“THE EX-GILL”
Name: Simon Osborn
Position: Midfielder
Date Of Birth: 19/01/72
Previous clubs: Walsall, Hereford, Gillingham, QPR, Wolves, Crystal Palace
Games played: 12 (7 as sub)
Goals scored: 3
Goals/Game ratio: 0.25 goals a game
Simon Osborn will be well remembered by many Gills fans, having been an integral part of our second and third seasons in the Championship. Whilst at Priestfield Simon scored some cherished long range goals, including a cracker in a 3-3 draw against Stockport, and became a creative and ambitious force in the centre of our midfield.
Osborn joined Bromley in September, having left Walsall following a three year player/coach stint. With over 500 league appearances to his name, Osborn has the experience to deal with the pressure of higher opposition and the Gills will have to be wary of his returning presence come Saturday.
“THE JOURNEYMAN”
Name: Bobby Bowry
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 19/05/71
Previous clubs: QPR, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Colchester, Gravesend & Northfleet
Games played: 12 (7 as sub)
Goals: 0
Bobby Bowry joined Bromley as a player/coach in the off-season and is another squad member with vast football league experience for southern teams. He made a big money move to Millwall in 1995, our local rivals paid £220,000 for his services, and also applied his trade at Colchester from 2001-2005.
Performing best as a defensive or central midfielder, Bowry could well team up with Osborn on Saturday as The Lilywhites search for a famous cup upset.
“THE HITMAN”
Name: Nic McDonnell
Position: Striker
Date of birth: 18/12/80
Previous clubs: Croydon, Crawley Town, St Albans City, Carshalton Athletic
Games played: 16
Goals: 11
Goals/Game Ratio: 0.69 goals a game
Although with vastly inferior league experience to his two predecessors, Nic McDonnell has been of equal, if not more, use to Bromley this season. A great goal-scoring record of 11 goals in 16 games is not to be discarded and, if presented with the right opportunity, Nic may well cause a stir on Saturday.
Having spent several years fluttering between various lower league clubs, McDonnell joined Bromley for the beginning of the 2005/2006 season. Since scoring on his debut for The Lilywhites, he has gone on to become a first team regular and has formed an impressive partnership with fellow striker Tony Boot. Will he rise to the challenge and continue his goal-scoring form on Saturday?