Player Profiles 2007/2008

Name: Gary Elliott
Position: Goalkeeper
Nicknames: Gaz
DOB:

Local lad and cousin of Swans legend Nigel Dyer. Gary played through the age groups for Storrington and also achieved representative honours through his teens. Was snapped up by Horsham where he made several Ryman League appearances before returning to the Swans to succeed Paul Smith in the first team goal at the start of the 2006/7 season. Improving and growing in confidence every game, but as yet unable to get through 90 minutes without being reduced to a painful hobble.

Name: Adam Palmer
Position: Defender
Nicknames: Palms, Choco
DOB:

The back four has invariably looked safer when this languid centre-half has been part of it in recent times; indeed a couple of seasons at Arundel in his early twenties demonstrated his ability to perform at a higher level. Fluctuating motivation has meant Palms has probably had half a dozen separate spells as a Swan since then, but unprecedented pre-season training attendance in summer ’07 shows a new ambition at last. Don’t expect to see him upfield at corners though – some defenders have visions of glory, Palms sees only an unnecessary 70 yard run to get back in position. A Bell Leisure man, we suspect he has the chairman in his pocket from Monday to Friday.

Name: Stewart Day
Position: Defender
Nicknames: Dayo
DOB:

Most Swans fans will be familiar with Stewart from his injury-interrupted 05/06 campaign at the Rec. Returned to Midhurst to have a big impact on their successful season last year, but his re-emergence is a sign of Swans ambition this time around. A real no-nonsense defender (especially in training) capable of getting on the wrong side of the officials even when not playing. His involvement in the infamous ‘teenage linesman’s shorts’ incident in 2005 is a prime example. The obvious heir to Ben Reilly’s noisy nutter throne, at 22 Dayo is showing no signs of maturity.. Good to have him back.

Name: Ben McKenzie
Position: Defender / Club Captain
Nicknames: He's too mature for that!
DOB: 12.01.1977

A cultured sweeper in the Beckenbauer mould, Ben signed in summer 2007 after an impressive campaign for Div 1 Worthing Utd the previous season. Don’t be fooled by the boy-band looks – anyone with Ferring on their list of previous clubs has clearly been around a while, and this bloke will augment the small but select band of thirty-somethings in the first team squad. Can’t be all good though, as he declares Chalaye as his inspiration and mentor. Also says he loves his country music. I’m certain that he’s serious.

Name: James Blaydon
Position: Defender
Nicknames: Blades
DOB: 29.09.1978

Former Shoreham and Steyning player signed for The Swans in the Summer of 2006. Started out in the Reserves but became a regular fixture for the first team in the final third of the season and will be hoping to cement that spot this campaign. A strong man marker and one of the fittest players at the club. Taken Paul McMichael's mantle of the fastest disappearing hairline!

Name: Tom Bradshaw
Position: Defender
Nicknames: TB, Tommo
DOB:

Former Youth Team skipper Tom stormed into the front side in October 2006, and never looked back as a series of commanding displays in the defence earned him the player of the year award. Has struggled for recognition in Swans expanded squad over the summer, but his chance will undoubtedly come. When it does, don’t expect his 5’6” frame to stop him getting the better of the divisions top forwards – which is a good job, as on the evidence of his genealogy, he ain’t going to get a lot bigger!

Name: Andy Beaumont
Position: Defender
Nicknames: Beaus
DOB:

Neat and tidy left-back who joined from Steyning in Summer 2005, and played a full part in the reserves triumphant campaign. Kicked off the following season in the first team, and though he hasn’t nailed down a regular berth as yet, ‘Mon has made several substitute appearances – and a good value bench companion he is too. I asked Peakey if perhaps he could provide a lookalike for this profile, and he came up with no less than seven!! Doc, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Happy and Dopey.

Name: James Ericson
Position: Defender / Midfielder
Nicknames: Ez, Gollum
DOB: 13.04.1978

Ez initially arrived in June 2007 as a right-sided midfielder, but with a great engine and two good feet he will be invaluable in pretty much any position. Key member of the successful Revenue & Azzurri sides in Worthing in recent years, and will be keen for more success at the Rec. In a recent interview, the great Pele stated his claim to fame as the time he shook Ez’s hand. And it has to be said, Storrington needs another Spurs fan like a fish needs a bicycle!

Name: Andy Cassell
Position: Defender / Midfielder
Nicknames: AC, Castle
DOB:

Name: Duncan McLeod
Position: Midfielder
Nicknames: Dunc
DOB:

A 3rd XI match winner for 3 seasons, Dunc enjoyed a meteoric rise through the Swans ranks as the new management team appreciated his neat and tidy style, and was in the first team squad as the 07/08 season began. Started as a youngster at Lewes before heading back up to chilly Jockoland. At least that’s what I think he said when I asked him about his footy career – to be honest, for all I understood, he might have said he spent the last 2 decades as an acrobat in a travelling circus.

Name: Kristian Bridle
Position: Midfielder
Nicknames: Bridle
DOB: 14.12.1978

Former Brighton youth player Kris returned for his latest spell at the club as a reserve player during the 2005/2006 season and was instrumental in their Reserve section cup victory and second place finish in the league. Made an overdue return to the front side the following season, but suffered as much as anyone in the off-field wrangles that hampered Swans campaign. A highly skilful playmaker in the centre of the park with a good engine, the stage is now set for Kris to have the sort of season he is so clearly capable of. Andy O'Brien still gets a game in the Premiership because managers mistake him for Kris.

Name: Aaron Meehan
Position: Midfielder
Nicknames: Az, Meehan
DOB:

All action midfield man set to become the Stevie Gerrard of the County League, Swans are delighted to have 20-year-old Aaron after he impressed with Div 1 Wick last term. Youth team players are advised against bringing their girlfriends to club nights though, as this monster loves the Karma Sutra, names Ron Jeremy as his hero, and I’ll leave you to guess what he put for ‘position’ on his player profile form. Clearly has a sensitive side too – naming ‘Spice World’ as his favourite film. Bless.

Name: Richard Ayres
Position: Midfielder / Winger
Nicknames: Ayresy
DOB: 03.03.1984

Former Horsham youth-teamer who broke into the front side on his return from university in 2006. More than a year on, he is still struggling to give up his lazy student ways, you know, sky sports news all day long and snakebite for breakfast, that sort of thing. Rich is a mercurial talent, who is sometimes anonymous, but is capable of changing a game in a jiffy, and has a real eye for goal. Similarly Jekyll & Hyde off the field - largely quiet, until some foolhardy soul passes a lager in his direction....

Name: John Rhodie
Position: Midfielder / Winger
Nicknames:
DOB:

Name: Neil Alexander
Position: Midfielder / Forward
Nicknames: Giraffe, Craig
DOB:

Affectionately known as Giraffe (you’ll understand when you see him play), Neil is a terrific all round athlete with the ability to play in a number of positions. Central midfield probably gives him the best possible scope to unleash his range of accurate long passes to himself. An entertaining character, sadly he may be unavailable for midweek games as he lives in Bournemouth – poor attitude.

Name: Sam Witherden
Position: Winger / Forward
Nicknames: Sammy, Smithers
DOB: 20.05.1984

Sam’s played at right-back for the reserves and up-front in the first team, but his pace and eye for goal when bursting through from midfield probably make this his best position. Certainly that was where he caught the eye in a struggling Upper Beeding side before switching to the Rec in summer 2005. Used as a substitute mostly since then, when his speed and directness have been most effective, he will be hoping for a run of starts to fulfil his obvious potential in 2007/08. He wears big pink jumpers, once sported a badger hair style and has been known to come to training having forgotten his entire kit. Will join the small band of married Swans in August '07.

Name: Craig Grantham
Position: Forward
Nicknames: Granths, Neil
DOB:

Another big forward who looks every inch a long-term successor for Griff in the number 9 shirt. Enjoyed a decent 2006/07 campaign with Div 3 Loxwood, and has taken the step up in his ample stride - his impact has been such that he is already one of the first names on the teamsheet. Good touch and awareness for a young lad, his only shortcoming appears to be a fondness for evening-wear that wouldn't fit a 10-year-old.