Michael Bostwick
I didn’t know whether to put Bozzie as a midfielder or a defender, but ultimately I’ve given him a page of his own. He’s comfortable sat between the two so he’s the last defender of the series and the first midfielder, of sorts.
Like Neal Eardley, he’s been a stand out player this season and his new two-year deal is a sign of significant intent of behalf of the club and the player. He’s a huge asset in League Two, a massive player in League One and as we’re going to be in one of those divisions next season, we’re lucky to have him in our side.
I used the phrase uncomplicated for Luke Waterfall and to a degree, Bozzie is the same. When he’s at the back he’s a mammoth, hugely effective in the air and clearly terrifying to play against.. He’s an intimidating presence, not just by his looks and size, but by the way he prowls the pitch, snapping into challenges possibly best described as ‘reducers’.
In the midfield he offers something a little different, an unsettling physical presence but comfortable on the ball. I couldn’t see him going on a mazy run or pulling off tricks and flicks, but he’s comfortable distributing the ball, winning the ball and covering the space when it arises.
He’s also an organiser and an experienced head who has served us well. Is it a coincidence that the only game he missed we also lost, just like Neal Eardley? They’re a pair of class players who aren’t a classic pairing in terms of position or how they interact, but they do represent two vastly experienced players who have ‘been there, done that’.
Bozzie is also always on the prowl for a goal and although he hasn’t scored as many as he might have liked, there’s always a chance with him picking the ball up on the edge of the area. I suspect our team orders are to collect bits and pieces and retain possession, whereas once in a while you just want to see him smash a thunderbolt towards goal. He’s missed a few, but they won’t all go high, wide and handsome.
If I had chosen a Player of the Year, I would have picked Bozzie over Neal, just. His versatility eclipses that of Neal Eardley, but he brings not just an option but a different style of play when he changes position. the no nonsense defender who reads the game well is replaced by a rampaging midfielder who wins balls and breaks up play. He’s also reticent with his tackles in the face of suspensions, proving he’s far more than just a long haired warrior hacking at limbs for a living.
Also, he is twice as good with a beard than without. Someone tell Mrs Bostwick that, please.
Both Jamie McCombe and Callum Howe were registered as players, but neither made an appearance this season. Callum signed for Port Vale and of course, many lamented the fact he hadn’t remained an Imp. Since his move he’s barely played for them, whilst both Wharton and Wilson, signed in his place, have played plenty for us. Callum was a nice guy who will settle into a lower League Two defence, but possibly not an upper League One side, which is what Danny believes he is building.
All photos courtesy of Graham Burrell. All available to buy as prints too, contact me or Bubs for details.