Carl Alford became quite a sensation during his time at Kettering Town Football Club, a striker with real class and the first genuine proven goal scorer since the likes of Frankie Murphy, Nicky Evans, Robbie Cooke and the master Roy Clayton, graced Rockingham Road.

The former Burnley, Stockport County, Morecambe (loan), Rochdale, Witton Albion and Macclesfield Town player was signed by Graham Carr from the Silkmen for a £25,000 fee, a then club record in the 1994-95 closed season.

Carl was prolific during his first spell at the club scoring 54 goals in 94 appearances, including two hat-tricks against Bromsgrove Rovers and Altrincham in the process. Such was his form he was selected to play against The Republic of Ireland for the England semi-professional team, and on the 27th February 1996, he duly became the first Poppy in the history of the club to score for the National side as England won 4-0 at the Aggborough Stadium, Kidderminster.

As his prominence grew so did his value, and it was under Gary Johnson's tenure as manager, Carl was sold for £85,000 to Rushden & Diamonds in March 1996, a then record fee between two non-league clubs.

The prodigal son returned to the Poppies on loan from Doncaster Rovers in January 2000 as Peter Morris turned to Kettering's favourite striker in a desperate attempt to climb off the bottom of the Conference and hoped the link up between Alford, Darren Collins and Dale Watkins would inspire the side to safety.

But it was not to be, Carl added just one goal during his second spell at the club, in the 2-0 home victory against Stewart & Lloyds in the Northants Hillier Senior Cup semi-final. Failing to gain a first team berth, his second spell lasted just six games before he returned to Doncaster at the end of his loan period.
He later played for Yeovil Town, Nuneaton Borough, Gainsborough Trinity, Leigh RMI and New Mills.

Those of you who were privileged to see his first spell, will not let the memory be dimmed by the lack of goals during his second spell. Carl will be remembered as one of the all time greats.

Born Enfield. Previous clubs: QPR, Hayes & Yeading (loan). A Mark Cooper loan signing from Rangers in November 2008. Chris scored his first goal for the club in the 4-1 thrashing of Cambridge City in the FA Trophy 1st Round, putting the Poppies 2-1 ahead. Also played on loan for Rushden & Diamonds.

Born. Derby. Previous clubs: Mansfield Town, Worksop Town (loan), Doncaster Rovers, Kidderminster Harriers, Rushden & Diamonds, York City. A Mark Cooper loan signing towards the end of December 2007, to aid an injury crisis at the club, as the Poppies topped the league. Chris went straight into the team from York on New Years Day v Solihull Borough and what a debut. Chris added the third and fifth goals in the 6-1 demolition, he won ‘Man of the Match’ having a superb all round performance. 5 goals in his first 3 games made him a cult hero with the faithful, his all round play a joy to behold.

Chris joined the Poppies on a permanent basis towards the end of January on a free transfer from York. ‘Beardo scored 11 goals in the Poppies Championship season and perhaps was the catalyst that was needed for Kettering’s success. A back injury plagued his progress – while an automatic choice in the first eleven during the 2008-09 was not guaranteed, Chris went on loan to Kidderminster during November and December but returned in January.

Chris became a bit part player when he returned to the club, but will be remembered for his goals during the Blue Square North campaign. He was released at the end of the 2008-09 season. Joined Stevenage Borough in May 2009.

This youngster was with Leicester City before a loan spell at Blue Square North side Redditch United. Ryan joined the Poppies in May 2009
and was loaned to Kings Lynn before leaving the club in late 2009.

Guy was a Mark Cooper signing from Notts County in February 2008, having perviously played for a host of clubs that include, Leicester City, Rushden & Diamonds, Rotherham United, Wycombe Wanderers, Peterborough United, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and Northampton Town.

Guy proved to be a powerhouse in the centre of defence along side John Dempster as the Poppies became one of the tighest units in the Blue Square North. A no nonsense player with grit and steel and with just 14 appearances to his name (so far), which included 8 clean sheets and just 2 defeats, just goes to show the impact 'The Pickler' made at Rockingham Road.Left the Club at the end of season 2008-9 to join Burton Albion.

When it comes to goal scorers 'par excellence' in many people's eyes there is only one, and that is the 'master' Roy Clayton, an all time legend for Kettering Town Football Club. The word great is often too readily used in the game but on this occasion it is used in the right context; Roy Clayton was 'Great'. From the moment Ron Atkinson signed the 22-year old prolific striker for £10,000 from Oxford United, where he made 52 appearances, Poppies fans were in for a treat.

Roy's debut against Nuneaton Borough ended in stalemate, but 12 days later his goal scoring exploits were to begin in dramatic style by scoring 2 goals in the famous 3-3 draw against Walsall in the FA Cup 1st round, unfortunately the Poppies lost the replay at Rockingham Road 1-2 in front of over 9,000 fans.

His league account was opened against Poole in December, a 6-1 thrashing and the first of his five hat-tricks was scored two weeks later against Burton Albion. The others were against Northampton Town, Banbury United, Enderby Town and Yeovil Town. Amazingly of these five hat-tricks the games against the Brewers, the Cobblers and the Glovers all ended in 3-3 draws.
Roy went on to make over 450 appearances in all competitions for the Poppies in nine glorious seasons, scoring 129 league goals in the Southern League Premier and Alliance Premier, against top class opposition, instead of some of the cannon fodder of the 1930s and 1940s where goal scoring and records became a bit of a farce.
Roy's 100th goal came against Stourbridge away, and out of all the goals he scored perhaps this milestone was the most bizarre. Going for a cross he had poor contact with the ball, but the goalkeeper, going to pick it up, let the ball go straight through his legs. The Poppies won 4-2, Clayton bagging a brace.

Roy Clayton was a class act, a genius, admired not only by the fans but fellow professionals and managers in the game.

After leaving the Poppies Roy played for Barnet and Corby Town.

Born, Wakefield. Appointed manager of the Poppies in May 2007, after the departure of caretaker boss Graham Westley to become Chairman Imraan Ladak’s 5th different Kettering manager in just under 2 years. Mark previously had managed Tamworth. Son of Leeds United and England full-back Terry, he played for a variety of clubs in midfield. He started his playing career at Bristol City, before spells at Exeter City, Southend United, Birmingham City, Fulham, Huddersfield Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Hartlepool United, Macclesfield Town, Leyton Orient, Rushden & Diamonds, Hednesford Town, Forest Green Rovers, Tamworth and Hinckley United.

Mark got off to a dream start in his Poppies career with an amazing 7 consecutive winning streak, only bettered in the 1937-38 and 1909-10 seasons. He won the August Blue Square North Manager of the Month award. Even better things were to happen for Mark as he led the team brilliantly to the Blue Square North Championship with 5 games still remaining – the team was devastating. ‘Coops’ ended the season with the Poppies overtaking Northwich Victoria’s record number points tally of 92, Kettering created a new record of 97. On the final day and final minute of the season Mark made his debut as a substitute with the game tied 1-1 against Gainsborough Trinity, with the seconds ticking away. Unbelievably 4 minutes into stoppage time he stroked in the winner under the scrambling former Poppy Adam Sollitt to win the game 2-1 – the A-Line Arena erupted as the gaffer was mobbed by his players.

‘Coop’s squad got off to a fantastic start to life in the Blue Square Premier topping the league by two points by October, with six wins in a row in all competitions Mark was named Manger of the Month for October.

Nicky joined the Poppies in October 2007 having previously played for Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, Lincoln City, Halesowen Town and Solihull Moors.

A full back with a wealth of experience, he chipped in with some invaluable contributions that belied his advancing years as the Poppies stormed to the Blue Square North, Championshp.

After starting the 2008-09 season as part of Mark Cooper's back room team,as a player-coach, Nicky has become the Club's assistant manager.

A powerful and experienced midfielder who has previously played for Coventry City, Huddersfield Town, Scarborough, Burton Albion, Newport County and Forest Green Rovers where he was the team captain.

A former Welsh U-21 international, Lee joined the Poppies from the Greens in June and has already shown his undoubted ability with solid, tough gritty performances in centre midfield. Lee opened his goalscoring account for the Poppies with a 25 yard wonder goal at Hayes & Yeading as Kettering came back from behind to win 2-1.

After putting in a transfer request, he joined Oxford United in December 2009.

A Mark Cooper signing from Boston United in January 2007. 'Gally', a midfielder, became an instant hit with the fans, scoring on his debut in the 5-2 win over Southport. Injury curtailed a large slice of his season but David came back and scored a stormer at Redditch United, as the Poppies cruised to a 2-0 win.

He also played for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town.

David was injured during the 2008-09 pre-season, making just a couple of appearances throughout the season. He was released in March 2009.

Born Birmingham. Previous clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Bromsgrove Rovers, Sutton Coldfield, Redditch United. Originally a Mark Cooper loan signing in July 2008 from Redditch, but he soon signed the colossus on a permanent basis. A giant of a man with one of the longest throw ins in the game. Exodus scored for Redditch against the Poppies in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying round during the 2007-08 season.

Exodus had a superb start to his Poppies career so much so he was called up for the England ‘C’ squad to play against Italy in Naples during November 2008, making his first appearance in the 2-2 draw. He cemented his progression into one of the best centre-backs in the Blue Square Premier with an outstanding goal against Lincoln City in the FA Cup 1st round, his first for the club.

Exodus joined Mark Cooper at Peterborough United in November 2009.

Born Newry, Previous clubs: Queens Park Rangers, Barnet, Chesham United, Billericay. The former Northern Ireland Under 21-international became a Dominic Genovese signing in July 03 after impressing in pre-season. Richard opened his goal scoring account in the 3-0 FA Cup 3rd Qualifying round win at Stamford AFC. Richard made impressive strides that took Conference National outfit Burton Albion’s interest as he tore them to bits in the FA Trophy 4th Round. Richard made such an impression during the 2003-04 season he won both the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’ and the ‘Players Player of the Year’ award. Richard decided that due to the extra travelling involved in the Nationwide Conference North, not to stay at the club, he opted for Barnet instead and won promotion to League Two. Later played for Dagenham & Redbridge. Richard returned to the A-Line Arena in January 2008 on loan for the rest of the season from the Daggers.Joined Grays Athletic for season 2009-10.

An experienced striker who has also played for Peterborough United, Ilkeston Town, Lincoln City, Boston United and Macclesfield Town. A tremendous capture by Mark Cooper from the Silkmen in July 2009. Franny will be part of the new look strike force. Francis opened his goalscoring account with the opening goal in the Poppies 2-0 win against Altrincham.

Francis joined Oxford United in November 2009.

The young full of pace defender joined the club from Macclesfield Town. James also had a spell on loan at Blue Square Premier side Altrincham during the 2008-09 season. One to watch out for.

Joined Cambridge United in May 2010.

An exciting young prospect having previously played for Birmingham City and a loan spell with Solihull Moors. Already he has shown glimpses of his growing potential.

Joined Solihull Moors in August 2009.

The diminutive midfielder has been signed on loan from Peterborough United on a long term basis. Alfie has already etched his name into football folklore, when he scored against Liverpool for Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup 4th round last season, putting the Hawks 2-1 ahead at Anfield.

Alfie impressed the Kettering public with his committed stylish performances. He became a crowd favourite and added a few special goals during his time with the Poppies. Returned to Peterborough United at the end of the season.Joined Oxford United on loan for the 2009-10 season.

A loan signing from Barnsley on transfer deadline day. The highly rated defender has also played on loan for Stafford Rangers. Luke has impressed, making a vital contribution at Woking on his debut, to set up Jean-Paul Marna's winning goal.

Luke returned to Barnsley after his successful loan period had expired.

The former Bury hitman, was a July 2008 signing by Mark Cooper from Hyde United. Gareth, also played for Northwich Victoria (on loan), Rushden & Diamonds, Padiham, Worcester City, before a prolific period at Hyde United where he scored 62 goals in 87 appearances.

Gareth enhanced his goal scoring reputation during the 2008-09 season must notably with both winning goals against Notts County and Eastwood Town in the FA Cup. A hard working striker with a classic eye for goal he has become one of the fans favourites at the Elgoods Brewery Arena. Gareth scored 21 goals during the 2008-09.

Joined Fleetwood Town in August 2009.

A towering no-nonsense centre-forward who has plenty of league experience with Bristol City, Exeter City, Cheltenham Town and Brentford. A Mark Cooper signing in July 2009. Damian scored his first goal for the Poppies in the 2-1 away win at Wrexham.

Last season Damian played on loan at Kidderminster Harriers and Aldershot, before returning to the Poppies.

The former Leicester City, AFC Bournmouth, Boston United, Shrewsbury Town and Macclesfield Town forward signed for the Poppies after impressing Mark Cooper during pre-season. A tricky pacey forward who can turn a game on his day. Danny scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 home defeat against AFC Wimbledon, and he added his second goal and the Poppies first in the 4-0 win against Gateshead.

Born Nottingham: Previous clubs: Nottingham Forest, Lincoln City (loan), Milton Keynes Dons (loan) and Cambridge United. A former England U18 international signed by Morell Maison in May 2006 from Forest. Scored his first goal for the Poppies (a penalty) against Hucknall Town in the 2-1 win at Watnall Road, but was unfortunate to be sent-off by an over zealous referee. Craig had such an impressive August he was named ‘Player of the Month’ for the Conference North.

Craig came of age with the Poppies during the 2007-08 season, scoring 6 goals in 4 games right at the crunch time of the campaign, including the 100th goal against Nuneaton Borough in the Poppies 3-2 home win during a devastating period of form. Craig was voted ‘Blue Square North’ player of the month for March 2008.

The Club's leading goalscorer was to leave the A-Line Arena controversially in May to join Graham Westley at Stevenage Borough. But Craig sensationally re-joined the Poppies in August 2008 adding that touch of class to the Poppies line up.

Craig became a nationwide name when he scored two goals against Premiership Fulham in the FA Cup 4th round. But he never regained that form again and was released at the end of the 2008-09 season.
Joined Notts County in May 2009.

Darren an experienced midfielder became Mark Cooper's third signing of the 2008-09 campaign. A legend at Walsall, he also played for Derby County, Grimsby Town and Shrewsbury, before making over 300 games for the Sadlers.

Wracky's first season with the club saw him use his vast experience as the Poppies clinched a 8th position in the Blue Square Premier, only injury curtailed his further progress.

During the 2009-10 season Darren scored his first goal for the club against Gateshead in the Poppies 2-0 victory at the International Stadium. A wise head on wise shoulders, he still has a lot to offer the youngsters at the club.

The Sheffield born youngster is a product of the Rotherham United youth set up. He graduated to the first team before a spell at loan at Burton Albion.

Joined Alfreton Town without making a first team game for the Poppies.