Godden reigns supreme

In the end, like some Wallace and Gromit film title, it was a case of The Wrong Captain. If grizzled old fantasy sports veteran Martino "Mine's A Guinness" O'Reilly had gone for Gareth Barry over John Carew he would be sitting as GKL champion. Instead, like Gordon Strachan, he has only regrets.

A new champions has been crowned in the shape of Rich Godden. A refugee from the good ship Calcio Italia he has had an impressively consistent campaign. He nearly slipped up with a poor week at the end but he thoroughly deserves his title.

There was a solid third place finish to go along with their cup victory for Mutu's Avengers but the strongest finish came from another Reilly - this time Brian. It goes to show what an incentive the thought of parting with money to your brother can be. All top four teams can be proud of the Champions League qualification.

In the Europa Cup zone came Colin Moffat, Kenny Ross and a resurgent Colin Colthart. All three had their moments this campaign and must have been left wondering what might have been. Serious injury crippled Colthart's efforts while overcoming the handicap of working for the BBC and Dumfries and Galloway Council respectively was no mean feat for Moffat and Ross.

Narrowly missing out was the Dumfries and Galloway Standard's Iain Pollock. A league champion of yesteryear he will surely be back to glory soon. Possibly before his beloved Liverpool ever snatch the Premiership off Manchester United.

The efforts of Dillon Colthart have, of course, been shrouded in controversy. The GKL confirms his expulsion for next year due to alleged collusion with father Colin. A sorry note in an otherwise fine league set-up.

Carlo Rinaldi will be delighted with his top ten finish after getting to grips with the game as the season progressed. He has vowed to pay more attention next year and maybe even watch the occasional English game - if only when Serie A is on a break.

James Horncastle managed a creditable 11th but was in the hunt for better. While Willie Johnston produced a late surge that saw him easily avoid relegation to the GKL Second Division. Indeed, he scooped manager of the month for May. If only he had been so attentive all year.

Rounding out the 16 managers invited to take part in the GKL Serie A next year are Doug "The Border Blatterer" Archibald, Serafino "Anyone Want Tickets for the Champions League Final?" Ingardia, Clive Lindsay and the Eggos - Lachlan and Kenny. All of which should make for a thrilling new season.

Missing out on the top flight were many famous names. Tommy Reilly may be struggling with the advancing years, Ethan Colthart simply peaked too soon (week one, loser!) and Stefano Rinaldi is clearly anxious at imminent fatherhood.

The teaching brigade Davie Dillon, Kevin Sharp and Jim Gordon had mixed fortunes but could surely do better. Especially if someone explains to big Jim that you can actually make transfers during the season!

A noble effort too by Davie Wynn (he got consolation in the SPL), Elia Davidson (female manager of the year), Alex Robertson (he let the whisky get in the way) and Siofra Eggo (she fell apart late in the day). A slot in the Hall of Shame, however, goes to Billy Davidson. A fine footballer, yes, but a low level fantasy sportsman.

So, the honours were assigned as follows.

GKL CHAMPION - Rich Godden.
GRAPPA CUP - Giancarlo Rinaldi
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP PLACES - Rich Godden, Martin Reilly, Giancarlo Rinaldi.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIERS - Brian Reilly.
EUROPA CUP - Colin Moffat, Kenny Ross, Colin Colthart.
INTERTOTO CUP - Iain Pollock, Carlo Rinaldi, James Horncastle.
SERIE A SURVIVAL - Willie Johnston, Doug Archibald, Serafino Ingardia, Clive Lindsay, Lachlan Eggo, Kenny Eggo.

The above managers will all be invited back next year.

EXPELLED FROM LEAGUE - Dillon Colthart.

The remaining managers will all be asked to help form the new GKL Serie B.

Finally, a big thanks to all for taking part.