Signed from Charlton in Billy Bremner's chase for promotion in
1987, Mark Aizlewood brought some solidity to the midfield and found
himself facing his old team-mates in the play-off final at the end of
the year. Unfortunately, he found himself on the losing side but he
became a regular for Leeds and also kept his place in Wales' national
side, picking up 9 full caps while at Leeds to add to the 3 he picked
up while at Charlton.
He was made club captain by Bremner, and continued in that role
under Wilko, despite some disciplinary problems on and off the
field. However a "gesture" that he made in frustration to the Kop
during a run of poor form was the end of his Leeds career: subbed,
stripped of the captaincy and playing for Bradford by the end of the
summer.
Aizlewood went on to win more caps for his country while still
playing for lower division teams in England: always a battler but
without that final couple of percent of discipline, athleticism and
talent that might have propelled him to the very top level.
Christine Bull says:
Enquiry: Does Mark Aizlewood now run a football development school? If
so, where is it located? I live in Cwmbran, South Wales and saw his
name on the side of a van.
Geoffrey R. Curtis says: He drink down the cross hands pub,
Newport, with his brother Steve. I know his cousin
Mike F says: All I know about Mark Azlewood is he was big, stood
around on the pitch not seeming to do very much, and flicked the V's
at the kop in his final game for us. Can't say I miss him.
Neale Bray says: Mark had a tremendous shot when he connected
properly - I remember at him Kenilworth Road accidentally driving one
into the referee who was at least twenty yards away from him but
required extensive treatment and couldn't continue. I also recollect
that he played in the first league game on a plastic pitch at Loftus
Road when Luton won 2-1, he scored one with a terrific shot and
rattled the woodwork with a piledriver which caused the entire frame
to wobble!
Jamie Crocker says: hi, Mark's my uncle, and im proud to say it. In
my view his football career was quite successful.
Danielle Davies says: Hi Mark is my uncle too. I have travelled
all over the country watching him play and I know that the highlight
of is carrer apart from playing for Wales was playing for Leeds
Ed says: Mark was a solid player for Bristol City in the early
90's. Would not say anything bad about him as he was always
committed, and not afraid to have a pop at team-mates if they made
cock-ups!
Rav says: Reasonably solid player at County but for me never a
patch on his brother Steve. Bit of a county turncoat in his new guise
as apologist for the old men of the welsh fa.
Ricky & Sion say: I work with Mark Aizlewood and i think he was
a great player and i'm proud to have met him!!
Daniel Burgess says: i work with mark aswell and i think that he's
a bit big headed about his playing ability when really he wasn't even
that good!!
Anon says: I'm a Bradford City fan. Aizlewood played for us and
went from hero to zero after saying he wanted Germany to beat england
in the 1990 world cup. He was then sold to Bristol City. Before that
he had total respect whilst the other players were walking off the
pitch. Mark used to come over to the travelling army of city fans and
show his appreciation. He was solid in the midfield a good passer and
good in the air. Only thing he lacked was pace.
Mark Thomas says: Aizlewood played for my local side Aberystwyth
Town in the League of Wales for the 1996/97 season and was excellant
in the heart of defence. I was 11 when we were in the Welsh Cup semi
final and I was selected to be mascot - he went out his way to make me
feel welcome and seemed to inspire the players quite abit in the
changing room. Nice guy, although abit of a potty mouth!
Paul Howells says: Mark is also my uncle. I think he is the best
player that Wales has ever produced. (Ha Ha - I'll have that tenner
later!)
Scott Carrick says: I remember Mark Aizlewood playing for Bristol
City, he was a man mountain and could out wit and out muscle any
opponent on his day.
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