James McDaid is one of the few “older heads” in the Pontefract team, and he brings all his experience to the party every time he pulls on a Colls shirt.

Operating on either wing – James can also put in a shift in central midfield when called upon – he brings quality, control and incisiveness to the team. James is one of the players recruited to the squad on the advice of assistant manager Duncan Bray in the closed season before the current campaign, with Bray recognising that James would also make a sterling contribution to the dressing room and help to develop the young team.

With excellent feet, terrific ball control and flawless decision-making, James inevitable improves the team when he is in the starting line-up, ensuring that the team retain possession and get the ball to the strikers in the right areas. At 28 years of age, he also adds a professionalism and maturity to the young side, ensuring that his experience of playing at a higher level is used to full advantage.

Date of birth / age: 26/07/83 – Age 28 ( cannot believe I’m the oldest in the Ponte Team)
Year joined the Colls: Pre Season 2011/12
Previous clubs: Harrogate Railway AFC, Harrogate Town FC, Farsley Celtic FC, Goole AFC, Selby Town FC
Position: Right / Left Midfield
Footballing ambition: To last a full 90 minutes in one game!
Job: Insurance Account Executive
Family: Mum, Dad, Brother Sean & the better half ( the missus)!!
Biggest influence in football career: Definitely my Mum & Dad and my brother Sean, who had to retire from the professional football stage at the age of 25! (Gutted)
Greatest character in the Colls dressing room: Dunc Bray – at 38 yrs old he is without doubt the youngest looking Assistant manager in the non league game
Nicknames: Macca
Team you support: Don’t really support a team but always look out for the Leeds results!!
Favourite player: Messi
Why?: Never gives the ball away and the ball seems to be stuck to his foot!!
Favourite player of all time: Alan Shearer
Why?: Best English Striker Ever!!
Favourite manager: Alex Ferguson
Best game ever watched: Man U V Bayern Munich – Champions League Final when United scored 2 in the last 90!!
Pre-match superstitions: A packet of Wine Gums have to be eaten!!
Anyone you would like to thank for help with career: All the physios at the clubs I played for – without them I would have been retired at 21!
Favourite TV programme?: Gavin & Stacey
Favourite film?: Rocky
Musical tastes – favourite bands/artists? Anything with a good beat to perform my “jog on the spot” dance
Favourite food?: Ham & Pineapple Pizza
Favourite car?: Range Rover Sport
Embarrassing facts or moments?: Too many to mention, however 14 yellow cards in one season all for dissent when playing at Goole springs to mind! (Ed: the “he trod on my toe!” squeal at Rossington has to take some beating, surely?!)