Neil
signed for
Rugby in 2002
and made his
debut as a
15-year-old
substitute
in the 3-2
win at Erith
& Belvedere
in the last
game of the
01/02 season.
The
following
season, Neil
broke into
the first
team and marked
his full debut
with a goal
in the 3-0
defeat of
Stourport
Swifts at
Butlin Road.
Went on to
start 38 consecutive
games in the
02/03 season
but suffered
a ruptured
cruciate ligament
at the start
of the 03/04
at Yate Town
- an injury
that required
reconstructive
surgery and
ruled him
out for the
season.
Neil briefly
returned in
the 04/05
season to
make six starts
but after
February 2005,
he was then
blighted by
injury and
had four knee
operations,
including
a second cruciate
rupture plus
an ankle operation.
Melvin
finally returned
to first team
action as
a substitute
in the 2-2
draw with
Brackley in
March 2009
after a four
year absence
from the teamsheet
but in 09/10
the knee injury
still limited
Neil and he
stopped playing
in October
2009. |