| Despite
being a talented rugby player as well as football, Doug
Lane made his name when he progressed through the youth
ranks at Marle Place Wanderers, and it wasn't long until
he had carved a reputation for himself as a strong
center back. Playing well in a struggling side, Lane was
always going to attract attention, and it was Gary Bye
who took a gamble on the defender, paying £500,000 to
take him North to Cuckfield Cosmos United. Lane
enjoyed great success at the Whitemans Green Stadium,
and captained the side to runners up spot in the Mid
Sussex B League in 2003. However, he left the club in
the summer for a break from football. It wasn't long
before he returned to the game though, and old friend
Scott McCarthy contacted him in April 2004 with the
offer of a role in the set up at the Hamsters Cage.
Despite concerns over his fitness, Lane accepted the
offer, and his become an integral part of the Hamsters
defence. Despite suffering from alcohol problems during
several games in 2004-2005, most notably the famous
'Kebab Game', Lane still somehow managed to put in solid
performances, and has become the rock around which the
Hamsters defence is built. 2005-2006 was a mixed bag for
Lane, as he was appointed team captain, but injuries
again took their toll, as Lane suffered with a broken
neck, a broken nose, ankle ligament damage and
ultimately knee ligament damage. With Lane looking
likely to be consigned to the sidelines, McCarthy
appointed him as his assistant manager, and the big
defender settled into the role with ease. It wasn't long
until he made a shocking return either, 6 months earlier
than anticipated
Although
Lanes history with injury problems is always a concern,
he will more often than not play through the pain
barrier in order to give the fans a solid defensively
display with the odd bit of flair mixed in. A vital part
of the coaching team, Dougie mixes his day-to-day
playing role with the position of responsibility as
McCarthys right hand man to great effect
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