Paul Haigh is, quite simply, one of the best midfield players ever to have pulled on a Ponte Colls shirt. Still only 21, the youngster has his best days laid out in front of him.

Paul was signed for the club by Simon Houghton, who had become aware of the player while excelling in a poor Brodsworth team. Having come through the Halifax Town Academy, Paul displays all the attributes of a top quality midfield player: fiercely competitive, a great passer of the ball, the ability to escape from tight situations and make space for himself, and terrific decision-making on the pitch.

Having been used mainly in a holding role under Houghton, Paul has been allowed more of a licence to get forward under Brendon Ormsby. Consequently, he has flourished, with his game coming on in leaps and bounds. This season, he has become a regular goal-scorer, timing his charging runs into the box to get on the end of the moves that he often starts himself. His flying header against Emley will be remembered for many years to come by all who were there to see it!

With stiff competition for places in the centre of midfield from outstanding players such as Scott McGrory and Liam Ormsby, and the outstanding Callum Green knocking on the door of regular first team football after excelling for the U19s, Paul is part of an engine room that is, on it’s day, the envy of non-league football.

For Paul, The Colls is a real “family affair”. Together with brother Luke he runs White Rose Tools, who sponsor the First Team kits and the stadium. Dad Arthur is the club’s photographer, with mum Carol also seen behind the bar in the clubhouse on occasion.

If the team can hold onto the service of Paul Haigh, he is well on his way to becoming a “Ponte Legend”!

Date of birth / age: 31st August, 1990 (21 years of age)
Year joined the Colls: 2009

Previous clubs: Brodsworth, Halifax Academy
Position: Midfielder
Footballing ambition: I want to play as high as I can, hopefully with The Colls
Job: Running White Rose Tools with brother Luke
Family: Dad: Arthur /  Mum: Carol /  Brother: Luke / Sister: Nikita
Greatest character in the Colls dressing room: Connor Rollinson – now that his new-found fame has gone to his head, and Dunc – because he’s old he thinks he’s fireproof!
Nicknames: Haighy, Lugs (see photo!)
Team you support: Barnsley, Arsenal
Favourite player: Fabregas, Xavi
Why?: They keep the ball for fun!
Favourite player of all time: Thierry Henry
Why?: An Arsenal legend!
Favourite manager: Ian Holloway (for his interviews alone!)
Best game ever watched: Barnsley 3:2 Man United (FA Cup, 2000), and Arsenal 4:4 Liverpool (Arshavin scored 4)
Pre-match superstitions: I prefer to be in the starting line-up, otherwise none!
Anyone you would like to thank for help with career: Dad, for driving me everywhere!
Favourite TV programme?: Celebrity Juice, How I Met Your Mother, A League of Their Own
Favourite film?: All the Naked Gun films
Musical tastes – favourite bands/artists?: Anything except dance music – what’s that all about?
Favourite food?: Chicken
Favourite car?: My Penny Farthing, and Luke’s Taxi. (Despite Arthur being a driving instructor, Paul has yet to learn to drive!)
Embarrassing facts or moments?: See Luke for details!