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Best of the Season – Part Two

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The season is over and now is the time to reflect on a campaign of steady progress. Gary Rowett and his Blues players have given us reasons to cheer and also reasons to despair. But no one can deny that the season has been a decent one. Here are the best bits, according to Rob Wildey.

GOAL OF THE SEASON

There are a few contenders this year such as Stephen Gleeson`s strikes at MK Dons and Derby County, Jon Toral`s opener at Burnley or his magnificent effort at Fulham, Jacques Maghoma`s winner at home to MK Dons and David Cotterill`s free kick at Huddersfield to name a few.

But for me, the goal of the season has to be Viv Solomon-Otabor`s solo effort in the 5-2 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage in November. After picking up the ball near the half way line, the young winger skips past three defenders before hammering the ball home. A fantastic run and goal topping off a wonderful all round team display.

MOMENT OF THE SEASON

There`s been several. The performances away at Derby and Fulham are unforgettable, the Blues fans signing proudly before, during and after the defeat at Villa Park and Gary Rowett signing an improved contract.

But my moment of the season is Tomasz Kuszczak`s last gasp penalty save against Reading during the opening game of the season. It was an exciting start to the campaign.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Again, there are several candidates worthy of a mention. Kuszczak has pulled off some spectacular saves, Michael Morrison has been solid as always, Gleeson has had an impressive campaign, Maghoma has been unplayable at times and Clayton Donaldson has ran himself into the ground.

But the obvious winner is Jon Toral. The on loan Arsenal man has revelled in the number ten role contributing eight goals, a number of assists and some breathtakingly good performances.

SIGNING OF THE SEASON

Maikel Kieftenbeld was close to getting this award from me due to his natural settling in to the English style of football. Toral would have won it, but he is on loan so I have decided to award it to someone different.

My signing of the season is Maghoma. When he signed from Sheffield Wednesday, we read that he is lazy and contributes nothing to the team. From what I have witnessed this term, he`s a hard working player who is always a threat going forward. At times, he has been unplayable and a nightmare to defend against. And he was a free transfer. What a great piece of business.

FLOP OF THE SEASON

I feel harsh awarding this to Neal Eardley. The right back clearly has footballing ability and twice worked his way back into the first team ahead of Paul Caddis. However, his injuries have hampered him once again and because of this, he has been awarded my flop of the season.

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