Issue 10

01 - front cover
02 -
03 - editorial
04 -
05 - friendly roundup
06 - get it right next time
07 -
08 -
09 -
10 - good afternoon, sutton united
11 -
12 - spotlight on chris kelly
13 -
14 -
15 - friends, we have been conned
16 - he who has the last laugh
17 -
18 - interview with mark beard
19 -
20 - end of an era
21 - dave leworthy tribute
22 -
23 - the old ones are the only ones
24 - back cover

GET IT RIGHT NEXT TIME

It's become a more famous song than its toe-dipping appearance in the Top 30 in August 1978 suggests. But it was still a surprise appearance in my head after the 6-0 game (and if you have to ask which 6-0 game you shouldn't really bother reading on). Gerry Rafferty's 'Get it right next time.' Because we didn't REALLY get Wembley quite right the first time, did we? All that stuff in the papers about both sides playing a neat passing game, & I should remember because I wrote some of it, was a bit of a smokescreen. Because, looking back, the game was ... well... dull.

As was the day itself. As was the Carlsberg in the press bar, free or not. As was the reason I nearly got chucked out of the press box. More of which later. We seemed to be a disparate bunch last year. Until the very end when the DJ asked us to stop singing and we all said 'no' and carried on regardless, the 'Jack Army' flag flying at its highest. I could also add a bit about the problems one ex-K's fan had stopping herself sliding off the seat of the 131 bus but that would be unfair on young Sarah, so I won't. But the day was rather better summed up by the kid on Norbiton station platform that evening, K's shirt and flag in evidence, chanting his favourite manager's name.... Vialli. Yes, we got the right result but the occasion got the better of us a little bit. Just like the team on both counts.

So we had to get it right this time. And I reckon we did. True, we weren't going to get the support in the right numbers this year. Not having spectacularly blown every opportunity afforded us by last year's victory to extend our regular fan base. And not with the 'real' team of about half of last year's 10,000 having a Wembley occasion all of their own the following week. But we got the other fundamentals spot on.

The drinking, for example. The "North Star" near Finchley Road tube station benefited greatly from K's appearance at Wembley last year. But it did so times three this year. Every race, creed, colour & fanzine were united by friendly bar service, cumbernauld sausages to die for rather than die of and none too extortionate bar prices. Not for central-ish London, anyway. Team news was disconcerting for some, with Derek Allan out and Ronnie Green thrown in at the deep end. But by 1.30 the place was rocking. And we were ready to savour Wembley Way.

It was at this time we realised just how two-to-one we were about to be outnumbered. And the pictures being beamed into the press bar only heightened that feeling, with more of their fans turning up earlier than ours and swathes of Kettering colours only being matched at the other end by swathes of empty seats. But the team looked good in yellow, Steve Farrelly was in goal, Geoff Pitcher was in the midfield (thank you, sweet FA) and nothing could go wrong.

Again, looking back on the first half leaves you with a different impression to that which you had at the time. The sense had been that we were gradually getting on top of an absorbing encounter and that we played some delightful stuff either side of a classic Eddie Akuamoah strike. There was some truth in the latter two observations. But overall, it was much the same nerve-ridden mediocrity as last year, except that the weather was nice. And then came THAT twenty minutes.

Last year, my press-box place was threatened simply by celebrating the goal with as much gusto as any Ks fan in the ground. Of course, surrounded by neutrals, and mainly old ones at that, who had failed to be engaged by what was before them, I was firmly in sore thumb territory. I did note with some delight that among the old and bored was the pretentious old codger from Cheltenham ("I'm sure you've read my work." "No.") who'd bored US on all too many occasions. But I soon realised I'd just made a bit of a prick of myself and my oft-recounted tale of being threatened with ejection was taller than Mark Harris on Steve Farrelly's shoulders.

This year, I REALLY should have gone. The frustration built-up early in the second half as quickly as K's were being out-run and out-passed. No time for reflection that such periods were almost inevitable, given K's strenuous April and May. Just sheer angst at how a largely talentless, sterile side could look so much better than K's. I could almost literally feel my heart sink when the equaliser went in. And the game was up when Tarks tripped up the full-back in the box, the silly man... I just KNEW that even though I'd never seen Steve Farrelly sent the wrong way from the spot this was to be the first time for this particular slice of everything. And then I looked at the SKY TV replay of the incident…

All I saw at the time, as if it wasn't enough, was Brett McNaDiver tripping himself up, two yards away from the nearest stud on Tarkan's boots. (I wonder if we'll forgive him in this issue… - Ed) And that as enough to make my face redder than Wembley's seats. Still is now, as I write. Had I known that he was OUTSIDE THE BOX I would "definitely have gone," as they say. And who knows where I would now be awaiting trial.

The words "cheats never prosper" passed my lips more than once (amongst other more "Anglo-Saxon" words, of course). And so it was that the red mists hadn't fully cleared when Eddie equalised - which is why Mark Harris's foul in the build-up escaped my attention (my story and I'm sticking to it). Nor had they when Amara missed THAT chance, or when Sollitt fumbled THAT ball, or when Pitcher and Colin missed THOSE chances.

Of course, when the final whistle blew to confirm that one particular cheat wouldn't prosper, an altogether better sort of emotion took control. But they were equally inappropriate to my location. And one particular steward had clearly been taking mental notes of my behaviour. So when I held my K's T-shirt aloft as McNaDiver went up to receive his thoroughly deserved losers medal, the first thing I felt was a tap on the shoulder. "May I remind you," he said "that this is a professional working area?" I grinned. Broadly. But, to be fair, my behaviour could have attracted greater sanction a lot earlier. In other words, I REALLY should have gone. And I have to be grateful to him for his patience.

I didn't go to the post-match press conference last year because my paper's sports editor was at the game. And also because I'd have felt I was there under false pretences. I went this year because the first reason didn't apply. The second did, though. Eddie made an excellent point about what the longer-serving players like himself and Colin Luckett had gone through to get to two Wembley wins in-a-row. He quoted a 5-1 defeat at Yeading by way of contrast to what had just happened. And while all the genuine press people were thinking of some "from Yeading-to-Wembley" link, all that came to my mind was "Yeah, and I paid to get in." I could have presented myself as a martyr to the cause, of course. But it was at that point that I really knew I was there under false pretences. Seeing K's win at Wembley TWICE, with FREE admission and FREE beer (even Carlsberg tastes nice in such a context) more than made up for a dark December afternoon in Middlesex, five years ago. I left the press conference knowing how lucky I was.

The evening was spot-on. The team returned in triumph as the SKY TV coverage of the game boomed out on the big screen. Geoff Chapple made a heartfelt speech that totally belied his alleged shyness. And, so a friend tells me, I even "looked nice" in a photo taken of me. Which, given that I am the most unphotogenic person to inhabit the planet since the Elephant Man, suggests that it was another perfect day.

One, minor, damp squib was Alan bleedin' Parry, SKY's match commentator. Nothing can, of course evoke the true, raw emotion of being there. If words could describe what we felt on hearing the final whistle, we weren't caring enough. But I was looking forward to hearing what Parry had to say when the goal went in. What his version of "They think its all over..." would be. What choice phrase would stir our souls until our dying breath. And what did he come up with? "I think he's disallowed it." Thanks Alan. Now get off.

But Gerry Rafferty was right. "If you get it wrong, you'll get it right next time" he sang, all those years ago. And we did. The drink. The journey. The game. The result. The celebration. And, just like the Trophy itself, if Geoff Chapple keeps the pace up, they'll never take that away from us.

Mark

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"GODD AFTERNOON, SUTTON UNITED..."

Below are transcripts of actual conversations held over several weeks with those lovely people at Gander Green Lane…

Coach on the way back from Hednesford (the day Sutton got relegated)

During Sutton match with Kidderminster Harriers

On the train going to Wembley for the Trophy Final

As the teams ran out at Wembley

Half time in the Trophy Final

Now, one for y'all to try today on the opening day of the season…

RING RING…
"Sutton United, can I help?"
"Hi. Can you tell me who your playing today... because we're playing Northwich Victoria... Oh I'm sorry, that's the ground you got relegated on wasn't it…"

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SPOTLIGHT ON CHRIS KELLY

Throughout his twenty year association with Kingstonian Football Club, Chris Kelly has been loved and loathed with equal measure. Much maligned and misunderstood, the man himself is dismissive of his public image, 'Even when I was playing, people who knew me thought I was terrific and people that didn't thought I was an absolute prick! That's life.' His personality may be abrasive, his approach sometimes controversial, but he is undeniably charming and personable. Surrounded by mounting paperwork and with the season only three weeks away, he readily grants WIAO a lengthy audience.

When asked to assess the power and influence of his position within the club, he waves the question away, 'I'm Chief Executive... whatever - chief cook and bottle washer really. I don't really run the club... if I say jump, everyone doesn't jump, although I think its perceived as being that and at times you wish it was.' Despite his protestations that he has no more say than any other Director, Kelly's unique role as sole full time administrator, shareholder, and 'face' of the club, means that he does in fact hold a position of authority second only to Geoff Chapple - a fact he is quick to accept, 'here Chapple is God and I don't have a problem with that... because we all just live in his slipstream.'

Kelly has certainly been the focus of attention in recent months following the well-publicised resignations of three leading Directors. 'There was no power struggle at all - what it came down to was a tremendous difference of opinion over the courtcase. We didn't have the cash to pay the compensation and when Lawrence Cooley said he'd pay it I said I thought it to be disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful.' Kelly claims that Terry Weir used the boardroom split as an opportunity to oust him from the club, 'Weir decided it was either him or me... at the end of the day Terry wanted overall control of the boardroom. ' The turbulence behind the scenes has left him hurt and disappointed, 'I would never speak to Terry Weir again and I am a very forgiving person... I was like a brother to him. He used to come and live with me, and the first opportunity he had to possibly do something about me, he took. It's the second time he's done it. He got kicked out then and he's waited seven years and done it again. I knew at the end of the day that I might not be the most popular guy in the world but I knew I was more popular than him.'

The feud with Weir is not the only controversial incident Kelly has been embroiled in. In 1995, Billy Smith was sacked as manager while he was still away on holiday, only weeks after securing the Isthmian League Cup. Kelly regrets the acrimony but not the decision, 'People always look at me as some ogre who makes these awful decisions but I knew Billy Smith was a disaster... We finished 11th in the league and he won about six of the last twenty league games but we won the Guardian Cup and everyone thought he had won the World Cup - but it was an empty win.'

Kelly has always deflected the criticism levelled at him and continued to shepherd the club through the most successful period in its history. His most pressing concern is to complete the redevelopment of the ground according to Football League requirements. The work was initially due to be completed over a year ago but has faced seemingly interminable delays and spiralling costs. 'The thing has cost far more than anybody ever envisaged and I would say that's possibly down to the club's naivety in the negotiations that took place.' The revised total cost of the redevelopment is an astronomical £850,000, with only £250,000 coming from the Football Trust and a further £150,000 from another share issue. Despite all the delays, the 21st August is still only the provisional start-time. Kelly is certain the work will be completed this season but accepts that if it isn't done, he and the board 'would have to consider their positions as Directors of the football club.'

The arrival of Geoff Chapple in 1997 shocked non-league football, not least Chris Kelly himself 'If you can give him (Terry Weir) credit for anything, it was for going out and getting Chapple... I said 'You're wasting your time' but I suppose everyone has their price.' The capture of the new manager brought with it an unprecedented investment in the playing staff, which left the club with a £250,000 deficit at the end of the 1997/98 season. Kelly is nevertheless bullish about the financial situation, 'We showed a substantial profit last year of £100,000+ and this year, whilst there will be a loss, it won't be astronomical. The financial situation here has always been precarious because we don't get enough people supporting us but by hook or by crook we carry on... The team now costs an absolute fortune. Sometimes I wonder 'How the hell are we managing to pay this bill?' but we do.'

It is difficult to judge whether Kelly's reputation amongst older fans for underhand tactics and half-truths is deserved. He certainly doesn't appear to be a man desperate for power, his judgement clouded by egotism. In fact, regardless of his faults, it is plain to see that he loves the club and would do anything to see it succeed. Even if that meant stepping down to make way for a wealthy owner? Another roguish grin spreads across his face, 'I wouldn't be here if it was any other job... I used to run an upholstery company and it was a piece of cake compared to this.'

Taimour

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FRIENDS WE HAVE BEEN CONNED

Ripped off by the very things that we rely on, lured into a false sense of what is what by the concrete maze that is Britains motorway network, I hereby want to redress the balance.

To most of us they are glorious stretches of shimmering cement which carry coach loads of lager-lout football fans hundreds of miles, only to see their team lose to a hotly disputed penalty in the sixth minute of injury time, but these caged animals don't care. Every fortnight they do the same and it becomes almost a ritual.

The seemingly endless stream of said transportation is only broken up by the family 'saloon' - inside is a 40 something Manc-Scum season ticket holder and his three plastic kids. They travel hundreds of miles to see their team AT HOME win with a hotly disputed penalty in the sixth minute of injury time ...

Or So We Thought!

You see this is just a deception. Above is a motorway on a Saturday. During the week it goes crazy - the coach load of football fans become a London Underground tube train carriage (you think I'm joking!), the family saloon becomes a monster truck with tyres bigger than cars and size so enormous that it dwarfs the trailer on which it sits.

The supposedly innocent service station also metamorphosis during the week. The greasy teenager in the vastly overpriced Burger king is now an early 20's blond with legs up to her armpits and a gorgeous smile. The old man in the Day-Glo jacket trying to get you to join the AA is transformed into a gorgeous hyper-friendly female who gives you a credit card, £100 holiday voucher and a T-shirt just for giving her your phone number…

This, My Friends, Was Altrincham Away!

For me it was a con, even Moss-Side was a trick. Not one car bricked up, not one window smashed and no graffiti, until someone pointed out that we have all that at Kingsmeadow. On arrival at the pub we weren't approached by a kid squeaking 'Park your car for you mate' - had to do that ourselves.

After barely three minutes of the game I got that 'came all this way for fuck all' feeling when Alty took the lead through what looked a dubious penalty. But thanks to Geoff Pitcher's right foot and the resulting 'Goal of the Millennium' all that didn't matter. We got to see Nigel get his tits out, and apart from that we all went home happy.

The way home saw more crazy antics including taking road humps at 35mph whilst riding in the boot with Nigel AND Ceefax dominating space constraints sitting in the back, and jumping kerbs at Knutsford services after ending up in the HGV overnight lorry park. All this and we were still home by 2am. It was indeed a crazy day in Altrincham. I leave you with Nigel's stories of handbrake turning a stretched Limousine and taking a hairpin at 45mph... in a double-decker bus!

Richard

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HE WHO HAS THE LAST LAUGH...

I hate Kettering. The FA Trophy final reminded me just why.

Firstly, their plastic fans who sit in the main stand at Rockingham Road impassive until they decide to come to life with a roar to demand a decision from the ref, who usually duly obliges. That I can just about handle once a season but some of the 'fans' we came across on our way to Wembley quite simply not very nice.

A group of about twenty of us went up by tube to Baker Street, where we stopped off for a drink and some food. As we came out of the station we were greeted by a torrent of booing from about 100 Kettering fans gathered outside the 'Globe' pub across the road. A bit of banter we thought? As we made our way towards the bar, several pints of beer and were thrown as we walked through the abuse. We kept our heads down and got into the pub, which was virtually empty. Fat Ash came in, a Kettering fan had literally walked up to him and slowly poured a pint over his head cheered on by the boisterous thong of the crowd. My girlfriend had been groped and Dover had been spat at.

Inside we found a genuine Kettering fan, and we wished each other luck and exchanged pints, as we had a year ago with Forest Green. We soon however decided to make our way away from the pub as more red and black shirts entered and more alcohol was consumed. Ash had cleaned up and already left with some of the others who were lucky enough to have chosen the local fast food outlet instead (Me! - Ed). So, the last few of us made our way to the exit. On heading down the subway, we were showered with more objects and abuse. We were just glad to be out of there and off to the sanctuary of the North Star to find Ash, who had himself taken a huge chorus of "You fat b*st*rd" jibes in the best way. As he crossed the road and gave them a glimpse of a full moon.

Then, the other thing I remembered that I hated about Kettering was that they are a dirty cheating tossers, and that I hate Colin Vowden and also Craig Norman for 'that' goal in the league earlier in the season, which according to his manager "Had only used one hand." But, half way through the second half these two men became insignificant when a certain Mr Brett McNamara got into the penalty area and went down quicker than Sutton. I saw that it was a dive from 60 yards away and when I saw the replay on the TV monitor by where I was sitting I went mad. I just thought "Not again!" How many times have we seen Kettering win 2-1 with a dodgy decision? It couldn't have been a penalty anyway as the defender was Tarkan, and when was the last time you saw him make a tackle? Norman scored, just to add his name to Vowden's on the scoresheet.

Some thought that that was it then. But lovely use of Mark Harris' arm (check the replay) set up Eddie for his second and England's number two 'keeper Adam Spillitt couldn't hold onto Tarkan's shot and Simba scored the winner. So to all the in the Rockingham Stand, the thugs in the pub, Vowden, Norman and especially McNamara - listen to the immortal words of Alan Parry…

"Here's Mustafa… I tell you what, he doesn't need much encouragement to get forward does he… Still going Mustafa!"
"…And it's come to Simba… And this time no mistake!"
"…Mustafa, who scored the winner last season, has made what could be the winning goal this season."

Richard

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INTERVIEW WITH MARK BEARD

We caught up with K's newest recruit, Mark Beard, standing alongside friend, relative, and now teammate - Geoff Pitcher, on a sea front balcony in Margate. As the afternoon wore on 'Beardo' becomes more relaxed with his new surroundings of non-league football and kindly agrees to this interview.

WIAO: Why did you join Kingstonian when there were offers from clubs in the football league?
MB: I had offers from Leyton Orient, Millwall and Cambridge but they weren't concrete - more just like come down and train and see how it goes from there. Geoff Chapple had been waiting for about a month and a half with the only concrete offer and had given me a deadline to give him an answer. I took up the offer and decided to sign.

WIAO: With over 200 league appearances did you see it as a problem to drop into non-league?
MB: No, not at all. As everybody knows, Geoff (Pitcher) is my brother-in-law and I spoke to him and he said how much he enjoys it here, especially the two Wembley appearances and playing for England.

WIAO: So you have followed the non-league game through Geoff?
MB: Yeah, I've follow Kingstonian through Geoff for the last three years and know how good they have been under Geoff Chapple.

WIAO: Were you aware of Chapple's reputation in the non-league game, and was that a factor in your decision?
MB: Absolutely. Along with Brian Talbot he is the most well known manager at this level.

WIAO: With Geoff (Pitcher) being your brother in law was that also a factor?
MB: Of course. We served our apprenticeships together at Millwall, and I've known him since I was five. I went on his stag-do to Dublin and met all the boys so I know what the team spirit is like, and I also know what the team is capable of doing on the pitch as well.

WIAO: Are you more comfortable in a wing back role or as an orthodox full back?
MB: To be fair, I started out as a full back, but as the years have gone on I have played in all different formations so I can play either really. Not many players will get past me - I will do my bit as a defender as well as get forward and get crosses into the box. I don't think you have to worry about my level of commitment either, whether we are winning losing, I will always give 100%.

WIAO: You have a reputation as a bit of a tough tackler as well?
MB: Like I say, I will give everything to the cause. I just want to win the ball and give it to players like Geoff (Pitcher) who can then do things with it.

WIAO: So do you prefer to be the unsung hero figure?
MB: Yeah I would say so. I'm never going to score lots of goals or do anything spectacular. As you say unsung, I suppose that's about right.

WIAO: Which other teams do you think will challenge for the title this year?
MB: Obviously Rushden, and also Doncaster. Those will be the main two but don't count out Scarborough
(Ed note - they've lost an ex-Primera League manager and a millionaire chairman since…)

WIAO: Can you see K's being up there?
MB: As long as we can avoid injury and suspensions we can do well. The problem is we have a small squad, but the first eleven or so are top quality players.

WIAO would like to thank Mark for his time and wish him all the best for the season. I personally think he will be the next Dean Hooper (only better) and don't count out K's having 4 players in the England side this year ... Watch this space.

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END OF AN ERA AS GRANDAD LEAVES K'S

After winning numerous titles including two FA Trophy winners medals, Kingstonian striker David Leworthy (also known as 'Grandad' to the lads) has left Kingstonian and joined Havant and Waterlooville on a two year contract. David joined the K's at the start of the 1997/98 season with Geoff Chapple bringing in him to start his revolution started at the club. In his first season Leworthy became a fans' favourite, banging in goals for fun as the K's came back to end their Ryman League days with a storm. In that season he scored some 30 goals, which was not a bad return on the £18,000 transfer fee which was splashed out on the former Spurs and Oxford United star.

In his second season with us, Kingstonian had begun their first campaign in the Nationwide Conference. The opening game against Hereford United saw poacher Leworthy score Kingstonian's first ever goal in the Conference. After that David settled down to life back in the Conference, scoring many vital goals in both the league and cup competitions. He helped the side in their quest to lift the FA Umbro Trophy at Wembley against Forest Green Rovers. This was fitting tribute to David who had never played at Wembley before.

In his final season for the K's, David opened his account by scoring a hat-trick against his old club Dover to fight back any threats to his position as first choice striker. His goalscoring form defied all in the early parts of the season, leading the goalscorers chart for some time before a serious knee injury ruled him out for most of the rest of the season. His role in the Trophy came to the fore again as, prior to the injury, he scored the only goals in tense matches against Yeovil and Southport. Again Kingstonian finished the season high in the Conference by finishing fifth, and managing to retain the last FA Trophy at Wembley against Kettering, where this time David came of the bench to take part in the game.

David was a great person to have around both on and off the pitch, always nice to the fans. He will be sorely missed. All the best to him down at Havant.

Mark L

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DAVE LEWORTHY TRIBUTE

There's been many tributes to David Leworthy over the last few weeks, what with his benefit game and all, but WIAO would like to remind you of just a few of the magical moments since his arrival at Kingsmeadow in August '97.

I think it's fair to say that in non-league circles only a very few players are known as household names among the fans. Who could name more than two or three players from any one club in the Conference or lower down? Leworthy was one of the big name players. His arrival at Kingsmeadow shortly after Chapple's appointment made clear K's ambition for the forthcoming season. Chapple had been chasing Leworthy for a long time before that at Woking, and K's had been in need of a proven goalscorer ever since Francis Vines was sent on his way.

His first goal was a winning one, on his competitive debut, at Kingsmeadow against Bishop Stortford and just a month later it was his hat-trick in the final ten minutes at Walton that sent us top for the first time that season, if only for 48 hours. His third goal that evening literally bringing the house down. (Well the front barrier as K's fans stormed forward to meet the hat-trick hero!)

The goals flowed freely for Dave, especially in the run in, where he claimed his second hat-trick of the season, again against Walton, in a 7-0 drubbing. If K's win at Boreham Wood is to be classed as the most important result of the season then the goal that won it must rank among one of the most important. Leworthy was the man who got it, firing into the roof of the net midway through the second half. A goal in the Surrey Senior Cup Final against Woking salvaged a draw, K's going on to win the replay and claim a famous double in Chapple's first year in charge.

If the Conference was breaking new boundaries for Kingstonian, Leworthy had been there, done it, and, well, probably won some kind of top scoring t-shirt along the way. K's opening strike against Hereford was provided by the veteran striker and paved the way for another successful season which would eventually culminate in an FA Trophy Final at Wembley. The goals weren't as frequent as they had been the year before, but Leworthy's goals helped us to achieve a creditable final league position and of course the capturing of the FA Trophy.

With K's now fully adjusted to life in the Conference and following the Trophy win the 99/00 season was greeted with a big sense of expectation. Leworthy was on the bench for our first game of the season where we went down 1-0 at Telford. Restored to the starting line up the following Wednesday, Leworthy fired home his third, and final, hat-trick in a K's shirt against one of his former clubs Dover. A classic Leworthy strike at Boston helped a safe passage through to the First Round of the FA Cup where K's visited Luton Town. In front of the BBC camera's Dave produced a finish of sublime quality to put us 2-1 up if only for a brief time.

Dave's last two goals in competitive matches for K's would have to rank amongst his most valuable. The winner at Yeovil in a very close game at Huish Park, followed a few weeks later by another winning goal this time at Southport in the dying minutes of our Quarter Final replay which sparked fantastic celebrations amongst the travelling few. From what I can recall at the other end of the pitch the ball swung in from a corner, and all of a sudden the familiar stance of Leworthy was reeling away arm aloft being pursued by the entire K's team and generally chaotic scenes on the terraces!

Injury threatened to scupper his chances of playing at Wembley once more, but a swift recovery allowed Dave to take a place on the bench, coming close when coming on as a sub. A goal here would have been the finest way to mark the end of his K's career but it wasn't to be.

The only real shame is that none of our major honours were won by Leworthy strikes, but without them we wouldn't have even been in any sort of position to win anything. 66 goals in 132 appearances, exactly one every two games is a phenomenal record, and a record that means whoever fills his boots has a very hard task to live up to.

Simon M

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