Poppleton began at Everton as a trainee but it was not until he moved to Lincoln that he was able to make his full professional debut - at Barnsley in the Worthington Cup. Less than a month later, however he picked up a back injury which kept him out for about ten weeks and denied him the chance to establish himself before his contract expired at the end of the year. Determined to work his way back to full fitness he had a couple of games with Bradford Park Avenue before joining Ilkeston Town. It took until the start of the 2000-2001 season for him to fully achieve this and he showed some subtle touches and excellent passing for them in central midfield. Joined Alfreton for a couple of games right at the end of the 2000-01 campaign.
David Poppleton