Central Insider - Paul Riley

“After a while it just becomes like another little family, that’s what playing for Central is all about, you go out on a Saturday, play football with your mates and win matches and hopefully trophies together.”

One of Central’s longest serving players, Paul Riley knows better than most just what it means to pull on the White and Black shirt. From the Regional Arena to Royton, Hyde United to Heyside, Riley has been there through it all, and recalls fondly his first steps in a Central strip.

“I remember the first season our home ground was at the Regional Arena. Being able to play at a ground like that week in week out was a great experience. I think it was intimidating for other teams turning up to such an impressive stadium in the Manchester Football League it’s not really something you expect.

“We had a very strong team right from the beginning as well so that definitely helped. Paul [McGuire] put together a really great group and we thrived in that environment.”

As well as a strong team on the pitch, Paul appreciates the high standard of coaching Central were able to provide. With UEFA A qualified former professional footballer Paul McGuire at the helm, Central were in highly capable hands, and Riley is in no doubt that Paul’s level of expertise and experience really drove the club on.

“The coaches put in a lot of hours and the team really appreciated that. Paul and Kyle [Lord] were both coaching at Macclesfield as well at the time and they really knew what they were doing. We already had some great players but the coaching we had definitely helped shape us into a strong team rather than just a group of talented individuals.

“You just have to look at the success we had on the pitch to prove how good the coaching was. We were a young side coming up against men who had been in the game much longer but we just played the way we were taught in training and the more experienced teams couldn’t handle us at times.”

With such a strong group of players, it’s no surprise that Central flourished on the pitch, but Paul also puts this down the close-knit nature the club.

“The atmosphere on and on the pitch were simultaneous. Everyone was so close off the pitch and in the changing room we all really got on well and on the pitch it was just a completely different dynamic to all the other teams. We got on so well and constant pushed and encouraged each other to do our best and fight till the very end of matches and the longer we were together the closer we all got.

“From the management and players, to the media crew and supporters who came along to watch everyone was on the same wavelength, it was really something special to be apart of.”

As well as developing as a group, Paul looks back on his time at Central as a real period of growth on a personal level.

“As one of the older lads in the group I feel as though I was able to take on a sort of leadership role. It felt as though Paul and Kyle trusted me to help guide some of the younger players which was great, it’s helped me be more confident in taking on responsibilities on the pitch and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to take that experience with me.”

Looking back at his time at Central Paul has a few moments that stick out vividly in his mind, as he fondly recalls picking up Central’s first piece of silverware and picking up promotion to the Manchester Premier league.

“The Murray Trophy final against Tintwistle was a really great occasion for everyone. The game itself wasn’t much to write home about but Jordan [Hadlow’s] heroics in the shoot out helped us secure the trophy. Playing in front of a big crowd at a ground like Hyde United it was a special feeling and made all the more sweet by coming away with a winners medal.

“Couple that with winning promotion the following week against Wilmslow and it was just such a great time to be at the club. We’d drawn a lot of attention with the way we were playing so to be able to back that up with a trophy and silverware was a massive achievement for us.”

Despite all the winning Paul experienced in a Central shirt, he still looks back at the one that got away as Central were pipped to the Premier Division title in their first season in Manchester’s top flight.

“The way we played that season was unbelievable. We went on an incredible run as we tried to chase down Hindsford who had begin to run away with the league and in the end there was almost nothing in it.

“Everyone worked so hard that season and we had such a strong group. We on that 16 game unbeaten run, winning 14 and only drawing twice and we really thought we were going to do it. It was devastating at the end to miss out by just 4 points but it was an incredible season and an amazing squad to be a part of.”

Following on from his time at Central Riley has been a busy man, from down under to Wythenshawe Town, it’s been quite a journey for the highly rated Centre-Back.

“After Central I had a think about what I wanted to do next and the opportunity to continue playing in Australia came up. I’ve been to Australia a few times and absolutely love it out there so it was too good a chance to turn down.

“I spent a year there and then came back to the Manchester Premier League but I felt like I needed to push myself further. I worked hard to move up the leagues and eventually I’ve ended up reaping the rewards in the North West Counties Premier Division with Wythenshaw Town.”

“We came third this season which was our first in the Premier Division, just a point off second which is a huge achievement and hopefully we can go one better next year and get promoted.”

As Paul goes over his time with Central, he has but one piece of advice for anyone think about signing up.

“Just go for it. Everyone at the club just wants the best for each other and you can get some really good opportunities as a result. Central is a club that has always attracted interest in and around Manchester and the divisions above so if you’re good enough and are willing to work hard, it can be an amazing stepping stone to progress.

“It’s more than a football club; Central is like a family and to be able to step out onto the pitch with your mates and fight for each other and fight to win matches and trophies together is something special.”