Real Ale Sociedad Squad Season 1999/00
Ewan ABEL (D) - Former regular centre-half, used just once in the 1999/00 season, making a guest "star" appearance in the 9-5 defeat against Uni Hall Tigers playing at favoured right-back position.
James BOLLIS (D) - Relatively skilful player, and an automatic choice at centre-back, where his poise and distribution is valuable. Fond of charging forward from defence to create goals. For the opposition.
Matt CATLOW (F) - One of the squad's most technically gifted players, the ball often appears to be glued to his feet. Which would explain why he can't get rid of it to pass. Has scored a couple of times in Real Ale colours, including the famous twenty-yarder which secured Real Ale their only league point ever.
Rob DUNCAN (D/M) - Tory-boy Rob has been used across midfield in his time as a Real Ale player, and also occasionally at full-back. Appearances have been limited by Middlesbrough home games, although less this season than last.
Matt ELIAS (M) - The late Matt Elias (he's not dead - just late...BOOM BOOM! Sure I've used that joke before somewhere...) is among Real Ale's most effective players, with his dynamic play from the right flank troubling opposing defences. Powerful dribbler, and scored a wonderful goal in the defeat to Uni Hall Tigers.
Nish GUNASINGHAM (D) - Reputed hard man of the Real Ale team, and doesn't pull many punches in his regular position at centre-half. Regardless of this, confesses that most of his injuries result from drunken antics. Scored an amazing bullet header in the match against TIT, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Unfortunately it was the Real Ale 'keeper.
Matt JONES (D) - His first season with Real Ale Sociedad, but has secured a regular spot at full-back. His relaxed demeanor helps to bring calmness to the rest of the defence. Whether this is a positive thing is open to debate.
Chris LOVE (G/D) - A busy post-graduate schedule has kept him from playing in some games, but made regular appearances towards the start of the season, mostly at full-back. Prefers to play in goal, which he did against Tulloch, admirably conceding just seven goals.
Andrew LYLE (M) - Important figure in midfield, traditionally a problem area for Real Ale. Also a useful goalkeeper, and has taken over between the sticks for parts of games. Real Ale's regular penalty-taker, although failed to convert any in the 1999/00 season. He did successfully score the rebound against Uni Hall, however.
Sandy MACDOWELL (D) - Real Ale veteran whose second season has been sadly limited by injury. Much like his first. Holds the club record for the Most Times Left the Park Injured, and impressively even managed to injure himself in the usually non-strenuous warm-up early in the year.
John MCKENZIE (G) - Without doubt one of the team's most important players, John's string of impressive performances were vital in giving Real Ale's scores some kind of respectability this season. Good shot-stopper, surely playing below his level. Saved a penalty in his first game against Dogs Tullochs, and was outstanding in the narrow defeat to Ba' Bags. Probably has masochistic tendencies.
Graeme SCOTLAND (M) - Surely the most vital player in the team. The link between the performances of The White-Booted One and the team's performances cannot be ignored. When Graeme plays well, Real Ale play well - thus explaining Real Ale's record so far.
Jamie SCOTLAND (F) - Self-appointed captain who leads by example. Has not missed a game in Real Ale's first two seasons. Also the club's all-time leading goalscorer, helped by the fact that he insists on playing up front by himself. Eight goals from seven actual matches in 1999/00, including a Real Ale first hat-trick against Uni Hall.
Scott YOUNG (M) - Real Ale's overseas import. Big, powerful Californian who prefers to play as an attacking midfielder, but was generally used in a more defensive role. His one and only season with St Andrews' worst team.
Andrew ZILOUF (D/M) - Lured away from 1998/99's other strugglers, New Hall Fairplay, to take his place with rivals Real Ale. Versatile, roving player, often used as a sweeper. Scored a fine goal against Uni Hall Tigers.
Back to the Real Ale Sociedad Page
Graeme Scotland