# Neil Brisco

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English footballer

Neil Brisco Personal information Full name Neil Anthony Brisco[1] Date of birth (1978-01-26) 26 January 1978 (age 48)[2] Place of birth Wigan, England Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[2] Position Midfielder Youth career 000?–1997 Manchester City Senior career* Years Team Apps (Gls) 1997–1998 Manchester City 0 (0) 1998–2004 Port Vale 119 (2) 2004–2006 Rochdale 27 (0) 2004 → Northwich Victoria (loan) 5 (1) 2005 → Northwich Victoria (loan) 5 (0) 2006 Scarborough 0 (0) 2006 Barrow ? (?) 2006 Mossley 2 (0) 2007–2009 Leigh RMI ? (?) 2009 Chorley 1 (0) Total 159+ (3+) * Club domestic league appearances and goals

**Neil Anthony Brisco** (born 26 January 1978) is an English former [footballer](/source/Association_football). A versatile player, he was comfortable both in [defence](/source/Defender_(association_football)) and in [midfield](/source/Midfielder).[3]

A former [Manchester City](/source/Manchester_City_F.C.) trainee, he made his name in six years with [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.) between 1998 and 2004, lifting the [Football League Trophy](/source/EFL_Trophy) in [2001](/source/2001_Football_League_Trophy_final). Following this, he spent two years at [Rochdale](/source/Rochdale_A.F.C.), also playing on [loan](/source/Loan_(sports)) at [Northwich Victoria](/source/Northwich_Victoria_F.C.), before entering [Non-League football](/source/Non-League_football) permanently in 2006. He then spent brief periods with [Scarborough](/source/Scarborough_F.C.), [Barrow](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.), and [Mossley](/source/Mossley_A.F.C.). Following a couple of years with [Leigh RMI](/source/Leigh_Genesis_F.C.), he retired from the game at [Chorley](/source/Chorley_F.C.) in 2009 to concentrate on his work with the [prison service](/source/Her_Majesty's_Prison_Service).

## Career

### Manchester City

Brisco started his career as a trainee with [Manchester City](/source/Manchester_City_F.C.), though he never made it onto the field for the [Maine Road](/source/Maine_Road) club. At the end of the [1997–98](/source/1997%E2%80%9398_Football_League) season, City lost their [First Division](/source/Football_League_First_Division) status, though Brisco maintained his by signing with [Port Vale](/source/Port_Vale_F.C.).

### Port Vale

He made his Port Vale debut in the [1998–99](/source/1998%E2%80%9399_Port_Vale_F.C._season) season, playing 87 minutes of the club's 3–0 defeat to [Liverpool](/source/Liverpool_F.C.) in the [FA Cup](/source/FA_Cup). In [1999–2000](/source/1999%E2%80%932000_Port_Vale_F.C._season), he played 14 games, though Vale were [relegated](/source/Promotion_and_relegation) into the [Second Division](/source/Football_League_Second_Division). He scored his first competitive goal on 10 February 2001, in a 2–1 victory over [Bournemouth](/source/AFC_Bournemouth) at [Vale Park](/source/Vale_Park).[4] He played as the midfield anchor to the highly skilled duo of [Marc Bridge-Wilkinson](/source/Marc_Bridge-Wilkinson) and [Dave Brammer](/source/Dave_Brammer).[5] However, he was restricted to 21 appearances in [2000–01](/source/2000%E2%80%9301_Port_Vale_F.C._season), and so underwent surgery on an ankle injury to try to regain match fitness.[6] Despite this he was still a part of [Brian Horton](/source/Brian_Horton)'s [2001](/source/2001_Football_League_Trophy_final) [Football League Trophy](/source/EFL_Trophy) winning [first XI](/source/First_XI).[7]

He was a key first player in the [2001–02](/source/2001%E2%80%9302_Port_Vale_F.C._season) campaign, making 43 appearances in league and cup. He found his first-team chances more limited during the [2002–03](/source/2002%E2%80%9303_Port_Vale_F.C._season) season and played just 24 games as the "Valiants" endured [administration](/source/Administration_(British_football)). He did, though, manage to find the net on 15 March in a 1–1 draw with local rivals [Crewe Alexandra](/source/Crewe_Alexandra_F.C.) at the [Alexandra Stadium](/source/Alexandra_Stadium). He was allowed a move to [Stockport County](/source/Stockport_County_F.C.) in August 2003, with [manager](/source/Manager_(association_football)) [Carlton Palmer](/source/Carlton_Palmer) wanting a dominant midfielder; however, Brisco failed a medical because of a knee injury and the move did not go through. He made thirty appearances in [2003–04](/source/2003%E2%80%9304_Port_Vale_F.C._season). Though manager [Martin Foyle](/source/Martin_Foyle) was disappointed with his side for failing to reach the [play-offs](/source/English_Football_League_play-offs), he still offered Brisco a one-month period in which to mull over a new [contract](/source/Association_football_contracts) offer.[8] He chose to reject the deal, and so left to join [League Two](/source/EFL_League_Two) [Rochdale](/source/Rochdale_A.F.C.).[9]

### Rochdale

However, he proved to be unhappy at [Spotland](/source/Spotland_Stadium), and requested a [loan](/source/Loan_(sports)) move after a few months.[10] He got his wish in November, as he joined [Northwich Victoria](/source/Northwich_Victoria_F.C.) of the [Conference National](/source/National_League_(division)).[11] After five games, Rochdale manager [Steve Parkin](/source/Steve_Parkin) denied "Vics" manager [Steve Burr](/source/Steve_Burr)'s request to extend the loan into a second month.[12] Brisco quickly returned to the [Victoria Stadium](/source/Victoria_Stadium_(Northwich)) though, joining the club on loan in January 2005.[13] The loan ran into February, as Brisco helped the club to climb out of the relegation zone.[14] Regardless of this, following his return to his parent club Northwich were demoted to the [Conference North](/source/National_League_North) for the [2005–06](/source/2005%E2%80%9306_Football_Conference) season due to ground concerns. Brisco played 17 games for Rochdale in [2005–06](/source/2005%E2%80%9306_Football_League) despite struggling with a knee injury.[15] He was not offered a new contract at the end of the campaign.[16]

### Later career

He spent brief periods with Conference North sides [Scarborough](/source/Scarborough_F.C.) and [Barrow](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.) before heading into [Northern Premier League Premier Division](/source/Northern_Premier_League_Premier_Division) with [Mossley](/source/Mossley_A.F.C.) in November 2006.[17] He spell with Mossley lasted a matter of weeks, and he left after playing just two games.[18] Following a couple of years with [Leigh RMI](/source/Leigh_Genesis_F.C.),[19] he joined [Chorley](/source/Chorley_F.C.) in November 2009. After only one [Northern Premier League](/source/Northern_Premier_League) Division One North game for the club, he retired from football through injury so as to concentrate on his work in the [prison service](/source/Her_Majesty's_Prison_Service).[20]

## Style of play

Brisco was a tough-[tackling](/source/Tackle_(football_move)) and hard-working [midfielder](/source/Midfielder).[21]

## Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Port Vale 1998–99[22] First Division 1 0 1 0 0 0 — 2 0 1999–2000[23] First Division 13 0 1 0 0 0 — 14 0 2000–01[24] Second Division 17 1 0 0 0 0 5[a] 0 22 1 2001–02[25] Second Division 37 0 1 0 2 0 3[a] 0 43 0 2002–03[26] Second Division 24 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 1 2003–04[27] Second Division 27 0 2 0 0 0 1[a] 0 30 0 Total 119 2 5 0 2 0 9 0 135 2 Rochdale 2004–05[28] League Two 11 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 12 0 2005–06[29] League Two 16 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 17 0 Total 27 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 29 0 Northwich Victoria (loan) 2004–05[28] Conference National 10 1 0 0 — 1[b] 0 11 1 Scarborough 2006–07 Conference North 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0 Mossley 2006–07 Northern Premier League Premier Division 2 0 0 0 — 0 0 2 0 Chorley 2009–10 Northern Premier League Division One 1 0 0 0 — 0 0 1 0 Career total[c] 159 3 5 0 2 0 12 0 178 3

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-efl_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-efl_25-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-efl_25-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-efl_25-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-efl_25-4) Appearance(s) in the [EFL Trophy](/source/EFL_Trophy).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-fat_31-0)** Appearance(s) in the [FA Trophy](/source/FA_Trophy).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-not_32-0)** Statistics for [Barrow](/source/Barrow_A.F.C.) and [Leigh RMI](/source/Leigh_Genesis_F.C.) not recorded.

## Honours

**Port Vale**

- [Football League Trophy](/source/Football_League_Trophy): [2000–01](/source/2000%E2%80%9301_Football_League_Trophy)[30]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hugman2003-04_1-0)** Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2003). *The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2003/2004*. Queen Anne Press. p. 62. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85291-651-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85291-651-6).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nb_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nb_2-1) ["Neil Brisco"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220323110811/https://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10381~9303,00.html). *port-vale.co.uk*. Archived from [the original](http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10381~9303,00.html) on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Westbrook, Ian (18 April 2001). ["Port Vale pen pictures"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1282030.stm). BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Widdrington fails in appeal bid"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/1171949.stm). BBC Sport. 15 February 2001. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Baggaley, Mike (17 December 2023). ["Chislett puts Vale back on track in Wigan thriller"](https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/chislett-puts-vale-back-on-track#poll-128882). *Valiant's Substack*. Retrieved 17 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["McPhee in talks with Port Vale"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/1351446.stm). BBC Sport. 25 May 2001. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Vale vault Brentford to lift Vans trophy"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1289338.stm). BBC Sport. 22 April 2001. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Foyle releases Vale trio"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/3704139.stm). BBC Sport. 11 May 2004. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Dale snap up Brisco"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/3761941.stm). BBC Sport. 4 June 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Brisco can leave Rochdale on loan"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/3996011.stm). BBC Sport. 9 November 2004. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Burr lures Brisco from Rochdale"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northwich_victoria/4019099.stm). BBC Sport. 17 November 2004. Retrieved 12 May 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Brisco ends Northwich loan spell"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/4117755.stm). BBC Sport. 22 December 2004. Retrieved 12 May 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Brisco returns to Vics on loan"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northwich_victoria/4138035.stm). BBC Sport. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 12 May 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Burr keen to strengthen midfield"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northwich_victoria/4304877.stm). BBC Sport. 28 February 2005. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Brisco undergoes knee operation"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/4952124.stm). BBC Sport. 27 April 2006. Retrieved 12 May 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Rochdale boss makes player cuts"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/4750361.stm). BBC Sport. 8 May 2006. Retrieved 12 May 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Lilywhites Bag Brisco"](http://www.mossleyweb.com/News0607/NeilBrisco1.htm). *mossleyweb.com*. 16 November 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Brisco Bombed Out"](http://www.mossleyweb.com/News0607/NeilBrisco2.htm). *mossleyweb.com*. 7 December 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["351 Neil Brisco"](https://clarkechroniclersfootballers.blogspot.com/2011/04/351-neil-brisco.html). *clarkechroniclersfootballers.blogspot.com*. 22 April 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Brisco, Neil"](http://www.chorleyfc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=332:brisco-neil&catid=5:players&Itemid=28). *chorleyfc.com*. 14 November 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Baggaley, Michael (26 April 2020). ["Tom Pope – Why Port Vale LDV winners were heroes to this 15-year-old"](https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tom-pope-port-vale-column-4079759). *Stoke Sentinel*. Retrieved 26 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 1998/1999"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=128). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 1999/2000"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=129). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 2000/2001"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=130). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 2001/2002"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=131). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 2002/2003"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=132). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 2003/2004"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=133). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-04/05_29-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-04/05_29-1) ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 2004/2005"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=134). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Games played by Neil Brisco in 2005/2006"](https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=10644&season_id=135). *Soccerbase*. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Vale vault Brentford to lift Vans trophy"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1289338.stm). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 22 April 2001. Retrieved 19 January 2016.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Neil Brisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Brisco) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Brisco?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.