Who were ya?

Everyone loves a good cull, it's good for the soul, especially after relegation. During the close season its as heartening as a new signing. Eight have gone so far, with one other 99% certain to go, here's the role of dishonour:

Jamie Brooks
Looked set to follow the lineage of Joey Beauchamp and Dean Whitehead, as a local boy done good. Struck down with Guillain Barre Syndrome just before a trial with Arsenal a five years ago. It nearly killed him and less importantly wrecked his career. Sad, but no surprise to seem him go.

Matt Robinson
A stalwart of nearly 200 games who was at his best going forward. Excellent, and occasionally brilliant, when we were excellent, listless when we weren't. Seemed like a nice bloke, which may have ultimately resulted in his downfall.

Leo Roget
Probably on his way because of wages. Horrendous first season which seemed to coincide with the birth of his first child. Often found dozing at the back. He was as dependable as anyone in his second season. There were even rumours he was in line for a World Cup call up with Trinidad and Tobago, although that might simply have been his agent stoking the rumour mill in preparation for his imminent departure.

Mark E'Beyer

Player of promise. None of it shown at Oxford. Looked a lightweight, probably a demon in training.

Stuart Gray
One of those squad players who could have been signed at Christmas or six years ago for all I can remember. Badly injured at the start of the season, appeared only fleetingly without much impact. Very bandy legged.

Jon Ashton
Quick, aggressive central defender, prone to breaking and re-breaking his nose. Prone also to cataclysmic errors at crucial times in games.

Bradie Clark
Played only occasionally but way behind Billy Turley and Chris Tardif in the goalkeeping pecking order. No surprise to see him move on. Much improved hairstyle this season.

Warren Goodhind
Doesn't really count as he was only ever on loan anyway. Really failed to make any impact at all, although I sat behind his wife/girlfriend during the Bristol Rovers game.

Lee Bradbury
Part of the criminal asset stripping at Christmas which saw Craig Davies go to Verona and Chris Hackett to Hearts. Bradbury was shipped off to Southend to avoid triggering a contract clause which would have seen him signed up for another year. Bradbury was no bona fide match winner, but he had a touch of class that helped steady the ailing ship. We ended the season with a defensive record better than 12 other teams, but only 2 teams in the entire league scored less. Bradbury, Hackett and Davies were strikers. Go fig.