2008/09 Player of the season countdown

#6. Luke Manhire

Apps: 17; Clean sheets: 1

The first clean sheet came, much more diving appeared and perhaps Wuker’s finest display of the entire season was the 5-1 defeat to Purley Phoenix in the Challenge Cup. You could be forgiven for wondering how any goalkeeper could perform well having conceded 5 goals, but he was fantastic throughout. On a horrible day and boggy pitch, the big man appeared equal to absolute everything, even getting a hand to the thunderbolt strike from 30 yards at the end of the half which proved unstoppable as it cannoned in off the post. With none of the goals his fault and even more going in a possibility but for his prevention, he carried on to the end making some terrific saves and organising his defence superbly. Only past the 70-minute mark when everyone ran out of steam did Purley score a second, nevermind begin their scoring rout and Wuker was helpless on 5 occasions, deservedly getting the man of the match award.

The highlights and lowlights include Banters’ first red card, being dropped for the first time - and then reinstalling himself as Banters’ #1 - plus two man of the match performances. It's arguable that it's been up and down, but this is a story of revival and everyone loves a comeback.

On his day the boy is capable of some outstanding stops which quite frankly defy his frame. This season much more so than last he's pulled off some unbelievable stops. Unfortunately though, one too many shaky moments, coupled with his suspension and holidays, saw the big man lose his starting place to Dean for a month or so. He stayed committed, and moved back into the Banter goal for the final few games and deservedly kept his place when Dean returned, which is no mean feat because Dean was performing superbly between the sticks himself. On his first game back he was given the man of the match award in a 3-1 win over Oakfield, where he was very solid, vocal and plucked countless crosses out of the air.

Luke is one to keep the crowd entertained with his ear busting screams of ‘Keepers!’ or ‘Manhires!’, which a constant source of amusement. But it is the end of season improvement in his vocals, as well as his ability on crosses that have been most impressive.

Perhaps his most memorable save this season was against Carlton United in December. With the scores locked at 2-2 and with the game set to swing in either direction, the away side’s midfielder popped up and smashed an effort into the far corner from barely 12 yards, this saw Wuker pounce and somehow tip the ball around the post, leaving most in disbelief and even the opposition applauding. Had Wommy's G not been so excited by all the drama, it'd be on camera too, but the important thing is that Banter went on to win the game 3-2.

Having played 17 games between the sticks, he remained reliable and an almost ever-present as with last season. This is invaluable and how reliable any player is for turning up every week at this level is important, but especially if it is your goalkeeper. The less said about his brief outfield appearance the better, I think he touched the ball once and that was to take a throw-in.

He’ll be looking to keep his jersey for the start of next season of course, and has employed Roddy Fintan Finley of Fintanshire Stewart as his personal trainer for the next 5 months to get fit, lose weight and be fully prepared. Fintan promises you won’t recognise him when pre-season starts. This may or may not be because Fintan is going to dress him up as Bam Bam from the Flinstones.