Over the coming months, I expect to receive a few calls from managers from the Team GB Maccabiah squad asking for recommendations and references for players from various squads. I’m always happy to help my country and I’m keen to ensure no player is ignored in the search for international glory.
Having played at one and covered another, I’ve been there, seen it and bought the T-shirt, in some respects.
On occasion, there is a player whose name may not be known to all so I’d like to share my thoughts on a top talent that really caught my eye.
I had the pleasure of watching Redbridge Jewish Care hotshot Adam Bolle in action for the first time last weekend. The son of Jon Bolle, the former Wingate & Finchley and Team GB manager, Adam is certainly a chip off the old block.
Big, strong and hard-working, he is very different to your average striker in the JC MSFL and he gave what until now has been a mean Hendon defence a torrid 90 minutes.
At times, he took on the likes of Josh Lipman, Alex Rosenthal, Paul Bentley and Josh Bentley single-handedly and he did not lose many battles on the day. It would be fair to say that it was the toughest 90 minutes Lipman has experienced this season.
On the back of that performance, young Adam must be a contender for David Pollock’s Open squad. He also plays for Waltham Forest and had a spell at Leyton Orient not so long ago. He would certainly help give the squad another dimension and spice things up with a bit of east London grit.
With 12 league goals to his name this season, he is the type of rampaging bull that would bring out the best in Paul Hakim.
Another player that has impressed me this season is London Lions hotshot Dean Nyman. It’s no coincidence that his first full season with the Spartan Midlands League outfit has coincided with their best-ever finish.
He’s quick, unselfish, has an eye for goal and is great with both feet. He also has a winning mentality and plays with a smile on his face. All these are qualities that the GB management will be looking for. I’d definitely have Adam and Dean in my squad.
* The managerial merry-go-round is now in full flow with Darren Yarlett and Lee Cash stepping down from their posts at North West Neasden A. There are also big boots to fill in South Manchester after Darryl Lee parted company with the new champions of the Manchester Accountants League Premier Division. He said: “I’ve loved every minute but hopefully someone will build upon my foundation.”
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