Name: Gav Johnstone Position: Midfielder
The Old Pro’s view: Secretly both Ginger and of Scottish descent, Gav allies great work-rate with mercurial skills that are occasionally sabotaged by a baffling lack of self-belief. Genuinely two footed, he put in one of the all-time great preseason showings vs Beeston St Anthonys in 2008. Only friendly Rangers fan on planet Earth.
Name: Sean Tyres Position: Centre Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: Classic box to box midfield dynamo who has finally added goals to his game after a barren first few seasons. Constatntly improving his game and perhaps has the best natural fitness at the club. Achieved the double triumph of Players’ Player and OHAFC Quiz Champion in 2011
Name: Ashley Austin Position: Centre Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: Midfield playmaker who loves expressing himself on the pitch through either creative play, spraying the ball around, or winding up opponents. Announced himself with a virtuouso dribble away at East End Park in 2009 and became an established first team regular the following season. Saturday night = XBox night.
Name: Eddie Kiernan Position: Centre Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: Terrier-like midfielder whose harrassing of opponents often overshadows his silky skills and expansive passing. Never happier than when showcasing a new pair of lurid personalised boots. The Love child of Milan Baros, Rafa Nadal, Pete Tong & David Dickinson.
Name: Sam Hasson Position: Centre Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: Not even the man himself knows what he is capable of, both on and off the field of play. Lurches from the sublime to the ridiculous at a moment’s notice yet on his day can grab a match by the scruff of the neck and will his team to victory. Looking to add consistency to his game after a strong showing in spring 2011. Terrifies as Mel B.
Name: Will Johnson Position: Centre Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: The strong silent type who is a sophisticated Executive during the week and a carrier-bag wielding Mute at weekends, when he prefers to let his left foot do the talking and provides quality on the ball in midfield and attack. A footballing thoroughbred who often appears bemused by what passes for entertainment at OHAFC.
Name: Daniel Burns Position: Right Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: The White Asprilla has been at the club for the best part of a decade and his service is reflected in his high ranking in the all-time standings for both appearances and goals. Equally effective both on the wing or at centre forward, his unpredictability is is greatest strength. 2nd most intelligent Burns at OHAFC.
Name: Kieran Burns Position: Right/Left Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: Fantastically versatile player whose retro hairstyle gives him a 2 inch advantage over opponents in aerial challenges. Willing to run through brick walls for his team’s cause and always livening up training sessions with obscure Geordie-isms. Postman Burns.[Insert your own "Second Class Delivery" joke here].
Name: Kieron Grant Position: Left Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: Enigmatic “Amusement Arcade” of a player who can tear any opposition apart with his mix of raw pace, endless tricks, and explosive shooting. Equally likely to actually be asleep for 25% – 50% of any match he plays in. “Like a box of chocolates”. Budding free kick specialist.
Name: Dave Gillespie Position: Right Midfield
The Old Pro’s view: The Dirk Kuyt of OHAFC – direct, full of running and known to get his share of goals despite failing to possess anything resembling a strong right foot. Bagged the promotion-securing goal away at Kippax in April 2009 and is the current holder of the OHAFC marathon record (for running, not drinking). A Tricky Tree, he specialises in dry cleaning.
Name: Paul Harrington Position: Centre Mifield
The Old Pro’s view: “The once toothless warrior is a permanent fixture in the Old Headingley midfield and is known for his mazy dribbles and quick feet. Regularly employed in all positions across the midfield and takes a mean penalty when called upon. Unfortunate to be involved in “Black Saturday”, but he came back stronger then ever to build a little and large relationship both on and off the field.
Name: Paul Cooney Position: Centre Mifield
The Old Pro’s view: Circus-strongman central midfielder (without the handlebar moustache) making his return to competitive football after suffering a career threatening injury on “Black Saturday” in Oct 2008. Strong in all aspects of his game except for “concentration”, he is the sole surviving member of the club’s Wigan Posse. Don’t mention his sending off vs Boston Spa.
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