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2001/2002 Review
Player by Player Review of the Season
IS Online's
resident pundit John Owens, casts his eye over the Supersaint squad and tells
us how they fared this season.
Seamus Kelly
Top season for a player who is now Ireland's Number 1 stopper. Last season
some weren't convinced of his ability but he responded to this criticism with
a string of superb displays landing him with 16 clean sheets in the league
Trevor Croly
Another superb season for the converted midfielder. Defensively solid, always
willing to attack and a great team motivator to boot. Mr. Consistency was
also ever present.
 Daragh Maguire/Colm Foley
You cannot separate these two when reviewing the season. Both young centre
halves have created a brilliant partnership which is the envy of our higher
paying rivals. Both are big, strong, highly mobile players who have an
uncanny eye for goal. Both were ever present and the understanding between
them is magnificent. It was perhaps fitting that Foley scored the goal which
claimed the league title for the saints.
 Willie Burke
What can you say about Willie Burke? Playing out of position at left back,
the hugely right footed defender has never shirked a tackle or missed an
opportunity to attack. A real player's player.
 Paul Donnelly
Returned
from terrible injuries to provide some excellent cover for our full backs.
Unfortunately the nature of his injuries mean he'll never reach his full
potential.
 Martin Russell
Another
ever present. Rusty's displays have always divided the crowd. Some point to
his inability to tackle as an unforgivable for a midfielder, others point to
the unbelievable amount of goals that can be put down to his inventiveness
and cultured left foot. It's no co-incidence that jealous rivals call us Set
Piece Saints
 Paul Marney
Unfortunate
to have been branded over the Registration row. The young Englishman started
the season excellently but faltered somewhat from the midpoint. At 19 he
shows a lot of promise though and perhaps a more defensive role would suit
him.
 Robbie Griffin
Finished
the season strongly with some excellent displays in Central Midfield. Up to
that point the Waterford native had not shown his true talents and was mainly
a bit part player.
 Robbie McGuinness
One
of my favourite players, his attitude to football is great. Another who
wasn't really given a chance to shine but gave a number of quality displays
on the right side of midfield. Despite only a handful of appearances at club
level was part of the Ireland U21 set up this season.
 Charles Mbabazi Livingstone
A
terrific first full season for the Ugandan international. He illuminated the
league with some stunning skills early in the season and ended the league
with 14 league goals. A terrific entertainer, the winter pitches did not suit
him however must be one of the players of the season
 Liam Kelly
Fans
favourite and deservedly so. Always first to applaud those who support the
team. His skills are undoubted and remains one of the league's top forwards.
During our poor spell, he was easily the only player performing. Unfortunate
to get injured at an important stage of the season.
 Ger McCarthy
A
breakthrough year for Ger. Got better and better as the season progressed.
Easily the quickest player in the league. If he could finish he'd be playing
for Real Madrid. Still worth a place in the team though.
 Michael Holt
A
better season for the Englishman. Started a fair amount of games and his
never say die attitude endeared him to the fans.
 Gavin Doyle
A
few great displays capped by two good goals were matched with some poor
performances as the winger struggled to establish himself in the team. The
only genuine winger at the club.
 Philip Hughes
The
hugely talented striker played twice and scored twice for the Saints this
season. Played most of the season on loan to Kilkenny where he scored 16
goals. Definitely one for the future.
James Gallagher
The
big Donegal keeper earned rave reviews playing for the U21s but didn't do
himself justice on his two appearances for the first team.
 Sean Mannion
Some
dodgy displays were offset by a couple of terrific dispalys and the young
midfielder should play a more prominent role next season. Close to scoring
goal of the season in the final game in Longford.
 Jamie Harris
Had
to content himself with a bit part this season as first team opportunities
were few and far between
Kevin Doyle
Young striker joined the Saints from the Wexford Leagues and quickly emerged
as a genuine talent. Ran Colin Hawkins ragged on his debut until Bohs
kicked him off the field. Another for the future.
....and now...
Paul Osam
Oso has easily been the best player in the league this season. His
displays have earned him 3 monthly Independent Saints awards and countless
accolades from fellow players and managers. His testimonial season saw him
raise his game to God like levels with Oso never less than excellent and
sometimes sublime. His tackling was immense, his headed goals always
important, his distribution supreme and his motivation of those around him
brought average players to new levels. Quite simply the best player in
Ireland had his best season ever. Also gets my nomination for Goal of the
season for his 25 yard curling screamer at home to Derry in the final weeks
John Owens is the man behind the earliest Saints website, the
popular "Inchicore Saints" and the original Saints mailing list. He
successfully predicted the Saints final league position on this website as
far back as August, when there were few other backers among the so called
'experts'. He is currently the Treasurer of the Independent Saints Supporters
Club.
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