retired_steffani

January 2006


Hucknall (H) ECN 2/1/2006 W 2-1 Att. 714

Goal Scorers: Barwood (15), Duncliffe (40)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons(c), Wilkinson, Bond, Wright, Morgan, Barwood, Taylor


An unchanged side took the field against Hucknall in our first fixture of the New Year and gave a surprisingly large crowd something to cheer about. Goals from Danny Barwood and then a penalty from Duncliffe put us 2-0 up going into half time. The second half did see a better display from the visitors and Rob Gill grabbed a goal to put the game back onto a knife-edge. Fortunately for us the defence, superbly marshalled by stand in skipper Aidy Lyons held firm to secure us the best possible start to the year.



Shortly after the game defender Joe McMahon came up to me and handed me a written transfer request due to his total lack of involvement with the first team. Despite our earlier run in I still respected Joe for what he had achieved with the club and how he still encouraged the other guys despite his own prospects looking bleak. I accepted his request secretly thinking that I might one day regret the decision.
Within 3 days Joe had left the club, I had to admit I was surprised at just how fast things happened and ensured that I moved equally as fast to get his move to East Stirling finalised. Also on the way out that week was midfielder Mike Eckersley who went on a free to Yate.



Northwich (A) ECN 4/1/06 L 0-1 Att. 435

Lineup: Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons(c), Wilkinson, Bond, Wright, Morgan, Barwood, Taylor


Losing to the former Conference outfit was not unexpected but still a disappointment after the recent upturn in form. I kept an unchanged side from the Hucknall game and we started brightly creating several chances for the front pair with Alex Taylor going agonisingly close to ending his run without a goal. Despite such chances we fell behind shortly after half time with Johnny Allan scoring what would turn out to be the winner, a goal that would end an 11 match unbeaten run.



Worcester (A) ECN 7/1/2006 W 3-0 Att. 784

Goal Scorers: Barwood x2 (45,77), Bond (55)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Wilkinson, Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood, Taylor


We extended a very warm welcome back to our skipper Tony Doyle and commanding centre back Iain Swan today hopeful that they could get us back on the winning track against a side we had already beaten in this years FA Trophy, Worcester. From kick off onward we played some of, if not the, best football of my reign so far with Danny Barwood at his lethal best. We recovered from Duncliffe’s early missed penalty to score just before the break through Barwood before Bond put us two-nil up on 55 minutes. From there on in we played some ‘sexy’ football passing it around as if we were Brazil and Worcester were Barnstable and finally killed off any lingering hopes of a comeback from the home side when Barwood netted his second 13 minutes before the end.


Stalybridge (A) ECN 10/1/2006 D 1-1 Att. 308

Goal Scorer: Duncliffe (Pen 71)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Wilkinson, Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood, Taylor (O’Carroll)


We picked up a useful point away at Stalybridge, whom we had already taken 3 points off of this season, thanks to a late Duncliffe penalty. In a complete contrast to the last away game at Worcester we had to fight hard for every ball and the game quickly turned into a long ball contest. Our unchanged lineup fared well however keeping us in the game until the hour when Iain Swan unfortunately headed past the stranded Yeomans from a curled in free kick. The goal had the effect of waking us up and I brought on O’Carroll for the recently luckless Taylor to try and spice things up. To my immense pleasure O’Carrolls first act was to win a penalty which Duncliffe scored (I think I’m going to have him take every other penalty ) The goal did put us back to sleep though and the rest of the game petered out into a tame draw.


The games were coming so thick and fast I could tell my squad was rapidly running out of steam despite our good form. In order to make the playoffs I knew we needed another 10-15 goal a season striker and neither Feeney nor O’Carroll seemed to fit the mould. My scout had told me earlier in the season of a player at Morton, Kenny McLean who could play either up front or on the right wing who had pace and finishing ability to boot. Given that it was the transfer window in Scotland I took my chances and asked Morton manager Jim McInally if he would like us to take McLean’s salary off Morton’s hands, which Jim readily accepted. All the paperwork went through quickly and Kenny arrived on the Saturday just in time to take a place on the bench in the biggest game of the season so far, an FA Trophy clash with Exeter.



Exeter (H) FAT 2R 14/1/2006 L 0-1 Att. 1357

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Wilkinson, Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood, Taylor (McLean)


We had no complaints losing in front of a bumper crowd to a bigger team only recently out of the football league. The efficient controlled style of play that Exeter brought to the Giant Axe was a good lesson in what we needed to build to be considered conference class or above. Throughout the game we struggled to make chances or even have possession as Exeter gradually wore us down. The goal itself came from a corner on 35 minutes through Glenn Cronin and we were unable to comeback despite McLean making his debut. Still when the final whistle sounded I wasn’t too disheartened, much like our FA Cup exit I knew when the better team had won and given our meagre finances and status I was pleased to have reached this stage in the competition.



Redditch (H) ECN 18/1/2006 W 2-1 Att. 779

Goal Scorers: Barwood (20), O’Carroll (63)

Lineup: Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Wilkinson, Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood, O’Carroll (McLean)


Back to the league back to winning ways as we consolidated our place in the top 5 with a confident display over Redditch. Goals from Barwood on 20 and O’Carroll on 63 minutes saw us overturn an early goal from the visitors that had me briefly fearing another post cup slump. However my fears were short-lived and once again O’Carroll, replacing the injured Taylor, pleasantly surprised me with a well taken goal. Kenny McLean again came off the bench for a solid display.



So another week another win, we had played 7 games in 19 days and the squad energy level was depleting rapidly. Despite my best efforts my attempts to bring in a number of players on loan were frustrated time after time. On top of this reserve players like Clark and Feeney were beginning to grumble about lack of first team opportunities. I began to worry of the squad splitting apart or at this rate crumbling under the strain of so many matches.



Harrogate (A) ECN 21/1/2006 L 0-2 Att. 172

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Wilkinson, Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan (Clark), Barwood, O’Carroll (McLean)


This display made my fears of burnout worsen as we slumped to a lacklustre defeat away at Harrogate. Taylor again missed out because of injury and O’Carroll kept his place ahead of Kenny McLean. For the first time this season our midfielders had no desire and fight and hence why Martin Clark came on for the first time in a long while. Not much more can be said to be honest, I just looked at the players in the dressing room afterwards and told them to go away for a couple of days and to not be too downhearted. With 7 days off until we faced Nuneaton I cancelled Mondays training to let them all relax ahead of the crucial months ahead.



Nuneaton (H) ECN 28/1/2006 W 1-0 Att. 751

Goal Scorer: Doyle (57)


Lineup:Yeomans, Uberschar, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Wilkinson (Tierney), Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood (McLean), Taylor


Once again the fans flocked (well by our standards) down to the Giant Axe in order to see how the players would bounce back after the disappointment the week before. Despite a week off John Duncliffe had injured himself in training Wednesday and so Neil Uberschar made his first appearance of the season at right back, whilst more positively Alex Taylor returned in place of O’Carroll up front. It was always going to be a tight game as we had discovered in our earlier encounter this season but the boys would not be denied this time and skipper Tony Doyle found the net just before the hour to put us ahead. Whilst we were hanging on by the end we still managed to take all 3 points, but at the cost of Tom Wilkinson who suffered a bad hip injury that looked as if it could see him out for weeks if not months.



Moor Green (A) ECN 31/1/2006 W 1-0 Att. 1754

Goalscorer:Taylor (56)

Lineup:Yeomans, Uberschar, Molloy, Swan, Duff, Tierney (McLean), Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood (O’Carroll), Taylor


I made two changes for the trip to Moor Green, with Tierney replacing the injured Wilkinson and Duff coming in for Aidy Lyons who also picked up a minor knock midweek. Our second away win of the month came courtesy of a welcome goal for Alex Taylor who had last scored way back on the 10th December against Droylsdon, a long time for a striker of his talent. His goal came early in the second half after he chased down a long Iain Swan through ball and rounded the keeper in Oweneque fashion. Before that however Ryan Yeomans had saved a penalty in just the 12th minute, whilst after the goal Molloy missed a penalty. Apparently our left back was just as inconsistent as our absent right back when it came to taking penalties. Despite the penalty miss we managed to hold on for the last half an hour and moved 3 points closer to our playoff dream.



January had been a very hectic month that had seen us play 9 games in 29 days, no doubt a factor that contributed to the breakdown of Lyons, Duncliffe, Taylor and Wilkinson. Still my efforts to recruit new players was still coming up short and I had to hope that the injury gods would be a bit more kind to us as we entered February, a month which saw us play just 4 times.



January 2006 Review


Players In


Kenny McLean : Sco 21y/o AM RC, ST (Morton, Free)


Players Out


Joe McMahon : Wal 22y/o D C
App. 0 Avg. N/A

Mike Eckersley Eng 22y/o M C
App. 0 Avg. N/A



League Record P8 W5 D1 L2 GS10 GC 6
FA Trophy P1 W0 D0 L1 GS 0 GC 1


Leading Scorers

Danny Barwood 17
Alex Taylor 10

retired_ruska

KUTGW! Very nicely set out. :thup:

retired_steffani

Cheers Heward hope you continue to enjoy!


February 2006


Whilst my transfer frustration in January was immense, I did manage to secure a deal in the first days of February, again raiding Morton to capture central midfielder John Adam on a free.


Hyde United (H) ECN 4/2/2006 L 1-2 Att. 1118

Goalscorer: Barwood (65)

Lineup:McMillan, Uberschar, Molloy, Swan, Duff, Tierney, Bond, Doyle(c) (Adam), Morgan, Barwood , Taylor (McLean)


Tony McMillan replaced Yeomans who broke down midweek In training as we faced Hyde, a team who had resoundingly defeated us 5-1 earlier in the season. Still I saw no reason why we should suffer a similar fate as I sent out the boys to hopefully continue our winning momentum in front of another encouragingly big crowd at the Giant Axe. Alas we didn’t give any of the fans much to cheer about slumping to a rare home defeat despite another fine goal from Danny Barwood . Danny had cancelled out an early Hyde opener, and for most of the game we were left frustrated by the brilliance of the Hyde keeper. Even when Danny did score Hyde was back in the lead within 7 minutes, Paul Jones cooly heading home a corner. Despite the introduction of John Adam for a debut that’s the way the game finished up 20 minutes later and once again I was left to grin and bear the after match pint with my Hyde counterpart Steve Waywell.



Hinckley United (A) ECN 11/2/2006 L 1-3 Att. 240

Goal Scorer: Alex Taylor (27)

Lineup:McMillan, Uberschar (Clark), Molloy, Swan, Duff, Tierney, Bond, Doyle(c), Morgan, Barwood, Taylor


Three-second half goals consigned us to back to back wins, as Hinckley routed us 3-1 at the Marston Stadium. Dom Tierney missed an early penalty as we dominated the first half-hour, culminating in Taylor’s goal on 27 minutes; his second in 3 games. However from there things just went to pot, first Neil Uberschar had to be stretchered off and then 2 goals within 9 minutes after the break effectively ended any hopes of a win. Finally Mooney netted his second and Hinckley’s 3rd to condemn us to defeat and revenge for our win over them in October.


Training this week looked more like a scene from Casualty then anything else. First of all Tony McMillan picked up an injury before Tom Morgan was ruled out of Saturdays game with a gashed arm. On top of all this Andy Bond was sent back to Crewe for treatment for a hip injury…..my week was full of joy. Still more positively Ryan Yeomans was declared fit (in the nick of time) and Neil Uberschar was also cleared to take part after his knock against Hinckley



Hednesford Town (H) ECN 18/2/2006 W 2-0 Att. 757

Goal Scorers: Tierney (Pen 25), O’Carroll (70)

Lineup:Yeomans, Uberschar, Molloy, Swan, Duff, Tierney (McLean), Phoenix, Doyle(c), Wright, Barwood (O’Carroll), Taylor


I was delighted with the way the lads bounced back after the back to back defeats to Hinckley and Hyde. Still this team beginning with H was carved apart by our midfield, and I was delighted with how Andy Wright and Jamie Phoenix came into the team and performed. Those two had come into the side along with Yeomans with McMillan, Morgan and Bond all missing after picking up the injuries described before. The goals came from Tierney and then late on from O’Carroll and we were well deserving of the win from the word go. Hednesford didn’t look the same threat as they had earlier in the season when we contested a 3-3 draw and Ryan Yeomans had a relatively quiet night in goal. So back on the playoff trail we go, with Workington set to visit us at the Axe the next week.



Workington (H) ECN 25/2/2006 W 3-0 Att. 903

Goal Scorers: Barwood (58), Wright (73), McLean (79)

Lineup:Yeomans, Uberschar, Molloy, Swan, Duff, Tierney, Phoenix, Doyle(c), Wright, Barwood, Taylor (McLean)


Workington bravely held on for 50 minutes with 10 men but in the end Barwood battered down the door as he had so often for us and we recorded a resounding 3-0 win over a spirited Workington. The visitors were reduced to 10 men after a mere 8 minutes after Ryan Townsend saw red for hauling Barwood down, and as the last man he had to go. From there it was nothing less then a siege as we threw everything at the opposition but couldn’t break them down. It took a moment of magic from Barwood just before the hour to finally break Workington’s resolve after he drilled home from the edge of the box. From there we simply coasted scoring through Wright and then McLean with his first goal for the club put the result beyond doubt.

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Thus ended February with 2 wins and 2 draws so 6/12 wasn’t all that bad. I was pleased to sign John Adam as cover but would have liked to sign a couple more, up front seeing McLean score his opening goal was also a plus point. So we sit comfortably in the playoffs going into March, 10 games to go and 6 wins from them should be enough to give us a chance of the promotion lottery.



February 2006 Review

Players In

John Adam Sco. 21y/o DM (Morton, Free)


League Record P4 W2 D0 L2 GS 7 GC 5

Leading Scorers:

Danny Barwood 19
Alex Taylor 11

retired_steffani

I took this point in the season to reflect about what had happened to me in the last 8 months. I had now moved to my first proper house, nothing special a 2 bedroom terraced house not to far from the Axe. The Giant Axe itself was nothing amazing, 1 nice seated stand, 2 terraces either end and one side with just boards separating spectators from the pitch. What the Axe did have was a damn good pub right next door and I spent many nights with Gary Finley to talk tactics or make plans. However more often then not id get into a daydreaming session with one of the regulars who’d said he’d be demanding a Champions League final seat in 10 years time when we take on Real Madrid.

I had to admit the positively, although quite absurd, had pleased me a lot. Attendance had steadily risen since I had taken over the club and I sensed a real buzz about the place. I figured this season the playoffs were a distinct possibility and anything could happen but if promotion came it would likely be followed by swift relegation. The recent financial troubles of the club would ensure that even promotion would mean strict financial limitations and I was resigned to not spending any cash in the next few seasons at least. The players too were also gaining enthusiasm and the calibre of players prepared to come down to the Axe was also rising. Players like Kenny McLean were playing regular first team football in the Scottish leagues but decided to come to the 6th step on the English league ladder to play for us.

I had already been drawing up rough plans for next season and it became clear that the likes of Dawes, Clark, Feeney, Jones and Andy Scott would not remain at the club for very long. But at the same time my scouts were turning up a few players who I would have to carefully cast my eye over in order to consolidate our position as a force in the league.

So as I sat there finishing the last of my beer I had reasons to believe that Lancaster City would one day be more then just a town with a castle and a prison and one day be home to a top class football team.

retired_steffani

March 2006

Kettering Town (A) ECN 4/3/2006 W 2-0

Goal Scorers: Wright (40), McLean (79)

Lineup:Yeomans, Uberschar (Duncliffe), Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Tierney, Phoenix, Doyle(c)(Adam), Wright, Barwood, McLean


The trip to Kettering saw us avenge the 2-1 reverse we suffered at the Giant Axe earlier in the season and saw us extend our winning run to 3 games. McLean came in for Taylor who complained of a cold earlier in the week and had been sent home, whilst Aidy Lyons returned in place of James Duff. The game started well for us as we carved out some good chances, Phoenix and Tierney both going close with long range efforts whilst Barwood missed a good chance with a header from 8 yards out. But eventually Andy Wright popped up on the edge of the box to power us ahead 5 minutes before the break much to our delight. At half time I told the lads to go out there and keep up the same level of performance and they didn’t let me down creating chance after chance until finally McLean slotted home 11 minutes before the end. There was still time for 2 Kettering players to see red but it didn’t impact the scoreline and we went back to Lancaster with another 3 points to our name.



Vauxhall Motors (A) ECN 11/3/2006 L 1-2 Att. 563

Goal Scorer: McLean (24)

Lineup: Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, (Duff) Lyons, Tierney, Phoenix, Doyle(c) Wright, Barwood (Taylor), McLean


Well we managed to miss a penalty, go behind to a penalty, equalise then still end up losing an eventful encounter against the Motormen at Rivacre Park. We fell behind after 15 minutes to a penalty before equalising 9 minutes later through the again impressive McLean . From there Duncliffe missed another penalty before the Motors took the game on 42 minutes with a deserved second.



Barrow (H) ECN 18/3/2006 W 2-0 Att. 895

Goal Scorers: Bond (45), Barwood (90)

Lineup: Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Tierney, Bond, Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood, McLean (Taylor)


This was Phil Wilsons first return to the Giant Axe and he was roundly booed by another big crowd as he took his place in the visitors dugout. I decided to bring Alex Bond back in for Jamie Phoenix but otherwise named an unchanged side, leaving Alex Taylor on the bench. The first half was a predictably close affair, Barrow were snapping at our heels in 7th position and our 3-1 defeat to them earlier in the season showed us exactly what they were capable off. Fortunately our players rose to the occasion, scoring on the stroke of halftime through the returning Bond . The second half saw our visitors come at us with renewed vigour but Lyons and Swan insured that we protected Ryan Yeomans brilliantly. Finally in the dying moments Danny Barwood enabled all Blues fans to relax as he tucked away our second. So revenge was sweet for the players, many of whom had been gutted by Wilsons departure, who then rightly celebrated our win in the Dolly Blue pub. Shockingly Danny Barwood actually bought me a pint….here was me thinking pigs didn’t fly



Stafford Rangers (H) ECN 25/3/2006 L 1-2 Att. 912

Goal Scorer: Taylor (12)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Tierney (Morgan), Bond, Doyle(C), Wright, and Barwood (O’Carroll) (McLean), Taylor


The one change to the side that beat Barrow saw Alex Taylor replace Kenny McLean alongside Danny Barwood. With confidence sky high following the win against Barrow I went into this home game expecting the lads to keep up the momentum and help us consolidate our position in the playoff zone. Alas I was left bitterly disappointed. We had raced into an early lead thanks to Taylor rounding the keeper on 12 minutes, but from there we seemed to lose our heart and our spirit gradually sliding to a disappointing 2-1 defeat. I did all I could to try and inject some passion into the lads, from a half time rollicking to bringing on all 3 subs, but frustratingly nothing worked. Maybe the players had spent one too many nights down Morecambe’s finest night-club, The Carlton…… Despite the disappointment I still felt we were well in the driving seat to claim a spot in the playoffs and I was determined not to see a repeat of this display as we travelled to Gainsborough.

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Form is temporary, class is permanent was my justification for dropping Jamie Phoenix. I knew that we had to utilise the wonderful skills of Alex Bond before he went back to Crewe in the summer. His counterpart Morris’s loan spell had ended so Alex was left to complete the season as our only loanee remaining. Alex had impressed me so much with his attitude and desire over the season and I made every attempt to sign him, inviting him to The Lancaster House Hotel to talk about his future.

Alex I know we aren’t the most massive club but while here you’d be a first team regular week in week out, and if in future a bigger club wants to come in for you I wouldn’t stand in your way if they met our valuation . Alex looked at me but I didn’t need him to speak to know what he was thinking too be honest gaffer I really don’t see my future at the Axe. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had a really great time here you and the rest of the guys have been a pleasure to work with but I want to try and break into the Crewe side and play some league football. As much as wanted him to stay I knew his mind was made up, I told him that he would always be welcome back in the future and in turn he promised to work as hard as he could to help us into the playoffs and beyond.


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March felt very much like February as we once again won two and lost two. It wasn’t exactly the best form going into the playoffs but the fact we were picking up points was the main thing. With 8 games in April I knew that the season had finally come to its crucial stage and I was resolved not to let our efforts fail at the final hurdle.


[b] March 2006 Review [B]

League Record P4 W2 D0 L2 GS 6 GA 4


Leading Goal Scorers:

Danny Barwood 20
Alex Taylor 12

retired_steffani

April 2006

Gainsborough (A) ECN 1/4/2006 L 1-2 Att. 265

Goal Scorer: McLean (89)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Tierney (Morgan), Bond, Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood (McLean), Taylor

Kenny McLean’s late consolation goal was the only positive to come out of this game as Gainsborough consigned us to back to back defeats. The team looked much as it had against Stafford, lethargic and unwilling to scrap their way to victory. At this stage in the season such thinking was unacceptable and I knew that unless some lf the team grew a backbone we could kiss goodbye to the playoff zone. After the match I went over to Wright, Tierney and Lyons and told them each that the performance just wasn’t good enough and to report tomorrow for some extra training. I wanted to send a message to the squad and the fans that I wasn’t about to let this chance slip through our fingers.



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Understandably my Sunday was not full of joy as Lyons Wright and Tierney all reported to the Axe for extra training. They worked hard for 2-3 hours before I let them leave (they were lucky to get out at all) I only hoped that this wouldn’t backfire on me and leave them disgruntled, the indicator of that would be our next match against Alfreton at the Axe.

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Alfreton (H) ECN 4/4/2006 D 1-1 Att. 779

Goal Scorer: Barwood (9)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Swan, Lyons, Tierney (McLean), Bond
(Phoenix), Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood (O’Carroll), Taylor


Hmmmm encouragement hadn’t worked neither had aggression as we couldn’t snap out of this streak against Alfreton. Despite 3 subs once again we couldn’t pick up all 3 points against the league leaders, making our run 1 point from 9 in the last 3 games. Danny Barwood was again the star of the show putting us ahead after only 9 minutes. Yet once again as soon as we scored we went to sleep and Alfreton hit a deserved equaliser just 8 minutes later. From there we couldn’t even trouble the Aflreton keeper who was only required to make a couple of catches and save a shot straight at him from Taylor. We were increasingly in danger of slipping but I kept a cool head (for once) in the dressing room afterwards.



Leigh RMI (A) ECN 8/4/2006 L 0-3 Att. 225

Lineup: Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney, Bond,
Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood, Taylor


I kept those players out there for the full 90 minutes to remind them of what was at stake for the club. The old saying is that you need to hit rock bottom before you can come back and this was rock bottom in terms of our season so far. To go 3-0 down before half time was a joke as Leigh RMI, a midtable side, completely ripped us to shreds. Not 1 Lancaster player put in a good display and I let them know exactly what I thought in the dressing room after the game. 1 point from 12 was just not acceptable and it our next game was fast becoming a win or bust affair.



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When I got back to my house I did much as I had all season, fed the cat, watched MOTD on the Sky+ and had a takeaway pizza. What I didn’t do was answer my phone all night, or Sunday for that matter. I looked at my notes from the last 4 games and couldn’t figure out exactly what had gone wrong. Fitness wise the light schedule in February and March meant that fitness levels were high, whilst form wise we had been reasonably consistent all season. I had to find someway of motivating the players…….


On Monday the 10th April it was time for the inaugural Dolly Blues golf tournament!
I had quickly arranged the day to try and get the players to relax, hoping that it would enable them to rediscover their form. I teed off with Aidy Lyons and Jamie Phoenix and carded a score of 65…which would have been good if it hadn’t been the front 9  Unlike most footballers I hadnt spent much time on the golf course and boy did it show. I managed to come top of the bottom, in a tournament won by Dom Tierney, every player seemed to enjoy the day and we now went into the game with Droylsden with renewed enthusiasm.

Later in the week I was also delighted to capture Blackpool striker and attacking midfielder Sean Patterson The 19 year old Scot would bolster both our midfield and strikeforce and I hoped his league experience and enthusiasm could help further rejuvinate the squad. Coupled with this was the return of right winger Tom Wilkinson who returned from his injury sustained a few month previously. Both of the players would give me greater options and flexability ahead of the Droylsden game.

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Droylsden (H) ECN 15/4/2006 W 1-0 Att. 601

Goal Scorer: McLean (90)

Lineup: Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney (Wilkinson), Bond,
Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood (McLean), Taylor (Patterson)


Just when I thought here we go again…[b] Kenny McLean [B] pops up to send me and everyone in the ground into raptures. The Scottish frontmans goal was perhaps the most crucial goal we would score all season it kept us in the playoffs and showed fans and players alike that we were not about to roll over and give up. Also in the game Patterson had made his debut and Wilkinson made an appearance off the bench as we searched in vain for 89 minutes to break down the Droyldsen defence. But when McLean scored all of the tension and anxiety suddenly drained from the faces of the players and suddenly the dream was alive once more.


Northwich (H) ECN 17/4/2006 W 3-0 Att.868

Goal Scorers: Tierney (2), Barwood (30), OG (64)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney (Wilkinson), Bond (McLean), Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood (Patterson), Taylor


If Droylsen was an anxious wait for a goal, this game was the complete opposite. Kenny McLean’s late goal two days before had rejuvenated the team and we made it a very happy Easter with our second successive win and 3 goals to boot. Dom Tierney opened the scoring after just 2 minutes and Danny Barwood doubled things up on the half hour. Second half we went into cruise control but still managed to add a third Patterson forcing an Own Goal from the Northwich defender Handyside. Back to back wins now had us in the playoff mindset and we would secure our spot with just 4 more points from our final 3 games.



Hucknall (A) ECN 22/4/2006 D 1-1 Att. 1353

Goal Scorer: Barwood (59)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney (Wilkinson), Bond, Doyle(C), Wright (Morgan), Barwood (Patterson), Taylor


Hucknall too were in playoff contention and we knew we could well end up meeting them come May, so this game took on even greater importance. We fought well for most of the match battling back from a goal behind to draw level around the hour mark thanks to Barwoods fine strike. Neither team wanted to over exert themselves and other results meant that we were still in the driving seat of the playoff race.



Worksop (A) ECN 25/4/2006 W 3-0 Att. 1322

Goal Scorers: Doyle (9), Barwood x2 (31,90)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney, Bond, Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood, Taylor


Lancaster City were 1 win away from the Conference North Playoffs!!!! And what’s more….we did it in style. This rainy Tuesday will live long in the memory of any Dolly Blue who was there, and about 100 intrepid fans did make the trip and sang their hearts out. It was fitting that our skipper Tony Doyle fired us in front, and even more fitting that Danny Barwood a man who had single handedly won us so many games, would score the other two. Worksop’s season was over before we even kicked a ball so their lacklustre display wasn’t unexpected, yet it was still pleasing to go away and win in front of a big crowds, something we would need to do in the playoffs or even the conference….

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In the days that followed we said goodbye to a good servant to the club Neil Uberschar . Neil had provided good cover during Duncliffe’s spell out injured but had struggled to hold down his place behind a man who had performed amazingly all year when fit. So when Guiseley came in with an offer for Neil I immediately put it to him. I told Neil that he was still in my thoughts as a squad player but that I couldn’t guarantee him any first team football in the foreseeable future. Neil thanked me for listening to the offer and said that he really wanted to play regular football, that he stil believed he could make it in the league and that playing on the bench for Lancaster wouldn’t allow him to catch the eye. With that I shook his hand and thanked him for his contribution to the club. Within days the papers were signed and Neil was on his way


Worcester (H) ECN 29/4/2006 W 1-0 Att. 1133

Goal Scorer: Bond (55)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney (McLean), Bond, Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood (Morgan), Taylor (Patterson)

Lancaster City made the Conference North playoffs thanks to Andy Bond grabbing the only goal on a party day for the club. No matter what happened in the playoffs the club had achieved its best ever league finish of 4th position and I was proud of each and every one of my players for helping us get this far. We were now just 270 minutes from the Conference National….and I couldn’t wait to have a crack at getting us there. Mick Parkinson gave me a big pat on the back and said ‘well done’ for my achievements, but I was greedy, I wanted more…

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So April over and mission accomplished we had secured ourselves a playoff berth to face Hucknall with the first leg at the Axe on Thursday. We had kicked out of our slump at just the right time and went into the tie unbeaten in 5. Everybody was fit and available and I just hoped we had what it took to edge past Hucknall and then whomever we met in the final, Hyde or Stafford. The league crown went to Alfreton and Stalybridge and Workington made the drop down.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Alfreton | | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 59 | 35 | +24 | 76 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Stafford | | 42 | 20 | 12 | 10 | 57 | 40 | +17 | 72 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | P | Hucknall | | 42 | 21 | 8 | 13 | 63 | 48 | +15 | 71 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Lancaster | | 42 | 19 | 12 | 11 | 58 | 43 | +15 | 69 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Hyde | | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 60 | 48 | +12 | 69 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Moor Green | | 42 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 64 | 49 | +15 | 68 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Barrow | | 42 | 20 | 5 | 17 | 65 | 46 | +19 | 65 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Redditch | | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 62 | 51 | +11 | 63 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Worcester | | 42 | 17 | 11 | 14 | 55 | 57 | -2 | 62 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Worksop | | 42 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 52 | 51 | +1 | 60 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Hinckley | | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 55 | 57 | -2 | 59 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Leigh RMI | | 42 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 47 | 53 | -6 | 53 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Harrogate | | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 46 | 53 | -7 | 53 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Gainsborough | | 42 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 38 | 50 | -12 | 52 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Vauxhall Motors | | 42 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 54 | 62 | -8 | 51 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Hednesford | | 42 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 53 | 59 | -6 | 50 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Kettering | | 42 | 13 | 11 | 18 | 47 | 58 | -11 | 50 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Northwich | | 42 | 13 | 11 | 18 | 48 | 63 | -15 | 50 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Droylsden | | 42 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 54 | 64 | -10 | 46 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Nuneaton | | 42 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 49 | 59 | -10 | 46 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | R | Workington | | 42 | 8 | 17 | 17 | 39 | 46 | -7 | 41 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | R | Stalybridge | | 42 | 7 | 12 | 23 | 43 | 76 | -33 | 33 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_steffani

It occurs to me now rather foolishly that the league table might just have told you how I got on in advance, so I implore you all to use the willing suspension o disbelief here


Hucknall Town (H) ECN Playoff Semi 1st Leg 4/5/2006 W 3-0 Att. 1361

Goal Scorers: Wright (11) , Tierney (26) , Barwood (45)

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Molloy, Duff, Lyons, Tierney, Bond, Doyle(C), Wright, Barwood, Taylor (Patterson)

It would be a lie to say we deserved a 3-0 win, but neither myself nor any of the 1200 or so Lancaster fans cared as the party began at the Giant Axe after the final whistle. 2 splendid first half goals saw us go into the break 3-0 up and we never looked back. Andy Wright fired us in front from the edge of the penalty area after just 11 minutes, our first real attack of the game. Dom Tierney then doubled it with a far post header from an Andy Bond cross before Danny Barwood scored from 8 yards out with seconds to go before half time. From there we closed out the game and sent the majority of those people in the Giant Axe dreaming of what was to come

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We were fortunate and took our chances whilst Ryan Yeomans had been on top form, but we knew we were only at half time and that anything could happen…..Unfortunately for us it did.

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Hucknall Town (A) ECN Playoff Semi 2nd leg 7/5/2006 L 0-4 Att. 1102

Red Card:James Duff

Lineup:Yeomans, Duncliffe, Scott, Duff, Lyons, Tierney (McLean), Bond, Doyle(C), Wright (Barwood), Taylor (Swan), Patterson


I celebrated my birthday today…but by the end of the night it felt more like a wake then a birthday party. The pile of ‘We’re Going To Hillsborough’ T-shirts were left in a box in the corner of the dressing room and the champagne sat unopened in a small crate. What had happened tonight had been nothing short of a catastrophe. For 18 minutes we looked comfortable, I had brought Patterson in to give Barwood a much-needed rest and also given Andy Scott a rare run out at LB and for 20 minutes everything was good. But then one of the Hucknall players broke free and to my horror James Duff scythed him down on the edge of the box. James deservedly saw red and to make things worse Hucknall scored direct from the free kick. I immediately took off Alex Taylor for Iain Swan to try and shore us up but it made no difference. By the hour Hucknall had levelled the tie and our only chance now was to hold out for penalties. We didn’t make it. On 80 minutes Aidy Lyons gave away a penalty and suddenly we were out, our season over.

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2005/2006 Season Review

I got in that night a broken man, but at least I wasn’t James Duff…. We could take great pride in our accomplishments this season. Players like Danny Barwood and Dom Tierney had been immense whilst the breakthrough performances of Ryan Yeomans ensured the long term prospects of the club were encouraging. Still I was left thinking that we were just 160 minutes short of success and had it not been for Duff we just might have been planning a promotion party. Still James, Aidy Lyons and Iain Swan had all been fantastic so I couldn’t complain.

Here is a complete rundown of my squad, as of the playoff defeat.



Goalkeepers

Tony McMillan: Eng 24y/o
24 Aps. (12 Clean Sheets ) 6.75 Avg.

Tony had lost his place as first choice goalkeeper thanks to Ryan Yeomans excellent form. Tony was not a bad goalkeeper in any respect but would have to wrestle the jersey away from Ryan

Ryan Yeomans: Eng 20y/o
29 Aps. (12 CS 1 MOM) 7.00 Avg.

Not expected to feature much at the start of the season Ryan took his chance when Tony got injured and is now the recognised number 1 at the club. Should start the first game of the season next year


Defenders

George Melling: Eng 21y/o D RC
Aps. 0 Avg. N/A

Hadn’t featured at all this season and the youngster was beginning to get restless. I told him that he could move over the summer if an offer came in for him.


Martin Clark: Eng 35y/o D RC, DM
Aps.2(8) 6.50 Avg.

Martin had performed adequately when called upon in a number of positions, but his age and his wage meant that I would be actively trying to sell him over the summer.


Andrew Bond: (On loan from Crewe) Eng 20y/o D RL, M RLC
Aps. 36(7) (5 Goals, 11 Assists 6 MOM) 7.14 Avg.

Andrew had been a star both on the training ground and in matches. Early on in the season he found himself on the left of midfield and would stay there for most of the season, chipping in with key goals and setting up many others. I would make attempts to sign him but he had already expressed a desire to go back to Crewe.


Andy Scott: Eng 31y/o D LC
Aps. 19 (1 Assist) 6.58 Avg.

Andy had started the season at LB but lost his position to John Molloy due to poor form. He wasn’t getting any younger and was also told he could leave over the summer.


John Molloy: Eire 22y/o D L
Aps. 32 (1 Assist 2 MOM 1 Red) 6.91 Avg

Had displaced Andy Scott early in the season and never looked back, performing steadily all season, would start at LB next year.


Iain Swan: Sco 26y/o D C
Aps. 38(1) (3 Assists 5 MOM) 7.03 Avg.

Iain was a fantastic influence at the heart of the defence and along with Lyons and Duff provided me with plenty of options. I hoped he would sign a new deal and continue to do the same next season.


Aidan Lyons: Eire 18y/o DC
Aps. 47 (1 Assist 3MOM 1 Red) 6.89 Avg.

Aidy had been fantastic throughout the season, showing guts and determination, as well as a temperament that you would not expect of someone so young. He would certainly be integral to my plans next season.


James Duff: Eire 19y/o D C
Aps. 20(1) (1MOM 1 Red) 6.81 Avg.

Another important cog in the defence, James had done well ever since signing from Dublin. Unfortunately to be remembered for his moment of madness against Hucknall, he would still have a big part to play in next seasons games.

Dermot Brown: Eng 20y/o DC
Aps. 0 Avg. N/A
Dermot had not performed well in training over the season and I would not be giving him another deal. Within weeks decided to quit the game.


Midfielders:

Anthony Doyle Eire 24y/o DM
Aps. 50 (2 Goals 3 Assists 1 MOM) 7.02 Avg.

I gave Tony the captains armband and never regretted it once. Except for a couple of weeks on the sidelines he had played every game from the start providing strong leadership and solid displays in the centre of the park. But whether he had the long term quality to hold onto his place wasn’t confirmed just yet.

Tom Morgan: Eire 29y/o DM
Aps. 25(3) (2 Assists 1 MOM) 6.96 Avg.

He battled with Andy Wright for most of the season to play alongside Tony Doyle. When he did play he resembled Doyle in that he put in solid confident displays without ever really showing massive star qualities. As he was approaching 30 I decided to entertain any offers that came In for him, but if he did stay it wouldn’t be a bad thing.


Andrew Wright Eng 21y/o DM
Aps. 30(2) (4 Goals 5 Assists 2 MOM) 7.06 Avg

Andy had proved a bit more creative then Tom and Tony and had also chipped in with some crucial goals. His ability to control the play was a key asset and if Tom Morgan left, he would almost certainly start in the midfield.

Tom Wilkinson Eng 19y/o AM R
Aps. 10(5) (5 Assists) 6.60 Avg.

Tom had been desperately unlucky to be ruled out with injury just as he had started to get a regular run in the side. His pace and trickery gave us another dimension on the right wing and I expected to rotate him and Dom Tierney next year.

Dom Tierney: Eire 29y/o M RC
Aps. 43(2) (6 Goals 6 Assists 2 MOM) 6.71 Avg

A totally different player to Tom, Dom liked to cut in and have a shot at goal, which earned him 6 goals over the season. He wasn’t star quality and was ageing like Tom Morgan so planned to split the playing time between him and Wilkinson next season.

John Adam: Eng 21 y/o DM
Aps. 0(2) (1 Assist) 6.50 Avg.
A recent signing from Morton, John hadnt been able to make a first team start yet and was already getting restless. I had no room in my team for moaning players so I told him he could leave if an offer came in.

Jamie Phoenix: Eng 22y/o AM LC
Aps. 21(4) (1 Goal 3 Assists 1 MOM) 6.52 Avg.

Jamie had always been inconsistent, and that what ultimately cost him his place to Alex Bond. He was capable of such brilliance, but at other times he just went missing. Would probably survive in a squad capacity due to Bond’s departure but was not of regular first team standard right now.



Forwards:

Michael Barnes: Eng 17y/o ST
Aps. 0 Avg. N/A

No first team appearances for the youngster but solid displays for the U18’s

Kenny McLean: Sco 21y/o AM RC, ST
Aps. 3(15) (5 Goals 2 Assists) 6.61 Avg

Since his signing Kenny had been mainly used off the bench either in right midfield or as a striker and performed reasonably well. His pace and skill would see him battle it out next season to start at either position.

Griff Jones: Eng 22y/o ST
Aps. 0(2) 6 Avg.

A couple of bench appearances didn’t satisfy Griff and demanded a transfer over the summer, which I accepted.


Sean Patterson: Sco 19y/o AM, F C
Aps. 1(5) 5.83 Avg

A disappointing start for the former Blackpool man who hadnt made any sort of impression since his move. His 1 start was in the calamitous game with Hucknall. Still he had bucketloads of potential and I hoped he could improve next year.


Joe Feeney: Wales 20y/o ST
Aps. 2(6) 6.38 Avg.

Little Joe had little success all season, his handful of early season appearances saw no goals and he would be allowed to leave over the summer.


Alex Taylor: Eng ST 20y/o ST
Aps. 46(3) (12 Goals 4 Assists) 6.78 Avg.

Played well over the whole season without ever really living up to his potential. He ended up with just 7 league goals which would have been a problem had it not been for Danny Barwood’s contribution. Even so he would be integral to my plans next season and I hoped he would only improve.

Liam O’Carroll: Eire 22y/o ST
Aps. 3(13) (4 Goals) 6.63 Avg.

Played well from the bench scoring some important goals but would never have the quality to be considered a regular striker. Liam wanted to play week in week out and so requested a move, which I agreed too.

Danny Barwood: Wal 25y/o AM, FC
Aps. 51(1) (26 Goals 7 Assists 2 MOM) 6.83 Avg

The mean lean Welsh scoring machine had averaged a goal every 2 games and was the main reason we finished 4th. We would need a similar sort of contribution from him if we were to compete again

----------------------- ------------------ ------------------------------------
In other news the World Cup was about to get under way and I would be watching it eagerly, scouting Brazil, Germany and England…for fantasy world cup players. The domestic leagues had been won by Manchester United ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal. Celtic piped Rangers to the SPL, AC Milan took home the Serie A whilst Real Madrid beat Valencia to La Liga. In Europe [b] Liverpool retained the Champions League beating Barcelona 2-0 and Chelsea won the UEFA Cup beating German team HSV in the final 3-2 AET. Closer to home Altrincham would be joining us in the Conference North next season after relegation from the conference. Frickley, Burscough and Gateshead also came up into the Conference North.

So with that the squad and I all went our separate ways for a few weeks. I was happy with the season just gone and hoped to build another playoff contending team with an eye to make an assault on the championship the following year.

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Authors Note:

It was probably obvious that the season above was written retrospectively hence the reason for not much detail on news etc or regular tables. I only decided to write this story about midway through the second season but I hope it’s still a good read. Expect more detail to creep in around December 2006 or so until then I’ll do what I can

retired_darjeeling69

This is a very good story. I cannot wait to see what happens.

retired_steffani

Erm thanks thatemu, if you were serious… but hey a reader is a reader, I wont complain

May/June 2006


So the World Cup got underway with France losing to Brazil 2-0, but on the 7th June I was elsewhere, painting my garden shed and making sure the new puppy I had bought hadnt p**sed all over the carpet for the 4th time that day. My personal life had been pretty stagnent over the last year. I hadn’t really got a girlfriend and most of my friends from uni had long since left the city. So I decided to go on a DIY spree, making my house full of gadgets, gizmos and badly put up shelves. Over the next couple of weeks I would shed more blood sweat and tears then I had in the past 12 months  I knew that I wouldn’t be a handyman when my managerial career was over.

The World Cup progressed with England winning their group with 3 straight wins over Russia, Ecuador and South Korea, before they fell on penalties yet again, this time to Poland in the 2nd round. Sven duely left his post but somewhat surprisingly I wasn’t offered the job.

I invited all my scouting team round to the house to discuss my transfer needs over the summer. I sent each of them to a different part of the UK to watch various preseason matches and training sessions informing them not to recommend any players that would command a fee.

I also invited Lee Ball, Dermot Brown and Thomas Morgan to my office to tell them that they had been released from their contracts. With Lee and Dermot this was a simple decision but the idea to release Thomas only came after long hard deliberation. I had intended to keep him on and wait for offers but in the end decided to give him the best possible chance to secure a new team, and the terms of his contract meant that he could go without costing us a penny. I wished them all well and hoped that none would come back to haunt us!

In other transfer news Guisely moved in to take George Melling off our hands whilst Griff Jones went to Matlock and Joe Feeney went to Farnborough all without commanding a fee.

retired_steffani

July 2006 Review Part 1

The boys turned up to our first pre season training session probably expecting a demanding schedule of runs, weight training and endless fitness drills. Instead what they got was laid back BBQ and a game of cricket. Following our dissapointing end to last season I wanted to let the players know I was proud of their efforts and that they should kick off the new season with the same spirit that got them to the playoffs in the first place. In a match of Staff+Reserves vs The 1st XI, the staff ended up victorious by 4 wickets. I myself made a useful 25 batting 4, and Andy Wright perhaps picked the wrong sport, hitting a wonderfull 121! At the end of the day though we sat down and talked things over as a group. The players told me what they thought worked well and didn’t work well last year and in turn I told them where I believed they could improve both individually and as a team. I also introduced the players to Simon Tracy, who recently joined the coaching staff

After the training session I spent time in my office talking to Oldham manager Ronnie Moore about his young centre back Chris Lever who my scouts had tipped as a prospect some time ago. Ronnie told me that Chris didn’t feature in his long term plans and that I was free to talk terms with him. As soon as our conversation ended I spoke to Chris’s agent and soon we had arranged to meet at Lancaster House Hotel to discuss terms about a possible move…..I really needed a loyalty card of some sort for that place.

Meanwhile my house still looked like a bomb site, the puppy meant that getting anything done was becoming a bit of a hassle and I really began to wish that I had just bought one of those virtual pet things you can put on your keyring.

Just when I thought I might be able to relax for a bit, my phone rang with an unidentified number which turned out to be the Lancaster Guardian. They wanted a story on me and my experiences with the club over the past year and where I wanted to take the club etc. So I invited them all down to our pre season training sessions over the next week to let them see for themselves what the future held.

Back in the office, I was in talks with Oliver Fenn and Josh O’Keefe
about possible moves to the club. Both players were predominantly centre midfielders and both were available on free transfers having been released from Ipswich and Blackburn respectivly. But as usual as I looked to bring in a couple of players, a couple of players were also on their way out of the Axe. Nigel Clough rang me to enquire about Andy Scott who had fallen behind John Molloy for the LB a slot. “ Well Nigel you’re welcome to Scotty he’s a tough working player but just doesn’t fit into our style of play anymore, I’ll put you in touch with his agent I was sad to see Scotty go, he had been a good servant but like Joe McMahon earlier in the season previous service counts for little when you look at things in the cold light of day and the money we saved on his wages could be better spent on younger talent. Ian Dawes also departed that week, leaving for 1k to Macclesfield having not played for the club, he was the first player I had commanded a fee for but there was little chance of me having that money to spend.

Mick Parkinson had already told me that there would be no money to spend this year due to our still precarious financial state. I understood his position but with 20k in the bank I felt 5-10k would be all that I needed to ensure that we stayed in the playoff hunt next season. Despite our success expectations remained dissapointingly low and the fans and Mick both expected a comfortable position rather then anything majorly succesful, an attitude that both relaxed and annoyed me. Did this club actually have the potential in the long run to be successful?

Such thoughts had to be again shelved as Leigh RMI came in with a £2,000 bid for young Irishman Liam O’Carroll who had already expressed a desire to play first team football. Knowing that I couldn’t gve it too him, and anxious to raise funds, I accepted the offer and Liam accepted their terms on the same day that Ian Dawes and Andy Scott all completed their moves away from the club.

That night I decided to go and meet with Gary Finley and the rest of my coaches to discuss what our prospects were for the coming season. Gary told me flat out that the squad needed strengthening all over the pitch if we were to compete this season, but the others had a more optimistic approach. Tony Dorigo told me how the defence was performing brilliantly in training and pointed to its good record last year as a positive sign. Sandy McLean and Simon Morgan pointed out some of the defficiencies in the midfield and striking departments that would probably keep us out of title contention, but as along as Danny Barwood kept scoring they felt we’d probably make the playoffs. Their message was clear however, ‘We need more firepower!’ and I had to agree. Beyond Barwood we had Taylor, McLean and Patterson and none had shown they were 20 goal a season material. Alex would be the opening day strike partner for Danny but his dramatic post Christmas slump last year stuck in my mind. If he went missing and Danny got injured there was a real chance we could struggle. As the night wore on the talk became less and less about football and more and more about increasingly random and bizzare topics. I think I ended up leaving the pub after Simon Morgan began to describe just how he ended up in A+E with a mousetrap caught on his……but anyway the puppy needed sorting out.