Dorking Wandering
The Dorking Wanderers FC Fans Forum
As we are now just over the halfway point of the season, it will be interesting to see who is everyone's player of the season so far. I've included all the most likely candidates.
Some mid way stats to help decide:
Goals
8 - Prior
6 - McShane
3 - Blair, J.Taylor
2 - Bowerman, Ottaway
1 - Rutherford, Muitt, B.Taylor, Craig, Hollis, Seager
Assists
4 - Francomb
3 - Bowerman
2 - Blair, J.Taylor, Male(!)
1 - Prior, Ottaway, McShane, Carter, Muitt, McManus, Moore, Craig, Hollis, Fuller, Seager
Clean Sheet Involvements:
6 - Male, J.Taylor, Francomb
5 - Gallagher, Prior
4 - B.Taylor, Craig, Pybus, McShane
3 - Bowerman, Blair
2 - Fuller, Kennedy, McManus, Briggs, Seager
1 - Hollis, Cook, Moore, Kuhl
Games Played (Top 5)
26 - Male
25 - J.Taylor
24 - Gallagher, Ottaway
21 - McShane
Harrison Male for me. Glad to say he has proved me totally wrong. When I first saw him in pre season, my thoughts were he's too small.
However he has saved us on numerous occasions, and picked up at least one player of the month award.
I'll have a Guinness
Harrison for me but I think Carter will prove one of Marc's best signings by the end of the season.
I agree on both counts Gary, but let's not forget the almost unnoticed consistent excellence of Tony Craig in managing the back line and getting the best out of others.
@baggy I thought about adding TC to the poll but he's missed 10 weeks or so through injury. Didn't include Cook for similar reasons.
Blair and Bowerman have also missed big chunks but both of their goal contributions are impressive considering how little they've played so included them on the shortlist.
Not an easy choice but went for Harrison Male 🧤 🧤 as he has saved us a lot this season already
Also, a big Dan Gallagher fan and think he should have played more minutes or started more than he has so far … good screen for the defence when he plays
Massive Charlie Carter supporter too and think he will be a BIG Wanderers player for the future too ⚽️ 👏👏
‘We’re the red and white army’ 🐔 ⚽️
@calvertskans was good to see TC ‘getting into’ some of the players against Oxford City on Boxing Day … we need leaders on the pitch from now on 👏👏 💪 💪 .. and being vocal and focused
‘We’re the red and white army’ 🐔 ⚽️
Male has been a great addition, and has proven to be a quality keeper. I think Blair, Pybus, and Carter have been really good signings. Just need them to not be injured and match fit. Blair was looking really good prior to his injury. Carter and Pybus have both shown to have good control. Gallagher has improved a lot since last season, and I think he will be getting more time in the coming weeks. Interesting to see how this group will feel at the end of the season.
Male for me. Hard to choose anyone else as most others have had injuries and been inconsistent and in/out the team
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
Has to be Male for me, saved us so many times already this season.
Think Carter may well be challenging him for this if he can stay fit for the rest of the season as he looks to be some player.
Francomb also been very consistent and versatile for us this year which the stats back up and anyone that knows me knows how high I regard Josh Taylor.
Interesting to note that 5 of our 6 clean sheets have occurred while Prior was on the pitch. Shows how much of an impact having a "big man" up top has in pushing back the opposition and giving the defence a viable out ball.
Prior also helps defend corners and free kicks due to his height which also is a contributer
"Why would I leave to join a League Two club? We're going there anyway!" - Marc White
@dorking-eagle Yep I realised I missed that after I hit post. He has a massive impact in defending set pieces.
Interesting to see no votes for Prior even though he's the top goalscorer and has had a big part in keeping clean sheets. Just shows you how good Male has been!
Francomb is another that has gone under the radar as well. He's our leading assist maker and joint most clean sheets. He also has quite a few pre-assists/big chances created from his set pieces.
@calvertskans Yes it is interesting, perhaps injuries and fitness doubts makes us forget, or at least select players currently fit?
Totally agree re Francomb - a fine player, really consistent, flexible and skilful. I think he will be one for the longer term plans.
I figure we couldn't do it on here, but a ranked voting would be interesting. I do think at this point most fans would point to Male as Player of the Season, but it would be interesting to see where some of the other consistent players stack up. Francomb is a really good versatile player. He has even jumped in as goalkeeper.