Last updated at 20:01, Thursday, 05 July 2012

Rewind 12 months and the prospect of signing Stuart Green, a Football League star with an eye for goal and the ability to show up the opposition with one flick, was a mouth-watering prospect.

Green’s arrival in Workington, despite a lucrative offer from Luton Town, was reason for optimism.

It was a move that made good business sense, even though he commanded a higher wage.

Money has been a source of angst among fans, but Green earned the right to demand a fatter pay packet through a successful career.

He was never going to quit the pro game for peanuts.

Fast forward back to reality, and Green’s fanfare entrance, seems like an awfully long time ago now that he’s quit the club half way through a two-year deal.

A lot has happened during those 12 months, yet, at the same time, nothing has happened.

Two goals in 1,113 minutes of football was all anyone saw of the 30-year-old.

Admittedly, injuries wreaked havoc with the midfielder’s season, and cost him the chance to show the real Stuart Green.

In some respects he was made a scapegoat for Workington’s disappointing season.

Maybe too much was placed on his shoulders? Maybe he needed longer to adjust to non-league life?

Whatever the reason, there is no way to sugarcoat Green’s 12-month stint.

The scene was set just 35 minutes into the opening game, when he limped off and out of the next four fixtures.

Missing 14 games through injury, and sitting on the bench for another six, Green’s year-long spell at Workington would be largely forgettable, if only he hadn’t caused such a stir on arrival.

Green promised much, but unfortunately, delivered little, so it’s best for the club, and him, that this saga is finally over.

DESPITE playing with no recognised striker, Andres Iniesta and co proved why Spain are the very best team to ever grace a football field.

The tiki taka football these incredible individuals displayed so effortlessly is a joy to behold.

Smashing records as they waltzed to a third successive major honour, Spain’s 4-0 win over Italy capped off a great tournament.

So, here is my Euro 2012 team. Five Spanish, two Italians, two Portuguese, two Germans and a Russian.

Iker Casillas captained Spain to the title, conceding just once along the way.

Right back Philipp Lahm impressed on the opposite flank. The German is one of the very best defenders around.

Jordi Alba just beats Fabio Coentrao after his stunning goal helped Spain overcome Italy.

Mats Hummels was one of Germany’s standout players. He’s strong, reads the game well and defends superbly.

Sergio Ramos edges Madrid team-mate Pepe. Equally as dogged, but that penalty against Portugal was incredible.

Is there another player in world football you’d want marshalling your defence than Andrea Pirlo? The Italian was without question one of the stars of the tournament.

If Pirlo was great, Andres Iniesta was ever so slightly greater. The little genius lit up the championships with some breathtaking skill, passes and all round play.

Mesut Ozil was the German architect. Still only 23, he was a major threat in every game.

Two goals and three assists makes David Silva a must. He scored in the final and caused defenders all kinds of bother.

Love him or hate him, Mario Balotelli announced his arrival on the international stage with a brilliant double to send Germany home.

Cristiano Ronaldo started slow but was firing on all cylinders by the semi finals.

Other honourable mentions: Gianluigi Buffon, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Joao Moutinho, Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez.

First published at 19:20, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk