Season 5 2008-09 Harrogate (ECN). 3rd place: 22W, 11D, 9L, +27GD.
For all of his talent “Nunn Shalpasse” could not win the big game. While contemplating a solution to this problem during the summer, West Brom swooped with £130,000 + 25% on his next transfer! A sturdy if unspectacular replacement eventually came in on loan from Morecambe. His skills didn’t match “Nunn’s” but his performance was better --- 16 shutouts in 23 games. Strangely, “Nunn” was the highest-rated ‘keeper in the Championship. As I write, West Brom are lining up for their playoff final. I’m betting on the other team.
Even with transfer funds I was only able to lure players from teams like Ossett Town and Bromley. Most of these looked prettier in the shop window and didn‘t last, but one five-year warrior from Chippenham quickly became my favorite. “Chino” was a sweeper but we use him everywhere and he produces tough, physical football in the style of a certain notorious Man United midfielder-turned-manager.
On opening day Southport raced out of the gate quickly led by their £2,600/wk dribbler from Milton Keynes, who netted 18 times in 20 games. Where do they get the money? But they succumbed to greed, sold him to Hull for £425,000, and drifted out of the hunt. I was happy to see him leave; he was impossible to defend.
We were top 5 all season but could not catch Boston United. We dreaded the anticipated playoff final against 2nd-placed Hednesford but they somehow fumbled a 3-1 aggregate lead against Hinckley, at home, with an
extra man. Hinckley was simple fodder in the final and we punched our ticket to the Conference National with far less drama than anticipated. “Tiny Dancer”, now 21, finished with a team-high 18 goals & 12 assists. Unfortunately, our wages have grown unconscionably high and I may lose him.
Season 6 2009-10 Harrogate (Conf. National). 7th place: 20W, 14D, 12L, +18GD
Well, “Nunn” played poorly in the playoff final but West Brom won “Nunn-the-less.”
This year he also lost his 1st-team spot and we’re praying for 25% of a £1.6M transfer.
For the second year running we searched for a target forward to complement our tiny runners but, for the second year running, we failed to find one. We did sign a durable attacking mid for £1000 who played as a forward and dished out 14 assists, but our attack still lacks size and power. The highlight of the transfer season was the £14K August signing of that Southport striker who terrorized the Conference North last season. Not a target forward, but too good to pass up. He took a huge pay cut to leave the bench at Hull, and “Holy Terror” tallied 15 goals for Harrogate.
Captain “Chino” had another good year and we spent most of the campaign in the playoff tier until fading badly. We lacked depth and it showed. “Tiny Dancer” hit 9 goals; “Nothing Special” 7, both players mostly rotating. Two first-round cup exits were very disappointing but thankfully, our pathetic £12.5K advertising contract is due for renewal.
Looks like Southport won the Conference North and will be coming back up. Can’t wait to sick “Holy Terror” on
them! 
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