Jolly Season!

'Tis the season to be jolly', at least that's what they tell us, but I doubt if the United Physio would agree. Now I do realise I'm stretching things a wee bit here, I'm not just alluding (I hope you appreciate that word, I heard Raymond Kennedy say it), to the Christmas season, but to the 'football season' which began way back on August 9, or would have done if the referee's hadn't went on strike. First it was Craig McClean with a leg injury which took two months to clear up and then he stood on broken glass and is only getting back to fitness now, but will need another couple of reserve games before he can challenge for a first team place. Then it was Albert's turn with a nasty looking injury that turned out not to be as bad as first thought and he returned fairly quickly. But it was only a slight reprieve for the Sandy Row man as he suffered a nasty gash at the feet of Dungannon's Timmy Adamson on November 15 and has only resumed light training and is at least 4 weeks away from challenging for a place. The third player to be 'jinxed' was leading goalscorer Neal Teggart, he suffered a stomach injury and hasn't played since the Dungannon game either and subject to the result of a scan carried out yesterday could be out for the rest of the season. Everything, as they say always happens in threes, but there's more, big Gary Haveron, the man who epitomises United's fighting spirit, with his 'never say die' attitude and his leadership on the park, suffered a broken shin bone ten days ago in a game against Bangor. This was probably the 'cruellest' blow of all, as there were only a few minutes left in the game and the 'big man' was about to be substituted when fate struck the crucial blow, we will miss him dearly over the next couple of months. On the bright side (yes there is a bright side) manager Roy Walker continues to unleash young talent into the 'hurly burly' of the Irish league. Firstly it was Archie Stewart, coming into the back four to cement a place, after starring for the reserve team last season, then it was Lee Colligan, another star in our reserve team last season and now it is young Ryan Deans, who scored the crucial first goal at the Oval last Saturday. He also managed to get two goals out of Mike Ward, whom I thought was going to be added to the long list of failures who have failed to fulfil their promise over the years. Our keeper Alan Blayney, after a poor start has proved he is top drawer, while Gavin McDonnell has in the last few games been outstanding. Aiden Watson slotted into the rightback slot as if he had played there all his days, while Tommy Wray has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few games. Stuarty King or should I say the much maligned Stuarty King has got a new lease of life and rightfully took the Captain's armband last week. Upfront the revitalised Kevin Kelbie, despite his health problems (diabetic), continues to lead the Sky Blue line and has pledged himself to the United cause only recently. While Gavin Melaugh is starting to rediscover his form, so maybe after all it is the 'season to be jolly' all I can say is, bring on the Coleraine scum! Merry Christmas from all at Sky Blue Sport and 'come on Sky Blues' let's shag them all!