Eddie Bishop Player Profile

Biography

Eddie first featured for Nantwich in the inaugural season of the NW Counties League, debuting in the 2-1 home defeat to Ashton United, 20/11/1982. Moved on to Winsford United (1982-83) before beginning the first of three spells with Northwich Victoria (1984-86:62,11lge) in 1984/85.

A £1000 transfer took him to Altrincham (1986-87:37,13) before a brief stint with Runcorn (87/88:5,2) prompted Tranmere Rovers to give him his professional chance at the age of 25 in March 1988. Returned to Northwich (88/89:3,1lge) on loan in August 1988. The following season he appeared at Wembley Stadium as a substitute in the Division Three play-off final against Notts County, which Tranmere lost 2-0.

In December 1990, joined local rivals Chester City for £70,000 (then a record fee for Chester). He scored seven times in 19 games to help Chester avoid relegation from Division Three, but he was out of favour the following season and spent time on loan with Crewe Alexandra (3,0) in the closing stages of the season.

Bishop regained his place in the Chester side and became the first Chester player to score at the Deva Stadium, albeit with a late consolation in a 2–1 defeat to Stockport County, 25/08/1992. The 1995/96 season also saw him involved in an unusual incident when out injured during Chester’s home win over Hereford United, when he grabbed hold of the public address microphone to criticise the referee as he turned down a Chester penalty appeal.

Returned to Winsford and then Northwich in the summer of 1996. He then moved to local rivals Witton Albion (46+47,17) in September 1998 where he also became part of the coaching staff. He had a spell as joint caretaker manager in 1998/99 and in 2001 was appointed manager after another successful stint in caretaker charge. But his reign as permanent boss lasted only 10 games and ended shortly after an incident in a Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Woodley Sports, resigning in October 2001.

He returned to football as assistant manager to Nigel Gleghorn at Nantwich Town, where he continued his playing days. Stepped down in the summer of 2002, leaving to live in France but on his return to England had a spell assisting his former Chester team-mate Chris Lightfoot at Runcorn FC Halton, with the pair being sacked in October 2004.

Brother of comedian John Bishop.