Most of you will know Gaz Turton who often comes down to watch the mighty Excelsior. He is also player/manager at N&B Albion and Horsemans Hill down at Bispham tech Thursday and Friday leagues.

Gaz has asked to put a few words here on the site to give his opinion on the team from what he has seen this season, so here they are:

Hi guys…

For those who don't know me I am Gaz the guy who comes down pitch side and stands with Jon Evans. I thought that I'd give my thoughts and opinions based on what I have seen from the side lines this season. Admittedly I haven't seen every game but I have seen a few of them and have in my own opinion have seen the best and worst of FC Excelsior over the course of time and that not just this season. So here you have it guys, my view from the side.

FC Excelsior has an impressive and tough spine to the squad. Some teams tend to have a good keeper, central defender, central midfielder and a good striker. In my opinion Excelsior have a "double spine" in the centre of the field that, as recent games have shown is tough to beat. With a choice of Ross or Mills in goal you have two strong goalkeepers.

At the heart of the defence there are the Mackenzie boys who are solid to say the least, as well as the currently injured Jon Evans. Competition is high in this positions too which always helps a team improve. In the centre of midfield you have a toss up between three in my opinion. Scholsey, Fiss and George. Selecting two from three here is tough. Scholesey's ability to drop into the back line is a massive advantage too as the last two games have shown and again the competition for places in here forces individuals to work harder and the team benefits as a whole.

Sean up front, to be honest I don't think I have ever seen a man cover as much ground as a forward as he does. With his work rate, in my opinion he sets an example to the rest of the side. Putting defenders under pressure to clear the ball I have lost count of the times his pressure and persistence has won back possession.

With Clarkey at right back and Neil at left back the defence is tight as long as everyone is switched on. Only three defeats in 2008 shows that. Danny on the wing with Mercer is impressive too and a lot of opportunities are created here. Wazza up front is a good partner for Sean and 28 goals each tells you this.

I feel sorry for the guys that can't break into the side on a regular basis all I can suggest is when you get you chance make it count and force the "regulars" to fight for their place back in the side. I have some bad news for those that are long term injuries, in my opinion they are going to struggle to get back into the side based on current form and I hope they realise that.

Right then lads I haven't posted this essay just to praise you all because sometime you can be the most infuriating group of players to watch and as a supporter I have some concerns based on my view from the side.

(I hope I don't offend anyone here but please remember it is only my opinion as a supporter of FC Excelsior.)

I'll take the easy one on first. Ross you are a good keeper and when you put your mind to it you can make that number one shirt your own. Unfortunately mate if you decide you want to be a defender, rather than a keeper I feel you may spend a lot of time with me on the side of the pitch.

One of the key things in playing football is listening to your team mates. Too often I hear people shouting instruction but for one reason or another, the instruction is ignored by the other player. You don't have eyes in the back of your head guys. Listen to your mate, he is usually right. Concession of a goal through not listening to a mate is beyond criminal.

Playing the easy ball or making the right decision is also major to the game. On too many occasions the easy ball or correct decision is not made. FC Excelsior have three of the most talented wingers in the lower leagues at this level in Mercer, Danny and Carey. Unfortunately though possession is lost to easily when the attempt to take the defender on (three and four times) is thwarted. More often than not this leads to other players, who want to receive the ball being caught out of position and the opposition counter attack.

It is annoying when goals are conceded in this manor as we all know. Don't get me wrong if you've got the beating of a man great stuff, beat him and release/cross/shoot – but remember you don't have to take on the defender on every single time. An easy square ball can open up the entire pitch to switch an attack.

Wazza you are the best part of 7ft tall I would hate defending against your height and I am a measly 5ft 10in. Thing is mate you don't seem to win many headers against the bruisers of centre backs. When under the cosh and the ball does get hoofed clear you are the ideal candidate to hold up play and wait for support. With Sean's pace you can rip defences to shreds. With three guys well over six foot (George and the brothers Wazza) there should be much more ball won in the air.

Defending corners… One strike should be stood on the half way line and one a it deeper – can't be offside in your own half and you can both out sprint the majority of defenders.

The final thing that can prove poor at time is discipline. Toby got booked for mouthing off at the ref. Ross was lucky not to have gone in the book with Scholsey too. Nobody want to get sent off for a foul and a second booking when the first one was for descent.

That's about it from me guys. I hope you finish the season with two more wins and nick fourth spot. I hope Steve has you in pre-season early because I tell you now, with the right commitment and desire to succeed you can win 3a next season as long as you play as a unit.

My apologies for the essay guys and apologies if i have upset anyone, these are just my views, and not the view of the squad (do you like the disclaimer).

I see that Seans dad is pitch side every week, it would be interesting to hear his views and opinions on this site too. Good luck for the end of the season and next season too.

Gaz T