European Union Clan FM12 online game

[stabwest]

The EUC, lower league management at its best is back.

CM4, CM03/04, FM05, FM06, FM07, FM08, FM09, FM10, FM11, FM12

and

FML (Keane and Valderrama)

10th Season and still going........................

Once again taking on the lowest depths of English football, with some money, some players and very little fans only your managerial ability will save you.

Taking on the hardest challenge on the LLM online scene. its bravery, it’s a little bit of madness, more than likely the drink but it’s a challenge we're up for and ready to tackle on head on. Starting in the BSP these brave souls from across the globe will challenge to rule European football and bring the glory days back to the teams they encounter. No club is safe from the 14 members who will do just about anything to be one step ahead of the pack (apart from Taavi). In Fm2011 we saw many human controlled clubs fall into administration, one manager spent over £4.4bn, a few jumped ship after dragging their teams into a relegation battle or destroying the soul of the club. This time with agents now involved and with money to tight to mention and the aim of the game to be number one, this time it’s gonna get personal.....................and few will have a few scores to settle.

Davie Orr (host): AFC Newport Co – media prediction 13th...finally finished top dog of the clan after 10 years of trying, has been given a tough start with Newport, we expect EPL at least.

Neil Davis (webmaster): Grimsby Town – media prediction 7th...the no1 player of FM10 finished 4th last time around, Neil only managed one EPL title and even that was surrounded by mystery.

Jonny Kaufman: Lincoln City – media prediction 8th...many claimed Jonny bottled the EPL as he stayed in SPL and made East Stirlingshire a force to be reckoned with, apart from ruling Scotland taking East Stirlingshire to the semi’s of CL twice!! was huge, another we expect EPL at least.

Ed Wilson: Forest Green – media prediction 16th....a former FML player makes his debut with us, complete dark horse maybe one to watch.

Ferg Martin: Tamworth – media prediction 20th...Ferg managed to take over Spurs in EPL before fading away to nothing....He will have a point to prove and a few scores to settle.

Ed Kelley: Wrexham – media prediction 4th....The only member that failed to reach the EPL, 7th in NPC was his best, Ed’s other shame was the fact he had 16 clubs to which he was sacked from 8 of them.....

Craig Stevens: Darlington – media prediction 2nd....another FML player, Craig’s been given a monster of a task with Darlington, he’s been tipped by a few to be sacked 1st.

Rob Knott: Barrow – media prediction 14th....has struggled since FM08, although did manage to win one EPL with Man City after to others had failed.

Alex Holligan: AFC Telford – media prediction 19th...ran Davie a close 2nd after ripping up the EPL with Chelsea then Man Utd before jumping to Man City where it all when pear shaped before finishing back in Scotland with Celtic, Alex was the one that blew £4.4bn and forced to chairmen to sell up and fled the country.

Andrew O’Malley: Fleetwood Town – media prediction 6th...took Donny Rovers up 3 times to the EPL and took them straight back down again, failed to make Europe.

Jim Barclay: Cambridge Utd – media prediction 9th...a late starter in FM11 but made the EPL towards the end of the game with 2 different clubs

Paul Fotheringham: Alfreton Town – media prediction 24th...Like Jim started late in FM11 but finished 3rd in the overall players hall of fame, a lively character who never shuts up.

Steven Plumb: Braintree Town – media prediction 22nd...Plumbie last appeared with the clan back in FM07/08

Taavi Hinno: Ebbsfleet Utd – media prediction 18th...Taavi took Hednesford from conference regional leagues to the EPL glory and won the Europa league twice.

Kick off 12:00 Sunday

Sundays will never be the same again

The European Union Clan, lower league management at its best is back and this season celebrating 10 years of CM/FM online. And with the new feature of opening/closing leagues who knows where we’ll end up, one thing for sure this year looks like another cracker.

Full Clan rules, information, applications and some drunken rants will be available on the clans website.

As the late Great Bill Shankly once said about the Legend, “Jock, you are immortal now “

Can any of us get even close ??????

Clan Status

The European Union Clan is currently full, so sorry no asking for a spot places, the clan will follow the forum rules and only recruit from the available players thread and applications will only be accepted via our website. (In FM11 we used 19 players, FM10 17)

[Fernando Davis]

Current Club: Grimsby Town

Season: 2011/12

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 7th

Current Position: 11th

Club:

Grimsby Town play at Blundell Park, its an 8870 all seated stadium and was built in 1899. we sold 1300 season tickets in pre-season bringing in almost £350,000. The training and youth facilities are only basic but the club will have to raise some funds before we can think about improving them. Most of the back room staff have been replaced with some new faces, Luther Blissett joined the club as a new assistant manager and some new scouts and coaches were recruited to the back room staff.

Transfers:

With no transfer budget available but a nice 18k free in the wage budget it was clear that I had to look at the free transfers. Maxing out the budget to the limit we managed to bring in 15 players including 33 year old former Scottish international midfielder Nigel Quashie and 24 year old Portuguese right back Gilberto. Two former Bordeaux players also joined us in the transfer window, Argentine midfielder Cristian Peruchini and 19 year old French striker Simon Jelen who has impressed so far with 5 goals in 7 appearances so far this season.

A few players joined us on loan for the campaign, 17 year old winger Tony Silva and 18 year old defender Stephan Sama signed from Liverpools youth team along with 18year old English midfielder Matthew Ball from Norwich and Joe McCann from Leeds United until the end of the season.

Results:

Not a bad start to the season and we are sitting in 11th place after 7 games. Some good performances earned us wins against Paul Fotheringham's Alfreton (1-0), Hayes and Yeading (4-1) and Kettering Town (3-0). But we struggled away to Craig Steven's Darlington(2-3) on his super narrow pitch and we lost to Alex Holligan's AFC Telford (1-3). Things are going to have to improve if we want to push for a play-off place. The board are only asking for mid-table but I feel we could be pushing for a top 5 finish come May.

[gimper]

Wrexham leading the way

It has been a great start to the season for the Red Dragons. As of September they are only trailing Fleetwood by 2 points, as they remain one of two unbeaten teams in the BSP. The signing of Stern John, a flop everywhere but the Columbus Crewe, has inspired the side to fight for league football. The American Ed Kelley has inspired his side to fight against all opposition. The Racecourse ground has become a fortress, as Wrexham have only conceded 3 goals all season. The lowly Braintree fell hard to Wrexham. The American manager was doubted by his peers, and a potential takeover almost saw him out. Kelley survived after the takeover blew up, and has thrived in Wales. Wrexham have become a favorite for the playoffs, and maybe even an outside chance at winning the league. They have yet to trail in any game and have dictated games with their strong passing. It looks to be a bright future for Kelley and his mighty Red Dragons.

[Jonny Kaufman]

Imping all the Way

Lincoln was the new destenation for my next managerial challenge. A good pre season saw strikers, Omar Koroma, Jamil Adam and Emil Milijkovic, former Liverpool youngster and current Australia Under 21 international Dean Bouzanis, Lee Hendrie, League One target Josh Kennet, Dennis Van der Wal and Burak Tekay sign on free transfers. And loan signings Aaron Holloway from Bristol City, Joe Riley from Bolton, Romaine Sawyers from West Brom, Liam Chilvers from Notts County and Scott Rendell from Wycombe, completed the dealings for Lincoln City.

A good start to the season saw Lincoln competing at the top of the table, currently 3rd with 6 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. The biggest win being against fierce rivals Grimsby, a win that left me very happy with an unhappy Neil Davis.

Although we are currently sitting well in the play offs, a top half finish would be good enough for the first season, leaving something to build on.

[Nautico]

Hoist the Colours

Current Club: Darlington

Season: 2011/12

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 2nd

After being given the mammoth task that is Darlington, with the pressure on me within the clan of 1st to get sacked it started off well. Taking on the hot seat at the Quakers, i quickly went into the transfer market signing several youths and a couple of older players most noteably Quinton Fortune.

A 3-0 win vs Ed Wilson's Forest Green took Darlo into the top 5 after just 1 game all was looking well until we got taught a footballing lesson from Paul Fotheringham's Alfreton going down 6-1. Since then we have gone on to win just 3 games and lose 3, most recently a 1-0 defeat at Taavi's Ebbsfleet with Darlo creating more only to fall due to a header with the gk challenging and now find ourselves around mid table just outside the play off places.

[stabwest]

8th Oct 2011

Blue Square Premier

| Pos   | Inf   | Team            |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Fleetwood       | Andy  | 15    | 13    | 1     | 1     | 57    | 17    | +40   | 40    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Lincoln         | Jonny | 14    | 11    | 1     | 2     | 29    | 13    | +16   | 34    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Wrexham         |  EdK  | 14    | 10    | 3     | 1     | 31    | 11    | +20   | 33    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Darlington      | Craig | 15    | 11    | 0     | 4     | 30    | 18    | +12   | 33    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Gateshead       |       | 15    | 10    | 1     | 4     | 34    | 19    | +15   | 31    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Grimsby         |  Neil | 15    | 7     | 4     | 4     | 22    | 14    | +8    | 25    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Alfreton        |  Paul | 15    | 7     | 3     | 5     | 33    | 20    | +13   | 24    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Barrow          | Rob   | 15    | 6     | 5     | 4     | 32    | 25    | +7    | 23    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Ebbsfleet       | Taavi | 15    | 7     | 2     | 6     | 24    | 20    | +4    | 23    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | AFC Telford     | Alex  | 15    | 6     | 4     | 5     | 30    | 19    | +11   | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Cambridge       |  Jim  | 15    | 6     | 4     | 5     | 26    | 23    | +3    | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Mansfield       |       | 15    | 7     | 1     | 7     | 21    | 21    | 0     | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Stockport       |       | 15    | 6     | 3     | 6     | 24    | 24    | 0     | 21    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Kidderminster   |       | 15    | 6     | 3     | 6     | 16    | 25    | -9    | 21    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Newport Co      | Davie | 15    | 5     | 5     | 5     | 22    | 21    | +1    | 20    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Luton           |       | 15    | 5     | 3     | 7     | 21    | 25    | -4    | 18    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Tamworth        |  Ferg | 15    | 5     | 3     | 7     | 19    | 25    | -6    | 18    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Bath            |       | 15    | 4     | 4     | 7     | 15    | 21    | -6    | 16    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | York            |       | 15    | 4     | 4     | 7     | 17    | 25    | -8    | 16    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Forest Green    |  EdW  | 15    | 3     | 4     | 8     | 19    | 35    | -16   | 13    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  |       | Hayes & Yeading |       | 15    | 4     | 1     | 10    | 18    | 35    | -17   | 13    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |       | Southport       |       | 15    | 2     | 2     | 11    | 16    | 40    | -24   | 8     | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  |       | Kettering       |       | 15    | 2     | 1     | 12    | 15    | 40    | -25   | 7     | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  |       | Braintree       | Steven| 15    | 1     | 0     | 14    | 12    | 47    | -35   | 3     | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                 |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

[Tactic Master]

Great achievement, 10 years! In 10 years from now, i'm sure you will still be here Good Luck guys!

[stabwest]

AFC Newport County

wee bit of history

Newport County Association Football Club are a professional football club based in the city of Newport, south Wales, who currently play in the Conference National, the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system. Founded in 1912 the club were founder members of the Football League's new Third Division in 1920.

Newport County were Welsh Cup winners in 1980 and subsequently reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup. The club was relegated from the Football League in 1988 and went out of business in February 1989. The club re-formed shortly afterwards and entered the English league pyramid system at a much lower level. The club achieved promotion to the Conference National for the 2010–11 season, the same level they played at prior to bankruptcy in 1989.....fast forward to the current day...Davie Orr becomes the 4th manager of the the 'Exiles' of 2011 after Hudson was shown the door before the season even started with current chairman stating "he's too young".

Expectations

BSP : achieve mid-table

FAC : 1st rnd

FAT : 3rd rnd

Transfers in

Walsh, Joe Swansea Loan : Young welsh left back, mainly brought in for cover.

Thomas, Casey Swansea Loan : Sent by Swansea, has the potential to make the grade at this level.

D'Agostino, Michael Free Transfer Free : the Canadian signed up after being released from ICSF INTER.

Garbutt, Luke Everton Loan : highly recommended was being looked at by number of clubs, handly little player for the left flank.

Oli, Dennis Gillingham £2.5K : signed to play as a inside forward with the option of playing either right/left wing.

Morris, Ashley Llanelli £1.5K : signed as a back up keeper.

Green, Danny Dag & Red Loan : As cover can play on either flank/striker

Khalis, Mehdi Free Transfer Free : Released by Falkirk in the summer, this young Moroccan can play anywhere in the centre of the pitch (def/mid)

Ekra, Yann Free Transfer Free : Impressed in the pre-season games as a trialist, signed to much delight of the fans.

Total £4k

Transfers out

So far no-ones left, but expect a few to leave before the seasons over with.

the rant!!!

on fellow Scottish managers

"I don't care if Holligan fae Glasgow he's a fud"

"Paul who' Fotheringham??? never heard of him"

"Martin Ferguson, Ferg Martin?? make your mind up....who is he? he must be from before my time I've never heard of him"

on the other Welsh team

"If Ed Kelley thinks he can boss me around with his big american ass, he can pipedown"

Prediction for the season

"The Braintree manager to go straight back down"

"That Estonian bloke to sign countless players who will never play a single game"

"me begging some bank manager to give us a massive loan"

[heavymetaled]

Forest Green Rovers

'What the **** are you playing at?'

This was the reaction of many a Forest Green Rovers fan upon seeing the appointment of Ed Wilson yesterday. A complete unknown in the football managing business, yet well known locally for his work as a part-time gigolo, Ed has the big task of keeping media predicted 16th Forest Green from the drop into the abyss that is the Blue Square South.

It's been a rocky and somewhat disappointing start to his managerial career as Forest Green currently lie 20th, a full 4 places behind what they're expected yet thankfully 5 points off the drop after 15 games.

It was a summer of discontent as many free agents and potential loanees turned down the chance to play down at Forest Green opting to join many a BSQ rival instead. Many players were quoted as saying Ed Wilson's 'sexual background' was the riding factor as they were 'unsure whether his personal gigolo work would interfere with his business as a football manager'.

As a result Wilson was only able to bring in 4 new faces over the summer:

David Adedipe - a quick young AMR who has great potential

Atli Gregerson - a incredibly slow beastly DC

Nikki Ahamed - a solid young full back

David Medina - a good, ageing, all-round DC

Unfortunately Forest have made a dismal start not helped by long injuries to key men, they have however had a couple of great results and shown signs that they can improve on their lowly league position.

[jimalex]

[/url]

CAMBRIDGE UNITED

The U's decided to kick off their 2011/12 campain with a new inexperienced manager at the helm. Jim Barclay was appointed with the aim of a mid table finish. This being the U's sixth consectutive season in the BSP, they are an established team, hence the media prediction of 9th.

TRANSFERS

With a budget of £0, Barclay was limited with who he could bring in, but still managed to sign 8 players.

Nathan D'Laryea was his first signing, which was quickly followed by the arrivals of Graham Cheeseman, Phil Younghusband, Dene Cropper, Matt Barnes, Andrew Hageman, Lucien Mottomo and Paul Hilland.

With a squad now bursting at the seams, Barclay released 4 players ang got down to work preparing for the season ahead.

After 15 games, Cambridge sit in a healthy albeit mediocre 11th position in the table having won 6, drawn 4 and lost 5. The one highlight is the performances of new striker Phil Younghusband who seems to have settled in well, scoring 8 in his first 12 games.

With much of the season yet to play, Cambridge United supporters are pleasantly suprised by the new managers start to his career and are hopeful for the future.

[Fernando Davis]

Current Club: Grimsby Town

Season: 2011/12

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 7th

Current Position: 6th

Results:

After 3 straight defeats at the start of September i called the squad into a team meeting and told them that things have to improve, sitting in 11th and some way from the top of the table we had to get back on track. The team responded well with a 6 match unbeaten run taking us up to 6th in the table. Home wins against Rob Knott's Barrow (2-1) and Davie Orr's Newport County (1-0) was a real boost to the fans. Away from home we managed to pick up a point at high flying Fleetwood (2-2) ending Andy's 12 game winning start to the campaign and we picked up all 3 points at Jim Barclay's Cambridge with a 3-0 win. Sitting just 6 points behind a play off space now and if we keep up this form there is a good chance we will be around the top teams when the end of the season comes, although its going to be a hard battle to catch Fleetwood at the top of the table, already a massive 15 points ahead of us but there is plenty of games left.

Transfers:

Burton O'Brien joined us on a free transfer as well as 22 year old Belgium midfielder Andrea Mutombo. The biggest news came as we signed former AC Milan Graduate Luca Scapuzzi on a 3 month loan from Manchester City and the 20 year old striker has impressed in his first two games for the club despite not managing to find the back of the net.

[Goldy]

All the best lads! Cracking clan continues for another year, looking forwarding to see the updates....which hopefully everyone will take part in!

[foth1989]

Current Club: Alfeton Town

Season: 2011/12

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 24th

Current Position: 7th

Results:

Alfreton yeh the big nono the omfg when they came out the hat the gasps the hands on head /o\. Well the minnows by far in BSP are doing well. After a loss in first game against neil davis cough w**ker, it looked pear shaped BUT since then its been a great run of games, a 6 1 win against darlington followd by 5 games unbeaten made alfreton not only clear of relegation but only 7 ponts off playoffs could it be ? i doubt it but we will see its all a building process this stage.

Transfers:

tons of players out tons in!! The big man at the back nsaku has bee the best signing an amazing 7.65 rating looks a great one for the future at only 18. all others play there part in whats gonna be a great and succesful season for the club!!

[Jonny Kaufman]

Imping on

After a busy summer transfer window at Sincil Bank, Lincoln set about competing at the top of the table.

After a decent start to the season saw the Imps go on a decent unbeaten run, coming to an abrupt end at Kidderminster, when a 2-1 upset saw Kaufman visibly angry. Another unbeaten run would kick off straight after that slip up though, which included the hammering of leaders Fleetwood, 5-1. Billed as a close game between 1st and 2nd, Lincoln, who had a game in hand, were 6 points behind Fleetwood, a quick start to the game saw quick striker Jamil Adam find space in the area and fired home, and from then on it was fairly routine, the only slip up being Magno Veira hitting a consolation goal late on after Fleetwood were reduced to 10 men.

Straight after that game was Lincoln's game in hand, against 3rd place Wrexham. On Wrexham's short, narrow pitch, Lincoln, were for the first time all season, being dominated, and despite the big chance to go level at the top of the table, Lincoln fell to a 2-1 defeat. From then on Lincoln weren't quite right.

Despite not playing well, Lincoln have only lost 2 times all season in January, and despite being 12 points off Fleetwood, well inside the play offs and achiveing well above what is reported the board were looking for.

Transfers were the big talking points during the winter months so far for Lincoln, as former England international James Beattie, joined on a 3 month loan from Middlesborough, several other big loans also joined, including Cameron Park from Boro, and several promising youngsters from Arsenal. Beattie was the marque signing though and despite a poor start did start to score a few important goals coming off the bench in the last half an hour after youngster Jamil Adam had run the opposition defence around in circles.

The cups were also another big talking point, the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup saw Lincoln, a poor Alferton side. And after a backheel gone wrong Jamil Adam put Lincoln in front, and rival manager Paul Fotheringham hauled off the poor backheeler staright off after only 4 minutes. A miss from Alferton's striker also saw him taken off in the first half, these drastic changes did confuse the Lincoln players but they still ran out 3-0 winners comfatably and would host League One high flyers, Wycombe Wanderers.

Jonny Kaufman, Lincoln's manager, is a well known Wycombe fan, having grown up around the High Wycombe area, and there were rumours he was set to throw the game. However after threats from the FA and Lincoln fans, Kaufman set about trying to beat a team who were 8th in League One. Of course last season this was a League Two match. In the end it seemed quite comfatable, as Lincoln ran out 3-1 winners, with both Adam and Beattie getting on the score sheet.

A trip to Brentford's Griffin Park was the reward for Lincoln, and they too were flying high in League One, 4th place this time. And there was to be no repeat of the heroics of the first round as Brentford ran out 3-1 winners this time.

The FA Trophy saw Lincoln once again paired with Alferton Town in the first round. And once again it was another win for Lincoln, Kaufman is already sick of the sight of Fotheringham and his headless chicken players. Whitby were the opponents in the next round and we will find out who goes through next time, as Whitby managed to snatch a draw against the Blue Square Premier team and will replay in the next game.

Can Kaufman lead Lincoln back to the football league? Or will he once again fail in the play offs?

[Andy1979]

Today Fleetwood town have appointed rookie manager Andrew O’Malley. Many fans and pundits will be shocked by the appointment of O’Malley after they just missed out on promotion last term. It is O’Malley’s first job in football and he will be hoping to add a bit of quality to the squad in the right areas to go the extra yard and get town to the Promised Land.

In his first press conference he spoke about wanting to play an attacking brand of football and all players and staff would get a fair chance to prove their worth. How many players and staff will remain? Only time will tell.

[TafKin]

New season, new manager, new formation, new era: EBBSFLEET UNITED FC

At the start of the new season, Ebbsfleet United FC hired an unknown manager, to bring them glory and success for the team in the coming year. That manager was ME!

Within the first few weeks all players were released and new players were brought in. The total number of new players is still under dispute, but the number is expected to be around 60. Understandably will not name them the players here.

To my big surprise the team suggested using a flat 4 3 3 tactics.... Guess they've been doing some research on me.

First season aim: respectable mid-table finish. With the new players in, should not be a problem.

Long-term aim: Champions League trophy.. and everything before that

So now that I'm here, I have no plans to leave any time soon. I do feel the backing of the board and hopefully will repay their trust by increasing the statue of the club to new levels.

GO FLEET!

More updates to follow, as the seasons progress... stay tuned.

[Nautico]

Current Club: Darlington

Season: 2011/12

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 2nd

With Darlington doing well in the league placed 4th behind Fleetwood, lincoln and Wrexham, Craig Stevens found himself on the Insecure list and looking likely to get the sack 1st. Literally taking no interest in this as it only reflected on the 6-1 defeat to Alfreton earlier in the season.

As the draw for the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup drew closer, manager Craig Stevens was anticipating a hard game. The day of the draw was upon us and some tough ties were handed out but Darlington were drawn an away tie with Burscough, as small team from the lower regions of England.

The Burscough fans were out in force to greet the Darlo players but were then disappointed after the team bus had dropped everyone off to realise that the reserve squad for Darlington had arrived. Craig Stevens clearly wasnt taking this cup or fixture seriously. A chorus of boo's then surrounded the outside of the Stadium and that seemed to help the match atmosphere in Burscough's favour.

Once the game was underway it was looking tough for the Darlington Reserves to come away with a win here, and that was soon pointed out in the form of a Burscough goal around about half hour into the game. After an hour it was 2-1 to Burscough with a Fifa goal across the goalkeepr, this left the Darlington manager Furious with his team as he expected more from his team. As the final whistle was edging closer the travelling Darlo fans looked uneasy and anxious, with 2 minutes added time a bit of magic was then produced by Bridge-Wilkinson to make the score 2-2. A replay was on the cards as the final Whistle went.

In the reverse fixture Darlingtons first team got a go at Burscough and made them pay for the humiliating result beating them 4-1. The 1st round of the FA Cup draw then saw the team drawn against Hereford. This game was a really close game between the two sides. With 5 minutes to go and the scores at 2-2, right on the 89th minutes the ball then hit the back of the net in spectacular fashion by Darlington to make it 3-2 with seconds to go. The manager then celebrating going into the 2nd round draw was then put back in his place as Hereford scored a goal direct from the kick off to make it 3-3 and yet another replay in the cup for Darlo. Craig Stevens then found himself off the Insecure list.

Between the FA Cup games Darlington managed to pick up another 3 straight wins, moving into 3rd behind Jonny Kaufmans Lincoln City. After the FA Cup game against Hereford, Craig Stevens then had to leave the assistant manager in charge of a few games.

Upon returning to the Darlington seat Craig Stevens then checked out the squads results only to find that the team had fallen out of the FA Cup and the FA trophy, the assistant manager was in for a roasting after a really bad string of results. Once the Darlo manager had returned he took it upon himself again to get himself some good results which he got and to get his name off the list of insecure managers once again..after 1 game he found himself out of the insecure spots but then after a few more bad results was back in there. In the end it was the end of the road at Darlington for Craig Stevens after 8 months in charge as he was shown the door at the club. When given the news it was rumoured that Stevens spat into the chairmans face and urinated over the clubs crest for the treatment he had received.

Once sacked it was Kevin Dillon who took over at the Quakers and Stevens looking for a new job. Stevens is now believed to be rooting for Darlington to fall in the quest for a play off spot and Promotion FOREVER..

Sacked after 39 games in the Blue Square Prem and in the Play offs in 5th - July 6th 2011 to March 12 2012

[stabwest]

almost finished the 1st season so will post the final league once we complete it.

[stabwest]

Results

Date Time           Opposition  Venue - Result Goal Scorers 
[i]friendlies[/i]
Thu, 7.7.2011 19:45  Newport Co Reserves  H 5 - 0 Paul Rodgers, David Pipe, Felino Jardim, Ismail Yakubu(2). 
Sat, 9.7.2011 15:00  Bury  H 0 - 2 None 
Wed, 13.7.2011 19:45 Eastleigh  A 2 - 3 Casey Thomas(2). 
Wed, 20.7.2011 19:45 Yeovil  H 2 - 2 Danny Green, Yann Ekra. 
Wed, 27.7.2011 19:45 Charlton  H 0 - 1 None 
Sat, 30.7.2011 15:00 Weston-super-Mare  A 3 - 1 Luke Garbutt, Gary Warren, Robbie Matthews. 
Mon, 1.8.2011 19:45  Swansea  H 0 - 1 None 
[i]league[/i]
Sat, 6.8.2011 15:00  Stockport  H 4 - 0 Ismail Yakubu, Casey Thomas(2), Danny Green. 
Wed, 10.8.2011 19:30 Southport  A 3 - 3 Casey Thomas(2), Mehdi Khalis. 
Sat, 13.8.2011 15:00 York  H 0 - 0 None 
Wed, 17.8.2011 19:30 Gateshead  A 0 - 3 None 
Sat, 20.8.2011 15:00 Braintree  H 3 - 0 Craig McAllister(2), Dennis Oli. 
Sat, 27.8.2011 15:00 Bath  A 0 - 0 None 
Wed, 31.8.2011 19:30 Tamworth  H 1 - 1 Craig McAllister. 
Sat, 3.9.2011 15:00  Alfreton  H 0 - 0 None 
Wed, 7.9.2011 19:30  Forest Green  A 0 - 3 None 
Sat, 10.9.2011 15:00 AFC Telford  A 0 - 5 None 
Sat, 17.9.2011 15:00 Kidderminster  H 4 - 0 Mehdi Khalis, Michael D'Agostino(2), Craig McAllister. 
Wed, 21.9.2011 19:30 Hayes & Yeading  A 3 - 2 Gary Warren, Luke Garbutt, Craig McAllister. 
Sat, 24.9.2011 15:00 Kettering  H 3 - 0 Craig McAllister, Michael D'Agostino, Danny Rose. 
Sat, 1.10.2011 15:00 Grimsby  A 0 - 1 None 
Sat, 8.10.2011 15:00 Darlington  H 1 - 3 Craig McAllister. 
Wed, 12.10.2011 19:30 Ebbsfleet  A 1 - 0 Dennis Oli. 
Sat, 15.10.2011 15:00 Lincoln  H 1 - 1 Michael D'Agostino. 
Sat, 22.10.2011 15:00 Barrow  A 1 - 8 Craig McAllister. 
Sat, 29.10.2011 15:00 Tooting & Mitcham  H 2 - 0 Darryl Knights(2). [b]FAC 4th qual[/b]
Wed, 2.11.2011 19:30 Mansfield  H 2 - 0 David Cotterill, Darryl Knights. 
Sat, 5.11.2011 15:00 Wrexham  A 2 - 3 Craig McAllister, Danny Green. 
Sat, 12.11.2011 15:00 Solihull Moors  H 1 - 0 Darryl Knights. [b]FAC 1st rnd[/b]
Sat, 19.11.2011 15:00 Fleetwood  H 1 - 3 Danny Rose. 
Wed, 23.11.2011 19:30 Luton  A 1 - 0 David Cotterill. 
Sat, 26.11.2011 15:00 Cambridge  A 2 - 1 Luke Garbutt, Ismail Yakubu. 
Sat, 3.12.2011 15:00 Wrexham  A 0 - 3 None  [b]FAC 2nd rnd[/b]
Sat, 10.12.2011 15:00 Hendon  H 3 - 1 David Cotterill, Casey Thomas, Ismail Yakubu. [b]FAT 1st rnd[/b]
Wed, 14.12.2011 19:30 Stockport  A 3 - 1 Matt Glennon o.g, Andrea Orlandi, Michael D'Agostino. 
Wed, 21.12.2011 19:30 Southport  H 1 - 0 Danny Rose. 
Sat, 31.12.2011 15:00 York  A 4 - 2 Andrea Orlandi(2), Casey Thomas, Mehdi Khalis. 
Wed, 4.1.2012 19:30  Gateshead  H 4 - 1 Casey Thomas, Darryl Knights(2), David Cotterill. 
Sat, 14.1.2012 15:00 Luton  H 0 - 3 None [b]FAT 2nd rnd[/b]
Wed, 25.1.2012 19:30 Braintree  A 4 - 2 Mehdi Khalis(2), Christian Haselberger, Casey Thomas. 
Sat, 28.1.2012 15:00 Tamworth  A 2 - 1 Jóan Símun Edmundsson(2). 
Tue, 31.1.2012 19:30 Bath  H 2 - 1 Christian Haselberger, Craig McAllister. 
Wed, 8.2.2012 19:30  Forest Green  H 3 - 1 Vladimir Mandic, Thomas Butler, Christian Haselberger. 
Sat, 11.2.2012 15:00 AFC Telford  H 0 - 1 None 
Wed, 15.2.2012 19:30 Alfreton  A 2 - 3 Thomas Butler, Andrea Orlandi. 
Sat, 18.2.2012 15:00 Kidderminster  A 1 - 1 Andrea Orlandi. 
Wed, 22.2.2012 19:30 Hayes & Yeading  H 4 - 1 Christian Haselberger, Andrea Orlandi, Jóan Símun Edmundsson(2). 
Sat, 3.3.2012 15:00 Kettering  A 5 - 1 Andrea Orlandi, Stephen Dobbie, Steve MacLean, Jóan Símun Edmundsson, Kemy Agustien. 
Wed, 7.3.2012 19:30 Grimsby  H 1 - 1 Stephen Dobbie. 
Sat, 10.3.2012 15:00 Darlington  A 0 - 1 None 
Sat, 17.3.2012 15:00 Ebbsfleet  H 3 - 1 Kemy Agustien, Christian Haselberger, Stephen Dobbie. 
Sat, 24.3.2012 15:00 Lincoln  A 4 - 2 Stephen Dobbie, Mehdi Khalis, Vladimir Mandic, Rowan Vine. 
Sat, 31.3.2012 15:00 Mansfield  A 5 - 2 Paul Rodgers, Kemy Agustien, Shane Redmond o.g, Andrea Orlandi, Steve MacLean. 
Wed, 4.4.2012 19:30 Barrow  H 1 - 0 Thomas Butler. 
Sat, 7.4.2012 15:00 Wrexham  H 1 - 3 Curtis Obeng o.g. 
Sat, 14.4.2012 15:00 Fleetwood  A 4 - 4 Steve MacLean, Christian Haselberger, Andrea Orlandi, Rowan Vine. 
Wed, 18.4.2012 19:30 Luton  H 1 - 0 Ismail Yakubu. 
Sat, 21.4.2012 15:00 Cambridge  H 5 - 2 Stephen Dobbie, Phil Jevons(3), Casey Thomas. 

Finished 6th narrowly missing out on the play offs

A massive thanks has to go to Swansea for allowing us to loan so many good players, more of the same pleaseeeeeeeeeeee

[stabwest]

| Pos   | Inf   | Team            |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | C     | Fleetwood       | Andy  | 46    | 35    | 4     | 7     | 143   | 60    | +83   | 109   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | P     | AFC Telford     |  Alex | 46    | 30    | 9     | 7     | 116   | 35    | +81   | 99    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Lincoln         | Jonny | 46    | 30    | 7     | 9     | 91    | 46    | +45   | 97    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Wrexham         |  Edk  | 46    | 27    | 10    | 9     | 92    | 54    | +38   | 91    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Darlington      |   *   | 46    | 26    | 7     | 13    | 74    | 51    | +23   | 85    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Newport Co      | Davie | 46    | 25    | 9     | 12    | 93    | 69    | +24   | 84    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Grimsby         |  Neil | 46    | 23    | 14    | 9     | 86    | 42    | +44   | 83    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Ebbsfleet       |  Taav | 46    | 24    | 7     | 15    | 80    | 52    | +28   | 79    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Barrow          | Rob   | 46    | 22    | 12    | 12    | 104   | 55    | +49   | 78    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Alfreton        |  Foth | 46    | 21    | 11    | 14    | 90    | 58    | +32   | 74    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Gateshead       |       | 46    | 22    | 8     | 16    | 77    | 59    | +18   | 74    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Stockport       |       | 46    | 17    | 10    | 19    | 61    | 75    | -14   | 61    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | York            |       | 46    | 17    | 10    | 19    | 59    | 75    | -16   | 61    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Luton           |       | 46    | 17    | 9     | 20    | 63    | 71    | -8    | 60    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Cambridge       |  Jim  | 46    | 16    | 12    | 18    | 69    | 81    | -12   | 60    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Tamworth        |  Ferg | 46    | 14    | 11    | 21    | 46    | 73    | -27   | 53    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Kidderminster   |       | 46    | 13    | 11    | 22    | 46    | 80    | -34   | 50    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Mansfield       |       | 46    | 13    | 9     | 24    | 52    | 75    | -23   | 48    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Bath            |       | 46    | 13    | 7     | 26    | 48    | 74    | -26   | 46    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Hayes & Yeading |       | 46    | 12    | 5     | 29    | 50    | 84    | -34   | 41    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  | R     | Forest Green    |   **  | 46    | 10    | 11    | 25    | 51    | 94    | -43   | 41    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  | R     | Kettering       |       | 46    | 10    | 10    | 26    | 44    | 86    | -42   | 40    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  | R     | Southport       |       | 46    | 7     | 6     | 33    | 48    | 129   | -81   | 27    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  | R     | Braintree       |  ***  | 46    | 2     | 3     | 41    | 26    | 131   | -105  | 9     | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                 |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

*Craig Sacked

**Edw Sacked

***Plumbie Sacked

[stabwest]

| Pos   | Inf   | Team               |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | C     | Blyth              |       | 42    | 22    | 8     | 12    | 68    | 47    | +21   | 74    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | P     | Histon             |       | 42    | 20    | 13    | 9     | 72    | 44    | +28   | 73    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Hinckley           |       | 42    | 21    | 10    | 11    | 64    | 49    | +15   | 73    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Nuneaton           |       | 42    | 21    | 9     | 12    | 58    | 42    | +16   | 72    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Worcester          |       | 42    | 21    | 8     | 13    | 65    | 50    | +15   | 71    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Gainsborough       |       | 42    | 20    | 9     | 13    | 67    | 56    | +11   | 69    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Altrincham         |       | 42    | 21    | 5     | 16    | 73    | 59    | +14   | 68    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Workington         |       | 42    | 19    | 11    | 12    | 66    | 55    | +11   | 68    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | FC Halifax         |       | 42    | 19    | 8     | 15    | 56    | 47    | +9    | 65    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Colwyn Bay         |       | 42    | 18    | 10    | 14    | 48    | 39    | +9    | 64    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Solihull Moors     |       | 42    | 16    | 10    | 16    | 51    | 59    | -8    | 58    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Droylsden          |Plumbie| 42    | 14    | 14    | 14    | 55    | 48    | +7    | 56    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Corby              |       | 42    | 16    | 8     | 18    | 58    | 64    | -6    | 56    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Stalybridge        |       | 42    | 12    | 15    | 15    | 42    | 47    | -5    | 51    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Gloucester         |       | 42    | 11    | 15    | 16    | 52    | 50    | +2    | 48    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Hyde               |       | 42    | 12    | 12    | 18    | 39    | 55    | -16   | 48    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Eastwood           |       | 42    | 14    | 6     | 22    | 46    | 72    | -26   | 48    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Bishop's Stortford |       | 42    | 14    | 5     | 23    | 59    | 67    | -8    | 47    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Boston Utd         |       | 42    | 13    | 8     | 21    | 48    | 63    | -15   | 47    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  | R     | Guiseley           |       | 42    | 13    | 8     | 21    | 43    | 59    | -16   | 47    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  | R     | Harrogate          |       | 42    | 11    | 9     | 22    | 43    | 68    | -25   | 42    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  | R     | Vauxhall           |       | 42    | 9     | 9     | 24    | 42    | 75    | -33   | 36    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                    |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

[Old Git]

God only knows how the assman managed it, but Tamworth survived season 1.

[foth1989]

Current Club: Alfreton Town

Season: 2012/13

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 17th

Current Position 3rd

Biggest Win Barrow 0 8 Alfreton Town

Best Player Johan Lahusse

Best Potential Ersin Guler

Foth is back Alfreton Town Season 2 is on its way and after a safe finish of mid table (10th) last season (media Prediction 24th) the board were more thn happy to pipe up and offer me a new deal!! Lets be honest our team was doing ok but we needed a huge change in personel!! a ton of players out kept the small handful of good talent. The search for new players had begun, in came the germans, 16 in total now, 10 being 5 * potential 4 of 10 having the potential to be championship players . season start so far has been great, sitting 3rd in the league 8 points off the top 2 points off 2nd, lincoln romping so far but there is time yet, couple of results sticking out so far being the 2 2 draw away to lincoln which in truth we should have won and the sweet pumping of huge rival neil davis Alfreton Town 4 1 Grimsby Town . After this defeat Davis was rumoured to be crying in his clio with a can of irn bru!! Fa cup has been kind, an away trip to vauxhall motors ended up tricky but we passed the test with a 1 0 victory, next round hayes and yeading at home.

[Old Git]

So here's the thing, Tamworth sits just outside Stafford and they have a football team. Well can't really call it a football team, moe a bunch of guys who come together on a Saturday and have a kick about. So, a few years back they decide to have a stab at getting their act together, and become a semi-professional side, and wonder upon wonder find themselves one league away from actual football. In their panic they appoint the mercurial Fergus Martin as their manager, who promptly tells most of the players they are no longer fit for purpose, releases them, and then signs up a whole new host of no-hopers. Upon doing so, he promptly goes on a six month sojourn to the Caribbean, leaving his assman in charge. Well screw me sideways, but the Assman somehow managed to not only avoid relegation, but actually finish mid-table.

Having reviewed the squad at the end of Season 1, Martin returns for his second season in charge, and having picked up a few more no-hope wannabees whilst retaining the core of the previous seasons team, he added one big name signing, the one and only Marcus Bent would be plying his trade at non-league Tamworth. After an unconvincing start, Tamworth went on a 12 match unbeaten run, even claiming the scalps of Grimsby Town and Newport County along the way.

Having begun the season rather well and with fans eyes looking down on a number of teams, Tamworth took it upon themselves to remind their fans exactly why they were considered relegation candidates by proceeding not to record a win in their next 7 matches. It was becoming obvious that the squad was too young, too fragile and far too poor to be anything other than makeweights in the Division. However, Martin's sleight of hand magic act soon began to work wonders and **** miracles as Tamworth embarked upon the greatest FA Cup run in their history, knocking out, L2 and L1 sides before succumbing to Championship Barnsley. Despite this Martin had already decided on the fate of 3/4 of the squad who were promptly released in the Xmas window, managing to secure more fresh and hungry blood for the second half of the season. Will they be good enough for Tamworth to push on with, probably not, but one thing is almost certain, they won't be in the relegation dogfight again this year.

[Jonny Kaufman]

So Imping Close

After a long hard season that saw Lincoln always in the top 3, mostly spending time at second place, Lincoln managed to easily qualify for the play off spots and reach the FA Trophy final, after disposing of Alferton, Wrexham and arch rivals Grimbsy, on their way to Wembley.

But first was the small matter of the play offs. Kaufman has a history of losing in play offs, and he was not looking forward to competing with a potential final against AFC Telford, who had stormed up the league to somehow finish 2nd after losing 5 games in the opening 10 games. However Wrexham were up first, and it was pretty much a formality in the end as Wrexham failed to score in both legs and went out 3-0 on aggergate.

AFC Telford were the opponents in the play off final, and before that trip to Wembley, there was the FA Trophy final at Wembley against.......AFC Telford. A 2-1 victory for Telford was the result of some poor defending in the opening half an hour from Lincoln, although they were missing top scorer and the man who held the attacking team together, Jamil Adam, who would also miss the play off final. But a nice little pay day from the 30k+ crowd that turned up aswell as the loser's prize money.

The Play off final was next again at Wembley against AFC Telford again and yet again it was Telford who came out on top. Although Lincoln this time failed to score. Yet another pay day for Lincoln though as 25k showed up to this game, after the boring nature of the last game a week before.

So once again Kaufman failed to take a team up in the play offs, but a succesful pre season that saw Rangers centre back Jordan McMillian joined on a free, while several loans from parent club Middlesborough joined, and it was just what Lincoln needed as they shot right to the top of the league. And would stay there right up to the current date in teh January transfer window.

Another succesfull run in the FA Cup would also be the result of Nicky Bailey joining on loan from Boro, a 4th round qualifying win against lowly Barwell was the start, a 4-1 away win at League One play off chasers Brentford was next, a 4-0 win at home to League Two Gillingham was the ticket to the 3rd round, at home to mid table Championship team Watford, and a 4-0 victory was enough to give Lincoln fans a big cheer and a trip to parent club Middlesborough in the 4th round.

Can another upset in the FA Cup happen, and will Lincoln continue in top spot in the Blue Square Premier?

[dogs]

My drawn team for this years EUC clan game was Fergus's old team A.F.C Telford.

As it would become apparent with those wages and expectations of avoid relegation and media prediction 19th, Holligan was going to be in for a rough ride especially with other Human lads at far higher repped clubs. Jonny's Lincoln had a wage budget of 26k for example.

Preseason saw Holligan work immediately on the coaching, a request for more coaches was accepted by the board and Holligan employed two fitness coaches and two all rounders that could coach across the board. He instructed his coaches to work on making sure that the team knew exactly what it was doing with Holligans favored tactic of 442. The aim was to have 50% familiarity by the beginning of the season.

The next thing Holligan did was to tackle the contracts. Being a semi pro club Holligan knew he had one advantage over the Pro clubs and that was the amatuer pay as you play contract. All players not deemed good enough for the first team squad had where accepted their semi pro contracts ripped up. If any refused Holligan released them. Once the squad was streamlined Holligan set to work using all his contacts to start to bring some quality to the club.

Lots of people laughed at Holligan when he brought in pensioner Leandro Lazzaro to the club. The journey man striker was without a club and Holligan bust his wage budget to bring him to the club.

The start of the season began very slow for AFC Telford after a promising opening day draw, Telford lost 5 games straight it was a disaster. Nothing worked and the defence was leaking goals. Holligan was tempted to change his tactic as the other humans like that dafty Andy and Smug kunt Jonny streaked away at the right end of the league. The choice however to remain loyal to what he knew paid off and Telford started to pick up... and then some.

Lazz started to hit the net, my Gk started to pick his saves, by League one CB Gabriel started to look less lost and make tackles and suddenly Telford Rocked. for a period mid season no team could live with us and thrashings were handed out to all asunder.

Davie and that virgin Foth both shipped 4 goals a piece to a rampant Bucks side, then Braintree came to AFC Telford. What happened next was frankly embarrassing, i don't give a monkeys about excuses after the walloping Sore plumbs got he should go and play with FAT Ric in the spazzy clan.

[video=youtube;JZH1p1TSSEg]

Telford were unstoppable and towards the end of the season they caught up and passed most of the humans in the dog fight for the playoff spots, a run the FAT was going well and at the end of a remarkable season nohopers Telford had finished in 2nd spot and with two finals against Lincoln to contest.

Jonny was ******** himself, he said so in Skype chat, Holligan knew he had his number and dully dispatched a poor Lincoln side twice in both the FAT and playoff finals to secure promotion and a hefty bank boost of approx 700k. The board were so happy they commissioned a 600k gold bust of Holligan to rival the statue of Jesus on sugar loaf mountain. Holligan had arrived and delivered Telford to the promised land. No more would Telford be slumming it with the other fannies in the BSP, league One Football was where its at and along with that inbred Andy and his Fleetwood side the first two Humans had made the first jump upwards.....

[Jonny Kaufman]

A Quick Imp response

Jonny Kaufman has reacted quickly to a number of claims made by Alex Holligan in a news outlet;

"I just want to clear up some of these so called 'facts' Holligan is spouting. One I did not start with a £26k wage budget, I was given a budget of £18K, which I understand was still one of the biggest in the league but £8k is a big difference. Two he forgot to mention the domination he felt when he came to Sincil Bank and we destroyed his little team and walked away with 3 points. Three I was not defectaing myself at the thought of facing him in the two finals, and lets be honest I'm a one man team, with Jamil Adam out I was nothing. Four he was, and still is, always calling me up saying how he is going to slide down the league, how he is so rubbish and how he needs my help, I try and help him out in anyways I can but he still goes on like a certain Tamworth manager, and then he insults me in public.....well I guess he's still much better than that exploiter in Alferton."

[dogs]

Preseason in In league one was disappointing. The 600k statue had obviously taken its toll on the Chairman's ambitions and Holligan was hit with this shocking 60% of turnover wage budget which meant a paltry 10k wage budget, by far the lowest in League 2. So preseason was spent drinking tea and searching Liveleak for funny videos to amuse fellow clan members with. Holligan wasnt buying but was the squad strong enough....

[dogs]

when challenged on the Telford managers alleged allegations about Jonny getting his pants taken down in dramatic fashion. A Telford insider stated we don't let some minor details get in the way of a good story .......

[Nautico]

New Dawn

It didnt take former Darlington manger Craig Stevens long to find himself a new job. A now lower league club called Forest Green Rovers became available after the sacking of ED Wilson following his poor turn as manager drove them down. Without a moments hesitation Stevens decided to apply and found himself moments later in negotiations to take over, with negotiations moving swiftly on a one year deal was signed.

Upon arriving at The New Lawn and taking charge of Forest Green Craig Stevens looked at the available team, 4 players unhappy and wanting to leave and then the task of building up a new team. A couple of new players were to join up with their new team mates once the transfer window opened on July 1st, both looked at and picked up by Ed Wilson.. Stevens was unsure about these players but opened them with open arms. The seasons expectations then came down from the FGR boardroom onto the managers desk, the board were looking to achieve promotion this time around. Some 32 players joined the new revolution at FGR for the long season ahead. When the new season started FGR found themselves performing quite well in the league only losing twice and have since found themselves on an 11 game unbeaten run pushing themselves into the play off places.

Then along came the FA Cup and FA Trophy, Stevens is known by the Forest Green fans as a manager that really doesnt take either of these cups seriously thanks to his time at Darlington. The FA Cup qualifying came along first with Forest Green drawn against minnows Chippenham, once the game arrived Stevens was once more fielding a slightly weaker team than usual which didnt work the game ended in a bore draw 0-0. The replay days later then was a more eventful tie as the two sides were looking to make the next round of the FA Cup, but it was Chippenham who got the result and knocked FGR out on their arse.

The FA Trophy run got as far as the 1st round after beating an oppsosing team from the Blue Square North, Forest Green found themselves against Kettering, a tough a tiring game was played between the two sides with FG all over Kettering only for Kettering to go away with a 1-0 win.

Since then things havent gone exactly well at Forest Green with defeats to Eastleigh (4-1),Truro (2-1) & to Ed Wilsons new club Chelmsford (2-0) but fortunately the board have seen sense and offered Stevens a new 2 year contract at the club.

Here is how The Little Club On The Hill find themselves at the moment:

6th Forest Green PLD24 W 12 D 7 L 5 F 41 A 26 GD +15 PTS 43

[stabwest]

NPower League 2 Jan 2013

| Pos   | Inf   | Team          |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | AFC Telford   |  Alex | 27    | 17    | 4     | 6     | 54    | 25    | +29   | 55    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Rotherham     |       | 27    | 16    | 3     | 8     | 49    | 35    | +14   | 51    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Oxford        |       | 28    | 13    | 8     | 7     | 52    | 35    | +17   | 47    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Fleetwood     |  Andy | 28    | 13    | 7     | 8     | 47    | 36    | +11   | 46    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Bradford      |       | 27    | 13    | 6     | 8     | 51    | 39    | +12   | 45    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Crawley       |       | 27    | 12    | 9     | 6     | 52    | 44    | +8    | 45    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Scunthorpe    |       | 28    | 13    | 4     | 11    | 43    | 32    | +11   | 43    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Plymouth      |       | 28    | 12    | 7     | 9     | 43    | 40    | +3    | 43    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Morecambe     |       | 28    | 12    | 7     | 9     | 39    | 49    | -10   | 43    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Tranmere      |       | 28    | 11    | 9     | 8     | 32    | 31    | +1    | 42    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Bury          |       | 28    | 11    | 8     | 9     | 45    | 37    | +8    | 41    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Northampton   |       | 28    | 11    | 7     | 10    | 53    | 52    | +1    | 40    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Burton        |       | 27    | 11    | 5     | 11    | 38    | 36    | +2    | 38    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Aldershot     |       | 28    | 9     | 11    | 8     | 44    | 44    | 0     | 38    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Barnet        |       | 28    | 11    | 5     | 12    | 33    | 37    | -4    | 38    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | AFC Wimbledon |       | 27    | 11    | 4     | 12    | 39    | 39    | 0     | 37    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Dag & Red     |       | 28    | 9     | 9     | 10    | 28    | 29    | -1    | 36    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Torquay       |       | 28    | 8     | 10    | 10    | 38    | 46    | -8    | 34    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Yeovil        |       | 28    | 7     | 12    | 9     | 35    | 38    | -3    | 33    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Shrewsbury    |       | 28    | 9     | 5     | 14    | 35    | 39    | -4    | 32    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  |       | Gillingham    |       | 28    | 7     | 6     | 15    | 31    | 49    | -18   | 27    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |       | Crewe         |       | 28    | 5     | 10    | 13    | 31    | 40    | -9    | 25    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  |       | Macclesfield  |       | 28    | 4     | 5     | 19    | 19    | 53    | -34   | 17    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  |       | Southend      |       | 26    | 3     | 7     | 16    | 19    | 45    | -26   | 16    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |               |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

[stabwest]

Blue Square Bet Premier Jan 2013

| Pos   | Inf   | Team            |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Lincoln         | Jonny | 27    | 20    | 4     | 3     | 75    | 28    | +47   | 64    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Alfreton        |  Foth | 28    | 18    | 6     | 4     | 87    | 36    | +51   | 60    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Wrexham         | Edk   | 28    | 18    | 4     | 6     | 59    | 33    | +26   | 58    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Grimsby         |  Neil | 27    | 18    | 3     | 6     | 57    | 34    | +23   | 57    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Newport Co      | Davie | 26    | 17    | 3     | 6     | 67    | 34    | +33   | 54    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Barrow          |  Rob  | 26    | 14    | 8     | 4     | 68    | 45    | +23   | 50    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Ebbsfleet       | Taavi | 27    | 14    | 7     | 6     | 60    | 22    | +38   | 49    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Tamworth        | Ferg  | 28    | 14    | 7     | 7     | 52    | 33    | +19   | 49    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | York            |       | 28    | 13    | 8     | 7     | 52    | 37    | +15   | 47    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Mansfield       |       | 27    | 12    | 8     | 7     | 46    | 38    | +8    | 44    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Cheltenham      |       | 28    | 11    | 9     | 8     | 44    | 38    | +6    | 42    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Luton           |       | 28    | 12    | 5     | 11    | 48    | 46    | +2    | 41    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Hereford        |       | 27    | 9     | 9     | 9     | 44    | 46    | -2    | 36    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Stockport       |       | 27    | 8     | 9     | 10    | 32    | 31    | +1    | 33    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Hayes & Yeading |       | 28    | 8     | 7     | 13    | 40    | 48    | -8    | 31    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Darlington      |       | 27    | 8     | 6     | 13    | 25    | 43    | -18   | 30    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Gateshead       |       | 28    | 8     | 6     | 14    | 33    | 58    | -25   | 30    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Cambridge       |    *  | 28    | 8     | 5     | 15    | 46    | 69    | -23   | 29    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Kidderminster   |       | 28    | 7     | 4     | 17    | 35    | 58    | -23   | 25    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Woking          |       | 27    | 6     | 5     | 16    | 45    | 58    | -13   | 23    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  |       | Histon          |       | 28    | 4     | 6     | 18    | 20    | 59    | -39   | 18    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |       | Boreham Wood    |       | 27    | 4     | 5     | 18    | 21    | 62    | -41   | 17    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  |       | Bath            | Jim** | 28    | 4     | 5     | 19    | 19    | 73    | -54   | 17    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  |       | Blyth           |       | 27    | 2     | 5     | 20    | 19    | 65    | -46   | 11    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                 |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

*sacked on 22.09.2012

joined ** 15.12.2012

[stabwest]

Blue Square Bet North Jan 2013

| Pos   | Inf   | Team           |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Stalybridge    |       | 25    | 14    | 6     | 5     | 42    | 31    | +11   | 48    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Colwyn Bay     |       | 25    | 13    | 7     | 5     | 40    | 26    | +14   | 46    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Southport      |       | 24    | 12    | 6     | 6     | 34    | 24    | +10   | 42    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Kettering      |       | 24    | 11    | 8     | 5     | 44    | 30    | +14   | 41    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Worcester      |       | 25    | 10    | 9     | 6     | 38    | 22    | +16   | 39    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Hinckley       |       | 25    | 11    | 6     | 8     | 44    | 29    | +15   | 39    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Gainsborough   |       | 24    | 11    | 6     | 7     | 42    | 31    | +11   | 39    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Boston Utd     |       | 23    | 11    | 5     | 7     | 38    | 34    | +4    | 38    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Nuneaton       |       | 24    | 10    | 7     | 7     | 31    | 23    | +8    | 37    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Altrincham     |       | 25    | 10    | 7     | 8     | 38    | 37    | +1    | 37    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Hyde           |       | 25    | 9     | 7     | 9     | 32    | 32    | 0     | 34    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | FC Halifax     |       | 24    | 9     | 6     | 9     | 35    | 28    | +7    | 33    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Solihull Moors |       | 25    | 8     | 8     | 9     | 31    | 35    | -4    | 32    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Northwich      |       | 25    | 8     | 7     | 10    | 27    | 30    | -3    | 31    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Braintree      |       | 25    | 8     | 7     | 10    | 25    | 30    | -5    | 31    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Workington     |       | 25    | 9     | 4     | 12    | 34    | 42    | -8    | 31    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Corby          |       | 25    | 8     | 6     | 11    | 35    | 31    | +4    | 30    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Droylsden      |  *    | 24    | 8     | 4     | 12    | 31    | 36    | -5    | 28    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Chester        |       | 24    | 6     | 6     | 12    | 33    | 43    | -10   | 24    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Oxford City    |       | 25    | 5     | 8     | 12    | 29    | 48    | -19   | 23    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  |       | St. Albans     |       | 24    | 6     | 3     | 15    | 23    | 56    | -33   | 21    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |       | Eastwood       |       | 25    | 5     | 3     | 17    | 17    | 45    | -28   | 18    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

* Plumbie sacked29.12.12

[stabwest]

Blue Square Bet South Jan 2013

| Pos   | Inf   | Team               |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Farnborough        |       | 25    | 20    | 1     | 4     | 60    | 26    | +34   | 61    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Eastleigh          |       | 24    | 15    | 6     | 3     | 51    | 27    | +24   | 51    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Truro              |       | 25    | 16    | 3     | 6     | 43    | 27    | +16   | 51    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Salisbury          |       | 25    | 15    | 3     | 7     | 49    | 21    | +28   | 48    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Bromley            |       | 25    | 14    | 3     | 8     | 45    | 35    | +10   | 45    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Forest Green       | Craig | 24    | 12    | 7     | 5     | 41    | 26    | +15   | 43    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Eastbourne Boro    |       | 25    | 11    | 8     | 6     | 39    | 28    | +11   | 41    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Dover              |       | 25    | 12    | 4     | 9     | 43    | 37    | +6    | 40    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Chelmsford         |  Edk  | 25    | 10    | 9     | 6     | 37    | 27    | +10   | 39    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Gloucester         |       | 25    | 11    | 5     | 9     | 32    | 32    | 0     | 38    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Welling            |       | 25    | 10    | 6     | 9     | 45    | 35    | +10   | 36    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Tonbridge          |       | 25    | 8     | 9     | 8     | 39    | 37    | +2    | 33    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Bishop's Stortford |       | 24    | 8     | 9     | 7     | 33    | 31    | +2    | 33    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Dartford           |       | 25    | 10    | 3     | 12    | 26    | 33    | -7    | 33    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Hampton & Richmond |       | 25    | 7     | 7     | 11    | 35    | 44    | -9    | 28    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Hendon             |       | 24    | 6     | 8     | 10    | 34    | 46    | -12   | 26    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Weston-super-Mare  |       | 24    | 5     | 9     | 10    | 24    | 33    | -9    | 24    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Havant & W         |       | 25    | 6     | 5     | 14    | 24    | 40    | -16   | 23    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Thurrock           |       | 25    | 6     | 5     | 14    | 22    | 52    | -30   | 23    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Billericay         |       | 25    | 5     | 4     | 16    | 26    | 50    | -24   | 19    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  |       | Staines            |       | 25    | 5     | 1     | 19    | 22    | 51    | -29   | 16    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |       | Basingstoke        |       | 24    | 2     | 1     | 21    | 22    | 54    | -32   | 7     | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                    |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

[richard thomson]

somethings never change reading thruough some of the posts it seems to be the same old story just like irl its the scots managers that are running the show best of luck guys speak to you laters

[knotty_10]

Knott Appointed Barrow Manager

In what seemed a suprise appointment Rookie manager Robert Knott was given a 2 year deal to avoid relegation with the minnow club, The young manager with no managerial experience on his CV seemed delighted at the chance to show off his skills and help a club really looking towards the wrong end of the league table of expectancy.

Knott wasted little time in getting the groundsman to shape the pitch towards his style of play, getting the board to organise a parent club and trial day and getting some friendlies set up.

Most of the players kept on the books from the season before were shown the door by Knott to give him free reign with the 5k wage budget to build a side.

50+ players came and went for barrow over the season but the biggest shock of all was when they managed to pull of a transfer coup in the shape of Pablo Couñago.

Barrow Huffed and puffed over the season without really every building up much title challenging form and managed to finish the season in 9th.

The barrow board were chuffed with Knotts first season in charge.

[foth1989]

Current Club: Alfreton Town

Season: 2012/13

League: Blue Square Bet Premier

Media Prediction: 17th

Current Position Champions

Biggest Win Barrow 0 8 Alfreton Town

Best Player Johan Lahusse

Best Potential Eran Guler

A sensational 2nd season with Alfreton Town winning the league by an astounding 8 points after chasing jonny kaufman's Lincoln City all the way. In the biggest game of the season saw Alfreton Town v Lincoln City, Alfreton had to win, Lincoln went 1 0 up mid way through the match and dominated the early goings, right on half time a crazy lunge from the Lincoln defender saw him givin a straight red, 2nd half was all Alfreton and on the hour mark scored to make it 1 1, with time running down and Lincoln down to 10 men they began to tire and sure enough Alfreton scored a 2nd and went on to win the match. This left Alfreton Town 6 points clear of Lincoln City but Lincoln had 3 games in hand. as the season drew to a close Lincolns cup runs meant they had to play 4 games in 7 days Satarday Tuesday Thursday Satarday. 2 of these games proved to much for the Lincoln players and ended in draws. Alfreton went on a 7 game winning streak and a Blue Square Premier record 28 games without losing. Alfreton also finished the season undefeated at home. The players partied long into the night and fans partied on into pre season. Hull chairman Don Robinson popped in to congratulate the manager and team on the triumph. Robinson also spoke to the local paper Alfreton Echo and had these comments - "Fotheringham has done a great job at Alfreton Town and deserves alot of credit, i had my doubts when he brought in all these germans but it worked out well." The media also asked Robinson about the Hull City manager vacancy he had this to say - " Of coarse Paul Fotheringham was first choice but he said he is happy at alfreton and wants to take them to the premiership." (the reporter laughed and was told to pipe down), "we had alot of intrest in the Hull City job said robinson, this holligan he applied showed arrogance, disrespect and in all was stupid to think we would hire such a baw bag (the reporter and 200 others agree and laughed), "we will be searching long and hard to find the right man." Holligan was seen in his clio outside New Bucks Head with his face up against the window and 8 fans rocking his car shouting trator. We can confirm Holligan was getting treated for minor injuries thought to be caused by excess irn bru drinking. Can Alfreton Town stay in league 2?!?!

[jimalex]

Cambridge utd.

Barclays Cambridge United squad stuttered towards the end of their managers debut season. A mix of draws and defeats with an occasional win left the U's in 16th place at the close of the season. The board were expecting a top ten finish, and were rightly disappointed. Barclay vowed to improve next season and set to work on improving the squad. Many players were brought in including former Northampton Town striker Bas Savage. As the 2012/13 season got underway, Barclay realised that the sheer number of new signings weren't immediately gelling and that it might take time for the team to start turning out wins. Time that the manager just didn't have. And with just over a month of the season gone Cambridge United decided to call time on Barclays reign. The U's hadn't managed to hit any form and sat 18th in the BSP.

BATH CITY

Having had a taste of Football management, Barclay now wanted to get back into it as soon as possible. The wait wasn't for long and on 15th of December he was installed as the new manager of Bath City.

Bath City were also in the BSP, and it didn't take Barclay long to realise the magnatude of the task in hand as he took his first training session. The squad was wafer thin and the general quality of player was far less than he had seen at Cambridge. With nothing to spend on transfers and a wage budget already stretched to bursting point, it was to be a season of damage limitation.

Bath went on an incredible run and broke the current BSP record................. for games lost in a row and relegation proved to be innevitable.

The Chairman had already promised Barclay that his job was safe and relegation was on the cards when he took over. It still proved to be a disappointing season and with very limited funds a lot of hard work is going to be needed to rebuild.

[Jonny Kaufman]

Oh Well That Was An Imp Season

After a great start and a very good middle part to the season, Lincoln completley imploded in the last part of the season as cup games and postponed matches meant that fixture congestion was a major problem for Kaufman.

After being clear at the top a poor result against Woking saw Alferton close the gap. A poor attacking display against Newport County was the real kick in the teeth, despite matching and arguably playing better than Newport, the County defence was able to stop league top scorer Jamil Adam and therefore Lincoln, 2-0 was not the result that was needed. A trip to league challengers was up next against Alferton, a very good display in the first 45 minutes saw Lincoln 1-0 up, but a reckless challenge from top defender Jordan MacMillan saw the Imps down to 10 men. (Now here's where some other news outlets have once again misinformed people) Lincoln continued to attack and had chances to extend their league but 2 scramble goals from the only 2 attacks from Alferton saw Lincoln lose an important battle, and the, unfortunetly, impressive form of Exploit Town, sorry, Alferton Town coupled with the fitness concerns of all the games for Lincoln ended Lincoln's title hopes.

A 2nd place finish was not what the fans had been expecting, and was unfortnetly not what Kaufman was looking for, and his arch nemsis was up next, the play offs. Kaufman has always been known in the managerial circles as a bottler and the worst manager to have going in to the play offs possible. And it was to prove once again as Kaufman's team went out in the semi finals thanks to a loss to under new management Wrexham. Kaufman wasn't happy, but he'll move on and compete again next season, despite being linked with Portsmouth in recent weeks.

The cups were alot more succesfull, after a run to the FA Cup 4th round, Lincoln travelled to Championship play off chasers Middlesborough, after a little while Lincoln inexplicably took the lead through none other than Jamil Adam, and somehow at half time it was still 1-0 Lincoln. But Boro were dominating and in the second half that domination paid off as from a corner Scott Macdonald scored a header to equalise. Boro continued to push and looked the most likely to win it, although a replay was looking increasingly likely in the 85th minute. Then Lincoln got a corner and after the inital delievery had been cleared a punt back in to the box saw a push in the box and a penalty given. Davide Petrucci stepped up, and confidently tucked it home. 2-1 Lincoln, amazing away from home Lincoln were looking like they would beat a very good Championship team. As the minutes ticked by Boro pushed, but they couldn't find an equaliser and Lincoln had gotten to the FA Cup 5th Round. And a nice home tie against Premiership side Chelsea were the reward. Unfortunetly despite at one point looking like they could match Chelsea, Lincoln succembed to a 4-2 loss, but a very nice pay day despite not being on TV.

The FA Trophy was again another nice distraction. Another run to the final saw Lincoln dispose of Alferton and Gateshead on the way to Wembley, and this time they were to go that extra step as they beat Newport County in front of 35,000 people, in a match that was to be the warm up for the FA Cup final that was held on the same day.

Of course these runs were one of the reasons for Lincoln's league form and ultimatly cost them promotion, Kaufman is quickly becoming known as the Rafa of the lower leagues. He had a few quick words to say;

"I'd just like to say well done to the cheats, sorry i'll call them by their fake names you know, Davis and Fotheringham."

"Well done Orr, you achieved nothing and got a two league promotion."

"Better luck next time Wilson and Stevens, have fun down there."

"Meh to the rest."

"Oh and I just want to say I am not taking any pleasure from Holligan not having a job at all, none whatsoever. Just because he said some stuff in the press about me, just because I hold nothing but contempt for him. Actually I'm laughing my head off about it, ah you Arrogant ****."

Will Kaufman continue his foul mouthed rants, will he finally take his team all the way to promotion?

[Old Git]

It would appear Tamworth fans are going to have to get used to their manager being full-time, but only for half the season, as Martin once again toddled off on his annual 4 month vacation. On his return, he had a look at the local paper, which announced that Tamworth had indeed finished in a comfortable mid-table slot, called the chairman to ask for more money, got laughed at, then headed off to the pub for a pint.

There's always next time!

[Fernando Davis]

After missing out on a play off place last season after failing to beat Forest Green Rovers in the final game, we managed to secure a respectable 3rd place in the Blue Square Premier League. Beating Davie's Newport County in the semi finals 4-1 over 2 legs set us up for a match against Ed Kelley's former club Wrexham. Promising Dutch youngsters Sander Zandvoort and Kevin Van Kippersluis secured a 2-0 win infront of 13,000 fans at Old Trafford to clinch a place in League Two. Well done to Paul Fotheringham for winning the league ahead of Jonny, Always good to see Lincoln fail! There was a sad looking face coming from the Lincoln Dugout when we pumped then 4-0 on the last game of the season at his own ground.

So we will be playing in League Two next season and the board have already screwed me over, giving me a pre-budget of £0 to spend and a wage budget of £21k, considering we are already paying out £23k p/w in wages and not taking into account the players contract changes due to moving up a to a higher league I think I am going to struggle. Some players will have to leave and try to bring in a few cheap replacements, the clubs massive debt is crippling me even tho the board invest more money into the club 3 times during the season totalling 3.4m we are still 200k in the Red.

So in a nutshell am ****ed

Could be worse tho, I could be like Alex, sitting in a Clio outside the job centre

[TafKin]

Season 2011-2012 Recap

Final league standing

Predicted: 18th

Final Pos: 8th

Games: 46

Wins: 24

Draws: 7

Losses: 15

GF: 80

GA: 52

GD: +28

Pts: 79

So season was well over expectations and expect to do even better next season.

Transfers

The number of players signed is still under dispute. Therefore lets just agree, that the number players signed was: A LOT!

Same goes for players released: A LOT.

The number of domestic players in the club (in this case english), is approx 2%, with the rest 98% from all over europe... so a true EU Team.

Majority of the players were youth prospects, but I still have to mention few players, who helped the season to be as good as it was.

Stats

Top goalscorer: Alexander Markovic (SVK) - 20 goals (14 league + 6 cup)

He was signed as a free and played total 41 games. He was given to league 2 side Macclesfield at the end of the season for free.

Top assist: Darjan Slavic (SVN) - 8 assists

Signed for free and played in total 36 games. Was also voted as 'FANS PLAYER OF THE YEAR'.

Highest avg rating: Carlos Ramos (NED) - 7.13

A versatile player, who was again signed for free mid season and played in total of 22 games. Was doing a good job in the midfield both by creating goals and breaking up offensive moves.

Preseason 2012 - The preparation for season 2012-2013

Again, a bit less than A LOT pf players were signed, but a bit less than A LOT of players were also released or 'sold' for free. But the number is dropping....

Season 2012-2013

--- To follow soon ---

[Steveplumb87]

After a long battle to find a team that suites my managing skills, i believe i have found them. The mighty Welling will now be blessed with the managing prowess of Steve Plumb.

i have been putting in alot of work trying out team talks and training methods to findthe best that suits me. Also have found some very good new tactics(cheers foth ;-) ) lol.

After a tidy 9th place finish last year and finishing above two human teams the sky has no limit. I have alot of respected signings and a whole new staff outfit at the club, so expect to be seeing welling flying this season and climbing up the football ladder!!!!

[stabwest]

NPower League 2 2012/13

| Pos   | Inf   | Team          |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | C     | AFC Telford   | Alex* | 46    | 25    | 12    | 9     | 91    | 49    | +42   | 87    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   | P     | Fleetwood     |  Andy | 46    | 25    | 9     | 12    | 86    | 55    | +31   | 84    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   | P     | Rotherham     |       | 46    | 25    | 8     | 13    | 79    | 56    | +23   | 83    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   | P     | Oxford        |       | 46    | 23    | 10    | 13    | 76    | 51    | +25   | 79    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Crawley       |       | 46    | 21    | 13    | 12    | 80    | 63    | +17   | 76    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Tranmere      |       | 46    | 19    | 16    | 11    | 52    | 47    | +5    | 73    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Morecambe     |       | 46    | 20    | 11    | 15    | 76    | 78    | -2    | 71    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Northampton   |       | 46    | 19    | 13    | 14    | 89    | 82    | +7    | 70    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Scunthorpe    |       | 46    | 20    | 9     | 17    | 65    | 53    | +12   | 69    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Plymouth      |       | 46    | 19    | 12    | 15    | 65    | 60    | +5    | 69    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Bradford      |       | 46    | 19    | 11    | 16    | 77    | 69    | +8    | 68    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Barnet        |       | 46    | 18    | 11    | 17    | 58    | 60    | -2    | 65    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Bury          |       | 46    | 17    | 11    | 18    | 72    | 69    | +3    | 62    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Dag & Red     |       | 46    | 15    | 16    | 15    | 47    | 43    | +4    | 61    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | AFC Wimbledon |       | 46    | 16    | 13    | 17    | 62    | 64    | -2    | 61    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Torquay       |       | 46    | 15    | 16    | 15    | 68    | 71    | -3    | 61    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Shrewsbury    |       | 46    | 15    | 13    | 18    | 62    | 65    | -3    | 58    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Burton        |       | 46    | 16    | 10    | 20    | 62    | 72    | -10   | 58    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Aldershot     |       | 46    | 12    | 17    | 17    | 67    | 80    | -13   | 53    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Crewe         |       | 46    | 13    | 13    | 20    | 51    | 61    | -10   | 52    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  |       | Gillingham    |       | 46    | 14    | 10    | 22    | 59    | 76    | -17   | 52    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |       | Yeovil        |       | 46    | 10    | 16    | 20    | 56    | 79    | -23   | 46    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  | R     | Southend      |       | 46    | 6     | 12    | 28    | 33    | 73    | -40   | 30    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  | R     | Macclesfield  |       | 46    | 5     | 8     | 33    | 31    | 88    | -57   | 23    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |               |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

*resigned 18th May 2013 or fooled depending on how you look at it

Davie took the job on 23td of May 2012/13

[stabwest]

Blue Square Bet Premier 2012/13

| Pos   | Inf   | Team            |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | C     | Alfreton        |  Foth | 46    | 33    | 9     | 4     | 131   | 50    | +81   | 108   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Lincoln         | Jonny | 46    | 30    | 10    | 6     | 110   | 41    | +69   | 100   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   | P     | Grimsby         | Neil  | 46    | 30    | 5     | 11    | 92    | 51    | +41   | 95    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Newport Co      | Davie*| 46    | 28    | 7     | 11    | 116   | 66    | +50   | 91    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Wrexham         |   **  | 46    | 26    | 8     | 12    | 86    | 55    | +31   | 86    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Mansfield       |       | 46    | 23    | 12    | 11    | 85    | 61    | +24   | 81    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | York            |       | 46    | 23    | 11    | 12    | 87    | 58    | +29   | 80    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Barrow          |  Rob  | 46    | 21    | 15    | 10    | 94    | 69    | +25   | 78    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Luton           |       | 46    | 22    | 12    | 12    | 81    | 60    | +21   | 78    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Tamworth        |  Ferg | 46    | 22    | 11    | 13    | 80    | 61    | +19   | 77    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Ebbsfleet       | Taav  | 46    | 22    | 9     | 15    | 84    | 47    | +37   | 75    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Hereford        |       | 46    | 19    | 12    | 15    | 77    | 76    | +1    | 69    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Stockport       |       | 46    | 18    | 12    | 16    | 62    | 50    | +12   | 66    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Gateshead       |       | 46    | 17    | 11    | 18    | 70    | 90    | -20   | 62    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Cheltenham      |       | 46    | 14    | 16    | 16    | 67    | 68    | -1    | 58    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Hayes & Yeading |       | 46    | 15    | 13    | 18    | 63    | 68    | -5    | 58    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Woking          |       | 46    | 12    | 9     | 25    | 78    | 94    | -16   | 45    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Cambridge       |       | 46    | 12    | 7     | 27    | 64    | 103   | -39   | 43    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Darlington      |       | 46    | 11    | 8     | 27    | 38    | 83    | -45   | 41    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  |       | Kidderminster   |       | 46    | 10    | 7     | 29    | 54    | 89    | -35   | 37    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  | R     | Histon          |       | 46    | 8     | 10    | 28    | 37    | 97    | -60   | 34    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  | R     | Boreham Wood    |       | 46    | 6     | 11    | 29    | 38    | 98    | -60   | 29    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  | R     | Bath            |  Jim  | 46    | 4     | 10    | 32    | 32    | 120   | -88   | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  | R     | Blyth           |       | 46    | 2     | 13    | 31    | 25    | 96    | -71   | 19    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                 |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

*resigned on 23rd May 2013 and moved to Telford

**EDk sacked from Wrexham 23rd Feb 2013

[stabwest]

Blue Square Bet South 2012/13

| Pos   | Inf   | Team               |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   | C     | Farnborough        |       | 42    | 30    | 4     | 8     | 94    | 45    | +49   | 94    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Eastleigh          |       | 42    | 25    | 12    | 5     | 86    | 43    | +43   | 87    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Salisbury          |       | 42    | 26    | 5     | 11    | 80    | 35    | +45   | 83    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   | P     | Truro              |       | 42    | 25    | 7     | 10    | 83    | 55    | +28   | 82    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th   |       | Bromley            |       | 42    | 25    | 7     | 10    | 73    | 47    | +26   | 82    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th   |       | Forest Green       | Craig | 42    | 22    | 11    | 9     | 72    | 43    | +29   | 77    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th   |       | Dover              |       | 42    | 22    | 8     | 12    | 71    | 54    | +17   | 74    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th   |       | Eastbourne Boro    |       | 42    | 19    | 12    | 11    | 66    | 46    | +20   | 69    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th   |       | Welling           |Plumbie*| 42    | 20    | 7     | 15    | 76    | 54    | +22   | 67    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th  |       | Chelmsford         |   EDw | 42    | 16    | 15    | 11    | 64    | 48    | +16   | 63    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th  |       | Bishop's Stortford |       | 42    | 16    | 12    | 14    | 67    | 64    | +3    | 60    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th  |       | Tonbridge          |       | 42    | 15    | 14    | 13    | 59    | 61    | -2    | 59    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th  |       | Dartford           |       | 42    | 17    | 7     | 18    | 44    | 49    | -5    | 58    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th  |       | Gloucester         |       | 42    | 14    | 9     | 19    | 47    | 60    | -13   | 51    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th  |       | Weston-super-Mare  |       | 42    | 10    | 16    | 16    | 41    | 55    | -14   | 46    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th  |       | Havant & W         |       | 42    | 12    | 7     | 23    | 39    | 64    | -25   | 43    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th  |       | Hampton & Richmond |       | 42    | 11    | 8     | 23    | 52    | 78    | -26   | 41    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th  |       | Hendon             |       | 42    | 8     | 11    | 23    | 47    | 82    | -35   | 35    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th  |       | Thurrock           |       | 42    | 8     | 8     | 26    | 37    | 89    | -52   | 32    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th  | R     | Billericay         |       | 42    | 8     | 6     | 28    | 46    | 86    | -40   | 30    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st  | R     | Staines            |       | 42    | 7     | 7     | 28    | 36    | 81    | -45   | 28    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  | R     | Basingstoke        |       | 42    | 7     | 5     | 30    | 36    | 77    | -41   | 26    | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                    |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

*took the Welling job on 26 Feb 2013

[stabwest]

I need a break in this game

At the start of the season my asst. manager, physio and fitness coach all walked out on me after refusing to take a pay cut...

My board refused to grant me a higher wage budget....

In came Michael Boyd as my number 2 the 36 year old from Dudley was appointed in June 2012 after spending many years working in Pars Pizza & Kebab on New Street.

After doing the pre-season meeting with the board i told them we should be pushing for top 6 without a shadow of doubt with a aim of making the play offs...wink wink nudge, nudge give me some money.....NO!!!

We started the season with four straight wins before narrowly losing to Lincoln 3-2; we managed to keep the good run going with wins like 6-1 over Gateshead, 4-0 Grimsby and Bath 5-0

This in return poured over into cup runs where we saw off teams like Crewe, Rochdale in the FA cup, setting up a 3rd rnd tie with mid table EPL side WBA at home.

[video=youtube;DbUeuHcd4HA]

No-one gave us much hope of an upset but we had the right to try as we had earned our 3rd rnd place....

After 60mins we where 4-1 down, poor defending resulted in 2 goals that included giving away a pen.

Like the weather WBA froze at 4-1 and allowed us back into the match, 3 goals in a 15mins spell saw us level the game which would take us to a replay at The Hawthorns live on sky, sadly in the replay we froze and where totally out played and got smashed 5-1

[video=youtube;lZrq0IGlcY4]

Gateheads a team we mauled earlier in the season proved to be a tougher opponent which resulted in the 6-5 scoreline

around this same period our league form plunged, going from challenger to struggling to make the play offs losing silly goals and failing to take our chances saw us drop to 7th at one point.

Although our form in the FA trophy was good and took us to the final where we failed to turn up before losing 3-0 to Lincoln.

We managed to stumble into the play offs where we faced Neil Davis Grimsby

The 1st leg was at home where we drew 1-1 and to be fair we where the better team with wave after wave of attack but like our stuttering league form we failed to capitalised on our chances.

Of course we would pay for this in the 2nd leg as Grimsby ran out 3-0 winners

[video=youtube;q46a_drad3Y]

with the season over with it was going to be another season in Blue Square for myself and Newport co..........but an earlier decision would come back and proved to be my break, sadly it wasn't the break the Newport Co fans wanted.....

The Telford manager had resigned with the lure of managing Hull, which didn't actually happened....where my decision of refusing to sign a new deal had allowed Telford to approach me knowing my current deal was almost up and compensation would be pretty low.

Telford had only just won the league Two, meaning League one football was calling me..............

[Old Git]

Having returned from holiday in fine fettle, Martin sauntered into his office and turned on Sky Sports News. The transfer window was open, the official transfer listed players sheet was in from the FA. Martin looked at it, tore it up and threw it in the bin. No point in getting that with no money he thought to himself. Calling in his assistant manager, he reviewed the playing staff, most were out of contract in a few weeks.

"Any worth keeping for next season?"

"Well gaffer, there's the german keeper, he's coming on, big Izzy's still solid, thick as mince like, but solid. Atkins up front is still only 24 and useful. I'd hang on to Gomez, good experience in the nmiddle of the park. The wee Dutchman is alright, but the Congolese lad is better. That young French Cb is ok, the full backs are mince, the rest of the players are just naff!

"Right, best you get those two lazy scouts off their arses and round the public playing fields then, see if they can find some new players. In fact, call in all the staff, theres a few of them getting the hook as well"

And so, once again the revolving door at Tamworth went into operation, and a number of new arrivals began to appear, most of them unknowns from the lower echelons of park football, however Martin did manage to persuade Mike Grella, once of Leeds to join the merry-go-round and Tamworth headed off into the season.

The new arrivals started well enough for the first few games, with The Lambs getting early wins under their belt However things turned sour when Big Izzy was sidelined for 5 months, effectively ending his season (probably his career) and the backups proved to be less than able to cover for him.

Come Xmas, and The Lambs were sitting safely outside the PO slots and once again, punching against their weight in the Division, despite the fact that the core of the squad was both young and altogether not very good. Atkins and Grella however were proving a handful for most teams, whilst the width in Hunter and T'Simba were playing vital parts in the teams consistent performance in the opponents half of the field. Defensively everything was far from solid, and despite signing 7 CB's at one point, The Lambs continued to struggle at the back. Loris Karius the young German keeper began to suffer a loss of form, which only made matters worse, and despite being the leagues top scorers by a country mile, poor defensive issues continued to be a problem.

And so, for once Martin foregoed his winter break, staying with the club after Xmas, still trying to shore up defensively. The centre mid situation began to alram the club as the early promise in creativity and solidity began to waiver and key players began to fail. Martin was none too upset, as the aim was always to avoid relegation and achieve a respectable position. Humbling results against Lincoln and Ebbsfleet once again reminded the fans how fragile the team was, whilst stunning 6-0 routs and 6-2 wins were also on the agenda as The LAmbs moved towards the end of the season, bimbling through the FAT, and miraculously remaining in contention in the chase for a PO place. However, the season was to turn sour again in the FA Trophy second leg semi final as it not only went to extra time but also penalties.

With the additional time played, and extra games to be played. The Lambs were in a great position to solifidy a PO place with catch up matches against the bottom teams to come. Injuries and tired legs from the FAT caused problems and The Lambs faltered. Although The FAT final had been reached, Tamworth now face a tough schedule with a vastly reduced squad, if they are to have any hope of grabbing a PO slot, and with it the outside chance of promotion. With 5 games to go and only 14 players fully fir, the Lambs were to face 3 of the top six back to back, Newpotrt Co, Luton and Hereford, and with only 3 pts separating these teams it was backs to the wall time. First up were newport County, a team fancied by many to have won the league, but in a swish of Tamworth brilliance were swept aside. Anotehr big team Luton fell at the hands of The Lambs and Hereford were despatched with some aplomb. A PO slot had been secured, and so Martin shuffled the team for the last couple of games, trying to ease the strain and give returning players some match time.

The final league positions would pair off The Lambs with Luton Town. Thankfully ten days rest allowed the players to recover and they went to Luton in fine fettle, walking away with a 2-0 lead from the first leg. The second leg would provide the league with the greatest show ever seen/heard on Skype Radio. 3 injuries to big names in the team led to errors, however the biggest error was to come when a fourth player went down. Martin misread the signal and instead of replacing the injured RB, Martin replaced Gk Loris Karlius with DRC Mathias Franz. The players were gobsmacked, the fans stunned, the assistant in tears, and the listening audience were in stitches. The Lambs surrendered their two goal lead, as Franz stood statuesque between the sticks . Somehow, The Lambs held out for the remaining regular playing time and the the 30 minutes of extra time. And so it came down to penalties. And with both teams dlotting them away, Luton very comfortably against the immobile Franz, a Luton player blasted one over the bar, and as fate would have it, Franz was up next for the glory. He cooly slotted it away, the watching crowd were delirious, and the listening audience in absolute stitches. When asked afterwards why he'd done it, Martin would only say "Cos I'm a tactical genius!"

3 days on from the PO second leg, Tamworth faced Truro in the FAT final, and quite simply it was a one sided affair, with Mike Grella rightly taking the plaudits as he tore Truro apart. The PO final was probably the most disappointing performance of the whole season, a fact which disgusted Martin as this should have been the players real chance to shine. To say the rolled over would be an understatement. A complete inability to open up Ebbsfleet combined with poor possession and shoddy defensive work proved their downfall, and so The Lambs, despite their highest ever position in the BSP and winning the FAT, ended the season in disappointing fashion.

The swinging door policy at Tamworth woukld soon begin, and another season would be underway!

[Andy1979]

After storming to the Blue square title Fleetwood went on to get back to back promotions finishing 2nd to Telford. We also won the JPT after beating Crystal palace to earn the Cod army some much needed money. With the club in a bad financial state the club is in no position to upgrade the ground or the training facilities. However the club will be able to compete with over half of the teams in L1 with a very modest wage budget of 54k per week. How long Fleetwood can keep it up for is anyone guess, with the manager tied down until 2015 the board must be hoping to tie him down to a longer deal.

[stabwest]

leagues coming soon