To quote his exact words, Rick wondered whether I'd fancy 'Running through the list of runners and riders…' in respect of Norwich City's Player of the Season.
That racing terminology is quite apt. If we drew comparison with, for instance, the Grand National, it's probably true to say most of our runners and riders would have been down by the time they'd reached the Canal Turn. Some hardly even started!
All we can do is hope that those still standing have enough about them to press their claims for victory and, more importantly, ensure that the Canaries remain in the Championship.
Coming to the end of another wretched season, there really aren't that many contenders to carry off the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy. As far as I'm concerned, you can narrow it down to three.
So, let's look at the form guide (Loan signings are not included):
David Marshall: Overall, he's had a pretty good season. Yes, doesn't command his penalty area as well as he should and I wish he'd bellow instructions to defenders in the way that David James does, but Marshall's proved himself an excellent shot stopper. His recent save from a Frazier Campbell header was one of the best at Carrow Road in years.
Jon Otsemobor: Some impressive early performances, but hasn't maintained that fine start. Looks a good athlete and.is quick, although on the debit side his concentration wanders and until that much-needed opener against the U's, he never looked remotely like scoring. Unlikely to win.
Adam Drury: Injured for most of the season. No chance.
Simon Lappin: A spectacular winner at Luton last season, suggested he could become a Canary regular. But as one of the infamous 'Plymouth Six,' he blotted his copybook and is unlikely to play for Norwich again. No chance.
Jason Shackell: Has played more than a 100 times for the Canaries, yet doesn't show the domination you'd expect from a now seasoned centre-half. Looks good at times, but frustratingly is also prone to what have proved costly mistakes. Despite being pretty much an ever-present, he hasn't contributed a single goal this season. Won't be in the top three.
Gary Doherty: A lot of supporters appear to have it in for him, although I believe he's been one of our best and most consistent players this season.
Yes, he gives away too many free-kicks in dangerous areas and his distribution can be suspect, but his attributes outweigh those deficiencies. Works hard; is strong in the air and has made some really crucial blocks at important times. Like Shackell, he should be adding to our goal tally and a single effort against Bury isn't good enough. Overall, a good solid season. Should be in the top three, but will the fans' resistance count against him?
Lee Croft: Has had his moments and certainly an improvement on the previous campaign, though I still feel we haven't had enough, really good 90-minute performances out of him. Doesn't take players on as much as he should, and again woeful when it comes to goal-scoring. Just one this season, although he did seem harshly-treated when the referee ruled him offside in the home game against Leicester. Not in the top three.
Luke Chadwick: Frustrated by another catalogue of injuries which have severely reduced his effectiveness. Looked lively during Glenn Roeder's first game against Ipswich and was impressive in scoring in the first win, against Coventry, but you wonder if he'll forever by blighted by setbacks at Carrow Road. No chance.
Mark Fotheringham: Given the captain's armband by Roeder and clearly a better player than he appeared under Peter Grant last season. You can't fault his enthusiasm or his hard work, although sloppy passing lets him down. Unlikely to make the top three.
Darel Russell: One of the few success stories. Never gives less than 100 per cent and has proved consistently good. His competitive streak is to be admired, even if it's gone too far on occasions. The tackle that resulted in the red card at Leicester was reckless and irresponsible, and he could have few complaints about his similar fate at Coventry.
When we needed him most he was missing and that absence might still have very grave consequences for the club. For that reason, he's not in my top three although it wouldn't surprise me if some fans took a more charitable view.
Matty Pattison: His debut against Coventry was excellent. Regrettably, he's never come close to repeating that sort of performance. Obviously we can't prejudge the outcome of his drink-driving case and there are a lot of wild rumours about his excesses. Perhaps the kindest thing to say is that it's refreshing to see a player who seems to so enjoy training!
Darren Huckerby: If this is his last season, how dreadful if it were to end in ignomy.
Beset by injury, it's been a hugely disappointing year for him. His contribution to Norwich City will never be forgotten and I just hope there's enough left in the tank to warrant another contract. Surely, we're not so blessed with talent that we can afford to ignore the likes of Huckerby? Of course, he's not the player of old but if Drury can command a four-year deal, surely he's worth at least the offer of a one-year extension?
No player of the season award this time, though.
Jamie Cureton: Where do you start? He's got some stunning goals, but think of all the ones he's missed. The Ipswich game perfectly summed up his season; one cracking finish, two awful misses. Ten league goals isn't a great return, particularly when there's virtually no scoring contribution from midfield. Little chance of winning, even if the hat-trick against his old mates may have won him some votes from relieved Canary fans.
Dion Dublin: The best is left to last. No surprise that the years are beginning to catch up with him, but what a wonderful contribution he's made in his two seasons at Carrow Road. Nobody will envy Roeder the task of trying to replace a man whose influence has been so marked on and off the pitch. You just hope some of the young blades like Martin and Spillane take a long, hard look at him and then at themselves.
Yes, there can only be one winner of the Barry Butler Trophy. Dion Dublin.
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