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So, with the season now over, the Upminster Daggers look back at the performances of the squad over the season and give their end of term assessment. Remember, these are only our views, and we are sure that others may not agree!!
Tony Roberts - (A) - Some doubted whether Tony would be up to League football at his age, but he proved the doubters wrong. Was outstanding all season, helping us to pick up several points we might otherwise have missed out on. His performance at Chesterfield was the best individual performance of the season. Entertained home and away fans alike with his antics as well.
Danny Foster - (B) - Started slowly but in January and February looked to be back to his best, before missing last few games with injury. Distribution not the best at times, but generally solid. Struggled with his positioning early on (goals against Darlo and Brentford) but pretty dependable and a favourite with the fans.
Scott Griffiths - (A) - Another who started a little slowly, but since Christmas has been superb. Excellent at the back and at times our best source of creativity and urgency going forward. Always looks hungry and always looks up for it, no matter what the game or the opposition. Will surely be the subject of interest from many sides at a higher level, and if he goes, good luck to him.
Anwar Uddin - (B) - Our skipper improved as the season went on. Had a difficult start and was then pushed into action at right back, and put 110% into it, even though it was not his natural position. Went back to centre half around Christmas and looked a lot more settled, especially in games such as those at Bury and at home to Hereford. A good job overall.
Jon Boardman - (B-) - A tough season for Stan after an excellent end of the 06/07 season. Seemed to lose a bit of confidence and was shaken off the ball to easily on a number of occasions. However, came back into the side for the last two games and looked much more like himself, and if he can play like that every week can still do a job.
Ross Smith - (B+) - Suffered a few setbacks through injury, but when fit and playing, looked like a good signing. Not the quickest, but good in the air, strong and brave, a little like Lee Goodwin in his prime. If he can have a good pre season and avoid injuries, he could play an important role next season.
Mark Arber - (B+) - Despite a couple of poor games at Rotherham and at home to Rochdale, Arbs' had a massive influence in keeping us up. He was outstanding in the home wins against Morecambe and Hereford, and away at Bradford. Does the simple thing, no fuss, no messing around. Is also a danger at the other end from set pieces. Will hopefully become a permanent signing over the Summer.
Sam Saunders - (B-) - A strange season for Sam. Started really well and looked one of our better players early on. Some bad luck with injuries and some poor form then hindered his progress and he dropped out of favour. However, came back into side at Darlo and played part in memorable comeback. Will be interesting to see what happens next for Sam.
Shane Huke - (B+) - A solid season from Shane. Missed a few games through injury at various points. Did good job in midfield which is obviously his better position, and then did a decent job filling in at right back when required. Very athletic, always gives 100%, and will have a big role to play next season.
Dave Rainford - (B-) - Another who had a strange season and suffered with injuries. Put in an outstanding performance at Wycombe to help gain 3 points and did very well at Darlington, but to many other times was found wanting, and off the pace. Always up for it and trying to get others going, much to his credit, but it looks like the part time training may be taking it's toll??
Peter Gain - (B) - His experience made a big difference to the midfield. OK, he is not spectacular, and not everyone's cup of tea, but he does the simple thing, and away from home can be very effective, as he was at Bradford and Grimsby. Could also be a big help to the vast number of younger players in the squad next season.
Sam Sloma - (C+) - Sam found the going tough at times at the higher level. However, always willing to compete for his place in the side, and even though he was a little out of his depth at times, still tries to do the basic things and gives 110%. His substitution at Darlington also sparked one of the most amazing comebacks in the Club's history.
Glen Southam - (B+) - Started the season superbly and was one of the first to settle into life at the higher level. Found the going a little tougher as the season wore on, and wasn't helped by being pushed out left to make room for others. If Glen stays for next season and we change our style slightly with a year's experience, then he will once again play an important role.
Jon Nurse - (C+) - Lots of pace, lots of endeavour, but to often no end product from the likeable Nursey. If he could play every week like he did at Southend in the FA Cup game, then we would have a world beater on our hands. Probably more effective as a wide man than up the middle which might be his role next season??
Solomon Taiwo - (B-) - Hard for Sol to break into the side with the competition for places. Did not help himself with two sendings off in his first two games, the second of which seemed a little harsh. Seems to be ok later in games when the play is a little spread but needs to be sharper when starting games and pick up the pace of the game a little quicker
Dominic Green - (B) - Burst on to the scene in December time and put in some impressive subs appearances, and did well in his first start against Wrexham. Drifted off the scene a little as the season progressed, and experienced heads were called for, but looked good when coming on in last game, and is definitely one for the future.
Chris Moore - (C+) - Scored early season against Wycombe and then put in a tremendous performance against Brentford, where he also scored. However, since then it has been all downhill. It may be the case that Chris has not been well or fully fit, as he appears to have lost that sharpness and zip which made him such a hit in his first spell at the Club. Unless he can re-discover that, it is hard to see him breaking into the starting side again??
Paul Benson - (B) - A frustrating season for Benno, after last year's excellent effort. Ravaged with various injuries all season, which meant he could not get a run of games going. When he did get a good run of games, it was at the end of the season and his lack of sharpness and match fitness showed. However, still finished as second top scorer and got crucial goals such as the leveller against Shrewsbury at home, and if he stays, and is fully fit for next season, will surely be banging them in for fun again??
Ben Strevens - (A) - Deserves all the plaudits which come his way after a tremendous season. In all honesty would probably not have been first choice for the manager and many of the fans at the start of the season, but ended up carrying the forward line for much of the campaign. Scored 20 goals in total, a lot of them at crucial times, but also worked his socks off in every game, and held the ball up superbly. John Still said when he signed Strevs last year that "he is a class act" and the forward has backed up those words this season.
Jamie Taylor - (B) - As far as his time at Dagenham is concerned, it was frustrating. However, his loan spell at Grays towards the end of the season showed what he is capable of. Limited chances for us during the season, but always looked lively and did a good job when used at Wycombe, one of his only starts. The fact that JS loaned him rather than sold him shows he might have a future at the Daggers next season??
Richard Graham - (B-) - Virtually impossible to judge as he only made a handful of appearances. Looks like JS is a big fan of his, so he will be staying and looking to get fit next season.
Ed Thompson - (B) - Did what was asked of him when called upon. Saved penalty and did well at Morecambe, although he may feel he could have done better with the late goal. Did what was asked of him in his other games. Hopefully won't mind sticking around and waiting a little longer to take over from the legend that is Robbo.
Magnus Okuonghae - (B-) Another who suffered throughout the campaign with injuries. When he did come into the side he looked great on some occasions, but very shaky on others, Barnet away for instance. Was sent out on loan to Weymouth but even got injured down there!!! Will need to prove his worth and avoid injury at the start of next season if he is to have a long run in the side. |
