Football can be a fickle, cruel, cruel game.

Layfield stayed the course of the 2002/03 Season to graduate through to the end product of the 2003/04 Season.

Deservedly Manager's Player Of The Year 2003, lacking pace but that matters little or not at all if they don't go past you.

'Layf' turned in assured performances week-in, week-out last season and became Mr. Reliable both for commitment and performances.

Playing at the back he certainly got plenty of practice last season and was one of the few bright stars of a dark & miserable season.

Still searching for his first goal, Layfield keeps coming close but as yet, no cigar!

Doing well on the right as well as being given spells in midfield, this right-sided player really came into his own when switched across to left back.

Having worked hard all summer, via road running and after a good performance in United's season opener against CSC, Layfield was struck a bitter blow with a head injury that would see him ruled out for a 6 week minimum.

"I'm as gutted for Paul as he is." Quoted Jono Way, United Manager. "He's worked so hard pre-season, was looking sharp in training and what I saw of him in the opening games, looked good. I won't lie, I'd pretty much got him pencilled in for a start on the left hand side of defence and then there was one hell of an elbow that split his head open. We've got a great squad with good strength in depth, so there's no way I'm risking him as head injuries need to be managed very carefully. It just proves how much you need a squad though because out of the three left backs at the club, Clark, Layfield and Renton, we actually started the league campaign with Coates in that position! You never can tell until hours before the game exactly what's going to happen, I've stopped picking my starting eleven until match day now."