Bo'ness United F.C. Squad 1999/00

BO'NESS UNITED SQUAD SEASON 1999/00

Goalkeepers
Neil BINNIE
Regular number one, and a first rate shot-stopper. Unfortunately prone to the occasional error in the air, but more than makes up for this with some astounding saves, and an excellent record against penalties which has rescued Bo'ness United in more than the odd cup tie. Also comfortable with the ball at his feet, and even managed a goal in 1998/99 in a Fife and Lothians Cup tie at Stoneyburn.

Greg MITCHELL
Reserve goalkeeper who has seen limited action. Most often used in friendlies but, importantly, had to come off the bench to play his part in fending off a Scottish Cup fight-back at Glasgow Perthshire after Neil Binnie's controversial dismissal.

Defenders
Derek GRANT
Formerly a mainstay of the central defence, but in recent times has shown his value to the club as a versatile utility man. His strength, especially in the air, means that he still sees most of his playing time at the back, but has also been used in attack and midfield.

Eddie HALFORD
Experienced and reliable player used on the left side, previously as a midfielder, but more recently as a full- or wing-back. Usually solid, if unspectacular, but has scored some goals in his time and takes responsibility for some set-pieces.

Kevin HOGGAN
Veteran central defender or sometime midfield anchor, elected Players' Player of the Year in 1998/99.

Kevin McCAVANAGH
The Ulsterman is the nearest thing the BUs have to an exotic foreign import, although most of his time is now spent on the bench. Nevertheless, he is a highly committed player and strong in the challenge, even if his passing skills are less than perfect. Has been used at centre-half and full-back.

Gary SMITH
Powerful right back acquired from Camelon who has easily fitted into the first team. Solid in the tackle, but perhaps at his best surging forward on the flank, from where he has shown the ability to supply useful crosses and some dangerous shots.

Derek YATES
The central defender is arguably Bo'ness United's best current player, and a sure starter when fit. Had a sensational 1998/99 season, weighing in with countless perfect saving challenges, and is also a tough customer to get the better off in the air. Mistakes are very rare, and even gets forward to score the occasional goal himself.

Midfielders
John BLACK
Talented winger who boasts probably the best dribbling skills in the squad. Perhaps only a lack of pace has kept him from senior football, but the deal to take him to Bo'ness from Bonnybridge in exchange for Iain Stewart (and presumably some cash) looks a sound one.

Darryl DREW
A fireman by profession, it's no surprise that the little midfield battler is as tenacious as he is. Excellent ball winner who is popular with the fans and has even developed a tendency to score spectacular goals of late. Anything he lacks in technical ability is compensated for by 110% committment.

Brian KEMP
One of the team's hardmen, with good ball-winning skills and spreads the play well, although his passing perhaps lacks incisiveness. Has also shown versatility and fits in well in central defence as well as central midfield. Manager John Sludden may be envisaging a future for him at centre half.

Davie KING
Not a certain starter, but is probably one of the most technically gifted players at the club presently. His major problem - that he doesn't always appear to be on the save wavelength as his team-mates - can hopefully be remedied with time. If so, he could make a valuable playmaker.

Jamie LONEY
Useful winger and a good dribbler who appears to have settled more into junior football after a difficult start. Inconsistency is his main flaw, but will be remembered as the man whose hat-trick against Arniston in the last game of the 1998/99 league campaign spared Bo'ness from relegation.

Darren SWANSON
Central midfielder used sparingly by manager Sludden. Although possessing decent ball skills, he lacks bite and tends to fade out of games for long periods.

Dougie TODD
The reformed Black Bitch missed much of the 1998/99 campaign through injury, but is a useful addition in centre or right midfield when fit. Scores a few goals, but is often at his best supplying the ball from set pieces or with crosses from the byeline.

Forwards
Stevie BRYCE
Gifted forward who can finish and create, but has unfortunately not been at his best since injury disrupted his 1998/99 season. Still shows flashes of brilliance, and BUs fans will be hopeful that his once lethal partnership with centre forward Paul McKinlay can be restored.

Jimmy BURNS
A tremendous servant to Bo'ness United who holds the all-time club record for goals scored, with well over a hundred to his name in blue and white. Tricky dribbler who has been given another chance to impress due to injuries in the front line.

Paul McKINLAY
One of junior football's most prolific finishers of the late 1990s, the big centre forward managed three straight seasons with over 30 goals in Bo'ness colours. Injury and a transfer holdout have ruined his 1999/00 season, but he should return with his remarkable finishing skills intact. Possibly only an unathletic physique has kept him from the senior game.

John SLUDDEN
The ex-Celtic man is Bo'ness United's player-manager but rarely selects himself from the start. Suffers now from a lack of pace and fitness, but still has some nice touches to offer coming off the bench.

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