Mark has been renowned in the staffordshire football leagues for some time.  Playing as a sturdy centre back for Nantwich and also for Kidsgrove Athletic.  He is famed for his record number of appearances for Milton United in the Staffs County Senior League (far in excess of 500), many of those as captain. The all conquering Milton Miners were also lead to a series of championship and cup victories by Mark. He is the proud, yet always modest and unassuming holder of 5 Sentinel Cup winning medals. Early steps into management continued this successful vein; the role of 2nd team manager for a number of seasons culmiinated in the impressive back-to-back County League championships.  Respected by all in the game, Mark is as thorough with his planning as he is inventive with his management.

The 2006/07 campaign had Mark's stamp all over the initial months: attacking; aggressive; combative and exciting. Approaching December Eccleshall were riding high in the table with only one defeat - including an impressive victory over the early season favourites, Runcorn Linnets. A number of close-season signings along with the stable of long-time Eccleshall players were guided to victory after victory. An excellent, stout, defensive line with 2 rising star central defenders oozed class and confidence. Tiresome midfield running from MacDonald alongside the quality of Millington provided the thrust from midfield. Constant danger down the flanks from Dunne and Griffiths punctuated with the flair of Williams layed on a succession of chances and goals for Dematteo. Unfortunately, the season did not finish as it had started. A succession of injuries de-stabilised the early season promise, and the injury ravaged side fell away, still finishing in a solid mid-table position.

Mark works tirelessly and this pre-season is no different. With the addition of 2 new coaching staff (with documented pedigrees at this level) to the already proven track record of assistant (and ex Port Vale player) Steve Bradbury, expectations and hopes are once again high for another successful and exciting season to be added to Mark's formidable record.