Our defence have had a pretty good season.
Despite a season of struggle, with four games to go we have conceded just 58 goals at an average of 1.38 per game.
We have already kept 13 clean sheets in the league this season, compared with just 7 last season and 17 when we made the play-offs in 2006/2007.
Here, we give our verdict and season rating out of 5 for each player featured in the site poll for Defensive Player of the Season.
Rating Key :
1. Your future lies away from Huish Park.
2. Must Improve.
3. Could do better.
4. More of the same please.
5. Great Season, hope you don’t get sold in the Summer.
Click the player name to view his season and Yeovil career stats.
Goalkeepers :
Asmir Begovic (4) (Loaned from Portsmouth)
Asmir finished his loan spell with us just as he was beginning to show real promise. Certainly has a future in the game, but will probably benefit from more first team football than he is getting at Pompey.
Joshua Wagenaar (3)
Josh has had a bit of a mixed bag. He has proved himself to be an excellent shot stopper on his day. Remember Charlton? However his all round game isn’t ideal. His kicking definitely needs work as does his ability to collect crosses that come into our box. Could leave in the Summer.
Chris Weale (5) (Loaned from Bristol City)
I got it wrong. When it was revelaed that we would sign Wealey as cover for Josh following his sending off at Brighton, I was not pleased. He has come back a much better keeper than when he left, he has given the defence confidence and we look a better team with him between the sticks. Out of contract in the Summer, he will be top of Skiverton’s shopping list.
Defenders :
Craig Alcock (4)
Most improved player. Another of whom I am not the greatest fan but he has adjusted from in my opinion looking like a non-league player last year to a solid league 1 player this year. His defensive play has been good, but he really does need to work on his distribution, as long aimless balls forward do not cut it in this division.
Danny Hutchins (4) (Loaned from Tottenham)
Obviously Danny has only been here a short period, but his impact has generally been under-rated with the other Spurs boys taking the plaudits. Danny reads the game extremely well and his advantage over Alcock is his passing play. Expected to leave Spurs in the Summer, he would be available on a free. Should be on Skiverton’s list but will he drop into League 1 permanently?
Terrell Forbes (4)
Measuring his performance on a graph would produce a perfect U. He started the season well, fell away mid-season and since being given the captaincy following Skiverton’s promotion is playing the best he has done in a Yeovil shirt. Could move back towards London in the summer to be with his young family. If he can produce as he has done in recent weeks, he will be a good addition to any league one side, hopefully ours.
Lee Peltier (5)
Quite possibly the player of the season. Has been nothing short of outstanding since the turn of the year and especially since his move to centre back. I expect him to be playing in the Championship next year, Skiverton faces a tough task to replace him if he does leave. He just needs to learn when to walk away rather that needlessly get himself booked by arguing with the ref.
Terry Skiverton (2)
Has taken a back seat role in playing terms which I believe is a good thing, as it means he can concentrate on managing. Not sure he would get into the side at the moment anyway. Past his best, as Becchio showed early in the season, though can still beat anyone in the air. Will probably play a bit-part role on the pitch again next season.
Aaron Brown (3)
Has been on a week to week since his arrival. Although a bit of a fans favourite, whether he is at Huish Park next season could depend on the budget available to the boss. There will be plenty of better alternatives, though he would be a good option as a back up central defender, pretty much as he is now. Is a threat in the air going forward and is able to contain target men. However, he worries me when the ball is on the floor and or a striker is running at him with the ball.
Nathan Smith (3)
Many of us weren’t expecting Nathan to stay for the entire season, such is his potential. He was first class at the beginning of the year, but seemed to lose his way. Is a great talent, strong, quick and powerful. Great going forward, but needs to learn when not to drift too far up or in-field. Reminds me of Amankwaah, but is a better defender, times every tackle near on perfectly.
Nathan Jones (3)
Despite nearly picking up his pension, the newly appointed assistant manager is still one the fittest at the club. Like Skivo may well take more of a back seat role next season. My biggest hope is that he can work with the squad pre-season and really get them into shape. Being able to close down, move and sprint for the entire 90 minutes could make a huge difference to next season for us.
Do you agree with my verdict? Tell us by leaving an article comment and by voting in the site poll.
