By Ballot box bob
May 4 2005

TSFC Player of the Season Poll is now active. Who will follow in the footsteps of Ian Roper and Neil Emblen to pick up our award?

We take a look at the main contenders....

BENNETT, Julian -He's been tipped for this award since the opening months of the season. He came in at Left Back but soon moved to Center Back and looked like he'd been a first team regular for a good 5 or 10 years. His form began to tail off after Christmas and he was unlucky to pick up a bad injury that ruled him out of the end of season run in.

EMBLEN, Neil - Last seasons winner hasn't matched last seasons levels but has still proved to be the main man at the back and one of the teams most consistent performers. His departure for the Auckland Knights was announced just under two weeks ago. 

 

 

FRYATT, Matt - The pressure was on Matty to produce the goods. 14 goals in a struggling side isn't all that bad if you consider it's his first full season in the limelight. His achievements have been rewarded with call ups to the England Under 19 squad.

 

GERRARD, Anthony - A major reason behind our good results in the closing weeks of the season. His partnership with Ian Roper has given fans renewed hope for next season.

JOACHIM, Julian - Possibly our best signing of the season. Like Gerrard, JJ has been outstanding during April with 5 goals in 5 games. 

KINSELLA, Mark - Has only managed just over 20 appearances, but Merson likes his presence in the dressing room and dugout. 

LEITAO, Jorge - His 11 goals don't reflect the varying roles he has taken on this season. Jorge must be commended for his versatility. 

 

 

MERSON, Paul - Our self proclaimed best player is never to far away from controversy. Yet if you look at Paul Merson the Walsall player not many people will disagree with those who say he is by far our most talented player. 

 

 

OSBORN, Simon - Always there and always ready. Ossie has solidierd through the season despite carrying a toe injury. His role in the new 4-5-1 formation has not gone unnoticed.

 

 

ROPER, Ian - As long as he wears a red shirt he'll always be in the running for this award. He found himself watching from the sidelines before Christmas, but his good form since then has reestablished his status as our top defender.  

 

STANDING, Michael - Merse told us he was a talented player. We've seen flashes of that ability throughout the season. An exciting player and a serious contender for the award.

 

 

SURMAN, Andy - Made an instant impact and looks like a real class act. Surman is a versatile midfielder who has soon come to terms with the rough and tumble of League One

WRACK, Darren - No one has played for games that Wracky this season. He's scored some important goals and become a real leader on the field. We've seen Wracky come of age this season.

 

WRIGHT, Mark - Played out of position for 75% of the season, we are now seeing the true array of talent that tricky wide man has to offer. Only Darren Wrack has made more starts than him this season.