Saying goodbye: SILVER names his all star JC MSFL XI
Sunday was quite a sad day for me as I officially covered my last ever JC MSFL match.
As I prepare to leave the Jewish Chronicle, after being involved and writing about Jewish Sport and the JC MSFL for the past six seasons (back when Faithfold A were crowned champions).
I would like to name you Craig Silver’s all time JC MSFL Star XI
Goalkeeper – Daniel Lee (Glenthorne United A)
Daniel is a fantastic stopper, regularly keeping clean sheets and has a great acrobatic style to deny some of the top MSFL strikers – I am shocked he has not been picked as of yet for the JC MSFL Rep Team and think it is only a matter of time until that happens. He just edges out DC!
Right Back – Motti Colman (London Maccabi Lions A)
Having watched Motti from his days at North West Neasden, he has improved dramatically and despite having an injury plagued couple of seasons, I think he is one of the best full backs in the league.
Centre Back- Craig Sandford (Chigwell Athletic A)
The Chigwellian is as tough as you can get, and you can bet that if loses the ball he will literally do anything to win it back. He has a Roy Keane way about him and can take down any MSFL striker.
Centre Back- Scott Shindler (North West Neasden A)
Scott is a tall, strong defender who has won a medal in every competition in Jewish football. I think if you are looking at top defenders in the MSFL, Scott is ranked near the top.
Left Back – Andy Levy (Woodford Wanderers)
After playing against Andy back in my AJY days, and watched him in the MSFL for Chigwell and Woodford, I can tell you that many a striker will have a tough time getting around him. Levy is a strong and intelligent full back who can also pop up and score a few as well.
Right Wing – Mitch Hahn (Woodford Wanderers)
When you are looking at players who can change games look no further then Mitch. Having watched him humiliate defenders all over the MSFL you can’t not have him in your team. He has been taught by some of the best in the game and he shows that with his great ability.
Centre Midfield – Craig Ellis (Wingate & Finchley/North West Neasden)
Tall, strong and powerful, Craig is a rock of a midfielder and will win the ball in the middle of the park at any cost. Having him in the heart of the midfield, I have no doubt that nothing will get past him.
Centre Midfield – Alex Levack (Faithfold A)
What Alex lacks in height he makes up in leadership, strength, quality and, most importantly, sheer loyalty. Having been the backbone of Faithfold for years, Alex is a quality midfielder and one player you can always bank on to give 100%.
Left Wing – Motty Korman (Hendon United A)
Fast, technically gifted and like a little Ginola, which I think Motty will thank me for. He can change games and cause defenders heaps of problems. He has to be included in my XI. Motty is also a nice guy off the pitch and doesn’t let the fame of being an MSFL league champion get to him.
Striker – Lee Cash (North West Neasden A)
Lee scores goals every week for fun. The captain of Neasden, he proves he is one of the best strikers in the league. Whenever I’ve reported on him at games, it would be unheard of if I wasn’t writing about a him scoring more than one.
Striker - Michael Pearson (London Maccabi Lions A)
The pacy forward has helped the Lions to success in all competitions in Jewish football. The former Aldershot man is a big danger man and has always caused a threat to any MSFL team defence.
Manager – Jonathan Kestenbaum (Team GB & JC MSFL Rep Team)
Not only one of the best managers in the MSFL, but is also one of the nicest. Win, lose or draw, Jonathan has always shown great professionalism and is a superb tactician and motivator on the touchline.
Assistant Manager – Danny Caro (North London Raiders A)
Danny Caro, aka DC, aka Mr Jewish Sport. Danny has a contact book of hundreds of the best MSFL players, he has played for some of the biggest clubs and would be the perfect assistant for the all time JC MSFL Star XI.
First Team Coach – Ben Winston (Wingate & Finchley)
Ben’s CV speaks for itself. Now caretaker-manager of Wingate & Finchley, he is another great motivator and has worked with some of the best Jewish footballers. He has led London Maccabi Lions to success and now hopes to have similar success at the Abrahams Stadium.
Kitman - Dave Snellman (LM Lions) - loyal and reliable, if not quite annoying at times. Also worth his weight in gold in the tips department!