250 UP FOR DRAPES
Giant centre half Glenn Draper first joined The Blues in season 2001/2, at the start of the Andy Prutton era. Glenn has always been a significant physical presence, and I know that opponents have never relished seeing his name on the team sheet. He left us a couple of times, and on one occasion returned with struggling Biggleswade Town, being roundly booed by the home fans for doing just what he has done so effectively for us so many times. His uncompromising style has earned him many red cards over the years, and in his younger days the "red mist" would occasionally descend adding further to his red card tally.These days, Drapes is again the team captain, an honour which he has accepted with great maturity. A gentle, family man off the field, Drapes has always given of his best for his side while trying to strike a balance between his football and his family. But on the field he is a true gladiator and I know, if I were playing at the back for the Blues, there's no-one I'd rather have next to me!
Not many players have completed 250 first team games for the club in recent years - Kevin Cooper, Dave Whitehead, Sean Glyn spring to mind. It is a terrific achievement, and I hope that Glenn goes on to make it 300.
Even in the early days he was often captain. But he didn't always wear the 5 shirt - in this game against Arlesey Town, he was wearing the 4.
What, me ref? Joel sports a memorable haircut in this 2003 pic.
I remember this occasion well! Chertsey away and one of the reasons we went for a red change strip after having to mix and match at Chertsey. Curtis has run from an onside position onto a through ball, went on and scored but the lino gave offside against someone else! Would have been the match winner.Bad decision.