Bo'ness United F.C. Squad

BO'NESS UNITED SQUAD

*** Squad changes for 2000/1: Jimmy Burns retires; Kevin Hoggan "retires", before signing for Camelon; Dougie Todd signs for SFL Third Division club East Stirlingshire; Eddie Halford leaves for Shotts of the Central League; Darren Swanson leaves due to work committments.

Goalkeepers
Neil BINNIE (right)

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. He has, however, been tested in pressure situations, having to replace Binnie following his red card in a 3-2 Scottish Junior Cup win at Glasgow Perthshire, and starting in the 2-1 East of Scotland Cup Final defeat in May 2000 against Linlithgow.

Defenders
Colin INGLIS
Experienced, vocal centre back with considerable physical strength. Prone to the occasional error - particularly with errant pass-backs - but can be impressive and hard to beat on his day.

Davie KING (right)
Formerly preferred in midfield by manager John Sludden, but now a regular starter at left-back since the departure of Eddie Halford. Not, perhaps, the most natural defender, but is good with the ball at his feet and poses a threat going forward.

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 (right)
Talented right winger who boasts probably the best dribbling skills in the squad. More pace would make him a real handful for opposing left-backs. Links up well with full-back Gary Smith down the right flank.

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 even scores the occasional spectacular goal. Anything he lacks in technical ability is compensated for by 110% committment.

Greig HODGE
Now back in the fold after an injury lay-off of over two years. Perhaps the most technically gifted player at the club, with the passing, vision and skill to make an excellent play-maker at junior level.

Kevin INGLIS
Excellent young midfielder, formerly at English Premiership club Ispwich Town where he progressed as far as the second team. Cousin of defender Colin. Blessed with good technique, vision and normally accurate passing, and gets forward enough to grab his fair share of the goals.

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 gained experience playing in defence, although a lack of height does not make him an obvious centre-back. His gritty performances means he picks up his share of cards.

Jamie LONEY (right)
Useful winger and a good dribbler who appears to have settled more into junior football after a difficult start. He has a tendency to drift out of games, 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.

Dale RYAN
Young left-sided midfield player capable of beating players down the flank and delivering good balls for the forwards. Can also score goals when given the opportunity.

Forwards
Sean IRVINE
Young player brought to Bo'ness from Fauldhouse who shows some promise. Has impressed with his nice touches, dribbling ability and enthusiasm.

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. Suffered a broken leg which ruined his 1999/00 season, but is now back scoring goals with his often audacious skills very much intact. Surely would have played at senior level but for an unathletic physique.

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.

Alan WARD
Young forward who took some time to get on the scoresheet after joining the club, but has since proven himself a capable taker of opportunities. Links up well with other players, but lack of aerial strength means he is not ideal for the role of target-man.

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