Its time for A buffs FC Player Spotlight and today you get a 2 for 1 deal.


Central Defensive Partnership
Dean Savage and Danny Shaw are the central defensive gatekeepers and mention of one naturally leads to the other. They are the Ying and Yang of Buffs defence - a contrast of style, age and outlook which combine to give balance.


Danny Shaw is the essence of the Buffs. Cut him and he bleeds blue n white. This 22 yo is a hometown boy who always dreamed of playing for the Buffs. While displaying the swagger and bravado of a glory-hunter there is one key component that makes this boy different from the usual club hopping, ferrari driving, investment junkie star-in-the-making. He wants it all.....while wearing the Buffs' colours.


Shaw plays from instinct. His decisions have an impact - sometimes negative but that's the deal. He plays on the right of centre and the only purpose his left foot serves is to allow him to stand to swing his right. He roams, he pushes, he presses, (he loses concentration)....he wants the ball. He's hungry and there's more to come from Shaw.


Dean Savage has been the journeyman footballer. He's been there, seen it done it. At 30 yo he's never really stood out but he has always stepped up. He's comfortable with both feet and is the last line - a consistent, reliable and solid defender. When Buffs first looked at Savage they were looking for a left back, a role he was accustomed to play, albeit in a defensive set up. But it was his poise and calm and potential pairing with Shaw in the centre that clinched the deal.


An early spell at left back this season in the Cup campaign (forced by injuries) brought a slump in form (and cup exit early doors). Buffs Mad has recognised that a left back in Buffs' offensive set up needed legs and the engine to get up and down and that this had left Savage exposed. Interestingly, this pipe and slippers approach, has seen Savage thrust into the limelight anew. This concentration on technique, consistentency and quality as opposed to lung bursting firness has seen Dean add to his armoury a reputation as an accomplished Corner Specialist. Its this that catches the eye of the league statisticians, racking up high numbers of assists - as well as his numerous 'last man' tackles of course.


When asked recently about his partnership with Shaw he said "Putting everything else aside, my job is simple - I am here to let Danny be Danny."

Danny Shaw in pictures




Dean Savage - the numbers behind the man