Ron's Blog

The view of Ron Burgandy...

Banter Central FC’s famous Croydon Municipal Sunday Football League Ladder


Robert Stewart of Fintanshire draws up his list of who he believes sits where in the pecking order when Banter’s team is picked. It might be his view through the manager’s eyes, but is he right? Is he even close? Who are Banter’s favourites? And who are the FavouritesTM ? That’s a bit like asking who the best players are against the best playa’s.


Episode 4:

The second instalment for 2010 and after a good unbeaten run has been strung together, there's been some terrific performances for me to enjoy as well. But not everyone can climb the ladder of success...

[Last time's positions in brackets]


1. Tommy Warburton (1)

His goal scoring exploits have continued making Banters’ all time top scorer also this seasons top scorer. I have also had fun shooting people with him on the internetz.

2. Phil Hughes (2)

A string of fine performance and Hughes almost penetrates the top spot for the first time. Our Phil has added goals to his game recently, whether he meant to or not.

3. Parin Patel (14)

Oh what’s happened here? No it’s not a misprint, Parin is THAT good. A series of MOTM performances have seen Mr Patel fly up a rather large ladder. His no nonsense style on the pitch has left him lighter in the wallet, but this list also likes a nasty challenge or two.

4. Chris Mann (4)

Non-mover ‘Vidic’ has been performing superbly since I dropped him a few places a couple of Ladders back. His mastery in the air continues to go unmatched, as does his skill when wielding cutlery.

5. Andrew Sheridan (3)

It is an unfortunate drop for the Irish this time around, which is more down to missing a couple of games than anything else.

6. Adkins (5)

The number 8 with no first name beats off the best of the rest, but drops a place. He’s been playing quite well too, but Parin just wouldn’t be beaten off, despite how hard Adkins’ tried.

7. Daniel Wilkes (11)

‘Gaffers’ jumps up the ladder courtesy of his flexibility on the field. He also scored a nice goal which got us to the Cup Semi Final as it turns out. I’m generally enjoying him at the moment. Things change quickly though.

8. Richard Clark (8)

Our captain has turned in some consistently solid displays recently, but not enough to see him find a ladder or a snake.

9. Jon Stewart (13)

Jon has been plying his trade in pretty much every position this season. His recent inclusion has made a positive impact to the teams unbeaten run. He returns to being absent for a few weeks so hopefully he can come back all guns blazing once again.

10. Tom Ridley (10)

Ridders has turned it on recently, in particular with his crossing. He is probably Banter’s most consistent performer behind Hughes, without ever really being spectacular. There I go demanding more from him again.

11. Ben Doherty (12)

“Ben” continues to appear when he is required, and never lets us down. He was a commanding figure against Woodmansterne, and even managed a 35 yard strike in a game previously. It missed by a fair distance, but is that really the point? Ok, in football it is, but I enjoyed it regardless.

12. Luke Manhire (9)

A mixed bag for “Luis” recently, with some excellent saves coupled with some strange decisions. In general though, Wuker has been performing excellently and is generally more commanding in his area, particularly from crosses. However, if the crosses are miss hit and heading towards his goal, he shits himself and all of a sudden forgets how to jump.

13. Chris Brown (6)

His cameos have not gone unnoticed by anyone apart from himself. His frustration at not starting has not gone unnoticed either, meaning he plummets out of the starting XI for the first time. Sometimes players go through a run on the sidelines, his time is now. The trick is not to be too downhearted. This list is ruthless though. If I can’t see you playing, then there really is only one way to ride, and that’s down a large snake to 13th spot.

14. David Baird (7)

It is a huge drop for Dave. He only falls this far because he has been performing out of his skin. He almost sits next to Euro in my mind. He goaded our own player into missing a penalty. That is close to the worst crime one can commit on a football pitch, behind breaking an opponents boots of course.

15. Rob Stewart (23)

It’s nosebleed territory as I return to the fringes, but swiftly return to the sidelines with another injury. That’s the story of my season really, and perhaps my life?

16. James Manhire (15)

His course of injections continues. Even a new house isn’t enough for him to jump up the ladder. His skills with the flag deserve a mention though. His language is horrific.

17. Dean Yeoman (16)

Dean returns to the treatment table and is missed for his flexibility, and off field banter.

18. Andrew Hills (22)

He would like to go on Holiday with us in the Summer. This is enough to see “Andy” jump up the ladder. I for one want to see him don the Banter kit once more.

19. Alex Bush (20)

He returned for a game and didn’t make it onto the pitch. He jumps a place for running the line and not complaining.

20. Chris Davis (17)

I enjoyed him for a week in February, and I still miss him.

21. Jonny Gill (18)

I enjoyed him for a week in February and I miss how he wound up Pasty.

22. Andrew Moreland (19)

I like hearing about his attempts to put his hands down Parin’s pants. I don’t like his public declarations of love every 2 minutes.

23. Connor Shannon (21)

I miss him. I’m not sure if he’s still considered a squad member, but either way he’ll still be ahead of Justin.

24. Justin Said (24)

He came back for a game and we drew. He’s just not the big game player he used to be.



This list will continue to evolve as the week's go by, so watch this space.


Older blogs from Ronnie:

Banter Ladder episode 3

Banter Ladder episode 2

Banter Ladder episode 1

Ron's Q&A

Your Company

Our next game: TBC

Banter Central FC

It's banter, init, if you've got banter you're alright...

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