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It appeared to be a crisis at Keys Park, following the sacking of former player-turned caretaker manager Steve Anthrobus, who in my opinion nearly destroyed the club in getting us relegated into the Unibond. However due to financial irregularities of 1 particular Conference North club we were re-elected. I applied for the job at my hometown club following succesful stints in local non-league and Sunday sides. I was over the moon to be given the job, my objective being to improve upon last seasons debacle and achieve a mid table position. My long term aim however is to get us back in the Conference National and then onto the Footbal League which we nearly achieved 10 years ago. Bring back the good times!
After watching a number of home games at Keys Park last season, I knew this squad needed a makevoer to say the least. Out of the first team squad upon my arrival, I was only happy with full backs Ross Adams and Jamie March, no-nonsense veteran centre half Ian Wright and forward Danny Bacon. Youngster Keenan Meakin-Richards from the U18's has great potential and was brought into the first team squad. Due to having a small squad and no transfer kitty, I planned to place the remaining squad on the list and use them as backup players in the mean time.
First puchase was former French U21 international Jean-Michel Sigere on a free. On the books with Lewes last season, this 6'2" man is good in the air. In this division, football needs to be effective, not pretty. A major signing was of two footed winger Joe Anyinsah bringing Football League experience following being released from Bury. Bags of experiece in the middle of the park was what Ian Kilford, 33yrs, provided with over 270 appearances in the league, a snip on a free from Barrow.. Julian Renner-Thomas 22yrs (DM) and Danny Bolt 31yrs (AML) impressed following trials with us in pre-season. Rookie defender Chris Lever, 20yrs, was signed on a free from Oldham to provide cover in our weak central defence.
One player I was sad to see leave this month was Leon McSweeney, the scorer of last seasons last minute equaliser against our fierce local rivals Stafford Rangers in their backyard. Unfortunatley he did not figure in my plans and he joined Unibond outfit Whitby Town. He was held in high regard here at Keys Park with his high standard performances especially in getting us promoted out of the Southern League 2 seasons ago. Hell, for that goal against Stafford I should have given him the captaincy and a lifetime contract, it was pure gold!
A tough pre-season programme had been arranged prior to my arrival. Starting with a 5-0 drubbing at home by Championship Leicester in front of a bumper crowd of 6,482 (only 18 seats free in the ground!). This was followed by home defeats to Macclesfield, St.Albans City and then a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Southern League Bath. To be fair, none of my new additions had played by this point due to the ongoing contract negotiations. A big improvement was a 3-0 victory over Lewes with all of the debutants shining bright. Sigerre predictably opened the scoring against his former club, thats football for you! The final friendly was against Conference National side Weymouth, losing 2-0 although new sigings Kilford and Bolt, along with local lad Meekin-Richards put in good performances.
The media predicted that the Pitmen will finish 10th, I would be happy with that. Playing with fast skilful wingers to provide crosses for forwards good in the air is the chosen tactic for this season. Still hoping to add a couple of loan sigings, hopefully a striker, attacking midfeilder and a rock solid defensive midfielder for the start of the new campaign. There's a lot to do here, it is a sizable job. I just hope the fans, sometimes known to be fickle and to voice their opinions in no uncertain terms, give me the chance and time to do a proper job at Hednesford and get us back where we think we belong.
August 2006
The Conference North season began with a home fixture against Kettering which came too soon in my opinion as I hadn't been able to bring any more players in at this point. A large crowd of 726 with first day of the season optimism went home disappointed as we went down 1-0 to a Darren Caskey penalty in the 82nd min.
The loyal travel club supporters were treated to a thriller at Ellesmere Port as we came back against Vauxhall Motors from 3-1 behind to score 3 in the last 15mins. Jean-Michel Sigere scoring his first league goals for the club in the 80th min and in stoppage time. 4-3 to the Pitmen! After games like this you can only love football!
In typical Pitmen style, we then went three games without a win, grinding out draws with Hucknall and Blyth after being outclassed by Barrow and the impressive Kyle Wilson who bagged a hattrick for them.
I managed a bit of a transfer coup by signing promising Birmingham City U18 striker Sone Aluko on loan for the season. This lad has pace in abundance and I thought he may take advantage from flick ons from Sigere as well as ripping defenders to shreds running on to through balls.
We ended August with a well earned victory over Droylsden on a sunny Monday evening at the Keys. Sigere slotted home from 9yards just before the interval. Poor defending gifted Droylsden the equaliser early in the second half. New signing Aluko ran onto a Sigere flick on to squeeze the ball home from a tight angle on 67mins, very impressive indeed!
All in all, not a bad start, what I expected really. Hopng the partnership of Sigere and Aluko will develop and cherish in the coming harsh winter months of non-league football.
Hednesford's topsy turvy form continued into September. Whether it was the new squad of players still 'gelling' or still getting used to the new tactics or whether it was us playing against different levels of opposition it was hard to say. Its fair to say that we were consistently inconsistent.
We started well with a comfortable 2-1 victory away at Hyde before going down to the same scoreline 7 days later at home to Gainsborough Trinity.
I felt now that the Hednseford faithful were beginning to lose faith with me somewhat. Only 415 turned out to see us get our first home victory of the season against Stalybridge. We had it wrapped up by half time going 3-0 up before the Celtic pulled one back in the second half. At least it gave the boys and girls in the Heath Hayes End something to cheer about at last.
The partnership of Sigere and Aluko up front continued to flourish with them both bagging 2 a piece away at Harrogate in a 4-2 victory. The HTFC Travel Club were still getting their moneys worth.
It was like mods and rockers at the seaside with no less than 5 Pitmen getting booked at Scarborough. It left a sour taste of candyfloss in our mouths as we were spanked 3-0. Never got into this game.
We got off to a professional start in the F.A. Cup with a 2-1 win over Stamford, we were always comfortable. Sigere and Aluko getting the goals. This game marked the debut of Sierra Leone defensive midfeilder Tommy Tejan-Se on loan for the season from Leicester. He is a gifted 17yr old who reads the game well, strong in the tackle and a good distributor.
October 2006 October 2006
I felt the team were really gelling now especially with the addition of Tejan-Se. Our record in October was played 4 won 4.
Aluko was showing signs of real class, pleasing his employers at Birmingham City. Notching 2 goals against Workington in a 2-0 victory.
Hednesford, being known for cup shocks against higher opposition like Barnet, York, Hull, Blackpool etc nearly came a cropper in the 3rd Qualifying round against local rivals Willenhall Town. In a fiercely competetive tie at Noose Lane, we found ourselves at 3-3 heading towards a replay before veteran Ian Wright smashed in an effort from just inside the penalty area in the 85th minute. The Hednesford end, which was surely full past capacity, went into raptures sparking a mini pitch invasion. Tejan-Se scored his first goal in the white of Hednesford Town too.
Andrew Gooding, an attacking central midfielder, signed on loan for the season from Coventry City reserves. A determined young lad, strong at crossing. Will help provide a bit of cover in case of injuires.
The travelling support had yet another goalfest the following week. Aluko showed again that he realy is too good for this level of football. He was instrumental, scoring 4 in our 8-3 destruction of Alfreton. Winger Danny Bolt creating 3 goals, Sigere creating 2 and scoring one himself. Andrew Gooding came off the bench and scored on his debut too, a good way to make an impression. I was very proud of the lads that Saturday evening I can tell you. The only negative was keeper Ryan Young picking up an injury and being replaced at the break.
The final game of the month was a tricky tie away at Ashton Utd of the Unibond in the F.A.Cup 4th Qualifiying Round. We went in a goal down at half time having created barley nothing. Gooding came on at HT for club captain Ian Kilford who was being marked out of the game. It looked as though we were heading out of the famous cup only for Andrew Gooding to step up for a free kick just outside the area. With his right foot, he hit a Beckham like free kick over the wall which nestled in the bottom corner. Four minutes later, Gooding and Aluko linked up on the edge of the box with a nice one-two leaving Gooding one on one with the oncoming keeper. Gooding slotted it to the keepers right and the ball rolled into the net. Superb! Match won! Hednesford's ball was in the bag for the 1st round! Gooding had scored 3 in 2 games, he knew how to make an impression.!
A midweek home game against East Midlands rivals Hinckley brought in the biggest league gate of the season so far at Keys Park of 1236. The home fans sang their hearts out and really were the 12th man. Despite an onslaught on the Hinckley goal it was 0-0 at the break. Things fell into place in the second half. Andrew Gooding, making his first start for the club after his outstanding substitute appearances, opened the scoring getting in the box and rounding the goalkeeper. Gooding got a second before Aluko and Danny Bacon completed the scoring.
Our run came to a very abrupt end, losing 5-1 at Leigh RMI. Must have been complacency, we just weren't in it. Nice old traditional stadium at Leigh though.
We drew Staffordshire rivals Burton Albion in the 1st round proper of the FA Cup. The last time we played them was in The FA Trophy a few years back. I was disappointed by the poor attendance of just 328, a local derby in the 1st round of the cup for god sakes, it gets my juices flowing, why nobody elses? Anyway, super Andrew Gooding continued to make himself a fans favourite by killing off the tie in the 74th minute. Nigel Clough was a nice chap though, he stayed for a pint in Strikers Bar after the game.
Aluko and Sigere linked up well scoring all 5 betwen them in the 5-1 demolition against Worksop. Aluko now had a goal ratio of a goal every game.
A 1-1 draw against Lancaster and a 3-0 victory against Bognor Regis in the FA Trophy 3rd qual round finished off a reasonable month for the Pitmen. In the playoff positions, in both cups, a strike partnership looking good, a 20yr old midfielder who couldn't keep off the scoresheet and keeping the club captain out of the side, things are looking promising.
December 2006
Drew Carlisle at home in round 2 of the cup. Sone Aluko put us in the lead after 6minutes and got the Keys Park crowd dreaming of a repeat of the 96/97 season 4th round tie away at Middlesbrough. It didn't last long though, 3 mins in fact, with Scott Lumsdon scoring the first of his hattrick. We didn't get a sniff, Carlisle showing us the difference between League 1 and Conference North. Good day for everyone involved in the club. For a moment it felt like the heady days of the mid to late 90's.
We suffered a cup hangover in the following games. Only picking up 1 win in December. Disaster struck in the following game away at Worcester. Andrew Gooding landing awkwardly following challenging for a header, was knocked unconscious and taken to Worcester General Hospital. It transpired he had a fractured skull. Its thought we would be out for 9 months. As such, his loan was cancelled, which was a shame, he was playing really well. Lets hope he recovers and regains this type of form again.
The only victory for the Pitmen this month was away at Moor Green. Aluko getting the only goal following good work from Phil Hadland on the right wing.
Defeat in the FA Trophy against holders Grays meant no repeat of 2004 when we actually won this competition. Attendance of 1443 watched on as we were outclassed by the professional outfit despite a brave effort by the lads. 2-1 in the end.
A local derby against Nuneaton on Boxing Day brought in a big crowd at Manor Park. We squandered a 2-1 lead to go down 3-2, not the best Christmas present.
In the other fixture this month, top of the table Kettering had us again, they did the double on us. D'oh.
A poor month, surrendered both cups and 1 win in the league. Still in the playoff positions though. Kettering are looking strong.
I need to stop the rot. The only way to stop the rot, bring in new faces. Our defence could be tighter, so I brought in Nevin Saroya from Yeading who agreed to let him go for free. Nevin, 26yrs, is an imposing centre half, aggressive, good in the air and I think would be a good partner for the veteran Ian Wright. 19yr old right back Tom Matthews had just been released by Hull City having never forced his way into the first team picture. Signed as back up for the dependable Ross Adams. Dean Grubb, 19yr old right winger, was released by Bristol City having only played once for the first team. Grubb is a pacey winger who can cross the ball, ideal for my team. Again, Grubb will have to force his way into the team but he is what we are looking for here at Keys Park.
A good solid start to the year. 2 draws and 3 wins. The 2 draws to start the year were almightily jammy though. An own goal in the 84th minute saving our blushes at home to Vauxhall Motors. Substitute, local lad Ross Dyer, coming on to score the equaliser against Barrow in the 85th minute.
Sigere scoring a sublime hattrick away at Hucknall put us back on winning ways, assistant boss John Ramshaw kissed him on the lips as he left the field with the matchball.
Sone Aluko continued to impress and caused a shortage of matchballs as he notched a hattrick against Blyth Spartans. 5-0 the final score, there was only 1 team in it.
Sone Aluko, not content with one matchball, scored another 4 as the Pitmen blew Droylsden away at the Butchers Arms Ground in Droylsden. 5-1 the damage. Hednesford up to 3rd. Kettering still leading the pack.
February 2007
Started the month with an excellent 4-0 victory over Hyde Utd. Sigere sticking 4 in the onion bag, Aluko getting the other. Another big crowd at Keys Park of over 1000.
Went off the boil for the remaining 3 games, conceding 2 in each game. Looking at previous results we have clearly let in too many goals. May have to look at the keeper situation.
Finished the month in 5th place. We're in danger of slipping out of the playoffs at this rate in typical Hednesford style. Tough game against Scarborough coming up, get the boxing gloves out.
4th in the league with 10 games to go, 10 points behind leaders Kettering.
2-0 victory at home to Alfreton was always comfortable. Captain, Ian Kilford sprained his wrist during the game and will be out for 2 weeks.
It was a difficult away day at 9th placed Workington. 18yr old Keenan Meakin-Richards replaced Ian Kilford in the centre of the park but unfortunately Kilford's experience and guile was missed. 2-1 to the Workington in the end.
As well as Kilford, creative winger Joe Anyinsah pciked up a training ground injury to miss the game at Hinckley. We found ourselves 2-0 down after half an hour, Meakin-Richards playing particularly poorly. Sigere pulled one back before we lost vice-captain Ian Wright to injury as well. Left winger Danny Bolt picked up a knock too. We finally went down 3-2 but in truth it was a poor performance. The backbone of the team going down to injuries, Wright and Bolt both out for a month.
It was a top of the table clash with 3rd place Leigh RMI. It was a thriller! Dean Grubb scored his first goal for the Pitmen in front of the Heath Hayes end scoring a header from a corner and then jumping into the stand where the faithful were going nuts! An own goal from young defender Chris Lever put Leigh back in it. The special moment came in the 92nd minute. With most fans either having left the Keys Park already or stood by the gates, Tom Matthews hit a 25 yarder into the top corner to score his first goal in the white of Hednesford. The game ended moments later, stadium tannoy announcer Mr.Taylor, sounded ecstatic as he congratulated the lads.
I got called into chairman Steve Price's office at the end of the month and was offered a 3 year extension to my contract to keep me at Keys Park until 2010. Without hesitation I accepted. Also, the chairman also announced next seasons transfer budget of 12 grand, which is 12 grand more than I got this year.
March finished brightly with a 4-2 victory away at Worksop. Sigere and Aluko getting a brace each. The Cannock Mercury interviewed Aluko after the game who fully deserves the attention after his man of the match performance.
Now it begins to get exciting. 5 league games to go, 6 points behind leaders Kettering. Although we have title ambitions, we still have to cement our playoff position too. The top of the table is very tight indeed.
First game this month was at home to 3rd place Worcester. Again, a very entertaining match. We came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Sone Aluko again the saviour. 1115 spectators at the Keys enjoying the game.
3-3 away at Lancaster probably killed off out title hopes. Lancaster's home ground, The Giant Axe, is the best named ground in the league though.
Moor Green were put to the sword with us cruising 4-0. Ian Kilford and Tommy Tejan-Se scoring unstoppable efforts from 30yards. This sort of form needs to continue. We're up into 2nd, 2 games to play, 6 points behind leaders Kettering, playoff positions still not guaranteed. This sort of excitement hasn't been seen at Keys Park since the 2004/05 Southern League playoff winning season.
Squandered a 2-0 lead against playoff rivals Nuneaton Borough to draw 2-2 and hand Kettering the title. Sigere was ruled out for 2 weeks prior to the game, he was missed. Playoff position still not guaranteed, last game of the season drama to unfold.
Redditch were the team that could de-rail our long season. Prior to the game, I informed Dany Bacon that Cambridge United scouts were at the ground to watch him, hoping to spur him on. This worked with Bacon opening the scoring and settling everyone's nerves. From then on we were upwards and onwards. 4-1 the final score.
Finished in the runners-up spot but most importantly, got that playoff place. 2 games against Nuneaton, a side we haven't beaten this season, coming up.
Well, we finished runners-up and due to league placement we drew Nuneaton Borough in the semi-finals. A tricky tie as we hadn't beaten them in the earlier 2 league meetings. Jean-Michel Sigere was also ruled out of the home match due to his recovery from his strained neck injury picked up in training. Danny Bacon continued in the starting 11 in place of Sigere, other than that we were at full strength. Thanks to support from the local papers Chase Post, Cannock Mercury and Express and Star, excitement and anticipation for this game was sky high. As such a huge crowd of 2641 packed in to Keys Park. We got off to an excellent start with Danny Bacon conitinuing to make a name for himself, opening the scoring on 25mins. Unfortunately it didn't last, we faded in the second half, Nuneaton looked brighter and were doing all the running. Inevitably, they equalised on 77mins and then only 5 minutes later, Gary McPhee silenced Keys Park by putting Nuneaton in front.
Heroic is the only word to describe the 2nd leg performance against Nuneaton, almost. Centre half Nevin Saroya gave away a penalty after 29mins which Nuneaton's experienced Duane Darby tucked away. We looked dead and buried. Then came the sting in the tail, the turning point of our season. Sone Aluko became embroiled in a kerfuffle with his marker and kicked his marker Daryl Tait in view of the referee. Aluko was red carded when we needed him most, even if we got through to the final he would be suspended. Cometh the hour...blah blah, step up Danny Bacon. On the fringe of the first team all season, Bacon was certainly not expected to notch 2 before the break to put us in an unexpected lead. The spirit of Dunkirk and all that, the 10 brave Pitmen held out for the second half and extra time. Just as the game looked as though it was going to penalties, substitute Sigere jumped highest for a Joe Anyinsah cross and put Hednesford into the lead in the final minute. Myself, assistant boss John Ramshaw, the physio, substitutes and backroom staff sprinted onto the pitch to jump on the 'pile on' which had formed by the corner flag in front of Hednesford's ecstatic supporters. We were in the final!
The final was held at Burton Albion FC and the impressive new Pirelli Stadium. Not for for the Hednesford faithful to travel then, excellent. The victors in the other semi-final were Harrogate Town who had overcome Leigh RMI. A tricky game although we had beaten them at their place early in the season. The FA had awarded Sone Aluko a 3 match ban for his antics against Nuneaton. Sigere had regained full fitness and was back in the starting 11. Danny Bacon continued to write fairy tales as he put us in front with a deft chip of the keeper after 5 mins. However we were put on the back foot 4 mins later with Sigere injuring his elbow and having to withdraw from the game. On came 19yr old Ross Dyer, former Pitmen youth player for the biggest game of hs life. Things looked rosy when Harrogate were reduced to 10 men on 16mins when Jackson pushed over Pitmen centre half Ian Wright. The game was a drab affair and fair play to Harrogate, they forced themselves back in the game on the hour mark with Danny Holland breaching the defence to slot home. It looked as though extra time was going to be the outcome but with 10 mins remaining man of the match Danny Holland provided the corner for Thomas to head home. Hednesford hearts were broken.
We were unlucky, I think it would have been different had Aluko and Sigere both played in this match. It's a shame that possibly Aluko's last ever match for the Pitmen will be remebered for his sending off and not for him scoring us to glory. That's football for you.
Pitmen to anywhere 
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