What does Eric Dier of Spurs, N’Golo Kanté of Leicester City and Jonny Kay have in common? More than you think.
Dier and Kanté have been key figures for their respective teams bidding for silverware this season. And the pint-sized Kay of Norstar London Raiders plays a similar role in holding midfield, albeit as something of an unsung hero, until now that is.
The midfield general wins my MGBSFL Player of the Month award following a string of outstanding performances. In an age where the goal-scorers regularly grab the limelight, Kay first caught my eye last season, winning a couple of duals against Ben Lauffer of Hendon United and he has stepped up again this season.
He is consistent, brave and does the simple things well and Rob Richman, his manager at NLR, wholeheartedly agrees. He describes Kay’s performances as “exceptional” over recent weeks.
Richman said: “Jonny took over as captain in the absence of David Rhodes and has been supremely consistent in the middle of the park.
The midfield general wins my MGBSFL Player of the Month award following a string of outstanding performances.
“He probably doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves but he’s the first name on the teamsheet and one of the most important members of the squad.”
* Dean Furman admits he faces a fight to return to the South Africa squad after being dropped for the Africa Nations Cup qualifying double-header against Cameroon.
Furman, who joined SuperSport United from Doncaster Rovers last summer, said: “It gives me motivation to get my head down and work harder so that next time when they announce the squad my name is there.”
* Maccabi Tel Aviv owner Mitch Goldhar paid tribute to Johan Cryuff who passed away through cancer. The Dutch football legend advised his son Jordi to accept the offer to become general manager of Maccabi and he was a regular visitor to the Israeli champions. Goldhar said: “Johan visited us many times in Israel and his final visit was only a few weeks ago.
“Over the years he became a part of the Maccabi family, sharing his knowledge with so many of us who will always hold him in high regard.”
* Andy Myerson believes referee Barry David made a mistake after abandoning the MGBSFL Division Two match between Real Hendon and Boca Jewniors due to a hailstorm.
David halted proceedings after 80 minutes at west Hendon playing fields with Real leading 5-0. Referees secretary Myerson said: “The ref was 100 per cent right to stop the game if conditions changed and made it impossible for him to officiate.
“Was he right to call it off? Probably not. It was an error, although I know how open the pitches at the venue are so I can understand his decision. He also arrived late after forgetting to put his watch forward so it was a bad day all round.”
* Maccabi London Lions Vets go in search of silverware on Sunday lunchtime when they take on Bushey Sports at Silver Jubilee Park.
Captain and top-scorer Bradley Lazarus misses the tie and there are injury concerns over Andrew Myers, Hadley Silver and Rob Glass against a team featuring former professional footballers Junior Lewis and Darren Currie.
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