It's that time of the year when Nobby drags himself out of his armchair to acknowledge assorted sporting heroes and villains that have graced our sports pages in 2019.
Admittedly it's something of a mixed bag, but they've all earned their place in sporting history.
VAR giveth and taketh away: The interminable debate over the use of VAR in football threatened to become as boring as Brexit. It is still hugely irritating when what looks to be a perfect goal is disallowed because someone was offside by a toenail, nose or knobbly knee.
While we are on the subject: The spontaneity of goal celebrations is now a thing of the past, replaced by minutes of nervous waiting, spectators not knowing what the hell is going on except that the decision will almost certainly end up not going your way.
Most common chant on the terraces: "F*** VAR" (except when it rules in favour of your team.)
Quite useful with the bat: In the World Cricket Cup final against New Zealand, Ben Stokes taking England from a shaky 68-4 to a tie of 241 with a score of 84 not out and following up in an unprecedented "super over". His captain Eion Morgan called Stokes's performance "almost superhuman."
But that was just a taster: In the Third Ashes Test at Headingley, Stokes scoring 135 not out as England chased down a target of 356 for an unbelievable victory, 74 of the runs coming in a last-wicket partnership with bowler Jack Leach. Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented: "I have never seen a better Test innings. Ever."
Not forgetting Mr Smith: After a year's ban, Australia's Steve Smith coming back in the first Ashes Test with scores of 144 and 142 and carrying on demolishing England's bowling throughout the series.
Fond Farewell: Former England bowler Bob Willis passing away at the age of 70. He will always be remembered for his heroics at Headingley back in 1981, as well as being a major Bob Dylan fan.
1966 heroes: Farewell to West Ham and England star Martin Peters at the age of 76. He was a delight to watch, and it is often forgotten he scored England's second goal in the final against West Germany. After the match he celebrated by having a cup of tea with his wife. Gordon Banks, England's goalkeeper of that team, also passed away.
A question of etiquette: During the British Open golf championship at Portrush, Kyle Stanley twice failing to shout "fore" in the same round, on both occasions hitting the gallery. Complicating matters was that one of the spectators he hit was the mother of the caddie of his playing partner Bob MacIntyre who was not amused. MacIntyre admitted "harsh words" were exchanged and that Stanley "didn't take it well".
Toys out of the pram: An ill-tempered golfer Sergio Garcia deliberately damaging several greens at the Saudi International. In his defence, Garcia explained: "I am an emotional player, and while it's one of my strengths, it's also one of my biggest flaws." Which is a roundabout way of admitting he threw a childish temper tantrum.
All that Jazz: Not only does he have the best name in golf, Thai golfer Jazz Janewattananond is the kingdom's most promising player, grabbing two Asian Tour wins at the Indonesian Masters and Thailand Masters this month. In all, he won four titles this year.
It's only a game: The New Zealand Herald carrying a blank front page after the All Blacks lost to England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.
Throwing up time: "The [Rugby] World Cup is like a roller-coaster -- you get down the first slope and you are not sure if you are going to throw up or hang on." -- Eddie Jones, England coach warning that perhaps it might all end in tears.
Happy ending: "I never dreamed of a day like this at all. When I was a kid all I was thinking about was getting my next meal." -- Siya Kolisi, captain of Rugby World Cup champions South Africa.
Brilliant hosts: Japan superbly rolling over Ireland and Scotland to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and reaffirming their presence in world rugby.
No taming Tiger: Tiger Woods winning the Masters, his 15th major, at the age of 43 and returning from the depths of physical despair. He commented: "It is overwhelming… I could barely walk. Couldn't sleep. Couldn't do anything. It's one of my biggest wins for sure."
Golfing redemption: Norway's Suzann Pettersen holing the decisive match-winning putt at the Solheim Cup, giving Europe an unlikely one-point victory over the USA. Only four years earlier she had been vilified when involved in a controversial incident refusing to concede an 18-inch putt to Alison Lee. It prompted widespread recrimination.
The Humble One: Jose Mourinho embarking on a charm offensive after taking over at Tottenham Hotspur. Announcing he was now "humble", he went on to explain "I am stronger, I am relaxed, I am motivated, I am ready". The jury is still out. Jose found it particularly hard to keep a smiley face as he listened to Chelsea fans last week chanting "You're not special anymore."
They're sharp, those Blades: After Liverpool fans sang "Champions of Europe," Sheffield United spectators responding with "Champions of League One, you'll never sing that."
Green grass of home: "Gareth Bale didn't exactly endear himself to Real Madrid fans by commenting "I definitely have more excitement playing for Wales [than Real Madrid]. It's like playing with your mates down the park on a Sunday."
Modesty is not his middle name: Upon leaving LA Galaxy, Zlatlan Ibrahimovic announcing: "I came, I saw, I conquered."
Most refreshing moment: The sheer joy on the face of Newcastle's hard-working Paraguayan star Miguel Almiron after scoring his first goal in his 27th game for the club. The entire city of Newcastle exploded in delight as he broke his duck with a fine volley. Manager Steve Bruce's verdict: "Miggy's bloody good."
Wisest decision: Former England and Manchester United star Paul Scholes quitting as Oldham manager after just 31 days, knowing it was all going to end in tears. The club are currently 22nd in League Two and not looking too clever.
Wayne's world: After a successful spell in the MLS, Wayne Rooney joining Derby County as a player-coach. Could be interesting.
Nice touch for a big man: Peter Crouch retiring and still holding the record for the number of headed goals (51) in the Premier League.
Sign of the times: A 77,768 attendance at Wembley for an Engand v Germany women's football match.
American woman: "I think I am particularly, uniquely and very deeply, American." -- Megan Rapinoe, the USA's Women's World Cup-winning superstar.
The joy of cycling: "It's team, team, team. Get up, see the doctor, have breakfast, ride the race, get a massage, see the physio and then sleep. Then repeat." -- Egan Bernal, Colombia's first Tour de France winner.
He might have a point: "Not bad for a lad from a Stevenage council house." -- Lewis Hamilton on winning his sixth F1 World Championship.
Jumping for joy: "He is a little like myself. He likes the good things in life -- eating, drinking and sleeping, though he is a little more athletic than me." -- Trainer Gordon Elliot comparing himself to his horse Tiger Rolls which brought back memories of Red Rum by winning the Grand National for the second year running.
Making it all worthwhile: "These kind of matches you work for, you live for, to play one of your greatest rivals of all time." -- Novak Djokovic after defeating Roger Federer in the longest Wimbledon final.
Roger and not out: Federer saying he is not planning immediate retirement, observing: "I don't think that the exit needs to be that perfect, that you need to win something huge."
Pantomime villain: Aussie tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios continues to upset nearly everyone, but particularly umpires, with his anti-social behaviour. It's a real pity as he is a very good player.
On the ropes: "Three months of partying and celebrating affected me." -- Andy Ruiz blaming his lifestyle on losing his defence of the world heavyweight title to Anthony Joshua this month.
Lest we forget: "Munich will always be in a corner of my mind. I try not to remember it too much as it definitely was the saddest moment I ever had." -- Wilf McGuiness recalling the 1958 Munich disaster. He would have been on the plane with his Manchester United teammates were it not for an injury.
A Happy New Year to all readers.