James Caton: 8 (4) Apps, 3 Goals
I liked him. James Caton wasn’t so much a centre forward as a winger and an attacking midfielder, but he was one of the earliest casualties of Danny Cowley’s reign as manager.
Most fans will remember James Caton as a tricky and fast wide player who could cut inside and fire off efforts. He joined on loan from Shrewsbury towards the end of Chris Moyses reign as City boss and appeared to ooze quality. In eight starts he managed three goals, one an absolute stunner against Eastleigh in a fine 3-0 win. On expiry of his loan he returned to City on trial.
It was our own messiah, Danny Cowley, who brought him back in on trial throughout the close season of 2016/17 and it seemed a deal was in the offing. He appeared in most of the pre-season friendlies and it was a case of ‘when’ he signed rather than ‘if’. However, at the eleventh hour he was told there was no deal with Nathan Arnold coming in instead. A devastated Caton ended up at struggling Southport where he failed to make an impression.
He now pays for Darlington in the National League South, but at just 24-years old he’s one of the players on this list who could make a name for himself in the Football league with a decent run of form.