Position : Right back (also played at centre half)
Played : 2005-06 to 2008-09
Appearances : 112
Goals : 6
Simon arrived from Grimsby on a free during the January transfer window. He started out at Sunderland but made his League debut on a season-long loan at Notts County in 2002-03 and only made a very brief appearance in the FA Cup for his parent club. In 2004 he joined Grimsby playing regularly in his first season but less often in the second.
Simon had played most of his career at centre half but Parkin put him in at right back for his debut away at Oxford. It was difficult at first to discern which was his best position. His erect stance and lack of pace suggested centre half but his ability to cross was a useful asset at full back. Parkin chopped and changed and seemed to fall out with Simon after the home defeat by Stockport in October and didn't play him again until his last game in charge.
Simon's fortunes changed when Keith Hill took over and immediately made Simon his regular right back. He could occasionally be taken for pace but otherwise he was extremely consistent and reliable and contributed the odd goal, usually against his former club ; 50% of his goals were scored against Grimsby. Simon had to play in midfield in the play-off final at Wembley due to David Perkins's suspension and though he had a decent game he was unable to provide the same attacking spark.
The following year he had competition for his place from Scott Wiseman but appeared to have won the battle when the latter was released in May. However Simon decided to join Bradford on a Bosman provoking a rather pointless spat between Keith Hill and Stuart McCall over how much he was being paid.
Bradford deployed him at centre half and he had a good first season though you suspect he didn't enjoy looking at the League table. The season just gone was a nightmare with Simon making just 2 appearances due to injury.
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