Yeah, wouldn't disagree with any of that. Feels like I'm slagging O9 off and I'm not (or not trying to) but I firmly believe that you play your best team. For me, that best team has Ballard and Cirkin in it, with the others fitting in around them.
Didn't feel you were slagging him you were just stating that he is limited as a footballer which I think even he would agree with but I think he's strengths are good and he's a decent championship defender but probably a league one midfielder.
He's a good player all right. He does whatever job is put in front of him, and if it's in defence he does it very well. He is an improver, which not all players are and he gives everything he has every game. We always seem to miss him when he's out, and he has fully bought into the club and the support. All the ingredients are there I suppose!
The thing is with cult heroes...they are rarely the best players. It's something else. They have a bit of everything. The guy is pure class and by all accounts a top class human being.
There’s been a lot of debate about his lack of quality playing in certain areas be it midfield or elsewhere but nobody can knock his attitude both on and off the pitch. Every manager we’ve had says he’s the best trainer they’ve had, never wants to go home etc and there’s loads of stories come out over the weekend about his off field treatment of fans especially the youngsters. He seems to live life with a permanent smile on his face and long may it continue. Personally I think this lad is No.1 on the team sheet at present. Top lad imo.
Watch him on safc TV before any game with the fans. He has a permanent smile on his face and he seems 100% sincere and he honestly looks like he is genuine. But more than that... on the field he rarely lets us down, gets stuck in and every manager we have...and we've had a few... picks him!
Over the last 7 (or more) years worth of players, he is in the top 10 easily for lots of reasons. If/when he leaves SAFC I'd welcome him back for a beer. He would probably turn it down though as its not healthy.
I said before we'd even signed him he'd be a fan favourite, I could tell from what the Wycombe fans were saying. Canny player in general. Would make a good captain.
As far as I’m concerned I want him with a life long contract and then a coaching job upon retirement.
He's already there in my opinion and probably has been for a year or 2 with a lot of our fans. Who was our last cult hero? There's a few that I've admired despite limited ability, but I don't recall anyone being unanimously loved among our fans.
Kevin Ball probably. I think you're right he is already there for a lot of us but I feel he needs another couple of years to totally "confirm it" for any doubters. He has everything I think it takes to be a club legend.
Should be used by the club to show the young players what hard work, determination and a never give up attitude can do for you as a player. Never hides, gives his all for the shirt and is actually pretty decent on the ball. I honestly believe if we got to the premier league he would work even harder on his game and do a good job for us. He's earned the shirt and if his performance levels keep up he will keep it even when Baath etc are back fit
Top lad and works his nuts off. Glad he has found a place in the starting 11 that fits his abilities.
Key thing here. He's a bloody good, born defender, who can handle the ball when he has to. If we went out and paid a big fee (for us) and got luke for the cash, we'd all be very happy.
