Five-star mission for Dale

DALE Stephens has his work cut out to replace Sean Gregan at the head of the Chronicle Star Man standings.

The central midfielder, such a revelation since finding his way into the side mainly as a result of injuries, has now racked up a total of six nominations as the outstanding player for Athletic this season.

But for the former Bury player to topple his captain at the head of the standings, he will need to pick up a 'Chronicle Star Man' gong in EVERY one of his side's five remaining matches.

Gregan, who has put last season's difficulties behind him to lead the team by example in 2009-10, has accumulated 10 awards so far to lead Stephens by four.

Top scorer Pawel Abbott has three awards, as does Reuben Hazell.

The complete list reads: Gregan 10, Stephens 6, Abbott 3, Hazell 3, Whitaker 2, Sheehan 2, Furman 2, Flahavan 2, Jacobson 2, Guy 2, Lee 2, Taylor 1, Marrow 1, Parker 1, Worthington 1, Holdsworth 1, Colbeck 1, Smalley 1, Millar 1.