Name: Andy Williams (Club Captain) Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: Joined OHAFC straight out of University in 2005 and put the disappoinment of conceding multiple penalties in his first season behind him by becoming a mainstay of the 2007 Barkston Ash Cup winning side. First XI skipper who leads by example, Andy’s “zorro mask” goal celebration at Leeds City in 2008 is perhaps his defining moment. Ugly Betty fancy dress remains an all-time club low point
Name: Tony Angell Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: The Sol Campbell of Headingley left boyhood club FC Headingley in search of silverware at more illustrious neighbours OHAFC. Very sturdy defender who added a marauding attacking element to his game with great success in ‘10/’11. Dislikes being called “Anthony”.
Name: Callum Butcher Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: All bones and hair, and perhaps the single most effective weapon in the OHAFC arsenal when not being employed in any number of experimental positions. Everyone’s least favourite opponent in training and can be counted on for more than his fair share of goals during a season. Tremendous sports trivia knowledge makes up for below-average common sense.
Name: Mark Davies Position: Right/Left Back
The Old Pro’s view: Considered by some as OHAFC’s greatest ever player and holder of the proud record of never having been successfully skinned by an opponent. Comfortable in any position across the back four and confuses opponents with bizarre combo of West Country accent and Lancastrian nickname. Consistently wears worst shorts at training.
Name: Daniel Keating Position: Left Back
The Old Pro’s view: Captain of the ’06/’07 OHAFC vintage who announced himself during the 2003 Umbro Cup when the team got to “a final” despite only winning 1 game. Less of a swashbuckling attacking threat in the autumn of his career, he now settles for talking incessantly on the pitch and pinging diagonal balls at every opportunity. “It CAN be offside every time you know”
Name: Phil Harrington Position: Centre back/Full Back
The Old Pro’s view: The 3rd quickest centre half at the club, Phil possesses technical ability which many would say is wasted on a defender. Unflappable, able to mark an opponent out of the game, and extremely silky in possession, he would be an international if all games were played on astro. Must improve : Chat
Name: Steve Beck Position: Left Back
The Old Pro’s view: Combines South African aggression with British bulldog spirit as he patrols the field looking for any opportunity to get stuck into a tackle or aerial challenge. Memorable strike from distance away at Howden Clough remains only time he has hit the target from outside the penalty area. Treats training sessions as his private market stall for knock-off boots.
Name: Ed Calvert Position: Right Back/Centre Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: In his 2nd spell at OHAFC and revelling in the opportunity to showcase his quality on the ball after a move to right back. The first player at the club to have his name stitched into his footwear and a scorer of spectacular goals who delivers a mean dead-ball. Possesses the boyish good looks of a teenage character from a costume drama.
Name: Lewis Keogh Position: Right Back
The Old Pro’s view: Old-fashioned defender who enjoys kicking team mates in training as much as intimidating opponents on Saturdays. Only happy when it’s vile and lives for end of season trips. Left-foot piledriver and “Belfast Klinsmann” celebration at Brighouse in 2011 will never be forgotten by any that witnessed it.
Name: Tom Monkhouse Position: Right Back
The Old Pro’s view: Composed in possession, a reliable presence on the right flank, and possibly the best looking full back under the age of 30 at the club. One of the team’s off-field leaders, his stamina after dark is the stuff of legend. Never misses an opportunity to wear tights. Website guru.
Name: Paul Leonard Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: Vastly experienced defender who counts OHAFC as the 6,471st club of his career. Dominant in the air and deceptively pacy on the deck once he gets up a head of steam, he also contributes goals at key moments. Breaks out in a cold sweat if partnered with anyone other than R.Comrie.
Name: Rio Comrie Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: Along with best friend Paul, his arrival at the club gave the reserve side the solid central defence which provided the platform for the promotion season of 2010. Victim of the most ludicrous back-pass decision of all time away at Ripon whilst nutmeg of Andy Hallam in pre-season 2011 hinted that the apocalypse may be near
Name: Matt Hannon Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: 1-season veteran, a robust defender who never gives opposing attackers an easy afternoon and takes management instructions to play the ball out from the back to incredible extremes. A strong tackler, he can often be found talking to Tom Long about science. Always needs a lift. Eerily reminiscent of a young Matthew Broderick
Name: Chris Weston Position: Right Back
The Old Pro’s view: Like having a rampaging bull on the right flank, if said animal’s natural instinct was to help you up after putting its full body weight into a challenge which drills you into the ground. 100% attendance at club socials shows his commitment to the club. First player to wear an earring to preseason. Looks a bit like a busker
Name: Matt Harrison Position: Right Back
The Old Pro’s view: Looking to get back into the swing of it after 3 seasons away, at his best he is a rampaging fullback whilst extremely stingy when it comes to allowing opponents any joy down his side of the pitch. Keeps self-motivated with hourly glances at his inspirational tattoos and can lay claim to being the fittest over 30 at the club. Worst at : Training ground banter
Name: Tim Manuel Position: Centre back
The Old Pro’s view: Welcomed back into the fold after leaving the club on 2 occasions to pursue non-footballing interests. Former first XI stalwart who says he loves a “munching tackle”, something which contrasts heavily with his sweater-sporting nice guy image. Amazing in the air. Turns like the QEII. Wears Jedward t-shirts for 6-a-side. Not a natural captain
Name: Chris Burns Position: Centre-back
The Old Pro’s view: The heartbeat of the club who embodies almost everthing OHAFC stands for. Ended his self imposed exile after 4 days to announce his return as a player after 10 years of management. The Geordie Guardiola has scaled the dizzying heights of promotions and cup final giant-killings and away from football can be found wearing mismatching and highly dubious fashions. He’s managed to keep it a secret from everyone, but is soon to be a father.
Comments