Matt Rhead

We finish on a player who does divide opinion but, in the main, is a crowd favourite. In my eyes he’s a legend at the club, he’s someone who has done enough during his stay to genuinely warrant being called that. Sure, he got one league goal last season (Cambridge at home) and just three in total, but there’s much more to him than goals.

He’s on 50 (or 49 in some people’s eyes) and will top 200 outings by the time he gets into next season. This article isn’t about next season though, or the previous three. It’s about 2018/19 and Matt Rhead played his part.

He started 12 league matches this season, coming from the bench on 22 occasions. That’s one goal in 34 league matches and yet he’s still revered by much of the fan base. I know Paperclip Imp won’t be happy in the comments, but I believe Rhead played an important role for us.

I sometimes think he’d be better in a mix between football and netball, in that when he got the ball he had to stop still before moving it on.

Yes, he upsets opposition players. Yes, he’s an aggravator and a player others love to hate. At times he isn’t mobile and his haranguing of the officials isn’t something many like to see. All of those factors I’ve mentioned though are why he’s so important.

1-0 up and need the ball to stick for longer up front? He’s your man. 1-0 down and need to just keep landing it on someone’s head to make a chance? He’s your man. Need a player to come on in the dying seconds to add aerial presence at the back? You get the picture.

He is a very good footballer too. He gets pigeon-holed and to a degree it’s harder for him to show his skills as the years advance, but he’s got a wonderful touch and vision. I sometimes think he’d be better in a mix between football and netball, in that when he got the ball he had to stop still before moving it on. His technique belies his size and the general stereotype that has built up around him.

Do I think he’ll start 12 matches next season? No. Do I think he’ll score five league goals next season? No. Do I think he’ll make twenty or so appearances from the bench and be a right handful whenever he does? Yes.

Most importantly, is he a hugely important part of not just the playing squad, but the club as a whole? Yes, yes he is.