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If footballers were cars George Best would have been a flashy but expensive American gas-guzzler, Archie Gemmill an economical family hatchback, Trevor Francis a sleek turbo-charged sports model and Brian Attley, without doubt, a Rolls Royce.
Attley’s performances fro Gresley Rovers this season have continually invited comparisons with the famous British limousines.Adjectives like sleek, smooth and polished come to mind when you talk about the Welsh full back just as easily as when conversation turns to the world’s most famous luxury car.
In fact one Gresley follower summed his game up perfectly with a piece of dry wit during the recent match at Buxton: “He’s so cool he must be an Eskimo,” was his comment, in a voice filled with awe.
Compliments of that order are not dished out regularly by followers who prefer footballers who are prepared to sweat a bit rather than those who rely on brain power.
But that’s not to imply that Attley is a lazy player merely that his class is so overwhelming that he rarely has to get involved in the hurly-burly.
As club captain and now coach it seems to be Attley even more than manager Frank Northwood who dictates the studious thoughtful way Gresley play these days.
The Welshman’s game is based firmly on the belief that there is little place for the big hopeful boot forward but that forwards and midfield players should be found and then supported so that they are encouraged to play another short ball.
When Attley arrived at the Moat Ground at the beginning of last season it seemed that the then manager Roger Davies had completed a remarkable piece of transfer business.
Attley came straight from the full-back ranks at the Base Ball Ground after being a member of the first team squad during the Rams traumatic relegation season.
He brought with him the experience gained in over 200 league games for Cardiff, Swansea and Oxford United as well as Derby.
But his initial performances were disappointing and most Moat Ground observers feel that it wasn’t until Northwood’s arrival almost 12 months ago that he began to play to his full potential.
And those improved displays in the second half of last season have blossomed into something very special this term.
One of Attley’s greatest attributes is a sense of timing, which means he can often avoid the necessity to make a tackle just by virtue of superb anticipation.
But perhaps his greatest strengths are impeccable distribution and a great awareness of the best time to make a foray forward.
These gifts mean that he could well be an even better player in midfield than he is a full-back.
Gresley fans, however, will be more than happy to watch him play anywhere if he can provide them with some more of the stunning moments of skill which have become common place this season.
Their biggest fear is that sooner or later one of the Midland’s wealthy non-league clubs will be alerted to his ability.
Although he is not keen to leave the Moat Ground there’s no doubt that he could and should do an outstanding job for any Gola League club who might want an extra touch of quality in their line-up.
