Hayes Takes October Player of the Month Honours

Two games, two Man of the Match awards and one very convincing case for a change of position. Ryan Hayes has been named BCFC London’s October Player of the Month.

October has been a shorter month than usual for City, with a cup walkover and a spare weekend limiting the side to just two competitive fixtures. Unfortunately, both ended in defeat, against Larkhall and Three Little Birds, but one player emerged with plenty of credit from both performances.

Ryan Hayes claimed the Man of the Match award in each game, earning the votes of his teammates twice in succession and making him a deserving winner of October’s award.

Having signed on for his first full season this year following a handful of previous appearances, Hayes has wasted little time making an impression. He also has the small matter of family bragging rights to consider, with brother James already established in the City squad.

The two normally operate at opposite ends of the pitch, but Ryan will no doubt be hoping to outperform his brother over the course of the season. Whether the Hayes household can survive that particular rivalry remains to be seen.

There is, however, one slight complication.

Despite producing two outstanding performances at centre-back, Ryan has made it known that his preferred position is actually further forward in central midfield. With several first-choice defenders unavailable, he’s been filling in at the back and doing such a good job that he may have inadvertently made his own life more difficult.

It’s a selection headache for manager Jed Begley. Does he reward two Man of the Match displays by keeping Hayes exactly where he’s been so effective, or grant the October winner his wish and unleash him in midfield?

With some regular defenders returning and a few midfielders unavailable for Sunday’s fixture, Ryan might finally get his opportunity to prove his point.

Whatever position he finds himself in, Hayes has given City supporters plenty to be encouraged about in a difficult month.

Congratulations to Ryan on a thoroughly deserved October Player of the Month award - and good luck convincing the gaffer you’re not a centre-back!