2008/09 Player of the season countdown

#8. Jim Manhire

Apps: 14; Goals: 1; Assists: 1

Jim is sometimes the victim of his own versatility, but it is the ability to play almost anywhere that makes him such a useful asset to the team. He likes to think of himself as the ultimate utility player and so why should anyone question it? He also thinks he should be playing a sweeper role, so it’s at this point where I’ll stop him in his tracks. Whether at full-back, centre-back or centre-midfield, he’s performed to a very solid and steady level throughout the season, dropping into each position with little fuss. He’s also curbed the ‘Hollywood’ passes which are barely mentioned these days, instead in favour of possession football which in training has seen him run the show and convert that two-touch form to Sunday mornings.

He has been an integral part of a solid 3 man midfield on many occasions, as well as stepping back to fill gaps in the defensive systems we have used this season, where he is equally adept. He was voted man of the match in the 3-2 win over Carlton which saw him deployed as a right-sided centre-back, a role he took on with minimum fuss and to maximum affect. He showed how good he is on the deck in a one-on-one and considering he's just 5ft2, he's also very useful in the air as well.

The 'Hollywood' passes were, as said, few and far between, but he did manage one from right-back against Monkey Tennis, which set Bushy on his way to score a fine goal. Legend Dancer's most memorable moment from this past season probably came on the day he was wearing such a shiny new pair of boots. His foot attire is immaculate at the worst of times, he and Jonny must have gone on some sort of shoe shining crash course, but either way, these one's were new and he used it to score a cracking half volley against Coulsdon Rangers, when he met the ball perfectly from a Cling cross to convert into the top corner. He stood on ceremony and pointed to his feet.

In midfield, two of his finest displays came in consecutive weeks, when deployed in 2-man midfield behind 4 forwards. First, against Sovereign, he kept possession well, varied his passes long and short and broke the play down very well alongside Jonny. The week after he played the same role alongside Adkins and whilst the result wasn't as positive in a 2-1 loss to Portland, he was still fantastic in what is a very difficult and demanding role.

Overall, this season has been an improvement for the elder Manhire. When his passes come off they are often spectacular and he is never afraid to go in for challenge, which everyone loves to see. His coughs and splutters after 90 minutes of football are also becoming a bit of a trademark. If only he stopped smoking…