Buffs FC (Scottish Team) - server 112

[Buffs Mad]

End Season Review

Defence

GK - Andy Goram, in his second season, continued to be a reliable safe pair of hands and appeared to be expert in dealing with shots from distance.
42 Games, 1 MoM
DL/DC - Andy Robertson, a second season NordGem, had latterly played as DL to allow Nicol to play centrally and has never rated under 7.
42 games, 4 goals, 4 MoM.
DL/DC - Steve Nicol, at 22 years old, has now completed his 5th season, playing 230 games. He has been the heart of the defence this Season.
42 games, 4 goals, 2 MoM.
DC/DMC - Alan Hansen, a 22 yo Academy product, has previously been a rock as a DC was was required to move to DMC. He's fluctuated from being a stand out to nearly being kicked out. His star has waned and is now considered a back-up player.
30 games, 5 goals, 1 Mom
DC/DR - Richard Gough, an ex-Scout capture, took over from faltering DR Alan Hutton (now sold). He's been a steady enough performer with mostly straight 7s in the ratings.
33 games, 2 goals, 1 MoM.
DC/DMC - Murray Wilson was an academy recruit this season principally as DMC where he has rated 7 in every match. He's not yet been tested at DC so it remains unclear where his future lies, but he does have a future.
13 games, 1 Assist - not been booked yet.

Midfield
MC - Dave Mackay is a One-Season-Wonder TM capture. With Playmaker SA he has performed to type with a high rate of yellow cards but a solid return of goals too. He proved to be a vital player on the left of the Buffs' usual 2 man engine room.
35 games - 15 goals, 1 assist, 1 MoM & 7 yellow cards (6 in the first half of the season).
MC - Scott Brown initially had a fight for the right MC spot with Fernando Ricksen but eventually his performances made it his own. A remarkable turnaround for someone who joined as an 18 yo as a bit-part player but has now played 107 games over 3 seasons.
36 games, 5 goals, 5 assists.
AML/AMC/AMR - 32 yo John Robertson was a carefully considered panic to get the Striker out of the left wing role. This old either footed CK specialist was a risk but his goal scoring stats gave hope. He's been one of the star performers this Season at both the winger and wide midfield slot and its unclear yet whether he'll finish his career at the Buffs or go be another One Season Wonder elsewhere. Shame he can't take a CK but lets not be greedy.
33 games, 23 goals, 8 assists, 7 MoM.
AMC/AMR - right winger Willie Henderson was a purchase from the Scout Market and has now completed his 3rd season at the Club all with that shiny 6th or 7th star recognition. He and John Robertson are Buffs' sole representatives on the league's goal scoring charts.
42 games, 25 goals, 12 assists, 10 MoM

Strikers
ST - Kenny Dalglish was a Scout Market purchase this season in an attempt to fix the Buffs poor early season goal scoring. He's performed better when playing as a lone striker without the temptation to pass to the inept Steve Archibald.
26 games, 16 goals*, 5 assists*, 4 MoM.

*When it comes to FKs Dalglish, the FK expert, "couldn't hit a coo's arse with a banjo!"

Transfer Listed
AML/ML - Silvio Saladino (low 5*) was a late panic buy to cover for Robertson while the winger was suspended for 2 league games either side of the CL final. SOLD $34m
He played 1 match, rated 8 and scored 2 (in the match that clinched the league.
He's up for sale but will do as a temporary solution if he remains.
MC - Fernando Ricksen has been a reliable performer but has lived in the shadow of Scott Brown this season.
He's up for sale.

Out
DR - Alan Hutton was sold yesterday ($38m).
ST - Steve Archibald was sold today ($44m).
ST - Wouter Logeot was sold today ($56m).

In
74Q FA Luca Pinto has joined in case transfers go well and there is an opportunity to ship out another player on top of those listed before the Season close. If he remains the 15th man he'll be sacked prior to the official season end.

Facilities

With the seating expansion now complete the Buffs will start work on their World Arena next Season once early season transfer activity is complete and funds are available. Until then construction at Abbey Park has stopped.

Achievements

The cobwebs have been wiped away for the space allocated for the Triple Crown plaque - to make way for the Association's Old School award next season. Maybe there will also be another space created for TC?