HALL OF FAME
GPR has always been about more than just the badge. It’s about the players who wear it, spending time and money in the hope of seeing promotion or even Jack recreate his wonder goal (the man retired suspiciously soon afterwards). Here, we celebrate some of the lads who deserve their place in the history books, however unimportant that is…
JACK BODKIN (2022-24)
DEFENDER/keeper/manager
Apps: 28
Goals: 1
2x man of the match
best moment winner 2023-24 season
Winning ‘most likely to receive a salad’
taking the club to its best ever position in the leagues and immediately retiring
ACCOLADEs:
West Drayton wonder goal
Premier wind-up merchant
Winning managerial record
Best known for:
When Jack recounted the early days of GPR, he mentioned that he spent a lot of time just learning the names of the centre back he would be playing alongside. Despite this, the man got on with it, and quickly became an integral figure not just to the first team, but to the foundations of the club’s culture. Well-liked and respected by all, he would make the natural jump into management in the summer of 2024, having hung up his boots.
Not his gloves, however, as he was called upon multiple times to go between the sticks and, as any leader does, he did so without complaint. But mostly, what Jack has done for the club is take it to new heights. The quality of the football played in our third year was much more technical, and complemented the players brought in over the recruitment period. For every new player, there has been a friendly, warm presence in Jack, and it has paid dividends.
This isn’t to say that it’s been all roses. Once or twice the lads have been on the receiving end of the hairdryer treatment, but it has made us much better for it. From everyone here, we are equal parts delighted and devastated to see Jack go. He’s been a true servant of the club, a name that will live long in the memory, in small part due to his award-winning volley against West Drayton. And, if his last involvement for the club was to oversee our best month ever - maximum points, 12 goals scored, 1 conceded - then it would be no less than he deserves.
Best of luck, gaffer.
MATTY POTTER (2023-24)
midfielder/forward
Apps: 14
Goals: 8
ACCOLADEs:
3x man of the match
Golden Boot Runner Up 2022-23 season
Winning ‘most likely to Perform a salad’
Winning ‘most likely to order a korma at the curry social’
MOTM Performance vs. West Drayton
Hat-trick vs. After Hours
Claiming to need the hospital and air ambulance every game
Best known for:
Some stars shine bright, only to disappear into the distance as quickly as they arrived. Matty Potter joined GPR in the winter of our first season and, true to form, was instrumental in bringing us through to the summer, playing a crucial part in getting our first points as a club, and developing the winning attitude that has carried over into our second season.
It is hard to stand out in the midst of a mass influx of players, but from his first game Matty’s skilled feet and technical prowess cut through teams, giving us some much-needed quality at the top end of the pitch. It wasn’t long before his right foot was providing assists and goals in big games, and it will be hard going forward without our designated set piece taker.
We will fondly remember the constant injuries, half time team talks and impressive beard game. And, if his last contribution to the club was the masterful performance against West Drayton, notching three assists and a MOTM to boot, then it was the perfect send off for our maestro. From everyone here at GPR, we wish him the best for the future. Been a pleasure mate, you’re welcome back anytime. We may even retire the no. 69 shirt for you (we probably won’t though).