Position – Left back
Apps – 76
Goals – 2
Debut v Arsenal – May 1997
Worldnets – 2
Nicknames – Ice

Paul was another of the intrepid squad that took to the muddy fields of Middlesbrough during Euronet ’97, WIFC’s first venture to the tournament that became Worldnet. Left-footed Paul starred for the side for the first five years of it’s existence and remains one of the best defenders to appear in the colours of the Internet ‘Orns. Family commitments meant Paul was unable to carry on playing, but he received due recognition at the Testimonial dinner in 2007, when he was inducted into the WIFC Hall of Fame. Paul has been threatening a comeback in recent months and could be shoo-in for the Vets come Worldnet 2012.

Position – Striker
Apps – 60
Goals – 60
Debut v Arsenal – May 1997
Worldnets – 4
Nicknames – Chicken Legs, Sir

One of the original squad that played in Euronet back in 1997, along with goalkeeping brother Chris, Jon was WIFC’s leading scorer throughout the early years of the club. Having scored at an average of a goal a game, the thin-legged striker was the scourge of teams across the IFA and he remained the club’s record scorer for years after he last appeared. Work and family commitments took Jon away from the club in the early 2000’s, but his immense contribution was recognised at the Testimonial dinner in 2007 when Jon was inducted to the WIFC hall of fame.

Position – Striker
Apps – 100
Goals – 40
Debut v Arsenal – May 1997
Worldnets – 5
Nicknames – Taz

Ian managed WIFC through the early years, and juggled the roles of three people in admirable fashion, acting as fixtures organiser, manager and treasuer at the same time. Ian also managed to find time to be a key player for the team, be that on the wing or in his preferred striker’s berth. Ian is also remembered for his on pitch explosions, which led him to the nickname Taz. Also a prolific smoker of dubious substances, he led many a player astray on the memorable Amsterdam trip in 2000. Ian stepped down when he moved away to Somerset in 2002.

Position – Goalkeeper
Apps – 124
Goals – 2
Debut v Arsenal – May 1997
Worldnets – 9
Nicknames – Dr.Dave, He-She, Ladyboy

One of the founder members of WIFC, the good Doctor was between the sticks for the club’s very first game and remained the undisputed number one for many years. Dave often drew gasps from the opposition, as from behind they could have sworn he was a girl, and his WIFC highlights were being names Man of the Match in both the 2002 IFA Cup Final against and the Gibbsy testimonial, the latter display drawing compliments from no less than Glenn Hoddle. Inducted to the WIFC hall of fame in 2005, family commitments and old age finally saw Dave hang up his gloves in 2006.

Position – Centre Back
DOB – 3/11/1975
Apps – 180
Goals – 33
Debut v Arsenal – May 1997
Worldnets – 14
Nicknames – Aidy

Inducted to the WIFC Hall of Fame in 2004, Aidy is the one person without whom there would be no WIFC, as the club was originally his idea. Since then, Aidy’s given sterling service and appeared in pretty much every position. Aidy’s hat-trick in a cup win at Leicester as a centre forward was a career highlight, he was also the defensive lynchpin for the B team in their consecutive runs to the main draw and performed the same role admirably for the Vets team in 2011. On course for 200 appearances since returning from exile in Ireland, Aidy also designed the new website and remains an integral part of the club he helped create.

Position – Striker
DOB – 28/8/1979
Apps – 121
Goals – 17
Debut Unknown – v Derby – Jan 1998
Worldnets – 9
Nicknames – Big Nelly, Gollum

Nelly joined WIFC back in 1998, and quickly personified all that is good about WIFC as though he may not be the most skilful player, he always gives his best and was a much respected member of the full squad. In honour of this, Nelly was inducted to the WIFC hall of fame in 2007. Nelly will always be remembered for the “special haircut” he once had performed on his nether regions, falling over drunk in the reception at the Village in Leeds and can also be relied upon to turn up wearing the latest in hard clothes, from Burberry and Henri Lloyd to Top Man and George at ASDA.

Position – Striker
DOB – 13/4/1975
Apps – 145
Goals – 9
Worldnets – 12
Debut v QPR – May 1997
Nicknames – Pikachu, Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimon

Few players, past or present, sum up the WIFC ethos better than Simon Devon. He’s been around WIFC forever, and his efforts for the club included a spell as the club’s first treasurer and a hugely successful spell as B team manager, during which he became the first to win a game at Worldnet and the first to steer the team into the main draw in 2007, a feat he repeated in the 2 subsequent seasons. Not only that, but he also appeared in the Gibbsy testimonial during which he memorably marked John Barnes at set pieces, has been voted clubman, most improved player and was also one of the first inductees to the WIFC hall of fame in 2003. Family commitments curtailed Simon’s full squad involvement in 2011, however we hope to see Simon back in action at some stage.

Position – Centre Midfield
DOB – 20/8/1985
Apps – 116
Goals – 36
Worldnets – 5
Debut v Millwall – Apr 2004
Nicknames – Watty, Old Man Watt

Joint Manager of WIFC in the success laden years between 2005 & 2008, Paul’s playing days saw him have the unique distinction of looking like one of the old lags despite his tender years. It remains hard to believe that Watty was born in 1985, the year after Watford’s FA Cup final appearance. A cultured player, who liked to get forward, he was WIFC’s player of the year in 2005 and in 2008 his missed penalty at a goal down in the Worldnet final was a pivotal moment. Paul was also known to pick up his share of Evo’s, resulting in a premature retirement from WIFC duty in 2010. Just keep him away from your sock drawer or the back seat of your car.

Postion – Right Back
DOB – 26/12/1972
Apps – 134
Goals – 2
Worldnets – 9
Debut v Arsenal – Mar 2001
Nicknames – Dolly, Spacehopper

Current joint manager Dave’s appearances are limited these days, due to his fondness for chicken pathia and a keema naan. However, he did mark his 100th appearance with an awesome shot that skimmed the corner flag and landed down the road in the local tandoori. Having played in the IFA Cup Final and Gibbsy game in 2002, and captained the B team at Worldnet 2002 & 03, Dave went on to become instrumental in running the club. In recognition of 4 years of organising fixtures, during which he won three consecutive Clubman of the year awards, and the club won the coveted ‘IFA Team of the Year” title twice, Dave was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2008.

Position – Striker
DOB – 16/12/1978
Apps – 167
Goals – 82
Debut v Arsenal – Oct 2001
Worldnets – 7
Nicknames – C**t, Gaythers, Homburger

Leading scorer in 2007/08 & 2008/09, and Player of the year in both 2003 and 04, Scott also had a hugely successful spell as Joint Manager of the team during which he and Paul Watt led the club to the final of Worldnet, 2 IFA team of the year awards and 4 successive top ten league finishes. His efforts on and off the pitch saw him deservedly inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2008. Now living in Shropshire, which limits him to occasional appearances, Scott could be relied upon to go down injured at least once a game, and also relished his role as the butt of most of the club’s jokes, actively seeking out further opportunities to enhance this reputation. His most memorable success came during a trip to Nottingham, where he kissed a bloke.