Transcript
Killian Ginnity: We wish you a merry Christmas, and I'm just kidding. I hope yous are all full of whatever you can get into you, be it food, beer, fizzies, or sweets. Happy Christmas, merry holidays, and all that good stuff. Not a pun that is here to keep you warm on this winter night between Christmas and New Year's. I'm delighted to be joined as ever by the classic crew of marauders, that is the Kris Kringle himself, Conor Glennon, and the eggnog Nathan Byrne. Gentlemen, how are we doing this festive season?
Conor Glennon: Happy Christmas, boys. have I'll get get it done nice and early. Happy Christmas. Great intro, Killian. And ah nothing like a bit of football this time of year, eh?
Nate: Yes and for me Santa's been very good to me so um'm um'm I'm over the moonlads ready to get into the new year and everything that that awaits us.
Killian Ginnity: im I am a little bit disappointed by the lack of Christmas jumpers. I am representing the Christmas tree. We have red or whatever, but it's not an ugly Christmas jumper. um Basically, how this episode is going to take place is we're going to look over the calendar year that was 2024 in the year of our Lord.
Killian Ginnity: And we're going to be looking at the team of the year.
Conor Glennon: like
Killian Ginnity: That is the 11. best players from the Premier League that we think. It's going to be very Premier League heavy. and We're going to look at the flop of the year and the howler of the year, which sounds similar but they're very distinct. We're going to be looking at the surprise of the year, the player of the year and the manager of the year. Gentlemen, are you's lock, stock and two loaded barrels ready for this?
Conor Glennon: i think I think there's going to be a few little fisticuffs on this one.
Nate: we are.
Conor Glennon: um I think especially from the red contingent over there, but ah we we shall see.
Nate: no, no, every very dame over here, every dame.
Killian Ginnity: Right, lads, I think we're going to kick off with the team of the year. that's I think it's going to be the body of this not to to belabor the point too much. and We're going to go for a four tree tree. We're not going to go for, well, we could actually line them out in a nice Christmas tree formation yeah if you kind of ah keep the wingers very so centered and have a proper ah top man up front, which I think in my formation could actually work. um Connor.
Killian Ginnity: Goalkeeper who stood out to you this calendar year?
Conor Glennon: um so I'm kind of stuck between two names and when I when i was looking at this and you know ah ah as a joke earlier on I think the red contingent might be too happy overall at my squad but I think onana for sure is in the conversation for this one I think he's been in a tough situation with United where they've had an at lackluster defense in front of him, and he's had a lot of shots to to take on. um I think if I find a B option in there, I think this side, ah like this latter side of the year, Matt Sells has been phenomenal and for Forrest. And I know Forrest have had the most shots on them this season or up there at least. um So for me, I think he's done a magnificent job to to cap and the ship and keep them far higher than they arguably deserve to be. What are you saying, boys?
Nate: m I'm thinking queuing Calla Hurlas.
Conor Glennon: I knew someone was going to throw them in there.
Nate: I think Hurlas has been nothing short of amazing for Liverpool. I think he's came in not only doing the job but I think he's done even better than everyone thought he would and you know we go on about game time this and that over the last year he has played he has played the a lot of games and I think based on his performance and and what he's done I think he's definitely a shout for me I'm a goalkeeper that's impressed me this year.
Conor Glennon: I think, I think if we don't go with them as the goalkeeper, i I would definitely, if there was an award for most impactful goalkeeper this year, he'd be right at the top of that list.
Killian Ginnity: Ironically, he gets benched. on our team of the year more than likely.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: That is just delicious. I went for a different name altogether.
Conor Glennon: Okay.
Killian Ginnity: um i think I think his performance has kind of gone under the radar, but there was little expected from him last year. He may not be the best this season, but I think he's been very good.
Killian Ginnity: I think any faults are less his, and more his teams. And I think he's, oh by my account anyway, he's over performed. ah than what was expected, which is Vicario for Tottenham.
Nate: That's a good one.
Killian Ginnity: Like, I don't think he's had an error that led to a goal.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: So while he's conceded a good few, it wasn't him. And he's faced a lot more shots than you'd expect a Tottenham goalkeeper to have. um I think he has something like a one in five clean sheet rate, and which for how pep, I don't know, pep, Ange is, yeah, Freudian slip.
Conor Glennon: And.
Killian Ginnity: um But like, When you're that really front foot team that is like wheel out score rather than building a a really, really solid defense, I think he, you if nothing else really deserves a shout out for like his value, kind of like Kelleher, his value of what somebody would pay for him isn't actually just reflected in in in his transfer of value, you know?
Nate: reflective a little bit.
Nate: He unfortunately, he unfortunately just broke his ankle as well.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, I think he's over -performed for sure.
Nate: Did you see that? He his ankle and he played 20 minutes of the recent game.
Killian Ginnity: Wow. Yeah. ah So lads, we do have to get a consensus on this team. I did forget to mention that at the top. We do have to agree.
Nate: Oh.
Killian Ginnity: So who are we saying?
Nate: Oh God.
Conor Glennon: I do like the whole process with the carrier. For me, I'm not just doing it to be funny. I don't think Kelleher is the starting guy. I do think he's been incredible in the minutes that he's had this year. So he he can definitely take our bench. ah For me, it'd be between the carrier and sales.
Killian Ginnity: I do think GoNana is is worth worth the shout as well. like Even if you look at his f FPL, I think he's one of the top scoring.
Conor Glennon: See, oh and it's one of those ones that his his price would be reflective of how he is playing.
Nate: Well, I'm gonna put it down.
Conor Glennon: Well, that's what I like about cells and Vicario, you know, they're overperforming.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: I'm going on Anna.
Conor Glennon: Okay.
Killian Ginnity: I'd be happy to GoNana, so Connor, unless you want cells.
Conor Glennon: No, I mean, the two of them were there. I think if the general consensus are on Anna, I think we stick with on Anna.
Killian Ginnity: I think it's just down to like, he's Manchester United would have been worse off this calendar year without him.
Nate: Oh, I want to do something.
Killian Ginnity: Like if, if we were including this beginning of last season, he wouldn't be in a running, but I think he kind of came into things at the end of last season and he's kind of continued it on into this year to be a solid, if not, uh, exceptional goalkeeper.
Killian Ginnity: Um, right back Nate.
Nate: and For a right back, I am going to go with Trent Alexander.
Killian Ginnity: Oop.
Conor Glennon: Makes two of us.
Nate: I think it's just it's a bit of a no -brainer. He's came in, he's like he's an exceptional player. He's a world -class footballer. Don't put him and they near midfield ever again. He's he's a right back, Drew and Drew. He's the best right back in the family.
Killian Ginnity: i
Conor Glennon: i have to I have to agree with you. like it's it's it's His vision, his deliveries, arguably one of the best passers. if I definitely put him in the top three passers of the ball in the Premier League. Real Madrid are sniffing around him. Who knows where that's going to go. There's been, you know over the last couple of months, videos leaking out of of him doing videos around the city and people thinking it's a new contract renewal. We shall see. But ah no, I think it's it's an absolute lock for me. But what what are you saying? any any Any fighting you for that right back position, Killian?
Killian Ginnity: I think Pedro Porro has been fantastic. like I think he's really... like not no I just realised that's two Tottenham picks in a row um and Tottenham haven't necessarily been gangbusters at all this year, but ah I think he he he ended the season well and he started this one well. um like One thing I'd say against Trent is like since Slott came in, he's not creating in the same way that he was under Klopp. I don't think he particularly has that many assists this year.
Conor Glennon: I think defensively he's got better though, which sounds stupid.
Killian Ginnity: and Yeah, like I think he's playing more of a part in the system rather than being like, getting the stats to kind of be able to kind of go, yeah, well, here's the GA for this this match.
Conor Glennon: You know what I mean?
Killian Ginnity: um I think he's very good. a I don't know. if If I was buying a player right now, I'd quicker choose Pedro Porro over Trent, because I think Porro is more of a traditional wingback.
Killian Ginnity: It's two against one. like I would still go for Poirot, but...
Conor Glennon: Parro was my big option for right back. so like it's it's it's one of those ones i just if ah i'm I'm amazed we've got a Man United fan to agree on a Liverpool player this early on.
Conor Glennon: and and so I think with with that we'll we'll we'll stick his name on the list.
Killian Ginnity: Center back, Connor.
Conor Glennon: um okay so kind of Obviously we've got two centre backs in our system here.
Killian Ginnity: yeah
Conor Glennon: um
Killian Ginnity: Are we going to go two at a time or are we going to go one each first?
Nate: What are you sharing?
Conor Glennon: Let's go one each. and I think the first one for me is Virgil van Dijk.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: I know he's been you know not exactly what has been expected of him compared to previous years, and he's obviously in a contract year, which brings its own pressures, but I do think overall he's still, like we've said a million times, as part of you designed a centre back in a lab, he's your man.
Conor Glennon: um and I put it this way. If someone said you can put one center back in your team to to save your life, it's he's he's he's up there for me. I don't know about you boys. so
Nate: um My one would be William Saliba. Exceptional player, profile, unreal, young. really talented. I think he's really came into the house on team. I think he's a leader now. and Yeah, he's to me, he's a centre -back I'd want going into the future. is um he's He's very dare I bring up a United reference, Ranesque I think in his build. But in terms of a centre -back that I'd want for years to come would be him and I think he's been exceptional.
Killian Ginnity: Why do you both pick my two picks? I'll just say that just so we can move move on.
Nate: Well, Virgil was my other pick as well, but I saw.
Conor Glennon: Okay.
Killian Ginnity: Connor, who is your other Senderback?
Conor Glennon: So it sounds like a Liverpool loving at the moment, but, uh, my big option was Kanata because I think this side of the year, he's, he's been very impressive. Maybe it's just my FPL bias of him doing good points for me.
Conor Glennon: But the, the one standard actually outside of the usual suspects would be Nicola Malinkovich. I think has been very, very good. and Again, that kind of his market value may not reflect how good he's performing, but I feel like it's it's a bit of a Liverpool love in and I'm going to get edged out on these two centre bikes.
Killian Ginnity: I just think that Saliba and Van Dyck, however boring it is, they're both roles, roles, voices of players.
Nate: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Like they're just so good on the ball. They're defensively sound, very, very intelligent. and they're both kind of ah opposite ends of the ah the potential and ah current abilities if you want to use kind of gaming terms and one on the up and one on the come down but like if imagine having them two in your team you'd be
Conor Glennon: Well, I think I think you're exactly right with that.
Killian Ginnity: and
Conor Glennon: Like, I mean, and then the the job that Salim has been able to do in the time that he's been in that Arsenal team is nothing short of of um incredible. And like you said, he really is the second coming of of Virgil, I think.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, I think, unless you're gonna put up a fight, I think there are two picks.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, no, it's it's yeah absolutely like, ah but I think notable shout out to Milinkovich solid season, and ah but ah yeah, you ain't getting past those two boys.
Nate: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: At left back, um just so that Liverpool fans know, I did consider Andy Robertson. and robertson um I didn't go with him, but I i did i did i think he's been good.
Killian Ginnity: I think he's very good, but um I just couldn't see past Gardial at City. like he Like, what a player!
Conor Glennon: I mean, for me, like could you know, it's it's one of those years where normally when you're picking, you know, center backs and wing backs for team of the year, there's not any one player that you're like, this could be a Ballon d 'Or level player. And, you know, I know defenders are never really gonna get to that level, but you look at Trent, if he won the Ballon d 'Or, it wouldn't be a surprise. You look at Virgil,
Conor Glennon: wouldn't be a surprise. Saliba wouldn't be surprising. Guevardio fits in there perfectly, too. I think all four of those players have reinvented the positions that they're playing. And maybe that's down to the pep style of football over the last couple of years, bringing bringing that in. Maybe at the last decade of pep. But there you look at, not ragging on Gary Neville, I think he was incredible in his time. But like you look at that caliber of a player versus the caliber of a player we're talking right now, it's chalk and cheese.
Nate: I think I lose this one, lads. My left back, I didn't actually choose a traditional left back. It was more a player that I think deserves to be in the team and couldn't fit into the two centre back spots.
Nate: It would be Gabrielle from Arsenal. I think we're a player that's come in and been
Killian Ginnity: Fair.
Nate: not been a standout name, it wasn't a standout sign and for what he's become to that team I think he's he's indispensable to them and I think they've got such a good partnership at the back but he's just under saliva but to me he's one that I couldn't left leave out of my squad so he would be he would be my left back.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, he kind of reminds me of um when Kanate first arrived at Liverpool and he wasn't quite there yet when Matip was like but Van Dyke got that bad injury and then Matip just was a standout, but not a standout as well.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: He was amazing, but it wasn't quite getting the flowers. I think Gabriel is got kind of like that now for Arsenal. The really, really solid partner at the start.
Conor Glennon: I think I think Gabriel and Saliba are kind of Arsenal's version of Ferdinand and Vidic, where just two absolute, you know, strong, they they're, they're almost telepathic in their movements with each other.
Conor Glennon: And they they just give and go as defenders. And again, they play attacking football for defenders that we haven't seen in that really ever before so yeah no they're two sensational players but but for me it could already all just edges it yes
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, um and just one other quick shout out in terms of defenders in general is Christian Romero has been very, very good for Tottenham. I think that's that's worth saying. and The midfield, I think this is where we could start to get a little bit feisty as it's it's it's a packed area.
Killian Ginnity: um I think there is
Conor Glennon: are but Are we are we calling Salah midfielder or like we do in FPL?
Killian Ginnity: i take I think fit them fit them in wherever you want.
Conor Glennon: Oh Okay
Killian Ginnity: and If the player comes up and you have them them in a different position, we can say that. And then that's where you can weigh up whether or not it's worth putting them in in that position or not and potentially losing out on them.
Killian Ginnity: So this is where your debating skills really come into it. I think there's one name though that we can all probably agree on. and He did win the ball on door and that's Roger. Or am I wrong in saying that?
Conor Glennon: Funnily enough, I feel like an absolute lunatic that he actually isn't on my list and I think it's just out of recency bias of the injury, put him out of my head.
Nate: one
Conor Glennon: Yeah, there is absolutely, there is no world in which he is not in this team. He is a lock. End of the discussion. One position gone.
Killian Ginnity: one position down, Nate. Nate, your first midfielder for the two remaining spots.
Nate: and
Nate: Besides, Roger, Jesus, I'm feeling like a bit of an asshole fanboy here. My next one would be older guard.
Killian Ginnity: Hmm.
Nate: I think he's such an intelligent and smart player. To be honest, there's not many footballers out there like him. I think what he brings on the pitch is quite unique.
Nate: you know, he can really turn defence into attack like that. Like, not Kevin De Bruyne -esque, but along the same lines. and And to me, he's just been vital to the Arsenal team, so he he would get my pick in midfield.
Conor Glennon: Also, from a leadership perspective, he's really taken that Arsenal dressing room and and and brought them together, which ah hasn't been the easiest of tasks over previous years. You know, the for me, the Odegaard part of my list here was was ah kind of a Gravenberge, Kaiseido and Odegaard in this kind of trio of pick one. And for me, Odegaard, although the other two players have performed very strongly this year, I think you're right, Nate. Odegaard, for me, what about what about you, Killian?
Conor Glennon: or Try pivot me off it if you can.
Killian Ginnity: um I'd be happy enough with Odegard.
Conor Glennon: But.
Killian Ginnity: I think it's Odegard or Rice.
Conor Glennon: OK.
Killian Ginnity: and
Nate: Rice is my other one, so like I'm just going to go get my Rice New Jersey now. yeah
Killian Ginnity: yeah like I think i either or. um like ah I think Gravenburch and Cassido is recency bias.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: I think that's more this season than it was last.
Conor Glennon: yeah
Killian Ginnity: Obviously Gravenburch. But like, I'd be happy for one or the other. um I don't think both.
Nate: you don't think about where i sanded out again
Killian Ginnity: and I would i I don't think both of them, um and I would have Rice over Odegard. I think he was a lot more impactful to that team.
Killian Ginnity: Like it wasn't until Rice, like when Rice plays bad, Arsenal plays badly. When Rice plays good, Arsenal plays good. When Odegard plays, yeah, when Odegard plays badly, Arsenal can still play good.
Conor Glennon: He's their ro - he's their roger -y, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: When Odegard plays good, Arsenal can play amazing. And I think that's the difference. It's like, it's like the drummer in a band, a really good drummer can make a band amazing, but a really average drummer can make a great band average or bad. And I think Rice is the player that makes you from being like a top four team into a title contender.
Nate: I think in my struggle to get me to move on both of them, I think they're mild personal locks.
Conor Glennon: For me, so I'm in, so my my flat three with Rodry in the mix of this was gonna be See then, yeah, because when we get into the the wingers is where it, that's where it gets tricky.
Nate: But I'm happy for you to to pay the debt.
Nate: I think Saka would, for me, Saka would be a writer if we're up to
Conor Glennon: Because ah say, for example, Salah would be a winger, Emwaino winger, Palmer is in that discussion too. It's it's one of those, like I think, are we looking at this as trying to fit in the best players of the season or the best players in those in those positions?
Killian Ginnity: I think best players of the of the year. I'd happier play a play play a player out of position if they deserve to be in the team rather than try and force.
Conor Glennon: Because where where i where I think Sacket.
Nate: i think the difference though is you wouldn't see sack at that deep on the bench so i'd struggle to put him in a very spot do you know where i'd i'd easier see easier see um call palmer further back than sack do you know what i mean
Conor Glennon: Yeah, yeah, that's fair.
Killian Ginnity: the that's where
Killian Ginnity: but see Speaking of, that's what I did. Because the way I saw it, I had two pivot players in Rogerie and Rice, which Cole Palmore playing as an an attack of center midfield.
Conor Glennon: Going for your Christmas tree.
Killian Ginnity: Going for more of the Christmas tree vibe.
Nate: I'll have to be forgot Kobe Maino as well, do you know what I mean?
Conor Glennon: I, I, okay.
Killian Ginnity: Did we? Did we forget?
Conor Glennon: Let's I think we've got Rodry. We're saying, are we saying Odegard Arise?
Killian Ginnity: I'm saying Rice.
Nate: I'm saying... Is it, do I only get...
Conor Glennon: You're not getting both of them.
Nate: Okay, I would want, I would've got it, please.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, I'm going to go with you on that one. And then
Killian Ginnity: Oh.
Conor Glennon: That other mid, are we now saying, is co -pama?
Nate: more little
Killian Ginnity: I think so. i That's where I had Palmer.
Nate: I'd probably throw it off.
Conor Glennon: See, where you would have pama, I think I didn't blame him. On the right wing.
Nate: I don't have it by now.
Killian Ginnity: So basically, the the argument then becomes, to get do we want Palmer in this position or do we argue about him being in the team later on?
Conor Glennon: I.
Killian Ginnity: And I would rather have him in it than not considering the impact that he had this season.
Conor Glennon: i
Killian Ginnity: And I think him playing an attack in midfield is absolutely fine.
Nate: Yeah.
Conor Glennon: So so we're going with Rodry Odegard.
Killian Ginnity: Palmer.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, OK.
Killian Ginnity: Cool. ah Connor, right wing.
Conor Glennon: and but know um I think his impact not only ah for every person in fantasy football that I feel like everyone has him at this point. and Again, just as played out of his skin, Brentford, our fantastic team, but his level is far higher than that. I expect to move out of him fairly soon for for decent money too. I think it's from a goals perspective, from an assists perspective, just from the, I suppose, if you look at his heat map from games, the his ability to get around the pitch. And ah eat I think also as well, there's no controversy around him, really. He just gets on the pitch, does his job, and you don't really hear much outside that. So I know the controversy part isn't isn't much of it. I think it just plays into the character of a player. But for me, ah I'd be hard pressed to to push him out of there. But I'm sure you you guys might pivot me out. Who who are you saying, Killian?
Killian Ginnity: I'm not sure if it's on the right side or not, but um I think he definitely is worth a shout out, is Eze.
Conor Glennon: yep Yep.
Killian Ginnity: Up until Palace's wobble, um I think he's been very, very good. um I don't know if I'd have him on my team, but I think he's worth a shout out.
Conor Glennon: Honorable mention, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Jared Bowen.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, he was on my lead.
Killian Ginnity: Jared Bowen is well worth a mention, I think.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: i And I hate to say it, Anthony Gordon. I don't think he's to be in it.
Conor Glennon: I get a recency bias a little bit with that though.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, m I think kudos has been fantastic for West Ham. um But I think, not to be boring, but where if I was going to have him there, I'd have Salah.
Conor Glennon: See, I'm putting Sal on the left.
Killian Ginnity: OK, that's cool. OK, I'll happily withdraw Salah from there. i just think he I just think he needs to be in it.
Conor Glennon: Oh, Sal is in that team, yeah.
Killian Ginnity: and So I think ah Bowen, but I'd be happy with him, Bueno. like and it's just
Nate: o
Killian Ginnity: Oh, and I think they're probably on the same level, but Mimbwenu probably had a bigger impact on his team. So I think, yeah.
Conor Glennon: I'd agree with that, but I i would say if I was a manager picking a player for my team, Bowen is stronger, more of a leader. you know Again, but these are all characteristics that probably don't play into this. Nate, what are you what are you saying for that right wing?
Nate: Filth out.
Conor Glennon: I mean, yeah yeah, that's just boring.
Killian Ginnity: Boo.
Nate: I'm in.
Killian Ginnity: Not even that. I think he's just overrated.
Nate: I'll just be honest. I don't think he's over it. I think he's an exceptional footballer. I think, you know, people laugh at this comparison, but I think he's a close thing. We've seen the messy in terms of style of play.
Nate: On the ball. On the ball, there's this low centre of gravity. I could watch it all day. He's a real footballer. He'd be my winner.
Conor Glennon: How much is he paying you?
Nate: obviously You know you're getting my honest opinion when I'm talking about a city Liverpool player.
Conor Glennon: We have fur.
Nate: Come on lads, you're hard to get that enemy but I do think he's a <unk> an exceptional footballer and he'd be my right winger but I don't think I'll get him.
Conor Glennon: Are we going with with the brown fur boy?
Killian Ginnity: I think we're going on with the Brantford boy. We need to get some of the other teams in this team in fairness.
Conor Glennon: So with that, we move to left wing then for me, for me, it has to be a lock at Salah, but when i what are you saying?
Nate: Can I start this?
Nate: Alejandro Granato.
Conor Glennon: Oh, please.
Killian Ginnity: Oh no.
Conor Glennon: You're not winning this one, mate.
Nate: That's 12 goals, four assists in his first breakout season. I think he's been exceptional.
Conor Glennon: You have more chance against Steve Bruce in that left wing.
Nate: And as you said, as you said, we need to get more teams in the team, so help her run her own.
Conor Glennon: You got your you got your United lad, Nonana. You piped down back back over there. We haven't even got a Newcastle player in this team.
Killian Ginnity: Or Sunderland.
Conor Glennon: I mean, well, they're coming back up.
Nate: A couple more hands, bye.
Killian Ginnity: ah call it Next year lads, next year. um I think there's a couple of shout outs for this one. um I do think it's a lock with Salah just because I think he's been so damn good at the end of the crop era into the slot era.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: I think he's handled it really well. I think Son needs a shout out.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: ah because I don't have him down the centre. I think Watkins need a needs a shout out because I don't have him down the centre.
Conor Glennon: Oh.
Nate: Whoa.
Killian Ginnity: I think he he is he is good, um but I think Saka as well.
Conor Glennon: Saka for life.
Nate: no
Killian Ginnity: like Yeah, yeah like I think because because I had Salah on the right,
Conor Glennon: Okay.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: um
Nate: My stop pattern.
Killian Ginnity: Saka, but I think Salah, he's just been so good, Connor.
Conor Glennon: Salah's been absolutely incredible. like I mean, I don't know the precise figures on his kind of goal involvements this year, but you know his between scoring goals themselves and assisting them, I think he's on track. If I'm right, I have the best year of his Liverpool career, which is phenomenal. and Obviously, this year has been shrouded in not only for Salah, but you know Trent and Virgil in terms of contracts. Who knows where that lands out. and I really hope that he stays in the Premier League.
Conor Glennon: He's a joy to watch, and although he plays for the wrong team. I mean, I'd i'd rather have him here than than somewhere out in Saudi or or or elsewhere. And he's also just a beautiful footballer to watch.
Nate: Thank you.
Conor Glennon: He's silky smooth, even at the age he's at. And he seems like he's in the best nick of his life and he's got plenty more years to go.
Killian Ginnity: Absolutely. um So then down the centre. Is there much doubt, Nate?
Nate: Yes there is. because hey I've got a jokey one, I've got a real one which I'll give you the joke.
Killian Ginnity: Ooh.
Conor Glennon: i've got I've got three names here. Go jokey, what are you saying?
Nate: John Duran.
Conor Glennon: ah
Killian Ginnity: And then fairness, recency bias, but like...
Nate: yes
Nate: But I'm going for his teammate Olly Watkins up the middle. There you go.
Killian Ginnity: Oh.
Nate: Lads, I think Ollie Walker has been on the rail for the last year. and You know, when you take out the systems, this and that, I think not not only could he play for everything in the Premier League, I really do believe that. He's a top quality striker and he's one that I wish he and I the boss.
Conor Glennon: I think he's one that a a lot of player or a lot of teams wish they bought. um Watkins wasn't on my list. He was in and around it. I mean, look, the elephant in the room, boys, is Erling Haaland.
Conor Glennon: Obviously, this side of the year, he hasn't.
Killian Ginnity: yeah
Conor Glennon: He's been very good in terms of his goal level at City. Obviously, haven't been phenomenal. um Last season, he was phenomenal, too. Recency bias, though. um now Danny Welbeck, I think, was strong last year.
Conor Glennon: He's had a really good season this year. and I think we'd be laughed at as a podcast.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah. But um that's a that's in a different that's a different that's a different that's a different standard you're going to hold him to though.
Nate: i Ah, still take him back as well by the way.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, yeah, I think we'd be laughed at as a podcast if if we put Danny Welbeck ahead of Erling.
Nate: I'd still, just
Conor Glennon: Oh, and and apparently Tenhike tried to get him back. seriously No, seriously, but i was reading I was reading a piece a couple of weeks ago in the athletic and Tenhag had asked the board to bring Wellbeck back, but he was at a point in his relationship with the board that they didn't want to buy into any more of his transfers. And this was around the time of when they wanted to replace Martial, and I think that would have been a phenomenal buy because he wouldn't have been that expensive.
Killian Ginnity: I think it could have been even on a free. Was he not like contract expired and they left it for a couple of weeks and then they renewed them?
Conor Glennon: You might be right with that, actually.
Killian Ginnity: Or something like that.
Nate: got We got Johnny Evans back, we should we shall get the whole band back together.
Killian Ginnity: yeah
Conor Glennon: So honorable honorable mention in terms of recent recency bias is Chris Wood. He's having the season of an absolute lifetime. um But as good as that season has been, I just don't think we can see you past Holland.
Killian Ginnity: No, but I do think ESAC is worth a shout out.
Nate: I like him.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
Killian Ginnity: More so for last year than last season than this season. um I think Nicholas Jackson has been actually well, like really well performing and just like, yeah, like if he was if he was scoring every shot, he'd be off the charts, but like considering, i think he I think he is pretty good in a team that hasn't performed that well for most of the year.
Conor Glennon: He just needs to put the ball in the net more.
Conor Glennon: yeah
Nate: What? Has Ollie Watkins been better for us and Willa than the Highland has been for Man City?
Conor Glennon: Um, only because Watkins has to do more because he has less resources around them.
Nate: so say
Nate: I'm just saying.
Conor Glennon: But I think the sheer numbers that Holland is putting up are Ronaldo level back in his United days.
Nate: Watkins got us and Willa to the championship, that's all I'm going to say.
Killian Ginnity: I think the thing with Aston Villa though, it's a lot more of a team performance.
Nate: I don't know know what Watkins is though when he's put up that numbers.
Killian Ginnity: um like
Killian Ginnity: The love is spread.
Conor Glennon: i I would wonder, and this isn't me ragging on Ollie Watkins.
Killian Ginnity: like i think
Conor Glennon: I really like him as a player. I think he's had a phenomenal year. I would like to see what would happen in a similar to Jack Reeder situation where he's put in a bigger team. watch why How does he deal with it?
Conor Glennon: Because right now he's playing fantastic football. Don't get me wrong. He's in England internationally. He's a big tournament experience, albeit limited in terms of minutes. but he hasn't had the taste of proper 1 % team.
Conor Glennon: you know And that's not to rag on Villa fans. you know that's There's differences here. you know Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, I think, I think Holland is the call, like just for the number of hat -tricks alone, like the numbers he's on and he's had, has had periods of injury. It's just insane.
Conor Glennon: How long did you see him staying in the league boys? parliament
Nate: and
Conor Glennon: I don't, cause I obviously, you know, say, well,
Killian Ginnity: I don't know. It depends on when city you get charged.
Nate: I don't know if you see the whole team being under there, is it?
Conor Glennon: well like, so so say, say the charges didn't exist. I think the longest, once pep goes, I'd be curious.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, i think I think that's the thing.
Conor Glennon: See how long he stays.
Killian Ginnity: I think you'll see you'll see him go. Although a lot of people said when Klopp would go, Salah would go and that hasn't happened.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, I mean, it's it's pretty close on.
Killian Ginnity: well
Conor Glennon: you know i mean i i No one knows who that'll pan out, but ah so is ah our that's our team, boys.
Killian Ginnity: That is our team. Let's go very quickly over it again. In goals we have Oh Nana, right back we have Trent Alexander Arnold, centre back pairing of William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk with Guardiol as our left back.
Killian Ginnity: Our midfield is a pairing of Rodry Odegard and Cole Palmer and up front we have Umbuenu and Salah on the wings and headed up by Haaland.
Killian Ginnity: Anybody want to suggest the captain?
Conor Glennon: ah You beat me too and I literally just as you were reading it, I was like, crap, we need a captain. um Oh, I am going to say.
Conor Glennon: Rodry, am I only thinking around that as I've always been a major fan of the captain being in the middle of the park, everything runs through him, sets the tone, controls the game leads by example.
Killian Ginnity: I was thinking Salah just for, no just just just like I think Slott has taken over the job so very well and I think a lot of that is down to Salah and making Salah work so mate who you thinking for captain?
Conor Glennon: Sheer
Nate: All the guys. and Pretty self explanatory. Great captain for outside. I think he'd do a fine job for our team, gentlemen.
Conor Glennon: I would regard as my B option on this one. So yeah, I'll i'll happily join join that queue.
Killian Ginnity: I'm just going to make sure it said that this is not a consensus. It's a two against one ah democratic vote. I would have quicker taken, Rodry.
Killian Ginnity: um
Nate: Yeah, but I wouldn't have him blame me on the right wing.
Conor Glennon: So you can still go, Rodri, so you got a choice of Rodri or Odegard.
Killian Ginnity: i you You were willing to concede, Connor, so i'll ill I'll follow suit with you. um
Conor Glennon: Okay.
Killian Ginnity: Which will we go with now? I think we're going to start off with flop of the year. Nate.
Conor Glennon: Okay, Nate, you take this one away.
Nate: There's only one last crystal palace. What has happened? Holy.
Conor Glennon: See now, I was thinking palace more howler, because i've um i'll see I'll see your palace and I'll throw you a flop of the year being the man you knight aboard.
Nate: like
Nate: a
Conor Glennon: I know you got amaranth, but that's the tail end of this year. in its full calendar year. I think i think your Ineos friends have been a bit of a flop.
Nate: Whoa. Eight.
Killian Ginnity: i I have a different flop of the year and I think there's a this is a signing that has had such little impact and left so quickly and brought more negativity to the team than anything else and was almost certainly paid a bucket load of money to do nothing.
Killian Ginnity: Mark Clattenberg.
Nate: but that
Conor Glennon: ah That's an absolute shout, and I...
Killian Ginnity: That was this year.
Conor Glennon: Oh, I gotta give you that.
Killian Ginnity: Flop of this season.
Conor Glennon: Oh, I absolutely gotta give you that.
Nate: but Can I just point out, this is why Crystal Palace fits into flop of the year. Eight points in 12 games.
Conor Glennon: I mean...
Killian Ginnity: But they ended last year, so they ended last season so well though.
Conor Glennon: that
Nate: Last last season they were they finished 10 like that is that's the drop of a lifetime raing
Killian Ginnity: but like
Conor Glennon: ah Look, they like there their this season has has been abominable.
Nate: but said avoid the delay
Conor Glennon: and they But I will say they did well at the end of last season to...
Killian Ginnity: Matete was unbelievable at the end of the last year and they had a, under Glasner when he came in, they had a great rise.
Conor Glennon: to Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: I just can't see past Clattenberg Conner.
Conor Glennon: No, it's i it i A, I have never been much of a fan of that man, but just I think that role being created was already a flop of the year candidate. The way he handled that role and the press for order fell out of that role. And look, any man that's got a tattoo of a World Cup on his calf that didn't play in the final, that's that's that's a winner for me.
Killian Ginnity: So flop of the year, congratulations, Clattenburg. It's the least you deserve. Now onto our howler and the difference being is howler is a decision or a bad performance or there's just one thing that makes you go, oh, rather than kind of the flop, which as you can see, was kind of slightly longer standing.
Killian Ginnity: and Does anybody want to put their hand up and be the good boy in the class?
Conor Glennon: Now, mine is a decision, but it's more, I should say, decisions.
Killian Ginnity: Okay. Oh.
Conor Glennon: And it goes to Mr. Todd Bowley for just being Todd Bowley. ah um Unless anyone has anything of of specific handlers.
Nate: my Mine is two words but I will not provide explanation because everyone will have Mr David Coop. We'll leave it there and answer Mr David Coop.
Killian Ginnity: Um, who
Conor Glennon: Now, we should say all of the activities of one David Koot are all alleged at this point. um And the investigation will come to an end at some point. But if true, definitely his extracurricular activities are probably the biggest professional healer of the year.
Killian Ginnity: Um, I have to say Connor Bolly, I think is a bad shout for how Lord this year, because this is the one year that he's actually got something, some things pretty much right.
Conor Glennon: Well, Enzo, yeah. there
Killian Ginnity: Uh, like, I think. and you Any other time in his in his tenure, and I think he's still been bad this calendar year, but I don't think he's he's howler of the year. I have two. One that's a little bit older and is my runner -up, which is the handling of Roy Hudson leaving Palace.
Killian Ginnity: I think that was a howler by the board. And the only reason why I wouldn't rank it any higher is because of how good Glazner was at the end of last season. um i But I think it it deserves a mention.
Killian Ginnity: I'm pretty sure we mentioned it during the summer and the season wasn't good.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, it was deplorable. i i would like the he He's done so much for that club.
Killian Ginnity: But I think the biggest howler, and Nate, you brought him up earlier, was queuing Kelleher not moving during the summer.
Conor Glennon: I think that's unfair, though, because it's out of his hands.
Nate: Hmm...
Killian Ginnity: i If you want it, you can push it. so
Conor Glennon: see the only thing is he's got a box smart here because if he forces that transfer request he's got to go somewhere because he's not even going to be the number two at Liverpool and if that wrong offer comes in yeah we know Juventus were apparently sniffing around how true that was who knows would have been a fantastic move for him but I think he's playing it as safe as he can within the confines of his of his space in the game but
Killian Ginnity: i I think he's very much approaching the stage and age, more importantly, where people are going to start to go, well, you're good, but does this 24 year old or 22 year old I can get for the same price?
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: And I think this was his potentially his last big summer for a big move, the likes of a Juventus. And next summer he might have to take a hit and go slightly slightly down the table than he'd want to.
Nate: i I would agree about the game time he's got during the % that was Piero Locke, but it's Locke that this came out on his side.
Killian Ginnity: That was pure luck.
Nate: I think he's he's made a name for himself this year.
Conor Glennon: i think I think you're right with with with his windows closing in terms of that big move, but I think this summer will be huge for him. If he doesn't get a number one seat now, you're absolutely right. He'll probably end up being, and this isn't to knock us out of Hampton, but you know that kind of level of number one at Southampton.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, um i'm I'm happy to concede to Koot because I don't think there is a bigger professional howler, but I just had to have it said.
Nate: i id go wood very much
Conor Glennon: I think Roy Hodgson did leave a mark and I think we touched on the part enough at the time.
Killian Ginnity: He's leaving.
Conor Glennon: where and Look, I think, like we said, the coup thing is extraordinary circumstances. If we look outside of that, I think you're right with Roy Hodgson.
Killian Ginnity: Well Roy, we're still rooting for you.
Nate: hey
Killian Ginnity: um Surprise of the season now.
Nate: I'd go watch him. My surprise of the season is Chris Wood.
Conor Glennon: He's on top of my list as well, my man.
Nate: That man is on fire.
Killian Ginnity: and
Nate: Like, whenever they're feeding him for breakfast, like, keep feeding him.
Conor Glennon: Give us it.
Nate: Like, holy... Holy, like ah what a rise. For a fella that was really going through the motions for so many years and you know moved on from Newcastle and stuff like that, like that that there wasn't a standout performer for them. To hit this type of forum, you have to wonder where does it come from?
Conor Glennon: do you think Do you think it's just one of those lightning in the battle seasons that like come come next calendar year, will we be saying the same thing at the end of the year?
Nate: Possibly not. like i think I think a big thing will be like it could just be this system working really well. This this ah mixture of players that he's playing with is is like really working for them. To be honest, I don't think I've seen like such impact form the way he has at a club that's driving them up the table. Do you know what I mean?
Conor Glennon: I have to agree with you. was He was number one on my list. I you know i do think honorable mention to Mathias Cunha, I think, has had an absolutely fantastic season, not at the same level of of Chris Wood.
Conor Glennon: He was kind of on my list. Can I suggest we do a surprise of the year and and an Irish surprise of the year?
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, I'm happy with that.
Conor Glennon: um Because I'd be happy to lock in Chris Wood unless you got someone else here.
Killian Ginnity: am
Conor Glennon: You're passionate about Culean.
Killian Ginnity: ah Mine's a toss up, so I'm more than happy to take Chris Wood. like ah You're saying that, is this a flash in the pan? Well, the 23 -24 season, he had 14 goals. am So like to be able to continue that form in a team like Nottingham Forest, I don't know if that is a flash in the pan.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, you're right.
Killian Ginnity: And mean if you when you consider he was evacuated from Newcastle on loan to get his slightly larger than they want wages off, and then was made permanent um Yeah, like he's been incredible.
Killian Ginnity: I yeah i know it's recency bias or whatever, but I think Slott deserves to mention more to the fact that how quickly he hit the ground running and how quickly Liverpool were able to move on from Klopp in a decisive manner and being the bigger surprise rather than the ah quality performances.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, i I have to agree with you with that. i i Do you think it's a case of, you know, I think he's obviously brought his new system, the players like him, he seems personal, but he's done well and in that regard. Do you think it's also though that Klopp laid enough groundwork that not anyone, I'm not saying anyone could have gone in there and picked it up and ran with it, but you think it was an easier in than say post Fergie where you United were left with a skeleton team?
Killian Ginnity: um I think, ah I mentioned this before that I think There was a lot of really odd and not great signings by Liverpool, lots of wingers being bought.
Killian Ginnity: And Slott has been able to slot them into the team. um like I think a lot of credit is due for the um for him to be able to accommodate these players and make his system work.
Conor Glennon: Nicely
Killian Ginnity: i am Yes. It could have been harder for him if it was maybe, if it was all set up differently, but you can only deal with what what you can deal with. And we've seen time and time again, teams that look strong on paper, that the end on the new manager falter, it hasn't this time around.
Killian Ginnity: Um, so I think he deserves credit, but I think the true surprise of this season, of this year is Chris Wood.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, for a now, if we go on to Irish surprises of the year, um the one that's been sticking out to me is Leem Dalap.
Killian Ginnity: You're going for your Irish surprise.
Conor Glennon: I think his impact in that team, I'm not saying he's a lock by any means, but it's, and it is, but he will be.
Killian Ginnity: I'm not saying he's Irish.
Nate: Hello in the air.
Conor Glennon: I thought we, I thought we got a cap out of him.
Killian Ginnity: No!
Nate: No.
Conor Glennon: Oh God.
Killian Ginnity: He's never he never even played underage.
Nate: i Can I change my hair a little bit please?
Conor Glennon: myself with that i thought jesus I thought we got a cap out of him.
Killian Ginnity: No, we never even got an underage cap out of him. His dad is a multiple cap.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, I knew that. I thought we had him just.
Killian Ginnity: No, Patrick Bamford has even got underage captors.
Conor Glennon: Oh, wow.
Killian Ginnity: No, I'm not Liam Dilapp.
Conor Glennon: Oh, wow. Now that's Taylor of the Year. I win that award. Wouldn't spoon for me. Thank you. I'd say that I will go with Sammy Smartix. If you tell me he's not Irish, come on.
Killian Ginnity: No, no, Sammy SmartDucks is great. I don't know if we've seen enough of them Well, in the Premier League, if we're doing this as a Premier League award, I don't know if he he's done enough to deserve it, if it was just a calendar year. Oh my God, yes. Nate, what do you think?
Nate: I think Shelburne, you know, they didn't look like a title winning solid ahead of the season.
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah.
Nate: I think Duffer's done an amazing job and, you know, they looked like a real force. I'm interested to see now how they rebuild that squad because it's bit it's been apart.
Nate: But, yeah, no, they'd be my surprise there.
Killian Ginnity: And ah in this similar vein, um I want want to say both sides of live can go for this award. and drawhada to get that cup victory was great.
Killian Ginnity: and I think that was kind of very surprising. I don't think anybody really expected that, especially against Derry in the final. um And then they managed to stay up, considering they were going against relegation. But I think also the other big surprise is how bad Dunlop have been, and the fact that Dunnerley went bust.
Killian Ginnity: I think they're both surprising. ah But I think the biggest surprise is the fact that Conor doesn't know that Liam Dilapp has never played Ireland.
Conor Glennon: i've i I'm having a full i'm a full on Chris Camaro moment I'm having a full on Chris Camaro didn't realize someone got sent off out I fully fully thought he'd got a cap for us but I Buried myself.
Nate: Yeah, you know, that's actually, that's getting my vote actually, that's my surprise of the year.
Killian Ginnity: sure
Nate: So, yeah.
Nate: You know what the funniest part is in the distance we created on Salvador, is you came up with this. You added this to the mix.
Killian Ginnity: yeah
Conor Glennon: Yeah This is my gift to the listener
Nate: This was this is your your award. And, you know, I can just imagine kinds of, you know, I got a good one here. Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: Right, gentlemen, Player of the Year or Manager of the Year?
Conor Glennon: and Let's go Manage of the Year slightly easier I think.
Killian Ginnity: Nate, who are you saying from Manager of the Year?
Nate: I am saying you lie.
Conor Glennon: And you can't say Liam de la.
Nate: I am saying Mr Emery, you know, to get that Aston Villa side to the Champions League and, you know, return to his glory day, a good, gloryful and position in Europe that he loves so much.
Nate: um Yeah, I think he's been superb and and I think he's found a really good home there at Aston Villa and I hope he stays there for for a good time to call.
Conor Glennon: I have to agree, it's definitely on my list for for manager of the year. I think outside of that I would say, you know, Spirit of Santos has done a fantastic job um of late, I suppose, um in much harder circumstances, but yeah, when you when you take into account what Will have been able to achieve and the road he's had to go with other teams and yeah to the level of fans making fun of him just of his accent. um I think he's turned his managerial career around and Emery is my, I'd agree with Nate for that one.
Killian Ginnity: It is hard hard to argue against the Emery, but I think Iriola at Bournemouth is worth a shout. and For the whole year, um like he's been great in the same way that Emery was. He ah guided Bournemouth to 12th last year and another solid probably mid -table this year um by the time that season comes to a close.
Killian Ginnity: ah But yeah, it's hard to look past Emory. There's just been so bloody good. um Yeah, i like obviously Pep.
Killian Ginnity: um So congratulations Unai Emory. Conning on the Villa podcast will be delighted with us. and Gentlemen, Player of the Year, who are we saying?
Conor Glennon: I Really didn't I really didn't know where to go with this one and Because obviously look Rogers had a Ballon d 'Or winning season. That's that's that's an obvious one, but I think there's so many players that have Had a great year, you know, what what are you guys thinking? I
Nate: and I'm sorry to say that, but I'm ending 2024 in a boring manner. I'm going with Roger.
Conor Glennon: Yeah. ah Like if if we didn't go, Rodri, who would you say? See this what I mean? like the like it's ah is he Was he that good?
Killian Ginnity: Roger is not the name I have done.
Conor Glennon: Was was he that good that he was he was so far ahead of everyone? Or give
Killian Ginnity: Roger is not the name I have done.
Nate: i my say My second to Roger would be called Homer.
Conor Glennon: a list of names?
Conor Glennon: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: So, I have a top two. And Cole Palmer is one of them. like for He literally dragged Chelsea into any kind of respectable position. m But I think one of the things with Roger is and
Killian Ginnity: what makes him look so good this year looking back, it is helped by the fact that City were bad went without him.
Conor Glennon: Well, that that he his is the wobble started with his injury.
Nate: yeah and i just bought this fast cow ride like
Killian Ginnity: You could say that it's because without like he is the linchpin that makes him good, but it ah I'm not sure if it just if that just makes him look better and there was other factors on that. and I think rice is just as influential on Arsenal.
Nate: i don't think I don't think he's as influential diisma as Roger is.
Killian Ginnity: um
Nate: I think it's not just one period this year that you go back and go, Roger was at his team, City didn't look great. like There's multiple, I'm multiple. And I think for City to go on and win all the trophies and him be so pivotal, I think that's why he won the bottom notch.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, like I think he's kind of the boring option, but I think Palmer over Rice and Ann Rodry did more for his team than the other two.
Killian Ginnity: um And Palmer would be my choice, just ridiculous.
Conor Glennon: Oh, it's, it's, it's hard to, they're both, they've both had and incredible, uh, seasons, I think based off the Ballon d 'Or winning performance, I would have to say Roger.
Conor Glennon: And he's also near, very nearly the captain of our team.
Nate: Do you think, Roger, is like, people don't rate him?
Conor Glennon: So yeah.
Nate: Not that people don't rate him as much, but do you think he's, like, the fact that he's in a stats 18 goes against him? Like, because I feel like even like, say, when you look back to to the great CDMs and stuff, like, even Sergio Busquets, like, like, I feel like people recognise how good he was way more than Roger, currently.
Conor Glennon: I think he makes it look so effortless in a team of absolute behemoths that it's hard to give him the credit.
Nate: And I don't know if
Conor Glennon: While if you put him into any other team, he'd get any team to start cooking. you know
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, I think it's just there's so many players that City are so good with, like when you look at Holland, like would they do well without Holland? De Bruyne, I look at the show last season, De Bruyne for large parts of it. It's just the playing at such a ridiculously high level.
Killian Ginnity: um
Conor Glennon: It's almost expected.
Killian Ginnity: um Yeah, so it is hard to kind of stand out to be the player. um Whereas I think when you look at like when you look at Palmer, Chelsea were so bad at times, like i ah at the beginning of last year especially, but and this calendar year he he was amazing and Chelsea became average and he dragged them to being good and it's he he's continued that this this season as well.
Nate: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: um
Nate: How much do you weigh the Ballon d 'Or?
Conor Glennon: I used to weigh it more, I'll be honest.
Nate: Like this year, I think we can all agree it was a poor class.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah, like in fairness, in my mind, the Ballon d 'Or goes against him.
Nate: Really?
Killian Ginnity: I'd be kind of going, yeah, you you only won the Ballon d 'Or. Like, it's just become so politicized.
Nate: The only one in the Balladorp was a Messi or Ronaldo wasn't there.
Conor Glennon: Ah, Jesus, boys, you come on now.
Nate: like
Killian Ginnity: Yeah. No, it's it's just so like politicized and stuff. It's just kind of like meh.
Conor Glennon: Oh, I don't love it, but I mean, like, let's he did have a stellar year.
Killian Ginnity: Oh, absolutely. But like, I wouldn't I wouldn't look at the Ballandores kind of giving me any creams.
Nate: but he
Nate: me
Killian Ginnity: I'd like a quicker look at the Premier League player of the year.
Nate: To win it over Haarland though stands out to me because Haarland's the one banging in the doors for that seat but exact same CE team, do you know what I mean?
Conor Glennon: Well, I would I would have gone Vinny jr for it personally Yeah
Killian Ginnity: Well, you have Vinnie, Vinnie Jr. and Jude Bellingham. And I think even Danny Carver Hall were ahead of Holland. So it's like,
Nate: No, but but that's what I mean though was like is clues that Meksha has been voted on that isn't just him and her team, if you get what I mean.
Conor Glennon: I know what you're saying.
Killian Ginnity: Yeah. Um, I dunno, we're saying Roger for the play of the year.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, I think so, boys.
Nate: A boring end to 2020.
Conor Glennon: Yeah, what a boring end.
Killian Ginnity: Boring. And so let's just remind people player of the year is Roger. Manager of the year Unai Emery, which is actually great to see, like at least it's something a bit different. and Howler of the year is Crystal Palace's handling of Roy Hudson's leaving. let's like That was, I think, February 2024. We went through the dregs to get to there.
Conor Glennon: I also think December, Connor Glennon thinking Lame de Lapis Irish is is firmly up there.
Killian Ginnity: that is That is a solid so support howler. um Surprise of the year, Chris Wood.
Nate: Yeah.
Killian Ginnity: um With the surprise of the year, ah Irish wise being that Conor Glennon doesn't know who is Irish and who's not. And flop of the year being Clattenberg's reign at Nottingham Forest.
Killian Ginnity: Gentlemen, they are our 2024 awards. Well done. We will be back in the new year. We may have an episode before the put upon podcast awards. You may not.
Conor Glennon: and and And if we sweep that big prize, you may never see us again.
Killian Ginnity: youve you
Nate: We have time for a week.
Killian Ginnity: you've you've You've survived two and a bit weeks without us. We're here just for that little bit of Christmas warmth. We may be another week or two before we're back, but In all honesty, thank you so much for listening throughout the year. We've reached heights we never thought we could, we've chatted to people we've always dreamed of, we've had more fun than we can ever look back on and even remember, and we've recorded a hell of a lot of hours.
Killian Ginnity: My thanks to you, the listener, for sticking with us. And my sincerest thanks to Botanate and Connor for sticking with us throughout the year.
Killian Ginnity: This has been a labor of love. And I can only thank you guys for giving up all the hours, time, and effort to make this the if joyous hour and a bit a week that I always look forward to.
Killian Ginnity: So thank you very much, guys.
Conor Glennon: And thank you to our fearless leader that is Mr. Kennedy. The only thing I can hold against you is that is that you are a Mackham, but you steer this ship with perfection every week. And Nate, as always, it is such a pleasure to wind you up about Man United.
Nate: Likewise lads and here's to it hopefully even better 2025.
Conor Glennon: Bye bye.
Killian Ginnity: Big up 2025. Goodbye.
