Stuart Tomlinson

Former Player

D.O.B.

22/05/1985

Birthplace

Chester

Height

6ft'0

Weight

11st 0lbs

Nickname

Tommo, The Cat

Position

Goalkeeper

Signed

Trainee

Former Clubs

Stafford Rangers (Loan)

Pen Pic

Tommo is one of few 'keepers to progress through the Alex Academy and make an impact on the first team. The Crewe born 'keeper has, though, played only second fiddle to the likes of Clayton Ince and Ben Williams since graduating.

Tomlinson made his debut at 19 in the 02/03 season when, during a major 'keeper injury crises, he was called upon half way through an away game at Oldham. Although he conceded just 15 minutes into his debut, he pulled off a couple of fantastic saves to help the Alex take a 3-1 victory.

He made a similar appearance at West Ham the season after, playing the final 5 minutes after Clayton Ince received an injury.

It wasn't till the 05/06 season that 'The Cat' made more appearances, how he didn't make the best impression. After coming on at half time in a cup game against Lincoln, Tommo was helpless as he conceded 3 in 20 embarrassing minutes.

He made his first Alex start at Preston in January of that season, but was yet again on the losing team - 2-1 to Preston. He made two more appearances that season, conceding a further four goals.

His big break through came at the beginning of the 06/07 season. An impressive display against Rochdale in the Johnstones Paint Trophy saw him push Ben Williams out of the team. At Rochdale he stunned fans as saved 4 penalties in a penalty shootout.

He followed that up with consistent performances throughout November and the start of December, but conceding 8 goals in 3 games in the run up to Christmas got Dario Gradi thinking - and Ben Williams was put back in the team.

Tomlinson didn't play for the rest of the season and very little was seen of him on the bench as Owain Fon Williams played behind Ben Williams. A hernia frustrating injury was the reason given, despite reports of a fall out between Dario and Tomlinson.

Tomlinson returned in the summer of 2007 to play a few friendly games and has been told, with Williams and Fon Williams, that the number on