2008/09 Player of the season countdown

#7. Richard Clark

Apps: 19; Assists: 6

Banter's captain fantastic has had a mixed season. A campaign certainly less blighted by injury than his first, he has made more appearances than anyone in blue this term.

What has surprised some is that Cling failed to find the back of the net in each of his 19 outings. Perhaps he tries too hard for a team he loves, perhaps he was just unlucky. Both of these points are highlighted perfectly by his miss against Croydon Postal. He charged down a cocky keeper only for the ball to cannon off of his hand and as the goalie stops, expecting a whistle and hears nothing, our Cling trickled a shot tamely wide. Had that gone in, it could have been a different goalscoring story. Either way, his 6 assists (the most from anyone) made sure he held his own in a somewhat faltering Banter attacking midfield. He will certainly be looking to add to that ‘G’ tally next season I’m sure.

Off the field, Cling’s work should never go without mention. Match reports, feature reports and videos are just a few of the delights that await Banter's adoring fans on banterfc.com. Attending meetings, controlling the budget and generally keeping everyone informed and involved are not to be forgotten, so remember how much more our captain puts into the club to help you understand why he was so pissed off with the performance in the Portland away game.

Areas to improve are more physical than anything else. Leaving Carshalton behind would be a start as he himself has admitted to lacking fitness towards the end of games after playing Saturdays and Sundays for a full season. Fresh legs should see Cling up and down that wing and much more the threat we know he can be when on top of his game.

Written by Rod Stewart