Football England League One Team of the Season 2008-09

Manager: Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)

Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United)
Another brilliant season between the posts for Murphy who has been consistently outstanding for Scunny since joining three years ago. Big, brave, agile and ultra safe handling. Instrumental in helping his club back into the Championship.

Jason Crowe (Northampton Town)
Although Northampton ended up surprisingly relegated Crowe continued to offer solid service at right back. Times his tackles well, is good in the air and a strong leader. Set an example that too many of his team-mates didn’t follow.

Jack Hobbs (Leicester City)
Spent the season on loan from Liverpool and made that move permanent at the end of a campaign that was equally successful for player and club. An imposing presence who is dominant in the air and tackles fiercely. Having looked ill equipped for the Premier League on his rare outings for Liverpool he might just end up returning there a better player for an apprenticeship in the lower leagues.

Zak Whitbread (Millwall)
Another centre half who was surplus to requirements at Anfield the 2008-09 season saw Whitbread really blossom into a commanding defender. Previously he probably wanted to look good rather than attend to the basics but this season he got his priorities right and became just about the most difficult man to beat in the division. Has good ability on the ball and may well improve further.

Dean Lewington (Milton Keynes Dons)
Lewington is a keen defender who excels going forward with his good passing and crossing ability.

Fabian Delph (Leeds United)
The outstanding young talent in League One. Looks capable of playing in just about any position, Delph is very quick, tackles well, can hurt the opposition with his dribbling and passing and can score goals as well. Still in his teens, Leeds are either going to get years of top quality service or a big pay cheque from this potentially great footballer.

Matt Oakley (Leicester City)
Oakley has always been a solid pro and he proved himself to be a real class act at this level. Strong in possession he dictated play for the eventual champions all season long and chipped in with a decent goals return.

Grant McCann (Scunthorpe United)
Ditto the above really. McCann didn’t miss a game as Scunny gained promotion through the play offs and backed up his midfield scheming with nine league goals. Hugely influential.

Chris Taylor (Oldham Athletic)
There were several candidates for the left sided midfield position in this section but Taylor got our vote. Tall for a winger he has good skill, control and lovely balance. Has the traditional skills of a left winger but likes to strike for goal himself and ended the season with eleven goals.

Matty Fryatt (Leicester City)
Fryatt had never really looked the part in The Championship but showed that he remains a real danger man at this level as he scored heavily during Leicester’s promotion bid. With his confidence up his finishing was totally assured. Now he has to show that he can be as lethal at the next level.

Jermaine Beckford (Leeds United)
If Beckford had steered clear of injury and suspension Leeds may well have managed automatic promotion. Quick , strong and a genuine goalscorer Beckford has an extra touch of class that should see him succeed at Championship level and perhaps even higher. Some of his goals were truly memorable and his cup hat tricks against Chester and Northampton would have graced any stage.

Subs:

Joe Lewis (Peterborough United)
Pat Baldwin (Colchester United)
Mark Yeates (Colchester United)
Simon Cox (Swindon Town)
Rickie Lambert (Bristol Rovers)

Manager: Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)
Having secured his second straight promotion in only his second season as a manager Fergie Jnr. Looks to be a chip off the old block.
Peterborough romped through their League One campaign playing open, exciting football but they were also well organised and hard working, always a good basis for success.
Ferguson will obviously be on the radar of bigger clubs but Peterborough are currently an ambitious club and it is likely that Ferguson will want to have at least one season with them in the Championship. Is it asking too much for three straight promotions? It won’t be easy but might just be worth a quid or two.