Another Game, another win.
Another game, another win. It's what the Rainham End are starting to get used to. After a 4-0 dismantling of League One outfit Scunthorpe today, you wonder if we are ever going to be stopped. We hope that we won't be.
The game after I wrote my last article, we were beaten 2-1 at home to Rochdale. After an overall rubbish performance, we were made to pay. Then... Well, my memory is patchy afterwards, maybe that will teach me to write articles more often. I know that we won 4-0, and my younger brother was a mascot. I think it was Aldershot, my only two memories of that game are some away fans who were clearly drunk singing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, and a precise finish from the edge of the box from Whelpdale.
The following week, we played Burton Albion and won 4-1 at home. My memories of that game were five Burton fans in the plush seats in the top tier of the Medway Stand, who were eventually ejected, four defenders scoring four of the five goals, including a beautiful volley from Joe Martin, that we would have difficulty replicating, and an amazing 57 away fans bothering to show up.
Then we played Torquay away and lost 2-1. I didn't go but after watching the highlights you can see that all three goals were easily preventable.
Then we had an away game at Kingsto- sorry, AFC Wimbledon. I remember that the ground was bitterly cold, and that the wind was very strong. I also remember there was a very tidy finish by our new loanee, Romain Vincelot. However, my best memory of this game, and I'm sorry for publicly humiliating you Sophie, was when the football bounced off the dugout and hit you square on the mouth. You could say she gave the ball the kiss of luck, as we scored five minutes afterwards. Anyway, three points, onwards and upwards.
Then today we had a game against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup. The first half was one of the worst I've seen at Priestfield in my five years as a season ticket holder. No action at all, nothing. We were playing the long ball game, with two midgets up front. It wasn't going to work. We changed our game in the second half, played a bit of football, and eventually it led to Matt Fish scoring from a tight angle. He scores a fair share of goals for a right back. Five minutes later, a corner swings in, and all 5'6" of Deon Burton rises above the rest and nods the ball in. 2-0. Danny Jackman, who was in a role of Left Back for the first time this season, played quite well. Fifteen minutes from time, he runs into the box and gets floored. Penalty. Kedwell doesn't miss these, seven of the ten goals that he has scored so far has been penalties. Make that eight. 3-0. Adam Birchall was then subbed on. His life at Gillingham has been very difficult. His first season didn't happen, due to a ruptured knee ligament. Then, in the Mad Dog revolution, he played one game, didn't get fed at all, and then was shipped off to Dartford. We recalled him, subbed him on with five minutes plus stoppage time left, and he started his scoring account with us with a tap-in from point blank. To sum it all up, in the last minute, one of the Scunny players had a free header from six yards out, and hit it over, which subsequently led to chants of "That's why you're going down." That must have hurt for the Scunny fans to hear, as well as to see the miss. An ideal second round draw would be anyone at home, or a team lower than us or a local league two outfit away. We would quite like a cup run, not to mention the money from TV rights we would get if we drew Arsenal or United in the third round.
By Kyle Pont (@kylepont_gfc)
The game after I wrote my last article, we were beaten 2-1 at home to Rochdale. After an overall rubbish performance, we were made to pay. Then... Well, my memory is patchy afterwards, maybe that will teach me to write articles more often. I know that we won 4-0, and my younger brother was a mascot. I think it was Aldershot, my only two memories of that game are some away fans who were clearly drunk singing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, and a precise finish from the edge of the box from Whelpdale.
The following week, we played Burton Albion and won 4-1 at home. My memories of that game were five Burton fans in the plush seats in the top tier of the Medway Stand, who were eventually ejected, four defenders scoring four of the five goals, including a beautiful volley from Joe Martin, that we would have difficulty replicating, and an amazing 57 away fans bothering to show up.
Then we played Torquay away and lost 2-1. I didn't go but after watching the highlights you can see that all three goals were easily preventable.
Then we had an away game at Kingsto- sorry, AFC Wimbledon. I remember that the ground was bitterly cold, and that the wind was very strong. I also remember there was a very tidy finish by our new loanee, Romain Vincelot. However, my best memory of this game, and I'm sorry for publicly humiliating you Sophie, was when the football bounced off the dugout and hit you square on the mouth. You could say she gave the ball the kiss of luck, as we scored five minutes afterwards. Anyway, three points, onwards and upwards.
Then today we had a game against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup. The first half was one of the worst I've seen at Priestfield in my five years as a season ticket holder. No action at all, nothing. We were playing the long ball game, with two midgets up front. It wasn't going to work. We changed our game in the second half, played a bit of football, and eventually it led to Matt Fish scoring from a tight angle. He scores a fair share of goals for a right back. Five minutes later, a corner swings in, and all 5'6" of Deon Burton rises above the rest and nods the ball in. 2-0. Danny Jackman, who was in a role of Left Back for the first time this season, played quite well. Fifteen minutes from time, he runs into the box and gets floored. Penalty. Kedwell doesn't miss these, seven of the ten goals that he has scored so far has been penalties. Make that eight. 3-0. Adam Birchall was then subbed on. His life at Gillingham has been very difficult. His first season didn't happen, due to a ruptured knee ligament. Then, in the Mad Dog revolution, he played one game, didn't get fed at all, and then was shipped off to Dartford. We recalled him, subbed him on with five minutes plus stoppage time left, and he started his scoring account with us with a tap-in from point blank. To sum it all up, in the last minute, one of the Scunny players had a free header from six yards out, and hit it over, which subsequently led to chants of "That's why you're going down." That must have hurt for the Scunny fans to hear, as well as to see the miss. An ideal second round draw would be anyone at home, or a team lower than us or a local league two outfit away. We would quite like a cup run, not to mention the money from TV rights we would get if we drew Arsenal or United in the third round.
By Kyle Pont (@kylepont_gfc)
Things brewing along nicely for Albion....
March of this year was a turning point for Burton Albion football club as manager Paul Peschisolido, the man who had been at the helm since Burton entered the football league back in 2009, was given a phrase more familiar to his wife Karren Brady in the Apprentice boardroom 'You're fired'. Yet before the horrendous run of umpteen matches without a win dating back to the start of the year it had looked as though Burton and Peschisolido were together going to experience their first taste of League One football with Albion hovering in amongst the play-off pack.
Yet as injuries hampered the effective front line of Richards, Kee and Zola the form took a nosedive and Burton were falling through the league at an alarming rate. Enough was enough after a 4-1 humiliation by Torquay at the Pirelli stadium resulting in chairman Ben Robinson opting for a change to salvage the brewers league status. He turned to assistant manager Gary Rowett to guide the team over the finish line and away from the possibility of a tuesday night in Tamworth. Despite a 7-1 arse-whipping at Bristol Rover's and a 4-0 thrashing away at AFC Wimbledon, Robinson decided to keep faith with Rowett for the coming season offering him the job on a full-time basis, much to the pessimism of the fans.
The knives were drawn for Rowett as Steve Evan's Rotherham side in their plush new stadium brushed aside Albion by way of a 3-0 scoreline. The pressure on the boss was mounting as the team faced AFC Wimbledon in the first home fixture of the season. If pressure was on the side they sure didn't show it as six different goalscorers saw off the londoner's winning 6-2 on the night. The following games produced generally positive results with notable victories coming in the Capital One cup via a penalty shootout victory at League One Sheffield United and a 4-2 thrashing of Leicester City before the run was cruelly ended away at Bradford City.
So with Burton sitting pretty in 7th place and in amongst the play off pack is this not a case of deja vu? Well, hopefully not. Players brought in by Rowett with the assistant of Kevin Summerfield have shone thus far in a team not many would have guessed has been subject to so much change. Robbie Wier and Lee Bell have provided a dynamic, hard-working core to the midfield both contributing goals and creativity for the strikers. Zander Diamond has proved a shrewd capture from Oldham and has gone on to own the captain's armband. Damien McCrory arrived from Dagenham with all the hallmarks of a squad player yet has displaced Albion legend Aaron Webster to make the left-back position his own.
The key man thus far has been the ever-impressive Calvin Zola with four goals, one of which stands to win goal of the season, a chested down-volley from 35 yards back-to-goal moment against Oxford United even made it on to Sky Sports News loop such was the technique. Zola has not been free of speculation regarding a move away from the Pirelli stadium with Cheltenham town ever present in the rumour mill.
What of Burton's chances then this season? So far so good. Gary Rowett has proved to know his players and devise a system that gets the best out of the majority, the only weakness thus far has been tactical naivity on occasion. A prime example being the previous home match against Northampton town with Albion under the kosh Rowett decided to substitute striker Matt Paterson in favour of a defender, Nathan Stanton, with 30 minutes left to play inviting the pressure which eventually paid off for the cobblers. All in all there is genuine talent in the ranks and if the side keep performing to the level that has been shown already it could be a very interesting outcome to this season.
Prediction: 6th
By Chris Durning
Yet as injuries hampered the effective front line of Richards, Kee and Zola the form took a nosedive and Burton were falling through the league at an alarming rate. Enough was enough after a 4-1 humiliation by Torquay at the Pirelli stadium resulting in chairman Ben Robinson opting for a change to salvage the brewers league status. He turned to assistant manager Gary Rowett to guide the team over the finish line and away from the possibility of a tuesday night in Tamworth. Despite a 7-1 arse-whipping at Bristol Rover's and a 4-0 thrashing away at AFC Wimbledon, Robinson decided to keep faith with Rowett for the coming season offering him the job on a full-time basis, much to the pessimism of the fans.
The knives were drawn for Rowett as Steve Evan's Rotherham side in their plush new stadium brushed aside Albion by way of a 3-0 scoreline. The pressure on the boss was mounting as the team faced AFC Wimbledon in the first home fixture of the season. If pressure was on the side they sure didn't show it as six different goalscorers saw off the londoner's winning 6-2 on the night. The following games produced generally positive results with notable victories coming in the Capital One cup via a penalty shootout victory at League One Sheffield United and a 4-2 thrashing of Leicester City before the run was cruelly ended away at Bradford City.
So with Burton sitting pretty in 7th place and in amongst the play off pack is this not a case of deja vu? Well, hopefully not. Players brought in by Rowett with the assistant of Kevin Summerfield have shone thus far in a team not many would have guessed has been subject to so much change. Robbie Wier and Lee Bell have provided a dynamic, hard-working core to the midfield both contributing goals and creativity for the strikers. Zander Diamond has proved a shrewd capture from Oldham and has gone on to own the captain's armband. Damien McCrory arrived from Dagenham with all the hallmarks of a squad player yet has displaced Albion legend Aaron Webster to make the left-back position his own.
The key man thus far has been the ever-impressive Calvin Zola with four goals, one of which stands to win goal of the season, a chested down-volley from 35 yards back-to-goal moment against Oxford United even made it on to Sky Sports News loop such was the technique. Zola has not been free of speculation regarding a move away from the Pirelli stadium with Cheltenham town ever present in the rumour mill.
What of Burton's chances then this season? So far so good. Gary Rowett has proved to know his players and devise a system that gets the best out of the majority, the only weakness thus far has been tactical naivity on occasion. A prime example being the previous home match against Northampton town with Albion under the kosh Rowett decided to substitute striker Matt Paterson in favour of a defender, Nathan Stanton, with 30 minutes left to play inviting the pressure which eventually paid off for the cobblers. All in all there is genuine talent in the ranks and if the side keep performing to the level that has been shown already it could be a very interesting outcome to this season.
Prediction: 6th
By Chris Durning
Mad Dog's Magic
Not many people have taken notice of the blistering start from Gillingham in League Two this year. With a record of seven wins and a draw in the npower League Two, having scored seventeen and leaked only four goals, it would be fair to say that they have had a pretty decent start, having beaten the favourites (Wycombe) in their own back yard.
However, for the past two seasons we had been seen as major promotion candidates, odds of around 10/1 to be promoted in 2010/11 and 2011/12. This year, we were seen as no threat to anyone, with Andy Hessenthaler booted from the helm after two unsuccessful seasons, our odds were bumped up to 30/1. We also signed Martin "Mad Dog" Allen as our manager, a manager better known for just keeping teams up rather than a charge for promotion. He certainly lived up to his nickname. In his first training session, on a day where the temperature was around eight degrees, he took them to the river Medway and told them to have a swim.
He released over ten players and sold our first choice goalkeeper to Southampton for £2,000,000. He then signed a dozen new players, Deon Burton being the most notable of these. He also uses a very wacky "squad rotation" system, where no player is safe to play the next game, even the goalkeepers get switched often. But all of this seems to have done the trick. The entire squad looks much fitter than last season, they have much more desire to win the games, and they have been getting the results. This weekend we will have a difficult test, home to Rochdale. Even though we beat Port Vale 2-0 away last week, I wouldn't be surprised to see that Mad Dog changed the entire starting eleven.
I wouldn't be surprised to see that Mad Dog subbed his dog on the pitch.
By Kyle Pont (@kylepont_gfc)
However, for the past two seasons we had been seen as major promotion candidates, odds of around 10/1 to be promoted in 2010/11 and 2011/12. This year, we were seen as no threat to anyone, with Andy Hessenthaler booted from the helm after two unsuccessful seasons, our odds were bumped up to 30/1. We also signed Martin "Mad Dog" Allen as our manager, a manager better known for just keeping teams up rather than a charge for promotion. He certainly lived up to his nickname. In his first training session, on a day where the temperature was around eight degrees, he took them to the river Medway and told them to have a swim.
He released over ten players and sold our first choice goalkeeper to Southampton for £2,000,000. He then signed a dozen new players, Deon Burton being the most notable of these. He also uses a very wacky "squad rotation" system, where no player is safe to play the next game, even the goalkeepers get switched often. But all of this seems to have done the trick. The entire squad looks much fitter than last season, they have much more desire to win the games, and they have been getting the results. This weekend we will have a difficult test, home to Rochdale. Even though we beat Port Vale 2-0 away last week, I wouldn't be surprised to see that Mad Dog changed the entire starting eleven.
I wouldn't be surprised to see that Mad Dog subbed his dog on the pitch.
By Kyle Pont (@kylepont_gfc)
Swindon Town 2012/2013: The Arrivals
Swindon Town 2012/2013: The Arrivals
Since my last report on how I thought Swindon had improved under Paolo Di Canio in his first season in charge the pre-season has come and gone and we’re counting down the days until the new League 1 season gets underway. Over the summer we’ve seen players come and go and after what seemed to be another successful Italian pre-season tour the squad is all but complete.
The Arrivals
In total we have seen 7 new players join the club, the 7 players have bought a mix of skill and experience to the County Ground:
James Collins – Free transfer from Shrewsbury Town
Gary Roberts – Free transfer from Huddersfield Town
Andy Williams – Free transfer from Yeovil Town
Alan Navarro – Free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion
Jay McEveley – Free transfer from Barnsley FC
Tommy Miller – Free transfer from Huddersfield Town
Troy Archibald-Henville – Free transfer (with compensation) from Exeter City
All 7 players have addressed the areas where Swindon have lost players or they were a little bit short last season. Many of the 7 signings so far have come to Swindon with heaps of experience both in League 1 and above. I think the 7 signings have improved the team ready for a promotion challenge out of League 1. Having a strike force of Collins & Williams adding to Benson, De Vita and youngster Miles Storey provides us with flexibility and talent. The one area I think Swindon look very strong is the centre of midfield. Both Navarro and Miller have had careers at clubs playing in League 1 and above whilst Simon Ferry has been at Swindon a few years now and has shown he is capable of playing in League 1, if injuries were to happen we also have 2 versatile players in Oliver Risser and Alan McCormack who can both play in the middle of the park. McEveley put in some brilliant performances for the town last season and became part of a strong defence which helped us gain the league 2 title. Adding Archibald-Henville also will provide competition in Centre Back for Alan McCormack, Aden Flint and Joe Devera.
Over the summer I really think Swindon have improved again and have a very good squad and a good amount of depth in all positions with youngsters breaking into the team as well. The season ahead promises to be an entertaining, unpredictable and nerve-wracking one for all Swindon fans but hopefully come May we’ll be experiencing the same sort of feeling we felt when we finished the 2011-2012 campaign, and I believe with the players we’ve signed, the manager we have, the backing of the board and the support of the fans we have all the ingredients for a successful season and I for one am really looking forward to it!
By Ben Callaghan (@slapshot6032)
Since my last report on how I thought Swindon had improved under Paolo Di Canio in his first season in charge the pre-season has come and gone and we’re counting down the days until the new League 1 season gets underway. Over the summer we’ve seen players come and go and after what seemed to be another successful Italian pre-season tour the squad is all but complete.
The Arrivals
In total we have seen 7 new players join the club, the 7 players have bought a mix of skill and experience to the County Ground:
James Collins – Free transfer from Shrewsbury Town
Gary Roberts – Free transfer from Huddersfield Town
Andy Williams – Free transfer from Yeovil Town
Alan Navarro – Free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion
Jay McEveley – Free transfer from Barnsley FC
Tommy Miller – Free transfer from Huddersfield Town
Troy Archibald-Henville – Free transfer (with compensation) from Exeter City
All 7 players have addressed the areas where Swindon have lost players or they were a little bit short last season. Many of the 7 signings so far have come to Swindon with heaps of experience both in League 1 and above. I think the 7 signings have improved the team ready for a promotion challenge out of League 1. Having a strike force of Collins & Williams adding to Benson, De Vita and youngster Miles Storey provides us with flexibility and talent. The one area I think Swindon look very strong is the centre of midfield. Both Navarro and Miller have had careers at clubs playing in League 1 and above whilst Simon Ferry has been at Swindon a few years now and has shown he is capable of playing in League 1, if injuries were to happen we also have 2 versatile players in Oliver Risser and Alan McCormack who can both play in the middle of the park. McEveley put in some brilliant performances for the town last season and became part of a strong defence which helped us gain the league 2 title. Adding Archibald-Henville also will provide competition in Centre Back for Alan McCormack, Aden Flint and Joe Devera.
Over the summer I really think Swindon have improved again and have a very good squad and a good amount of depth in all positions with youngsters breaking into the team as well. The season ahead promises to be an entertaining, unpredictable and nerve-wracking one for all Swindon fans but hopefully come May we’ll be experiencing the same sort of feeling we felt when we finished the 2011-2012 campaign, and I believe with the players we’ve signed, the manager we have, the backing of the board and the support of the fans we have all the ingredients for a successful season and I for one am really looking forward to it!
By Ben Callaghan (@slapshot6032)
Bradford City Season Preview 2012/13
Many opinions surround The Bantams’ consistent form when it comes to providing disappointing league results. Whether it is through a week squad, poor management, bad luck or even a combination of the three, City can’t seem to rid themselves of the anchor that pins them toward the lower end of the football pyramid. The Bantams finished 18th in League 2 at the end of the 2011/2012 campaign, repeating the dour feat of the season before that. However, progress was witnessed on the pitch last season, especially at home. Being a season ticket holder, Valley Parade is obviously where I witness most of City’s football being played and it is calming to know that we have only lost one game at home since the painful November Rotherham fixture in which Michael Flynn missed his second injury time penalty that would have levelled the game at 3-3. So in theory, an improvement on the road should produce cheerier league standings.
Bradford’s home shirt this season consists of claret and amber hoops, evoking the strip worn by City when the club was first established in 1903. The away kit is a sickly golden colour thrown together with stripes of different width. This design almost appears to showcase an arrow pointing in a downwards trajectory which in my opinion provides a certain irony to the slogan “let’s start a ‘golden’ era”.
New signings for The Bantams this season include fan favourite Andrew Davies, whose loan-spell at the club in the previous campaign illustrated an experienced, mature understanding of the game contrasted by the central defender’s temper and ill-discipline (Davies’ three red cards generated a twelve game ban in total). Two arrivals to look out for this season are 35 year old Gary Jones and striker Alan Connell who made the trip to West Yorkshire from Rochdale and Swindon Town respectively. Jones’ 325 appearances for The Dale is a club record and his grit and determination are something to admire. Connell struck impressively for Grimsby in the 2010/2011 campaign, netting 25 goals in 46 games and continued his scoring form the following season for The Robins, bagging 11 in 32 ( becoming the club’s joint top-scorer alongside Paul Benson).
Phil Parkinson has succeeded in steering City from the depths of the Blue Square Premier, but here lies the real challenge. After five consecutive seasons at the foot of the professional leagues, fans are desperate to see Bradford climb back up the ladder to where we belong. The question is, is he up to the test?
By Joe Scargill (@jwscargill)
Bradford’s home shirt this season consists of claret and amber hoops, evoking the strip worn by City when the club was first established in 1903. The away kit is a sickly golden colour thrown together with stripes of different width. This design almost appears to showcase an arrow pointing in a downwards trajectory which in my opinion provides a certain irony to the slogan “let’s start a ‘golden’ era”.
New signings for The Bantams this season include fan favourite Andrew Davies, whose loan-spell at the club in the previous campaign illustrated an experienced, mature understanding of the game contrasted by the central defender’s temper and ill-discipline (Davies’ three red cards generated a twelve game ban in total). Two arrivals to look out for this season are 35 year old Gary Jones and striker Alan Connell who made the trip to West Yorkshire from Rochdale and Swindon Town respectively. Jones’ 325 appearances for The Dale is a club record and his grit and determination are something to admire. Connell struck impressively for Grimsby in the 2010/2011 campaign, netting 25 goals in 46 games and continued his scoring form the following season for The Robins, bagging 11 in 32 ( becoming the club’s joint top-scorer alongside Paul Benson).
Phil Parkinson has succeeded in steering City from the depths of the Blue Square Premier, but here lies the real challenge. After five consecutive seasons at the foot of the professional leagues, fans are desperate to see Bradford climb back up the ladder to where we belong. The question is, is he up to the test?
By Joe Scargill (@jwscargill)
Swindon Town: The Di Canio Effect
Paolo Di Canio is one of the great names in English football, everyone has heard of him and remembers his controversial style of football. After he retired we didn’t hear much of him until 20th May 2011 when Swindon Town announced him as manager. The club were at arguably their lowest point in the last few years after in the space of one season going from playoff finalists to a relegated club who finished rock bottom of the league 1 table in the 10/11 season. When Paolo joined the club, fans could instantly feel a buzz around the County Ground and excitement was building amongst fans ahead of their League 2 campaign.
Not only by bringing Paolo to the County Ground did the eyes of his followers turn their attention to the league 2 club but by just being appointed as manager some fans started flocking to matches just to see the famous footballer at the helm of their local team. There is no doubt that when acting chairman Jeremy Wray appointed Paolo that it could easily back fire and there could have been a risk to the clubs reputation being as crippled as it was after the clubs relegation the previous season. Paolo bought with him instant respect from every player still at the club following the relegation, because of his background the presence of him allowed the players to immediately know who was in charge and they gave him their immediate attention and respect from the first training session.
Di Canio also bought a no-nonsense attitude to training schedules for the Swindon outfit, and ensured that the players on the clubs book would work hard for their successes and earn the right to play in the red and white shirts. This led to the first controversial moment for Di Canio with his on field spat with Leon Clarke at the end of a match which led to Clarke leaving the club and not playing for us again. This showed the whole world the passion which Di Canio has over the team, if you don’t agree with the way he is running the club then you simply won’t play for the club. The respect which the players gave him ensured a strong working relationship which showed on the pitch. Swindon won the league by quite a margin and this included 13 consecutive wins. The performances on the pitch and the results that came as a result instantly made Paolo Di Canio a Swindon Legend.
In just over a year Swindon Town have transformed from a broken relegated league 1 side preparing for a league 2 campaign of importance, to a league 1 side that have the belief that they can mount a promotion challenge and are attracting the kind of players to do so. This is all down to one man: Paolo Di Canio. He single-handedly bought the fans back to the club and kept them coming back after every game. I think Swindon are in the best place they’ve been in for a number of years and I for one am looking forward to what should be a fascinating campaign which hopefully end in similar success as the 2011/2012 season.
By Ben Callaghan (slapshot6032)
Not only by bringing Paolo to the County Ground did the eyes of his followers turn their attention to the league 2 club but by just being appointed as manager some fans started flocking to matches just to see the famous footballer at the helm of their local team. There is no doubt that when acting chairman Jeremy Wray appointed Paolo that it could easily back fire and there could have been a risk to the clubs reputation being as crippled as it was after the clubs relegation the previous season. Paolo bought with him instant respect from every player still at the club following the relegation, because of his background the presence of him allowed the players to immediately know who was in charge and they gave him their immediate attention and respect from the first training session.
Di Canio also bought a no-nonsense attitude to training schedules for the Swindon outfit, and ensured that the players on the clubs book would work hard for their successes and earn the right to play in the red and white shirts. This led to the first controversial moment for Di Canio with his on field spat with Leon Clarke at the end of a match which led to Clarke leaving the club and not playing for us again. This showed the whole world the passion which Di Canio has over the team, if you don’t agree with the way he is running the club then you simply won’t play for the club. The respect which the players gave him ensured a strong working relationship which showed on the pitch. Swindon won the league by quite a margin and this included 13 consecutive wins. The performances on the pitch and the results that came as a result instantly made Paolo Di Canio a Swindon Legend.
In just over a year Swindon Town have transformed from a broken relegated league 1 side preparing for a league 2 campaign of importance, to a league 1 side that have the belief that they can mount a promotion challenge and are attracting the kind of players to do so. This is all down to one man: Paolo Di Canio. He single-handedly bought the fans back to the club and kept them coming back after every game. I think Swindon are in the best place they’ve been in for a number of years and I for one am looking forward to what should be a fascinating campaign which hopefully end in similar success as the 2011/2012 season.
By Ben Callaghan (slapshot6032)
League Two Season 2012/13 Preview
The League Two season 2011/2012 gave us some interesting things to talk about; on pitch brawls between teams, arguments between managers and players, and most of all what happened to each team at the end of the season. The champions finished as Swindon Town, managed by former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio, who managed a record 13 wins in a row which took them from an abysmal looking mid table finish to the League Two championship.
The runners up were Shrewsbury Town, managed by Graham Turner. Coming back from play off disappointment the previous year to Torquay United, the shrews took no prisoners this season and managed to stay in the top 6 for the whole season, meaning the resulting promotion.
Big spenders Crawley Town finished in 3rd place. Following their promotion from the Conference, with a record number of points (105), Crawley started poorly, even recording a 6-0 loss to Morecambe but they managed to bounce back and no less than 84 points despite losing manager Steve Evans to Rotherham United towards the end of the season.
The play offs provided the entertainment we all wanted them to produce. The semi finals were Crewe Alexandra versus Southend United and Cheltenham Town versus Torquay United. Crewe and Southend played out a less than entertaining 1-0 win to Crewe in the first leg meaning that Southend had to win the second leg, but unfortunately failed to do that, drawing 2-2 at Roots Hall meaning Crewe proceeded to Wembley. Cheltenham, favourites for relegation at the start of the season, had never lost a play-off game going into the games with Torquay and managed to extend that record after beating Torquay 2-0 at Whaddon Road and 2-1 at Plainmoor, which meant Cheltenham went to Wembley for the first time since 2002. The day of the play-off final came and both sets of fans were confident with both bringing more than triple their average attendance to Wembley. Cheltenham controlled the game, but Crewe ran out winners with goals from Nick Powell and Byron Moore, which earned Powell a move to Manchester United and Crewe promotion to League One. Now if anyone doesn’t know what it feels like to lose in a play-off final, count yourselves lucky as it’s one of the worst feelings in the world.
One of the relegated teams was Hereford United, to the happiness of Cheltenham fans, despite their wins against Crawley and Torquay in the last two games of the season. Hereford had dropped from League One to the Conference in just 3 years. The other was Macclesfield Town, who didn’t manage a win in 2012, and ended up finishing bottom of the league.
So what should we expect from the teams this season? Here are my thoughts of every team’s; managers, signings, key players and where i expect them to finish this season.
AFC Wimbledon
Manager: Terry Brown
10 years on from their creation. AFC Wimbledon start their second season in League Two and let’s be honest this is quite an achievement. 7 promotions in 9 years have meant that The Wombles are where they are today. Manager Terry Brown was appointed in 2007 with Wimbledon in Isthmian League whilst during the 5 years at the club he has become a celebrity at the Kingsmeadow, I don’t know much about Terry Brown myself, but in my opinion he seems like a nice guy and wants the club to succeed so what more can you ask of him? This summer, the club have bought in 4 signings; Curtis Osano (Luton), Louis Harris (Unattached), Stacey Long (Stevenage) and Warren Cummings (Bournemouth). These signings, in my opinion, will improve the team a lot and will make them stronger at the back. After conceding 78 goals in the league last season this was a must. The key player for Wimbledon next season with inevitably be Jack Midson, he signed on a free transfer last summer and scored 15 goals for the club, his goals will be key to the clubs success (if they get any). I believe if the morale in the camp is high and the players’ attitudes are right, the club could push for a top table finish, but i don’t think they are good enough, just yet, to make a push for promotion to League One.
Accrington Stanley
Manager: Paul Cook
Over the last few seasons Accrington Stanley (who are they?) have looked stronger as a team, managing top table finishes and a play-off semi final defeat in the last few years. Paul Cook was appointed last year after John Coleman left to manage Rochdale. I feel he hasn’t proved himself as a manager yet so he could be one to watch. New signings Bohan Dixon, George Miller, Lewis Hatch and Luke Clark are not name that jump out at you to say quality and i haven’t heard much about any of them. Luke Clark looks like he is a good prospect and could make the jump up into the first team some time soon. The key player for Accrington, I feel will be Dean Winnard, the captain, he is a good leader and can sort out the team if it needs sorting. I think that Accrington could go either way this season, in my opinion they start off expecting a mid table finish, but i feel they could be candidates for relegation as their team doesn’t have any stand out quality (sorry Accrington fans).
Aldershot Town
Manager: Dean Holdsworth
Like Accrington, Aldershot seem to be having an uplift in the last few seasons, and I feel Dean Holdsworth has something to do with this. Appointed in 2010, Holdsworth came in from Newport County and improved the team straight away, making them look confident in their play and bringing in some quality signings, for example Guy Madjo. The new signings bought in this summer are; Antony Tonkin, Olly Lancashire, Troy Brown, Guy Branston and Craig Stanley. These are signings I would have loved Cheltenham to have bought in so I think that tells you how I feel about their signings. The key player i feel for Aldershot will be Danny Hylton, sometimes lazy according to some fans but I believe he can produce some moments of brilliance which can change a game, this could be vital this season. Aldershot will be challenging for play offs this season, in my opinion. They strong in all areas now and have back up if they need it, but they do tend to “park the bus” if they are out of their depth and I think they need to stop that to actually challenge.
Barnet
Manager: Mark Robson
Barnet do not look good for this season at all. Following 3 consecutive last day survivals, I feel this year will be Barnet’s year to be relegated. Despite the efforts of Mark Robson, Barnet have ridden their luck and luck has to end sometime. Robson was bought in for a replacement for Martin Allen, and to be fair to him, anyone who takes over from that man will always have a job on their hands. Departures of Izale McLeod and Sam Deering, the most adventurous in their team and the entrance of Sam Cowler, Jordan Brown, Ahmed Abdulla and Oliver Lee means that the team has decreased in quality already. Clovis Kamdjo will be the key player in Barnet’s season; he’s experienced and can pop up with a goal if needed. Like I said, I reckon Barnet will be relegated this season.
Bradford City
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Bradford very often spends a lot of money in the summer, often bringing in a lot of signings as well. Manager Phil Parkinson made his way into the managing profession through Charlton Athletic, but they sacked him after 2 years at the valley. He was appointed Bradford manager in 2011. This summer Bradford have bought in; Andrew Davies, Rory McArdle, Gary Jones, James Meredith, Gary Thompson, Stephen Darby, Will Atkinson. Stephen Darby was tipped to be a regular in the Liverpool first team, but never broke into the first team and was released in 2012; he is my key player for Bradford as he is easily the best player in their squad. As always Bradford are expected to challenge for the title due to their spending power, but they don’t usually come up trumps so I reckon they will be mid table at best.
Bristol Rovers
Manager: Mark McGhee
Bristol Rovers were expected to do well last year after their relegation from league one, but never lived up to expectation and finished in the bottom half. Paul Buckle was sacked mid-season and Mark McGhee was bought in. On McGhee’s CV it has a 9-0 defeat to Celtic so not many Bristol Rovers fans were happy with this appointment. His first game was actually against my team, Cheltenham, which in a 2-1 win for Rovers. The highlight of his career so far is a 7-1 win over Burton Albion. Signings this summer include Seanan Clucas and Oliver Norburn. These are two very good signings and i feel they improve Bristol Rover’s team. Clucas in the centre of midfield with Anyinsah on the flank already has the structure of a quality midfield. My key player for them is Matt Harrold, he can score plenty of goals if needed and is a good target man. I reckon Rovers will easily achieve play-offs and will probably push for automatics if some more good signings are made over the rest of the summer.
Burton Albion
Manager: Gary Rowett
Burton started last season well and went into Christmas in a play-off spot. Although they went on a sudden downturn which had many people predicting relegation for the club. Good news came as Burton finished the season in 17th place and had avoided the drop. The downturn towards the end of the season led to Paul Peschisolido being sacked and Gary Rowett’s appointment. He so far has brought in Robbie Weir, Zander Diamond, Damien McRory and Dean Lyness. Weir scored in Burton’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa so i think this is a potential bargain. The Key player for Burton is Nathan Stanton, a vocal player in their defence. I believe Burton will make the lower end of the bottom half this season.
Cheltenham Town
Manager: Mark Yates
Cheltenham will start the season on the back of their play-off final defeat to Crewe. To make the play-off final was a real achievement as we started the season as relegation favourites. Manager Mark Yates and assistant Neil Howarth have done wonders for the club and I feel that this needs to be vocalised. When Yates took over the club was in £800,000 worth of debt and had 6 players signed on for the next season. This is because Martin Allen bought in 31 players in one season and also played 51 different players. Half of these players were on championship wages and this led us to near liquidation. Yates improved us step by step; firstly by making us a shoe-in for safety, then push on for play-offs. We are now making profits and are probably some people’s favourites for promotion. For this, we respect you Mark! So far Yates has bought in Sam Deering from Barnet and Billy Jones from Exeter City. Sam Deering can easily replace Luke Summerfield who left for Shrewsbury and Jones is in to replace Luke Garbutt who is carrying on his career at Everton. These are two very good signings who Yates has wanted for a long time. It’s hard to pick a key player for us this season, but I would have to go for Jermaine McGlashan; he’s quick, scares defences and can score goals- all signs of a quality player. I feel after our play-off campaign we can only push on for automatic promotion and i feel this is fully within our reach.
Chesterfield
Manager: John Sheridan
Two years ago Chesterfield were promoted to League One as champions, but unfortunately were relegated straight back to League Two. With a Johnston’s Paint Trophy triumph under their belt, The Spireites are expected to get back to League One this season. Signings include Richard O’Donnell, Marc Richards, Sam Hird, Terrell Forbes and Sam Togwell. The stand out signing has to be Marc Richards from Port Vale; he will almost certainly get 20 or more goals this season and he will be the key player for the club as well. I expect Chesterfield to get promoted this season with ease; their team is easily full of League One players and some Championship players.
Dag + Red
Manager: John Still
Dagenham really struggled last season, finishing 19th in the table. I think John Still has done a good job with the Dag + Red winning the Conference title and promotion to League One all in 5 years. The club have only bought in one signing so far and that is Arsenal right back Gavin Hoyte, this is a good signing as he has Premier League experience and that is a good thing to have in a League Two camp. The key player for this team this season will be Medy Elito, a pacy winger who terrorises defence, if he has the right attitude he can be a quality player. I feel Dagenham will achieve a mid table finish this season at best as they haven’t got the quality they had when they achieved promotion two years ago.
Exeter City
Manager: Paul Tisdale
Exeter nearly achieved a play off place in League One a few years ago and managed a Johnston’s paint trophy semi final. But last season they were relegated back to League Two. This summer Tisdale has tried to improve his squad by bringing in Rhys Evans, Pat Baldwin, Kevin Amankwaah, Tommy Doherty, Aaron Davies, Craig Woodman and Jordan Tilson. Craig Woodman from Brentford will be the best left back in the league in my opinion and will be Exeter’s key player. I think Exeter will make the play-offs or top table finish this season.
Fleetwood Town
Manager: Mickey Mellon
Fleetwood seem to be the new Crawley as they spent a lot of money in order to gain promotion to League Two. Scotsman Mickey Mellon has been busy this summer bringing in Anthony Titcher, Dean Howell, Chris Maxwell, Damien Johnson, Jon Parkin, Steven Gillespie and Barry Nicholson. This makes Fleetwood look very experienced around the whole squad and they could be a force this season. Key player this season will be Jon Parkin, another person with premier league experience and will be an asset to the clubs success this season. I believe Fleetwood will be up at the top part of the table at the end of the season and could be looking at promotion.
Gillingham
Manager: Martin Allen
Even though I like Gillingham as a club and I like the fans. This season does not look good for them. With Andy Hessenthaler leaving the club and Martin Allen coming in I don’t hold out much hope for them. It is a well known fact that Martin Allen likes to spend money and bring in lots of players, but one thing he seems to be unaware of is that players have to have chemistry to be able to play together. Gillingham fans should a flurry of incoming players soon (hopefully not 31). They haven’t anyone in just yet though. I expect Gillingham to be in the lower part of the table this season, maybe relegation candidates.
Morecambe
Manager: Jim Bentley
Morecambe seem to be a consistent mid table side, despite their play-off campaign two years ago. Jim Bentley was appointed in 2011 and maintained their mid table finish. So far they have bought in Robbie Threlfall, Andrew Wright and Richard Brodie. Richard Brodie is known to score goals and could be a good asset to Morecambe this season. Their key player would be, in my opinion, Kevin Ellison, a tall and strong player who can score goals. I think they will finish mid table again this season.
Northampton Town
Manager: Aidy Boothroyd
Northampton Town are another one of these teams who spend a lot of money and never come up trump in the actual football season. They have spent a lot of money this summer, bringing in Clive Platt, Alex Nicholls, Ishmael Demontagnac, Joe Widdowson, Chris Hackett and Neal Kitson. Their key player will be Adebayo Akinfenwa, the league’s top scorer last season. I think they will finish bottom half this season.
Oxford United
Manager: Chris Wilder
Oxford go into the season after just missing out on the play-offs last season. Manager Chris Wilder is slowly becoming more unpopular with the fans, for what reason it is not known. They have bought in 4 players this summer, Sean Rigg, James Forster- Caskey, Damien Martinez and Michael Raynes. The key player for Oxford as always will be James Constable, who always scores 15 or more goals a season. I reckon they will make the play-offs this season.
Plymouth Argyle
Manager: Carl Fletcher
Plymouth have sorted themselves out after their money problems, which also meant 2 relegations and nearly a 3rd in a row, narrowly saving themselves with 2 games to go last season. Manager Carl Fletcher was a player for Plymouth two years ago, but took over from Peter Reid last season. They have bought in Rene Gilmartin and Jamie Lowry this summer. The key player for them this season will be Gilmartin as he is experienced and will sort the team out if there are any problems.
Port Vale
Manager: Mickey Adams
Port Vale have also had money problems and had a 10 point reduction last season meaning they ended up on 59 points. Mickey Adams left Port Vale two years ago for Sheffield United, but that wasn’t a success and came back to Vale last season. They have bought in Ashley Vincent, Darren Murphy, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Richard Duffy, Chris Neal and David Artell. The key player for Port Vale will be David Artell as he is a born leader for the team. I think Port Vale will finish lower mid table this season.
Rochdale
Manager: John Coleman
Rochdale were relegated from League One last season. John Coleman was appointed manager last season from Accrington Stanley. Rochdale have bought in George Donnelly, Peter Cavanagh, Rhys Bennett, Josh Lillis, Joe Raffarty, Ryan Edwards and Kevin McIntyre. I feel they will finish in the top half this season.
Rotherham United
Manager: Steve Evans
Rotherham seem to have come into a bit of money this summer nearly rebuilding the whole squad. Manager Steve Evans was the shock appointment towards the back end of last season from Crawley and everyone thought there should be a reason, I think money was the reason. They have bought in Daniel Nardiello, Kayode Odejayi, Ian Sharps, Nicky Hunt, Scott Shearer, Michael O’Connor, Kari Arnason, Lionel Ainsworth, David Noble and Lawrence Wilson. I feel that they will win the league and there will be claims that they bought the league.
Southend United
Manager: Paul Sturrock
Southend go into the season on the back of their play-off semi final defeat to Crewe. Paul Sturrock will see promotion as the only option. They have bought in Kevan Hurst, Gavin Tomlin, Anthony Straker, Ryan Cresswell and Freddy Eastwood. The key player for them will be Bilel Mohsni, a defender who can score hatfuls of goals. I think Southend will make play-offs again this season.
Torquay United
Manager: Martin Ling
Like Southend, Torquay go into the season on the back of a play-off semi final defeat, to Cheltenham. Martin Ling was bought in after Paul Buckle went to Bristol Rovers. They have bought in Ryan Jarvis, Craig Easton, Michael Poke, Tom Cruise(not the actor) and Billy Bodin. I feel Torquay will finish just above the relegation zone this season.
Wycombe Wanderers
Manager: Gary Waddock
Wycombe have had an up and down last couple of seasons. They have recently been relegated from League One. Gary Waddock knows how to get a team promoted as he has already got them promoted once before. They have bought in Sam Wood, Matthew Spring, Lee Angol, Gary Doherty, Dennis Oli, and Richard Logan. I think they will finish mid table this season.
York City
Manager: Gary Mills
York earned promotion to League Two through the Conference play-offs. Gary Mills failed to get promoted with York 3 years ago missing out to Oxford United. He has signed Lee Bullock, Oli Johnson, Jon McCready, Michael Coulson and Danny Blanchett. I believe York will finish mid table.
By Tom Stanford (@StanCTFC)
The runners up were Shrewsbury Town, managed by Graham Turner. Coming back from play off disappointment the previous year to Torquay United, the shrews took no prisoners this season and managed to stay in the top 6 for the whole season, meaning the resulting promotion.
Big spenders Crawley Town finished in 3rd place. Following their promotion from the Conference, with a record number of points (105), Crawley started poorly, even recording a 6-0 loss to Morecambe but they managed to bounce back and no less than 84 points despite losing manager Steve Evans to Rotherham United towards the end of the season.
The play offs provided the entertainment we all wanted them to produce. The semi finals were Crewe Alexandra versus Southend United and Cheltenham Town versus Torquay United. Crewe and Southend played out a less than entertaining 1-0 win to Crewe in the first leg meaning that Southend had to win the second leg, but unfortunately failed to do that, drawing 2-2 at Roots Hall meaning Crewe proceeded to Wembley. Cheltenham, favourites for relegation at the start of the season, had never lost a play-off game going into the games with Torquay and managed to extend that record after beating Torquay 2-0 at Whaddon Road and 2-1 at Plainmoor, which meant Cheltenham went to Wembley for the first time since 2002. The day of the play-off final came and both sets of fans were confident with both bringing more than triple their average attendance to Wembley. Cheltenham controlled the game, but Crewe ran out winners with goals from Nick Powell and Byron Moore, which earned Powell a move to Manchester United and Crewe promotion to League One. Now if anyone doesn’t know what it feels like to lose in a play-off final, count yourselves lucky as it’s one of the worst feelings in the world.
One of the relegated teams was Hereford United, to the happiness of Cheltenham fans, despite their wins against Crawley and Torquay in the last two games of the season. Hereford had dropped from League One to the Conference in just 3 years. The other was Macclesfield Town, who didn’t manage a win in 2012, and ended up finishing bottom of the league.
So what should we expect from the teams this season? Here are my thoughts of every team’s; managers, signings, key players and where i expect them to finish this season.
AFC Wimbledon
Manager: Terry Brown
10 years on from their creation. AFC Wimbledon start their second season in League Two and let’s be honest this is quite an achievement. 7 promotions in 9 years have meant that The Wombles are where they are today. Manager Terry Brown was appointed in 2007 with Wimbledon in Isthmian League whilst during the 5 years at the club he has become a celebrity at the Kingsmeadow, I don’t know much about Terry Brown myself, but in my opinion he seems like a nice guy and wants the club to succeed so what more can you ask of him? This summer, the club have bought in 4 signings; Curtis Osano (Luton), Louis Harris (Unattached), Stacey Long (Stevenage) and Warren Cummings (Bournemouth). These signings, in my opinion, will improve the team a lot and will make them stronger at the back. After conceding 78 goals in the league last season this was a must. The key player for Wimbledon next season with inevitably be Jack Midson, he signed on a free transfer last summer and scored 15 goals for the club, his goals will be key to the clubs success (if they get any). I believe if the morale in the camp is high and the players’ attitudes are right, the club could push for a top table finish, but i don’t think they are good enough, just yet, to make a push for promotion to League One.
Accrington Stanley
Manager: Paul Cook
Over the last few seasons Accrington Stanley (who are they?) have looked stronger as a team, managing top table finishes and a play-off semi final defeat in the last few years. Paul Cook was appointed last year after John Coleman left to manage Rochdale. I feel he hasn’t proved himself as a manager yet so he could be one to watch. New signings Bohan Dixon, George Miller, Lewis Hatch and Luke Clark are not name that jump out at you to say quality and i haven’t heard much about any of them. Luke Clark looks like he is a good prospect and could make the jump up into the first team some time soon. The key player for Accrington, I feel will be Dean Winnard, the captain, he is a good leader and can sort out the team if it needs sorting. I think that Accrington could go either way this season, in my opinion they start off expecting a mid table finish, but i feel they could be candidates for relegation as their team doesn’t have any stand out quality (sorry Accrington fans).
Aldershot Town
Manager: Dean Holdsworth
Like Accrington, Aldershot seem to be having an uplift in the last few seasons, and I feel Dean Holdsworth has something to do with this. Appointed in 2010, Holdsworth came in from Newport County and improved the team straight away, making them look confident in their play and bringing in some quality signings, for example Guy Madjo. The new signings bought in this summer are; Antony Tonkin, Olly Lancashire, Troy Brown, Guy Branston and Craig Stanley. These are signings I would have loved Cheltenham to have bought in so I think that tells you how I feel about their signings. The key player i feel for Aldershot will be Danny Hylton, sometimes lazy according to some fans but I believe he can produce some moments of brilliance which can change a game, this could be vital this season. Aldershot will be challenging for play offs this season, in my opinion. They strong in all areas now and have back up if they need it, but they do tend to “park the bus” if they are out of their depth and I think they need to stop that to actually challenge.
Barnet
Manager: Mark Robson
Barnet do not look good for this season at all. Following 3 consecutive last day survivals, I feel this year will be Barnet’s year to be relegated. Despite the efforts of Mark Robson, Barnet have ridden their luck and luck has to end sometime. Robson was bought in for a replacement for Martin Allen, and to be fair to him, anyone who takes over from that man will always have a job on their hands. Departures of Izale McLeod and Sam Deering, the most adventurous in their team and the entrance of Sam Cowler, Jordan Brown, Ahmed Abdulla and Oliver Lee means that the team has decreased in quality already. Clovis Kamdjo will be the key player in Barnet’s season; he’s experienced and can pop up with a goal if needed. Like I said, I reckon Barnet will be relegated this season.
Bradford City
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Bradford very often spends a lot of money in the summer, often bringing in a lot of signings as well. Manager Phil Parkinson made his way into the managing profession through Charlton Athletic, but they sacked him after 2 years at the valley. He was appointed Bradford manager in 2011. This summer Bradford have bought in; Andrew Davies, Rory McArdle, Gary Jones, James Meredith, Gary Thompson, Stephen Darby, Will Atkinson. Stephen Darby was tipped to be a regular in the Liverpool first team, but never broke into the first team and was released in 2012; he is my key player for Bradford as he is easily the best player in their squad. As always Bradford are expected to challenge for the title due to their spending power, but they don’t usually come up trumps so I reckon they will be mid table at best.
Bristol Rovers
Manager: Mark McGhee
Bristol Rovers were expected to do well last year after their relegation from league one, but never lived up to expectation and finished in the bottom half. Paul Buckle was sacked mid-season and Mark McGhee was bought in. On McGhee’s CV it has a 9-0 defeat to Celtic so not many Bristol Rovers fans were happy with this appointment. His first game was actually against my team, Cheltenham, which in a 2-1 win for Rovers. The highlight of his career so far is a 7-1 win over Burton Albion. Signings this summer include Seanan Clucas and Oliver Norburn. These are two very good signings and i feel they improve Bristol Rover’s team. Clucas in the centre of midfield with Anyinsah on the flank already has the structure of a quality midfield. My key player for them is Matt Harrold, he can score plenty of goals if needed and is a good target man. I reckon Rovers will easily achieve play-offs and will probably push for automatics if some more good signings are made over the rest of the summer.
Burton Albion
Manager: Gary Rowett
Burton started last season well and went into Christmas in a play-off spot. Although they went on a sudden downturn which had many people predicting relegation for the club. Good news came as Burton finished the season in 17th place and had avoided the drop. The downturn towards the end of the season led to Paul Peschisolido being sacked and Gary Rowett’s appointment. He so far has brought in Robbie Weir, Zander Diamond, Damien McRory and Dean Lyness. Weir scored in Burton’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa so i think this is a potential bargain. The Key player for Burton is Nathan Stanton, a vocal player in their defence. I believe Burton will make the lower end of the bottom half this season.
Cheltenham Town
Manager: Mark Yates
Cheltenham will start the season on the back of their play-off final defeat to Crewe. To make the play-off final was a real achievement as we started the season as relegation favourites. Manager Mark Yates and assistant Neil Howarth have done wonders for the club and I feel that this needs to be vocalised. When Yates took over the club was in £800,000 worth of debt and had 6 players signed on for the next season. This is because Martin Allen bought in 31 players in one season and also played 51 different players. Half of these players were on championship wages and this led us to near liquidation. Yates improved us step by step; firstly by making us a shoe-in for safety, then push on for play-offs. We are now making profits and are probably some people’s favourites for promotion. For this, we respect you Mark! So far Yates has bought in Sam Deering from Barnet and Billy Jones from Exeter City. Sam Deering can easily replace Luke Summerfield who left for Shrewsbury and Jones is in to replace Luke Garbutt who is carrying on his career at Everton. These are two very good signings who Yates has wanted for a long time. It’s hard to pick a key player for us this season, but I would have to go for Jermaine McGlashan; he’s quick, scares defences and can score goals- all signs of a quality player. I feel after our play-off campaign we can only push on for automatic promotion and i feel this is fully within our reach.
Chesterfield
Manager: John Sheridan
Two years ago Chesterfield were promoted to League One as champions, but unfortunately were relegated straight back to League Two. With a Johnston’s Paint Trophy triumph under their belt, The Spireites are expected to get back to League One this season. Signings include Richard O’Donnell, Marc Richards, Sam Hird, Terrell Forbes and Sam Togwell. The stand out signing has to be Marc Richards from Port Vale; he will almost certainly get 20 or more goals this season and he will be the key player for the club as well. I expect Chesterfield to get promoted this season with ease; their team is easily full of League One players and some Championship players.
Dag + Red
Manager: John Still
Dagenham really struggled last season, finishing 19th in the table. I think John Still has done a good job with the Dag + Red winning the Conference title and promotion to League One all in 5 years. The club have only bought in one signing so far and that is Arsenal right back Gavin Hoyte, this is a good signing as he has Premier League experience and that is a good thing to have in a League Two camp. The key player for this team this season will be Medy Elito, a pacy winger who terrorises defence, if he has the right attitude he can be a quality player. I feel Dagenham will achieve a mid table finish this season at best as they haven’t got the quality they had when they achieved promotion two years ago.
Exeter City
Manager: Paul Tisdale
Exeter nearly achieved a play off place in League One a few years ago and managed a Johnston’s paint trophy semi final. But last season they were relegated back to League Two. This summer Tisdale has tried to improve his squad by bringing in Rhys Evans, Pat Baldwin, Kevin Amankwaah, Tommy Doherty, Aaron Davies, Craig Woodman and Jordan Tilson. Craig Woodman from Brentford will be the best left back in the league in my opinion and will be Exeter’s key player. I think Exeter will make the play-offs or top table finish this season.
Fleetwood Town
Manager: Mickey Mellon
Fleetwood seem to be the new Crawley as they spent a lot of money in order to gain promotion to League Two. Scotsman Mickey Mellon has been busy this summer bringing in Anthony Titcher, Dean Howell, Chris Maxwell, Damien Johnson, Jon Parkin, Steven Gillespie and Barry Nicholson. This makes Fleetwood look very experienced around the whole squad and they could be a force this season. Key player this season will be Jon Parkin, another person with premier league experience and will be an asset to the clubs success this season. I believe Fleetwood will be up at the top part of the table at the end of the season and could be looking at promotion.
Gillingham
Manager: Martin Allen
Even though I like Gillingham as a club and I like the fans. This season does not look good for them. With Andy Hessenthaler leaving the club and Martin Allen coming in I don’t hold out much hope for them. It is a well known fact that Martin Allen likes to spend money and bring in lots of players, but one thing he seems to be unaware of is that players have to have chemistry to be able to play together. Gillingham fans should a flurry of incoming players soon (hopefully not 31). They haven’t anyone in just yet though. I expect Gillingham to be in the lower part of the table this season, maybe relegation candidates.
Morecambe
Manager: Jim Bentley
Morecambe seem to be a consistent mid table side, despite their play-off campaign two years ago. Jim Bentley was appointed in 2011 and maintained their mid table finish. So far they have bought in Robbie Threlfall, Andrew Wright and Richard Brodie. Richard Brodie is known to score goals and could be a good asset to Morecambe this season. Their key player would be, in my opinion, Kevin Ellison, a tall and strong player who can score goals. I think they will finish mid table again this season.
Northampton Town
Manager: Aidy Boothroyd
Northampton Town are another one of these teams who spend a lot of money and never come up trump in the actual football season. They have spent a lot of money this summer, bringing in Clive Platt, Alex Nicholls, Ishmael Demontagnac, Joe Widdowson, Chris Hackett and Neal Kitson. Their key player will be Adebayo Akinfenwa, the league’s top scorer last season. I think they will finish bottom half this season.
Oxford United
Manager: Chris Wilder
Oxford go into the season after just missing out on the play-offs last season. Manager Chris Wilder is slowly becoming more unpopular with the fans, for what reason it is not known. They have bought in 4 players this summer, Sean Rigg, James Forster- Caskey, Damien Martinez and Michael Raynes. The key player for Oxford as always will be James Constable, who always scores 15 or more goals a season. I reckon they will make the play-offs this season.
Plymouth Argyle
Manager: Carl Fletcher
Plymouth have sorted themselves out after their money problems, which also meant 2 relegations and nearly a 3rd in a row, narrowly saving themselves with 2 games to go last season. Manager Carl Fletcher was a player for Plymouth two years ago, but took over from Peter Reid last season. They have bought in Rene Gilmartin and Jamie Lowry this summer. The key player for them this season will be Gilmartin as he is experienced and will sort the team out if there are any problems.
Port Vale
Manager: Mickey Adams
Port Vale have also had money problems and had a 10 point reduction last season meaning they ended up on 59 points. Mickey Adams left Port Vale two years ago for Sheffield United, but that wasn’t a success and came back to Vale last season. They have bought in Ashley Vincent, Darren Murphy, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Richard Duffy, Chris Neal and David Artell. The key player for Port Vale will be David Artell as he is a born leader for the team. I think Port Vale will finish lower mid table this season.
Rochdale
Manager: John Coleman
Rochdale were relegated from League One last season. John Coleman was appointed manager last season from Accrington Stanley. Rochdale have bought in George Donnelly, Peter Cavanagh, Rhys Bennett, Josh Lillis, Joe Raffarty, Ryan Edwards and Kevin McIntyre. I feel they will finish in the top half this season.
Rotherham United
Manager: Steve Evans
Rotherham seem to have come into a bit of money this summer nearly rebuilding the whole squad. Manager Steve Evans was the shock appointment towards the back end of last season from Crawley and everyone thought there should be a reason, I think money was the reason. They have bought in Daniel Nardiello, Kayode Odejayi, Ian Sharps, Nicky Hunt, Scott Shearer, Michael O’Connor, Kari Arnason, Lionel Ainsworth, David Noble and Lawrence Wilson. I feel that they will win the league and there will be claims that they bought the league.
Southend United
Manager: Paul Sturrock
Southend go into the season on the back of their play-off semi final defeat to Crewe. Paul Sturrock will see promotion as the only option. They have bought in Kevan Hurst, Gavin Tomlin, Anthony Straker, Ryan Cresswell and Freddy Eastwood. The key player for them will be Bilel Mohsni, a defender who can score hatfuls of goals. I think Southend will make play-offs again this season.
Torquay United
Manager: Martin Ling
Like Southend, Torquay go into the season on the back of a play-off semi final defeat, to Cheltenham. Martin Ling was bought in after Paul Buckle went to Bristol Rovers. They have bought in Ryan Jarvis, Craig Easton, Michael Poke, Tom Cruise(not the actor) and Billy Bodin. I feel Torquay will finish just above the relegation zone this season.
Wycombe Wanderers
Manager: Gary Waddock
Wycombe have had an up and down last couple of seasons. They have recently been relegated from League One. Gary Waddock knows how to get a team promoted as he has already got them promoted once before. They have bought in Sam Wood, Matthew Spring, Lee Angol, Gary Doherty, Dennis Oli, and Richard Logan. I think they will finish mid table this season.
York City
Manager: Gary Mills
York earned promotion to League Two through the Conference play-offs. Gary Mills failed to get promoted with York 3 years ago missing out to Oxford United. He has signed Lee Bullock, Oli Johnson, Jon McCready, Michael Coulson and Danny Blanchett. I believe York will finish mid table.
By Tom Stanford (@StanCTFC)
“We are prepared for both scenarios”
They were the words of Sheffield United’s manager Danny Wilson as we entered the Playoff campaign last season. What did he mean? He meant, if we got promoted we had transfer targets in mind, if we didn’t he also had transfer targets in mind. I was pleasantly impressed that he came out and told us this, it restored confidence in me that even if we did lose we wouldn’t lose a grip on a promotion push this coming season.
However as we enter the middle of July, players returning to training and friendlies come up thick and fast I am very disappointed to see we haven’t signed anybody. It still hasn’t been officially announced we have signed this John Cofie on loan from Manchester United and this gets me thinking, what exactly are we doing? Seriously, if I am correct we are the only team (bar Portsmouth who I believe can’t sign anybody) to have not signed anybody. I think we will struggle as it is but even Wilson himself has admitted we have a very small squad.
As a fan I understand that now-a-days we are kept in the dark over everything but it is as though we are still on holiday and that we aren’t doing anything. We’ve sold Matt Lowton, fair enough I can understand that £3mish is a heck of a lot for a League 1 club. So let me get this right, we have a very small squad as it is and we are making it smaller without adding anybody? Just sit and imagine for a second if you’ve released a lot of your players, sold one and not signed anybody at this moment in time. You’d want to know what is going on and oddly we’ve been given the excuse of “We are waiting to see what Williamson and McDonald are doing”. Sorry but that is pathetic, we have 15 players officially registered at our club, 3 of them were reserve players last season. I think you can see my frustration starting to come through as I write this.
So to conclude, apparently we were ready for both scenarios. I somehow highly doubt that and we are going into training and pre-season friendlies with 12 first team players (10 of them outfielders, 2 goalkeepers) and not a single new signing under our belt. I understand that we may get 5/6 players in before the start of the season but I don’t think we should be waiting this long to actually sign them all. We’ve missed out on a lot of free agents, we have no money to spend and ultimately what are we actually doing? We are less than a month away from our first game of the season and we have a squad of 15 player, 2 of them goalkpeers and 3 of them reserve players from last season. I don’t use the phrase lightly but if you can, Wilson sort it out.
By Mark Swift (@marksablade)
However as we enter the middle of July, players returning to training and friendlies come up thick and fast I am very disappointed to see we haven’t signed anybody. It still hasn’t been officially announced we have signed this John Cofie on loan from Manchester United and this gets me thinking, what exactly are we doing? Seriously, if I am correct we are the only team (bar Portsmouth who I believe can’t sign anybody) to have not signed anybody. I think we will struggle as it is but even Wilson himself has admitted we have a very small squad.
As a fan I understand that now-a-days we are kept in the dark over everything but it is as though we are still on holiday and that we aren’t doing anything. We’ve sold Matt Lowton, fair enough I can understand that £3mish is a heck of a lot for a League 1 club. So let me get this right, we have a very small squad as it is and we are making it smaller without adding anybody? Just sit and imagine for a second if you’ve released a lot of your players, sold one and not signed anybody at this moment in time. You’d want to know what is going on and oddly we’ve been given the excuse of “We are waiting to see what Williamson and McDonald are doing”. Sorry but that is pathetic, we have 15 players officially registered at our club, 3 of them were reserve players last season. I think you can see my frustration starting to come through as I write this.
So to conclude, apparently we were ready for both scenarios. I somehow highly doubt that and we are going into training and pre-season friendlies with 12 first team players (10 of them outfielders, 2 goalkeepers) and not a single new signing under our belt. I understand that we may get 5/6 players in before the start of the season but I don’t think we should be waiting this long to actually sign them all. We’ve missed out on a lot of free agents, we have no money to spend and ultimately what are we actually doing? We are less than a month away from our first game of the season and we have a squad of 15 player, 2 of them goalkpeers and 3 of them reserve players from last season. I don’t use the phrase lightly but if you can, Wilson sort it out.
By Mark Swift (@marksablade)
Steve Tilson
I remember being taken to Southend games from the age of 4years old sitting in the West Stand with my Dad. My 2 favourite players growing up were Steve Tilson and Simon Royce.
Alot of people remember Steve for his final months at the club which were a total disaster, but I firmly believe that this is nothing Steve could have addressed unless he was a millionaire. At the time we had a squad who hadn't been paid for months, a chairman who refused to accept he was at fault and own up to his failures and fans getting more despondent week in week out.
Tilson has been the most successful manager in our history, he took over the club as manager in November 2003 following the sacking of Steve Wignall.
Tilly guided us to 2 successive promotions between 2004-2006 with us also pipping local rivals Col U to the league 1 title. On our first return to the championship in years we picked up some very good results including beating Sunderland at home and Birmingham away.
He also guided us to 2 LDV Vans trophy finals at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff in front of a 25,000 strong Southend following.
During Tilly's reign we managed to beat Manchester Utd 1-0 in the league cup in 2006 with a stunning free kick by our player of the decade Freddy Eastwood and we also found success at Stamford Bridge managing to get a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in 2009 with Peter Clarke scoring a headed goal.
Tilly sold players at record deals for the club including; Freddy Eastwood to Wolves for 1.5mill, Nicky Bailey to Charlton for £750,000. These were big profits as it player was bought for £50,000 and £175,000 respectively.
Steve Tilson by most is seen as a legend at Roots Hall and following his appointment as manager of Canvey Island on 12/07/12 I can only hope maybe one day in the future he will bring his side to Roots Hall returning for the first time since he was put on gardening leave by Ron Martin in July 2010 ending his seven year tenure as Southend manager.
By Daniel Mays (@dan_mays86)
Alot of people remember Steve for his final months at the club which were a total disaster, but I firmly believe that this is nothing Steve could have addressed unless he was a millionaire. At the time we had a squad who hadn't been paid for months, a chairman who refused to accept he was at fault and own up to his failures and fans getting more despondent week in week out.
Tilson has been the most successful manager in our history, he took over the club as manager in November 2003 following the sacking of Steve Wignall.
Tilly guided us to 2 successive promotions between 2004-2006 with us also pipping local rivals Col U to the league 1 title. On our first return to the championship in years we picked up some very good results including beating Sunderland at home and Birmingham away.
He also guided us to 2 LDV Vans trophy finals at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff in front of a 25,000 strong Southend following.
During Tilly's reign we managed to beat Manchester Utd 1-0 in the league cup in 2006 with a stunning free kick by our player of the decade Freddy Eastwood and we also found success at Stamford Bridge managing to get a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in 2009 with Peter Clarke scoring a headed goal.
Tilly sold players at record deals for the club including; Freddy Eastwood to Wolves for 1.5mill, Nicky Bailey to Charlton for £750,000. These were big profits as it player was bought for £50,000 and £175,000 respectively.
Steve Tilson by most is seen as a legend at Roots Hall and following his appointment as manager of Canvey Island on 12/07/12 I can only hope maybe one day in the future he will bring his side to Roots Hall returning for the first time since he was put on gardening leave by Ron Martin in July 2010 ending his seven year tenure as Southend manager.
By Daniel Mays (@dan_mays86)
5 Points Clear, 2 Games In Hand – The United Way.
So with my beloved Sheffield United 5 points clear of rivals Sheffield Wednesday with 2 games in hand how did they possibly overturn that to gain promotion? I have been to every single game of the season bar a League Cup 1st Round tie away at Hartlepool and at times I thought we had our feet in the Championship especially as we headed into the Steel City Derby “5 points clear with 2 games in hand” so how did we not get promotion from that position with 16 games of the season remaining? The answer to that is, The United Way.
When I first started following the Blades I was told that we will never experience any true joy, I was naïve and didn’t listen. This has all come clear to me this season, so many things had to go wrong for us to not gain promotion and each one of them did go wrong. We lost 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in the last game of February but even with that Mandaric decided to sack Gary Megson, who was replaced by Dave Jones. So that’s the first thing that had to happen in my eyes because under Megson I don’t think Wednesday would have gone 13 games unbeaten like they did under Jones. We then went and threw away all 3 points against Oldham, 2 up at half time and cruising. We’d lost Collins due to family problems before the game then Maguire and Lowton with red cards during the game as well as Francois picking up a cruciate ligament injury. So we now had no real defenders for the next 2/3 games which wasn’t particularly handy.
So after a 1-1 draw at home to Tranmere we were now level on points and level on games with Sheffield Wednesday with 9 games left. I was still confident we had enough to go on and get 2nd place though and that was only enhanced with a 6 game win streak which left us 4 points clear with 3 games left. I mean, surely not now? We’d let them back in once already. Unfortunately this was when Ched Evans was sent down, which is another thing that had to happen. However, it’s not just Ched Evans that we lost, we lost Hoskins due to injury, Cresswell due to injury and were left with Beattie and Porter upfront which when you are trying to get promotion isn’t the upfront you’d dream of, no offence. I believe if we had Hoskins we would have got the points needed, he could have taken Ched’s place and got us the goals. That wasn’t the case and we then went and lost 1-0 to MK Dons with Wednesday winning that left us 1 point clear with 2 games left.
Now we had the pressure on us, Wednesday had taken 2nd place after winning 2-0 in the capital city and with our game being a late kick off we knew we had to win to take back the place we had held for so long. You will laugh and think I’m bitter when I say this but I say it with a smile on my face and my head held high but the 2 goals the Stevenage got against us were incredibly lucky, the first one was a clearance onto the striker and the 2nd took a huge deflection. We battled back to get a point but we all knew it wasn’t enough. We were now 3rd with 1 game left, us facing Exeter and Wednesday facing Wycombe. Granted we drew with Exeter but it was immaterial as Wednesday had won their game and won promotion to the npower Championship after an incredible turn around masterminded by Dave Jones.
Fair play to them, they did everything right and we did everything, almost, wrong. I’m not blaming luck, I’m blaming the United way. Do you want to know what the United way is? Well if you haven’t figured it out already it’s getting into great positions, giving fans optimism, the belief that finally we will have glory and then somehow messing it all up and losing everything. The playoffs were cruel, but the losers all say that don’t they? I feel sorry for Simonsen but I feel more sorry for the thousands of fans that have followed us all season and have now got nothing to cheer about. But ultimately, does that really bother us? Deep down yes but on the surface no. I shall be there next season, with the familiar faces and we’ll have forgotten all about last season. We are Sheffield United and we will always be the masters of “The United Way” but no matter, they will always fill up my senses.
By Mark Swift (@marksablade)
When I first started following the Blades I was told that we will never experience any true joy, I was naïve and didn’t listen. This has all come clear to me this season, so many things had to go wrong for us to not gain promotion and each one of them did go wrong. We lost 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in the last game of February but even with that Mandaric decided to sack Gary Megson, who was replaced by Dave Jones. So that’s the first thing that had to happen in my eyes because under Megson I don’t think Wednesday would have gone 13 games unbeaten like they did under Jones. We then went and threw away all 3 points against Oldham, 2 up at half time and cruising. We’d lost Collins due to family problems before the game then Maguire and Lowton with red cards during the game as well as Francois picking up a cruciate ligament injury. So we now had no real defenders for the next 2/3 games which wasn’t particularly handy.
So after a 1-1 draw at home to Tranmere we were now level on points and level on games with Sheffield Wednesday with 9 games left. I was still confident we had enough to go on and get 2nd place though and that was only enhanced with a 6 game win streak which left us 4 points clear with 3 games left. I mean, surely not now? We’d let them back in once already. Unfortunately this was when Ched Evans was sent down, which is another thing that had to happen. However, it’s not just Ched Evans that we lost, we lost Hoskins due to injury, Cresswell due to injury and were left with Beattie and Porter upfront which when you are trying to get promotion isn’t the upfront you’d dream of, no offence. I believe if we had Hoskins we would have got the points needed, he could have taken Ched’s place and got us the goals. That wasn’t the case and we then went and lost 1-0 to MK Dons with Wednesday winning that left us 1 point clear with 2 games left.
Now we had the pressure on us, Wednesday had taken 2nd place after winning 2-0 in the capital city and with our game being a late kick off we knew we had to win to take back the place we had held for so long. You will laugh and think I’m bitter when I say this but I say it with a smile on my face and my head held high but the 2 goals the Stevenage got against us were incredibly lucky, the first one was a clearance onto the striker and the 2nd took a huge deflection. We battled back to get a point but we all knew it wasn’t enough. We were now 3rd with 1 game left, us facing Exeter and Wednesday facing Wycombe. Granted we drew with Exeter but it was immaterial as Wednesday had won their game and won promotion to the npower Championship after an incredible turn around masterminded by Dave Jones.
Fair play to them, they did everything right and we did everything, almost, wrong. I’m not blaming luck, I’m blaming the United way. Do you want to know what the United way is? Well if you haven’t figured it out already it’s getting into great positions, giving fans optimism, the belief that finally we will have glory and then somehow messing it all up and losing everything. The playoffs were cruel, but the losers all say that don’t they? I feel sorry for Simonsen but I feel more sorry for the thousands of fans that have followed us all season and have now got nothing to cheer about. But ultimately, does that really bother us? Deep down yes but on the surface no. I shall be there next season, with the familiar faces and we’ll have forgotten all about last season. We are Sheffield United and we will always be the masters of “The United Way” but no matter, they will always fill up my senses.
By Mark Swift (@marksablade)
Stuart Beavon - Premiership Material?
Some may look at this and think I’m crazy... but hear me out. Npower League One supporters and regulars would have seen Beavon tearing defences apart from my beloved Wycombe, week in and out - unfortunately for Wycombe their attack was first-class but the defence pretty dismal it has to be said even with the additions Gary Doherty and Louis Lang in the second half of the season. Wycombe would have not been the same team without Stuart’s presence. Stuart scored two hat-tricks this season, the first one coming in a 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers in the Johnsons Paint Trophy and the second in a brace 4-1 victory against Bury in the league. Wycombe heavily relying on him throughout the season with many on-loan strike partners, Marcello Trotta and Paul Hayes being the most successful with their spells at the club and helping Wycombe with their relegation battle. Beavon having only joined the Chairboys in 2009 has made a mark in fans hearts, including myself.
Coming back to the question in asking, a great example of a player with some experience before the coming to the Premier League is Norwich’s Grant Holt. Having humble beginnings with sides like Barrow and Halifax he then had a spells with Rochdale and Sheffield Wednesday. Holt then gained experience in the Championship with Nottingham Forest with 77 appearances but more evident Norwich, helping The Canaries to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. In their first season back Holt helped Norwich to a 12th place finish scoring 17 goals in 38 appearances in the league. Although 31 years old, Holt is a key player to Norwich and a threat to any defence. A bit like Beavon, there is uncertainty where he will be playing his football in the 2012-13 season, with reports suggesting former Norwich manager Paul Lambert is after Holt for his first signing for new club Aston Villa.
With scoring an impressive 25 goals this season in all competitions for a club who finished 21st in League One and were relegated, Beavon has easily attracted many Championship and top League One clubs, notably Charlton, Sheffield United and Millwall as the main chasers of the 28 year old. The prolific goal scorer as yet to say anything publicly about the matter but time will tell if he will embark on a new journey for himself.
I wish Stuart all the best if he does indeed leave the club, if he does for a Championship side, watch out for him because he could be visiting the likes of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield soon.
By Joe Chuter (@joechuter)
Coming back to the question in asking, a great example of a player with some experience before the coming to the Premier League is Norwich’s Grant Holt. Having humble beginnings with sides like Barrow and Halifax he then had a spells with Rochdale and Sheffield Wednesday. Holt then gained experience in the Championship with Nottingham Forest with 77 appearances but more evident Norwich, helping The Canaries to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. In their first season back Holt helped Norwich to a 12th place finish scoring 17 goals in 38 appearances in the league. Although 31 years old, Holt is a key player to Norwich and a threat to any defence. A bit like Beavon, there is uncertainty where he will be playing his football in the 2012-13 season, with reports suggesting former Norwich manager Paul Lambert is after Holt for his first signing for new club Aston Villa.
With scoring an impressive 25 goals this season in all competitions for a club who finished 21st in League One and were relegated, Beavon has easily attracted many Championship and top League One clubs, notably Charlton, Sheffield United and Millwall as the main chasers of the 28 year old. The prolific goal scorer as yet to say anything publicly about the matter but time will tell if he will embark on a new journey for himself.
I wish Stuart all the best if he does indeed leave the club, if he does for a Championship side, watch out for him because he could be visiting the likes of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield soon.
By Joe Chuter (@joechuter)