2008/09 Player of the season countdown

#18. Phil Hughes

Apps: 4, Goals: 2

Banter’s first real semi-pro. Hughes graced us for the last few games of the season, and what a few games they were. Provided drive and creativity to our midfield when it was needed most, and was generally at the centre of all the good things we did when he was on the pitch.

"Where did you get him from?", asked Euro after enjoying his services in the last league game. Which is surprisingly polite from him, since he usually just pulls a face and asks: "Who's yer mate?". The answer is Helen, head of Banter's FAGs department and fun & games co-ordinator. Well done to her for recruiting, because he might have only played four times but that included 2 goals, a man of the match performance and two more where he remained neck and neck before a vote-off.

As the end of season DVD will show, Phil could run Soccer AM's showboat section all on his own. At times his nutmegs, flicks and dummy's merely embarrass all at Sunday League level, but they are indeed a joy to watch and such is his quick feet and turn of pace, he's able to apply them with regularity.

His best goal came when he capped off a wonderful performance away to Real Madras, finishing off a good team move when Euro crossed for him to power home. He would no doubt be higher up this list had he played more games, so lets hope next season he can turn out a few more times.