three spell at Gainsborough Trinity. He then joined North Ferriby and captained the side but when they were wound up, returned to Gainsborough, and again assumed the captain’s arm band.

With financial and management changes at Trinity, Simon felt that a change was needed and Taddy provided the challenge he was seeking. He quickly settled into his stride and clearly relished his position in the midfield where his influence on all the players around him was clear to see.
“I knew as soon as I arrived at the Global Stadium that this club was “right” for me. It is a friendly family club but ambitious and I love being here.”

He will be remembered at Taddy for all the right reasons but his sublime goal in our three-nil win at Kendal will never be forgotten, On 74 minutes we came from defence to attack involving eight Taddy players without Kendal touching the ball but Russell started it from defence on the left and never stopped running to the right hand side of the Kendal box. When the ball fell to Ngoe on the right flank he threaded it through to Simon who rounded his man and from a tight angle blasted it beyond the hapless keeper. A goal of the season contender!

Chairman Andy Charlesworth, Manager John Deacey and all your friends at Tadcaster Albion thank you Simon for your time with the club and for reminding both players and supporters alike, how the beautiful game should be played.

You will always be welcome at Ings Lane