Gainsborough Trinity have managed to sign an ex-Championship midfielder who has had plenty of experience in the English Football League.
The former Notts County and Scunthorpe United player joins the Northern Premier Division club after spending time at Scarborough Athletic.
The 39-year-old, who will have a coaching role with Trinity as the club look to have a good season with a big summer of preparations ahead of them.
📰 BISH BASH BOSH – NEAL BISHOP IS BLUE | Tom Shaw names Bishop as Player/ Coach, arriving from @NorthernPremLge rivals @safc
News & video available online nowhttps://t.co/HA8gtwwOr9 pic.twitter.com/SfUyvFe4lM
— Gainsborough Trinity (@GainsTrinityFC) May 17, 2021
CLUB STATEMENT:
Speaking of the new signing, Shaw commented: “We are looking to put together a young, hungry and energetic side, but to compliment that, we also need to recruit an experienced spine. A core group of good professionals. Neal certainly offers that. He is a vastly experienced player and that knowledge and nous will be invaluable to the group of players we are excited about putting together.”
Amongst others, Bishop has racked up nearly 150 league appearances for Notts County and Scunthorpe United in the football league. He brought the curtain down on his league career having made nearly 80 league appearances in a two year spell at Mansfield Town in League Two. Wearing the captain’s arm band at various clubs during his twenty-three (and counting) year playing career, Neal will certainly be a strong leader in Shaw’s dressing room.
Shaw also revealed that Bishop will combine his playing role with a coaching element, providing him with more valuable experience within the backroom setup. “Coaching will be a natural progression in the game for Neal, but at the moment he certainly has a desire and passion to continue to perform well on the pitch. He is as fit as they come and the outstanding reputation he has within the Professional game speaks volumes about his character. I am really excited about Neal’s contribution to Gainsborough Trinity both on and off the pitch.”
The new man was quick to add, “After speaking to Tom, the opportunity was too good to miss. I am passionate about playing and coaching and the chance to combine both is brilliant. I’m really looking forward to getting started, even though it’s only May. It’s a very exciting time to be involved with Gainsborough.”
Welcome to the club, Bish!
As we hear more information, we will get it on the website in good time, thank you for your patience. To sponsor Neal’s Home or Away shirts for the 2021/22 season, please get in touch with us through our social media channels, or by emailing media@gainsboroughtrinity.com. We can’t wait to see you back on the Northolme, at the Martin & Co Arena!
NEAL BISHOP’S CAREER:
Youth career
Middlesbrough
Youth career
Middlesbrough
Senior career
–2002 – Billingham Town
2002 – Gateshead – 10 games (2 goals)
2002 – Billingham Town
2003–2004 – Spennymoor – 38 games (3 goals)
2004–2005 – Whitby Town – 23 games (1 goal)
2005–2006 – Scarborough – 34 games (1 goal)
2006–2007 – York City – 59 games (4 goals)
2007–2009 – Barnet – 83 games (3 goals)
2009–2013 – Notts County – 168 games (11 goals)
2013–2014 – Blackpool – 35 games (1 goal)
2014–2018 – Scunthorpe United – 154 games (11 goals)
2018–2020 – Mansfield Town – 72 games (3 goals)
2020–2021 – Scarborough Athletic
National team
2007 – England C – 2 games (0 goals)
Fans reacted after seeing Gainsborough Trinity sign the ex-Championship midfielder…
@PaulCon1996: Quality @NealBishop11, see you next season sir! 👏 good club is Gainsborough- we’re due a win there though mind. Every time I go we get our arses handed to us it feels like 🙄
@rasiron: Excellent pro, as a Scunny fan I will head down to Northolme to watch 👍🏻
@markdonnyiron: Congratulations Neal 👏🏼 Well deserved & those youngsters will learn a lot from you, plus the opposition will learn to steer clear of your midfield tackles 🤕😉 p.s. Have you got any little gems there you want to loan to us for next season?
@will_stanser: What a signing 🤩 welcome to the Blues Neil 🔵
@phileasfogg70: Fantastic….will be going down to watch @NealBishop11 …legend at Notts!
@Robertnotts: What a duo, that team is going places 💯✍️👀
@notts_ade: All the best skip 💪🏻
@LancsIron: Good luck @NealBishop11
@storrzy_10: Life in the old dog yet 🙌🏻⚽️
@rreczulski: Well done Neal, good to see you back in the area who knows where it will lead to next!
@cresswellhibbe1: Best wishes for the coming season Bish.
@RobCarp12445551: A top man and as honest a pro as you could ever wish for. Great signing for you guys and good luck Bish!
@1500club: Nice weave 👍
@RobCarp12445551: A top man and as honest a pro as you could ever wish for. Great signing for you guys and good luck Bish!
@DanBellamy10: Quality signing
@firkinstone: Might start supporting @GainsTrinityFC instead of @SUFCOfficial with signings like these! Good luck in your new challenge Bish!
@RyanOv80: Good luck Bish
@Owen25__: Hide your wives
@ScunnyRazor: This is brilliant 👍👍👍👍🤜
@laurenjayne007: Great Signing!! 💙💙
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