Season 06/07
The squad from the first season:
Back Row: Simon 'the gaffer' Palmer (Mgr), Craig Ewen, Mark 'Paddy' Pattenden (Ast Mgr), Chris King, Mark 'Scouse' McGlinchey, Matt Lock, Dan King, Chris, Nigel's Son
Front Row: Wes Rhodes, Eddie Trickett, Ade Human, Tom Wood, Andrew Beresford, Andy Brown, Nigel
The Gaffer here with my thoughts on the GOLDBOYZ FC squad for 2006/07:
Mark "Paddy" Pattenden (Asst Mgr/Skipper/Sweeper/Midfielder)
An inspirational leader who despite his ageing years is a fierce competitor who never gives in and is someone who leads by example. Has played under my guidance over the past 6-7 years and is a better player for it which despite the odd disagreement (normally after I sub him after 10 miutes) is someone I would not run the club without. Pad has regularly had to move jobs due to the size of his mobile phone bills (he and I talk more than we do to our other halfs - normally discussing the team performances and deliberating over team selection). Instrumental in setting up Goldboyz FC with me I very much appreciate his hard work, honesty and endeavour and I will only say it once - hes not a bad player either!
"Scouse" McGlinchey (Goalkeeper)
Unsurprisingly from Liverpool, hence the original nickname and a red at that Scouse has been with the club from the beginning of pre-season. Travelling down from Leeds each weekend to play (his missus thinks it is because he LOVES her!) he is a valuable member of the team - a good shot stopper who despite the odd gaff has a great sense of humour and I am sure will easily win the Donkey Award for 2006/07 - regularly gets lost, is late or very early (forgot the clocks went forward!!) but never on time.
Wez "The Moaner" Rhodes (Full Back/Wing Back)
Wez is in his lates 20's but had a hard paper round as he looks at least 32. Very dependable, committed and hard working player who is very reliable. He has played in several positions and in every one has found something to moan about - definitely the teams biggest whinger but an extremely quiet, intelligent bloke off the pitch. Great team player.
Tom "The Fisherman" Wood (Wing Back/Left Midfield)
Tom is another of the Ex-Navi lads and is one of only two players in the squad who is naturally left footed. Woody is a footballer who likes the ball at his feet and another one who has played in a few positions already - suited to left midfield woody has shown his versatility on playing wing back and shown his commitment/dedication to win a place in the team after missing a few games through stag weekends and fishing competitions!!
Matt "Pink Boxers" Lock (Centre Half)
Matt is another player on the wrong side of 30 and one who has not played regularly since playing at School. Whole hearted and committed player who has improved significantly since pre season and has become a valuable member of the team. Already having managed to get a reputation after wearing a lovely pair of pink boxers before one game Matt managed to top that by wearing a fantastic brand new (Very Expensive) new pair of pure white boots in one game only to go down having been SHOT with a thigh injury 10 minutes in. I have not mentioned his time keeping as I do not want to upset him!!!!
Leigh "Missing In Action" Dunne (Centre Half)
Dunny is a tall centre half who has played for Paddy and I over the past 5-6 years - blessed with good footballing skills and a good turn of pace (well he did have before age caught up with him) Dunny is an extremely good centre half. Also a Villa fan who has kept that quiet until MON came along. Renowned at Smith Steel Rgrs FC for his liking to a mid-season break (he disappeared each season 2 or 3 years running in Nov to Feb) - heres hoping we can keep interested for the whole season.
Eddie "Injured" Trickett (Centre Half/Sweeper)
Ed's is a cultured footballer who I have played football with for over 10 years and now in his mid-20's is still one of the best defenders that I have seen in Sunday Football. Poor old Ed does not have much luck though because in recent years he has had his fair share of injuries which have included cruciate knee damage, a broken foot and hair out of place (okay I exaggerated on the last point). Pad and I miss him when he's out becasue he normally makes us look better than we are - and thats no mean feat.
Jason "Drives Like a Nutter" Human (Centre Half/Wing Back)
Brother in law to Ed and a player that I have played football with for over 20 years. Still quick for his age (quicker now than I was at 20) who has returned to playing Sunday Football after a break through injury. I had forgotten what it was like to have a hary ride to footy until I had a lift again with Jay but at least it wakes me up on a Sunday (may be its me and I'm getting old). Extremely athletic and a fierce competitor who is the long throw expert in the team and has the bonus of being left footed.
Andrew "Bez" Beresford (Midfielder)
Cockney born gooner who has plenty to say. Bez is a really good member of the team who likes a laugh and always has a quip or two to throw in - great for team spirit and another ex-member of the Navi Inn FC. A good competitor who despite not being a natural athlete (sorry Bez!) is a very good footballer as he has continually tried to prove every week by attempting Glenn Hoddle Passes (Yiddo!!) with every other pass. A valuable member of the midfield engine room who when available has done well so far.
Andy "Can't Head" Brown (Midfielder)
Team chatter box and always has been - best mate to the Gaffer who undoubtedly only gets in the team for that reason. Seriously, a hard working committed midfielder which every team needs doing all the scrappy stuff in the middle of the park and never afraid to get stuck in (normally starts a fight I get sent off for!!). Renowned for his long range shooting especially with his left foot and for his courageous heading ability (NOT!!) Browny is a invaluable member of the team who is never short of a word and a wise crack.
Chris "Laid Back or Stroller" King (Midfielder)
Kingy is a tall footballing midfielder who likes the odd shot at goal. His first season has been somewhat interrupted to date due to his imminent wedding (who gets married in November - have a word with him Dan!!), stag week ends, church visits and injury. A player who is not frightened to put his foot in and when we can get him regularly playing and fit (may be 2009!) will indoubtedly be a fixture in the middle of the park. Another of the ex-Navi lads and someone who is not easily ruffled or stressed or worked due to his general approach to life - Smashing Fella !!
Adie "The Lip" Human (Anywhere)
Adie is a lad I have known since he was knee high - and even then was the best player at School. A very talented footballer who has played for several clubs over the years in between his nomadic travelling. A kindrid spirit who plays his football in a similar manner but a fantastic member of the team - great for team spirit and has shown his commitment when despite injury blighting his season has turned up every week to take the pi** out of the gaffer every week. Never short of a word or two which can sometimes take a while to get out Adie is liked by all!
Dan "Quiet" King (Striker or Emergency Centre Half)
Dan would be someone that would be described as a good pro (if he was professional - but he's not!!) because he is very dependable, very unflappable, very consistent and the opposite to Wez in that he never moans. Dan has led the line up front from the start of the season and despite his size (6 foot and 12 stone+) is an extremely good footballer. Superb finisher which was shown by his penalty taking prowess (as instructed by the Gaffer) in pre-season. Another of the Ex-Navi lads and a player that both the Gaffer and Skipper have been really impressed with.
Craig "JR" Ewing (Striker or Right Midfield)
Craig worked hard in pre-season and promptly went on holiday for the first 3 weeks of the season and has therefore taken a bit of time to establish himself. JR briefed the gaffer on his debut to state I can play anywhere in midfield or up front but cannot defend to save my life - so as Gaffer I promptly played him at right back (he was right not a defender). JR has done very well in the games he has played in and is deceptively quick with good feet which he has shown especially on the wing. Another of the ex-Navi lads who is a good member of the team.
Kris "Hungover" Warden (Goalkeeper or Striker)
Kris regularly turns up with a bad head after a heavy Saturday night and although he joined us as a keeper Kris has shown himself to be an able striker. Despite not having played regularly since school (when he went!! - Sorry Ken) Kris has shown a decent ability and is the nearest other player we have with a left foot - if we could persuade Kris to get fit, stop drinking and sleep on a Sat night we may have a player on our hands. Good squad member who mixes well within the squad and keeps Scouse on his toes!
James "Minder" Hulbert (Full Back or Wing Back)
Jimmy has only played a handful of games but has impressed when available. Unfortunately works shifts so is not available every week but having not played Sunday football for a while has done well so far. Already has taken responsibility for making sure Matt remembers the Kit and what time to meet Jimmy is a good squad member who will improve over the course of the season.
Youngsters - Phil Criglington (Midfield/Striker) and Dave Thorndyke (Midfield/Striker)
A couple of recent additions to the squad who bring the average age down significantly as they were not even born when Pad and I were playing footy! Initially both look to have ability and I am sure when they get their fitness levels up wil be welcome members of the Gutho Old Boys squad. Ideas for nicknames would be appreciated!!
Part-TImers
Paul "Ol Man" Gurney (Striker)
The older of the two brothers who have assisted when needed during the first part of inaugral season. Paul is the better player of the brothers (only joking Lee) which despite his ever diminishing hairline and lack of pace he compensates for with experience. Strong in the air with a good ability to lead the line Paul is threatening to retire at the end of the season (not if he wants to keep his job!!), still playing on Saturdays Paul should now be winding down to enjoy Sunday morning football and become a regular at Goldboyz FC - I will continue working on him!!
Lee "Unconcious" Gurney
The better looking of the two brothers and a player who has been prolific in local football across the county be it Sunday football or Saturdays in the Senior League. Another player who has assisted in times of need and shows his natural front man instincts and comes alive within the final 20 yards (as alive as Lee ever is!!) - a decent lad who despite not being the best time keeper is another one who I will continue working on during the remainder of the season.
Paul "Macca" McMonnies (Keeper/Defender)
Another scouser but from the wrong side of the fence - a blue! A good keeper who made his competitive outfield debut at the ripe old age of 40 - so one of the few older than Pad and Gaffer. Signed on to help out in emergencies and not really expecting to play, called on more than once and never lets us down.
Skipper here adding the one that won't get put otherwise!!
Simon "Gaffer" Palmer (Sweeper/Midfielder/Attacker)
Simon and I have played together now for 7yrs or so. These days he's more reluctant to play - like me advancing in years. Can play sweeper (no comments Scouse!) Midfield or up front, at times should play more often and more than capable of still doing a job. Manages the difficult task of playing and managing well (Believe me I know how hard it is on the odd occasion I've had to do both!). As a Manager gets respect because of the way he treats people - and shows no favouritism - even though I'm skipper dragged me after 10 mins once!!!!
