ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Teams from the top three clubs are well-represented in my Division Four offering.
1. SIMON ROTH (Athletic Bilbaum) - aka 'the Monk', "stand-out signing of the year. From the first thunderous goal kick against Jewventus on the opening day of the season, all the way through to the two fantastic diving saves to keep the game level in the final game against SPEC, Roth has been absolutely outstanding and a pivotal figure in the massively improved Baum back-line. Throughout the season he showed safe hands, quick decision making, fantastic reflexes, an imposing physical and verbal presence (for better or worse) and of course a monstrous goal-kick that so quickly turned defence into attack"
2. JAMIE BRESLAW (FC Team C) - Mr Consistent. Something of an unsung hero in the FC Team side. Reliable, rock solid and one of the main reasons the side had a solid first season in the league
3. BEN HILDEBRAND (Brady Maccabi B) - "whilst attacking from full-back is Hildebrand's specialty, defensively he has become a rock in Brady's back four. His pace means that he is very rarely beaten by a winger, whilst his defensive nous means that he is able to fill in anywhere across the back four and excel, which he has done on occasion. However, it is going forward where Hildebrand has marked himself out this season, often doubling up with the winger against a defending full back to great effect, with his marauding runs memorably forcing an own goal against Brixton Old Boys, and scoring a key late goal against FC Team"
4. ADAM LANDES (Athletic Bilbaum) - "exactly what the doctor ordered for the previously porous Baum back-line. Adam has had a great début season putting in a string of solid and consistent performances and establishing himself as a rock at the heart of the Baum defence. If ever there were a last-ditch tackle or interception to be made, more often than not Adam would be on hand to save the day and put the Baums back on attack"
5. DOUG BERLIN (SPEC FC) - "they say there are two types of leaders on a football pitch. Those that are extremely vocal and encourage their teammates, and those that lead by example, with regards to their performances. In Doug Berlin, you have the master of both trades. A wonderful defender who has been an integral part of our defence all season. The fact we had the best defence in the division shows the quality he possesses. What is all the more incredible, is that he had barely played 11 a-side before this season! Quick and strong for his size, what he lacks in height he more than makes up for with his commanding presence. The secret that everyone wants to know, is how does he have the energy to be all over the pitch and be constantly barking encouragement at the same time! The most positive person you are ever likely to meet, and although he would drive us on at all times, never once did he utter a word of criticism at any one of our players. A truly inspirational figure, and featured more times for us this season than any other player. He may have been our most vocal player, but that was not of detriment to his footballing ability. He was moved into a holding midfield role against arguably the best side in the league (Brady) and he put in a magnificent performance and was deservedly named man-of-the-match. One to watch as we move up the divisions"
6. ASHLEY BURNS (SPEC FC) - "where to start? SPEC's very own captain marvel. Has been playing Jewish football all his life, and dropped down from playing MSFL Premiership football last season to lead his beloved SPEC FC in all of its reformed glory. Started the season off with a bang, scoring two goals in our very first game, and has lead the scoring charts ever since! Works tirelessly in the middle of the park. Has wonderful vision and ability, with both feet, but can get stuck in and be gritty if needs must. The other facet to his game, is his consistency. Very rarely can his teammates remember him having a bad half, let alone a whole game. Continued to work his magic for them throughout the season, and other teams appreciated his ability too. Ricky Lawrence remembers fondly a cup tie against Division Three high-flyers Shirley Park. Within five minutes “Burnsy” was dominating the game and I recall the Shirley Park captain screaming at his players “They can have the ball all they want, just do not let him (Ashley) have it. We have to stop him!” Suffice it to say, they couldn’t, and he was an integral part in our memorable 3-2 win. The fact he is 1/100 with some bookies to win both Manager’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at the SPEC FC end of season awards speaks volumes. If he could only add punctuality, and actually arrive to matches and training on time, then we could have a world beater!"
7. JAMES JOSEPH (Brady Maccabi B) - SEE TEAM OF THE SEASON
8. REISS MOGILNER (Brady Maccabi B) - "the young winger has been a threat to all he has played against this season, and has performed consistently, as shown by the fact that he is the Brady player who has the most team of the week appearances. He provided goals and assists from both sides with both feet, and has pace and a hunger for the ball that made him a potent threat and an invaluable attacking outlet all season long"
9. EDWARD GREEN (Athletic Bilbaum) - "top goal-scorer once again. He brings a physcial presence, grit and determination that make him a nightmare for the opposition defences. Rarley beaten in the air or on the ground, he's had yet another outstanding season for the Baums"
10. TERRY JEFFRIES (Temple Fortune B) - Mr Goals hit 19 in three competitions. Helped the team make a rip-roaring start and made a habit of being in the right place at the right time
11. MATT KESTON (North London Raiders C) - "can play anywhere on the left or right side. A manager's dream. When two opposition managers ask the question if he had been taken from the A's or B's, you know you have a good player!"
Manager - JOSH DAGUL (Brady Maccabi B)