Strictly No Dancing?

[markyt]

Stockport away had given Mark more than enough sleepless nights. The last meeting between the two had ended with Stockport claiming an unlikely win. At the time in September WSM were beginning to get to grips with Football League life and despite a greater share of the play and most of the activity infront of goal one mistake had seen the points return to the North West. Ian Sharps the man at the centre of the mistake and the Stockport winner had barely sniffed first team action since and now encompassed part of the defence in a very good reserve side. A major fall from grace from a player Mark considered to be a first team regular when bought earlier that Summer.

WSM now in February were struggling to find any semblances of form yet were still well positioned for the last hurrah of the season.

Despite a serious lack of wins the gap to the top three still wide enough to allow WSM some respite. The gap to the top two a chasm and Stockport the league’s inform side now at least in sight of top of the table Hull. Hull had been the league leaders pretty much since day one of the season and the gap in class from the top two to the rest of the division enough to make grown men weep.

Any one of the top half of the table clubs could get themselves promoted. Even in February only two places for promotion remained. Third and the play off place. WSM had the points on the board and firmly in third. But the chase was on as everyone could see a glimmer of hope for the final automatic place. There was only one crumb of comfort that despite WSM’s recent run the lead over the 4th placed team was only marginally less than that 3 or 4 games previously. MK Dons were that team and for many the best side in the division. Too many stupid results had left them chasing the season. There was still time for them to make amends.

Stockport were expected to start brightly in front of their home fans. Edgeley Park rocked to the sound of the home support and the 200 or so from the West Country were drowned out in this cauldron of noise. Mark’s side were prepared for the start and with Evans and McKeown resolute at the back WSM grew in confidence as they appeared to be able to quell any Stockport attack. Evans was a natural leader and an excellent communicator perfect for this difficult afternoon. Up front Samba continued but linked now with Newbold. Newbold had returned to fitness before the expected Benyon. Benyon had suffered a reaction to his cameo role in the previous fixture and his return to first team action delayed by a couple of weeks. Bates was coming up short in terms of goals as soon as one of Mark’s star strikers was fit enough an obvious switch to make. Bates whilst disappointed with a place on the bench keenly aware that goals had been difficult to come by and that a change had to be made. He vowed to return quickly.

Newbold’s return seemed to signal a change across the seagulls. Going forward WSM side were confident that Newbold would make the difference. His pace and clinical eye for a goal would give the opposition something to think about. Stockport would remember their torrid game in the South West and Newbold fit, clear of injury and a willing foil for WSM’s midfield four perfect for a clash between the second and third place teams. The margin between winning or losing always going to be influenced by such decisions.

The chances began to fall in equal measure for both sides as the first half continued but for stout defending and resolute keeping WSM kept the scoreline level. Stockport were beginning to get nervy despite shading the first half marginally. Newbold and Samba were clearly troubling the Stockport defence and but for poor finishing should themselves perhaps have punished timid defending. With the half into injury time Mark had begun the walk to the tunnel. A loose ball tidied up by McKeown was punted forwards and Samba gambled on the bounce of the ball and with two defenders closing him down he curled a ball past the keeper into the top right hand corner without even glancing to see where the goal actually was. It was either a fluke or one of the best goals ever scored.

Mark punched the air and high fived with Wayne Jacobs at the unlikely half time score.

WSM were in the box seat but could expect a tsunami to crash onto their back line for most of the second half.

With niggles and knocks clearly etched onto the faces of some of his troops despite a reluctance to change things Mark had very little choice but to act. Sawyer would replace McCann in the centre and Samba despite his goal was clearly suffering from a pull of some sort. WSM needed to be at their maximum performance level and having a potential passenger not an option. Michael Charles was surprisingly given the nod. The obvious change would have been for Bates to replace Samba but Mark wanted to throw the engine of Charles into the second half mix and Charles could either act as a 5th midfielder. It also gave him an option to drop Sawyer further back to protect the back four.

With Stockport being rollicked as the changes were made Mark wanted to protect the lead and with the goal advantage WSM had something to protect but Stockport would now go for the jugular.

However the onslaught failed to materialize as Sawyer’s introduction proved to be a master stroke.

His ability to protect the back four and yet to pass his way out of trouble and find a well placed team mate incredible.

Jacobs beside Mark commented it was like watching Mark himself play for England. Sawyer, in Mark’s eyes more like an Owen Hargreaves, had the half of dreams. Whenever WSM were troubled he appeared and cleaned up and provided an out ball for WSM to attack from. Stockport were almost cowed as the final whistle approached. They had no answer to the WSM tactical change although their own goal had seen very little in terms of drama in the second half.

With the WSM supporters now singing ‘going up, going up’ an unlikely second for Mark’s side arrived in the dying embers of the game.

Sawyer collected the ball deep in the WSM half passed wide to Charles who beat the first man before sliding the ball back to Sawyer who had broken quickly from his own half. Charles ambled forward but without the purpose of Newbold and found himself wide open in space as Stockport retreated to counter the threat. Sawyer returned the ball to his feet. A delightful shimmy saw him go past the defender and into the box. Defenders threw their body into his path but Charles slipped though the net. The keeper spotted the danger and raced from his line but as he dove at Charles’ feet the ball was lifted neatly over his body and into the unguarded net.

Charles raced to the WSM fans kissing his badge in glee knowing that the second goal would see WSM home.

The whistle blew and WSM deserved the win. Decent opposition had brought the best out of WSM but Sawyer had made the difference and everyone in the ground knew they had seen a ‘star’ emerge. How Mark would manage his growth in a midfield that contained Kerr and McCann time would tell. Sawyer was on his way and now showing everyone why Mark had been so keen to attract the youngster to the club......

Stockport – away

2:0

[Jamo-spurs]

KUTGW , I've been following this from the start

[markyt]

Thanks Jamo Hope to keep you here for awhile yet!

Mark was furious. He had just completed morning training and after showering and getting changed was now heading for London. He was off to watch an afternoon Chelsea reserve match. He wanted a personal look at James Gilpin the young keeper at his former club. Whilst highly rated it seemed ridiculous that he wasn’t headed for a senior contract. But the club had an embarrassment of riches in all areas of the team and Gilpin was unlikely to get a break at the next level. Any club signing him early would have to pay a huge fee to gain his services but out of contract next to nothing. WSM wouldn’t be an obvious destination of choice for the talented youngster but with Mark an ex Chelsea player at the helm and the recent arrival of Lee Sawyer the previous summer, another under 18 blue, the chances of him signing were better than slim. A Steve Clarke dig in the keeper’s ribs pointing him the right direction wouldn’t go amiss.

WSM scout Danny Jenkins was certain the player was the real thing. Time to see for himself.....

Despite the interest in the game his good mood had disappeared as quickly as WSM had left his rear view mirror and the gloom had set in following a phone call from Chairman Paul Bliss. The fury would remain for most of the afternoon.

‘Hi Sparky, I’ve got some bad news for you. Are you ok to talk?’

‘Paul, I’m fine you’re on hands free, the signals good and on my way up the M5 so all the time in the world for a chat. Seeing as I have just left the training ground minutes ago I can't believe the news can be that bad. What have you got me?’

‘Mark it’s about Danny Jenkins, umm how can I say this without ruining your day and you parking your car in the motorway crash barrier. Jenkins’ has been offered a job by Wolverhampton Wanderers and basically cleared his desk and gone. 15 minutes top max start to finish.

We get 30k in compensation to soften the blow............. You there...’

Paul Bliss could only hear silence and wondered if the call was still connected or had been dropped but as he was about to hang up and redial he heard Mark’s dulcet tones explode with a barrage of expletives.

‘F***k, F**k, F**k and F**k – what a complete and absolute p*ss*r.’ Silence again from the Bliss’s phone speaker and whilst the WSM chairman was in full agreement with Mark’s sentiment he remained unsure at just who the barrage at been aimed at. Robson or Jenkins. It didn’t take long for the penny to drop.

Pop Robson had done it again. Not happy with personally seeing Wolves plummet to the foot of the Championship now he had taken Jenkins one of the brightest young scouts in the country. Jenkins had become an integral part of the team and when not racing around games often found at the WSM training ground. Jenkins had been tapped up and had taken the chance to better himself and in doing so had probably doubled his salary. Mark couldn’t blame him for making the leap. To go from non league Tiverton to Wolves via WSM in less than one season some measure of the man’s ability. Mark’s mood was now blacker than his Porsche as he knew that Robson and the Wolves side now had Jenkins recent player searches to tap into. Life could be difficult if Robson targeted any of the players Mark had confirmed as summer signings as simply WSM couldn’t compete with Wolves off the pitch. The gulf in finances between the football clubs wider than the Bristol Channel and regardless of the compensation given to WSM for the loss of Jenkins his loss could cost a lot more than the 30k in return for his employment and release.

Paul Bliss knew that the was little he could say to lighten the mood and quickly rang off knowing the damage had been done.

Minutes later Jenkins himself called and was greeted by the fine words - 'What have you done you t*at'

Mark could only wish Jenkins luck and working with Robson the man needed every ounce he could get....

Time to watch a game and maybe just maybe enjoy the rest of his day.

[markyt]

Watching a game without having any real interest in the end result was usually a pleasure for most managers. It was a release from the stresses of the day job despite the irony of it being a busman’s holiday.

However on a dry cold February afternoon watching Chelsea reserves at Brentford’s home ground the pleasure was in fairly short supply for Mark despite the company of Steve Clarke. A crowd of 1500 had turned up and included several managers and scouts from around the divisions. Chelsea versus Tottenham at whatever level were usually tense affairs but with Chelsea having such a strong squad they made light work of a limited Spurs reserve side. Most of the manager’s in crowd Mark knew to speak to having either played against them or having met them as opposition in recent times.

Making his way to his seat he was staggered to see one Mr Robson huddled under a large puffer jacket. Not something Mark had either expected or wished for even in his wildest thoughts but on the day there he was larger than life and twice as ugly…..

To get to his seat positioned next to Clarke he had no alternative but to go past the man. Robson was staring out at the turf whilst in an intense conversation with his Wolves no.2 had to even be asked to move to let him past. Mark grudgingly offered thanks and made his way to his seat. What a day to bump in to the man, especially after the hurting loss of Jenkins.

Mick Harford an ex Chelsea player and now manager at Colchester saw the brusque limited exchange between the two and creased up in laughter. As Mark passed Harford, always one with a witty remark he said just loud enough for Mark to hear ‘watch out Sparky for a late tackle from behind’....

It broke Mark’s foul mood and even he laughed at the comment.

Perhaps he was not alone with his thoughts of about Captain Marvel....

Settling into his seat the game got underway and Chelsea reserves tore into the fairly limited opposition. Clarke had an abundance of riches at his fingertips and what with a decent crop of youngsters, quality back up players’, full internationals in their own right, and the returning to fitness of a couple superstars it was no wonder the scoreline moved quickly from zero. The game was over in 5 minutes in terms of a result but as a workout excellent exercise for all.

Gilpin the player Mark had come to observe failed to break sweat and but for a couple of long shots that ghosted some margin from the posts he had little to do. Neat, effective and well drilled Gilpin spent most of the 90 minutes working on the edge of his box and making every effort to remain focussed. Peter Bonetti the head goalkeeper coach at Chelsea had instilled an excellent work ethic into the youngster that would ensure his success wherever he finally landed. There was something Shilton like about the lad.

Robson couldn’t have known that Gilpin was scheduled to play as Mark had only be advised late on by Clarke himself. He was clearly looking at someone else. Some relief at least………….

As per usual there was much to drool over across the park and Gilpin wasn’t the only player that would catch Mark’s eye. Ricardo Fernandes was electric wide right and the Portuguese youngster did not look out of place alongside the Didier Drogba’s and Michael Essien’s of the world. Maybe they helped to lift his game but Mark doubted it. Speaking to Clarke about the player it was obvious that although no one doubted his ability the youngster felt he was first team material and would be moving on at the end of the season despite significant efforts by the Chelsea Board to extend his contract. Rangers, Celtic and Liverpool were already suggested as new homes for the player.

As the final whistle blew Mark was already in his car. He had avoided further contact with the Wolves manager who had left early into the second half. The journey home allowed him some thinking time and by the time he turned into his drive he was in much better spirits. He was convinced most of the major scouting he required had been completed and although certain other clubs including Wolves would have a look at those he coveted most there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. Getting WSM promoted was somthing he could influence and that success alone would determine the quality of player he could both target and bring to the South West.

[markyt]

Barnet – well let’s pull the rug from underneath his feet....

Barnet were beginning to gain momentum and had a little run of 6 games without defeat. Six wins at any time of the season perfect but since the turn of the year their performance had allowed them to creep nicely up the table and begin to jostle for one of the play off berths. Barnet’s home ground had turned into a fortress and against the top of the table teams they were picking up wins.

All of this much down to the annoying pest Paul Dickov and his ability to rattle defenders, provoke them into a reckless challenge and then feed off the pieces of his own work. A master craftsman at work despite his growing years and at this level showing he could compete for some time to come.

WSM were like Paula Radcliffe in an Olympic marathon literally hitting the wall and stuttering to record anything like a decent performance. Forget performances wins were required.

Wins were becoming increasingly hard to come by and injury, suspension and goals becoming all helping to cloud the picture somewhat. The last thing WSM needed to come up against was a confident and cocky side the very epitome of Dickov himself. After grabbing a priceless win on the road against Stockport there had been much ‘belly button gazing’ as Frank Gregan was keen to say.

For people in the real world he had meant to say navel gazing and once Mark had stopped laughing he had to admit to Wayne Jacobs and Ian Atkins that Gregan certainly had a way with words.

Gregan stormed off in a huff....

The team to face Stockport had virtually picked itself but Mark had a major dilemma over Lee Sawyer. Sawyer had been the difference in the last game providing a strong basis to attack from and at the same time adding strength to defence. McCann and Kerr were the first choice central midfielders and there was no doubt when fit they would start. On the road and at a vocal Barnet ground Mark recognised that it was time to change of tactics and with Benyon and Newbold both struggling for full fitness an excellent opportunity to revert from Mark’s aggressive 4-4-2 to 4-5-1. Cherno Samba the man brought in at the January transfer window to add cover to midfield would now plough a lone field. Samba as a striker was no where near the class of Mark’s top strikers but after arriving just weeks before had shown a knack of hitting the back of the net. Some of his goals were about as much luck as excellent positioning but on a cold dry February afternoon there was no denying that he was the most likely WSM to hit the net. He would start...

With the Barnet crowd baying for the magnificent seventh win WSM were rocked back into their own half from the opening whistle but despite home effort Mark’s well prepared side coped without really coming under any real trouble. Dickov well martialled by Steve Evans had started quietly much to the credit of Mark’s rock at the centre of defence.

Injury the curse of all managers played its part in a change of fortunes. 20 minutes had been played and WSM were comfortable and themselves beginning to ask questions of Barnet. An awful challenge that late that the taxi had gone saw Mark Kerr sprawling in the centre circle. Most in the ground had missed the tackle as all had been ball watching but Atkins was positive that a flying elbow had seen Kerr spark out. Kerr wasn’t fit to continue and with blood streaming from a broken nose was on his way to hospital for a precautionary check up. No cards were shown by the referee although in the following minutes the ref lost control of the game as minor pitch battles erupted across the turf. Retribution has a way of evening the score and the player at fault for the Kerr injury soon received a yellow for retaliation. With Kerr gone Mark reverted to type and went to his preferred formation. Newbold was on and Sawyer parked next to McCann in the centre of midfield. The match remained scoreless at half time although Barnet were winning the card count by 4-2.

Second half saw Barnet playing towards their home support and with the noise ever louder WSM struggled to contain Barnet.

Sawyer and McCann were being overwhelmed in the centre of the park and despite Mark asking Samba to drop a fraction deeper and play behind Newbold Barnet had the upper hand. As everyone knows when you are on top you must score and Barnet lived up to the golden rule. Neat play saw the WSM midfield bypassed and with Dickov pulling out wide and offering an outlet a huge hole opened up in the centre of defence. From the sidelines the gap looked huge and the Barnet midfielder smashed a shot from 30 yards that whistled past Brain. Brain’s was beaten from the minute it left the Jason Puncheon’s foot. The Barnet man couldn’t believe his luck. Brain’s didn’t even dive. Pandemonium broke out across the ground as Barnet fans erupted in joy at the breakthrough.

It was all made worse for the WSM players as the goalscorer had been the man that had caught Kerr and perhaps he celebrated his goal a little too long as the restart saw another outbreak of over zealous tackling. The Barnet midfielder quickly lived up to his surname just 2 minutes from the game restart. Another awful tackle saw studs slide down Grant McCann’s thigh and McCann reacted to the challenge angrily.

Puncheon took offence to the words and swung a punch that hit McCann squarely into the chest and McCann fell to the floor. A mass brawl broke out but the referee saw it all and offered an instant red to the Barnet man. Already on yellow he would have been sent off regardless as a second yellow card would have been shown automatically by the card happy ref. The atmosphere quickly turned nasty and WSM were one down playing 10 men backed by a furious home support. 22 minutes remained....

From the resulting free kick just outside the Barnet area a patched up McCann stepped up next to Walker. McCann strode up purposefully and stepped over the ball. The Barnet wall broke immediately and Walker took advantage of the mess and slammed a shot from the edge of the box that took the roof off the net. Instant payback....

Despite the extra man WSM couldn’t take advantage and the game fell away as a spectacle. Both sides were to blame and Mark forced into making changes just to protect booked players. The game lost all momentum and fizzled into nothing. The venom directed to WSM at the final whistle most unfair but it takes two to tango and WSM had certainly stood up to the rough house tactics.

Mark’s side had been dragged into a battle, over played the ball, played too quickly and failed to take advantage of the extra man.

A point was better than none...............

Barnet – away

1:1

[markyt]

Mark was deep in thought as he finalised his commentary for the March board meeting. The phone rang and broke his concentration. A deep sigh followed as he picked up the handset.

‘Emma I thought I wasn’t to be interrupted?’

Emma’s reply in her delicious telephone manner, ‘Mark, as if I’d brave your wrath for something trivial. I have a Mr Robson on the phone and he say’s its urgent.’

A couple of swear words were uttered before Mark selected the correct line and accepted the incoming call.

‘Bryan, you are really scraping the barrel by speaking to me?

‘Mark….. I think its high time we buried the hatchet’ responded Robson.

There was an obvious answer but Robson hadn’t rung Mark for a social chat and the WSM boss simply cut to the chase wanting to end the call as quickly as possible. The two would never get on, too much water had passed under the bridge and sometime it was best to let sleeping dogs lie.

‘So what or who do you want to pinch now?’ Robson clearly saw the pit awaiting to trap him and paused before saying just one word ‘Newbold’.

Mark had been expecting a ‘big club’ to come calling for his star strikers for 12 months or more. The two had developed an uncanny understanding and importantly knew where the back o the net was. Concerns that someone would ask to buy them had meant early discussions on their value. To this aim Paul Bliss WSM’s chairman, Frank Gregan and Mark had already signed off a value for each of their star players Benyon and Newbold included.

WSM had no need to sell and despite rapid progress were living well within their means. Sellout crowds were a magnificent bonus on their roadmap to league football but if someone matched a players inflated valuation then a deal could be sanctioned.

Mark had a figure in his head, one that had been agreed and then there was the little voice saying go for it………

‘The board want £1.5million. You are probably coming in at the million pound mark, so I guess we will agree to meet in the middle. He won’t go for less and that is a fact.’

Mark waited for an answer but just heard silence. He was hoping to add a quarter of a million to the deal and hoped that Robson would have already valued Newbold in that region. Robson now had the ball in his court and asked for time to discuss the figures with his board. Time seemed to take an eternity but in less than 10 minutes Robson was back and agreeing to £1.25 million. The rest would be down to Newbold and his agent but that took less than two days and Newbold doubled his wages in the process. July the 1st was a long way off but Mark had significantly upped the ante in terms of transfer pot. If promotion was a dream to be realised then he would have money to manoeuvre. He still didn’t like the man but had to admit he liked the colour of his money.

Robson was taking Wolves down to division one but was already looking to build a team for a straight return.

Buying the players he wanted early ensuring he was ahead of the competition. A smart move if Wolves started off well next season. Robson was playing his best cards and with money available was spending it quickly.

[markyt]

Mark was late arriving to the board room but after apologizing updated everyone on the Wolves telephone call. If the £1million figure was matched there would be no objection to the sale. The deal was far from done but the sale was effectively rubber stamped with the key confirmation that all monies from the sale would go into the transfer pot.

Third in the table WSM were now entering the final straight with March now upon them.

Each week the end of the season loomed larger and larger and unless the wheels came off the wagon completely WSM were now verging on a secure play off place at the very least. A couple of wins would guarantee that prize as a minimum. But equally a couple of wins would keep the promotion momentum moving in the right direction and ensure the gap between them and a growing chasing pack was wide enough to allow some breathing space. With current form and results that space was much needed despite remaining unbeaten throughout February.

One loss since the New Year would hide the bigger gloomier picture. WSM were running in treacle and when winning were hardly setting the world alight. The local paper the Weston Mercury had even unearthed the old joke about WSM, recognizing the similarity between Mark’s side and a blind man owning a dog. Both unable to hold a lead boom boom......

The March boardroom meeting was a short sharp affair. In terms of fixtures only four games would feature in the month but each had its difficulty. Two home and two away fixtures would severely test WSM especially with a growing injury and suspension list. Each of the fixtures was a potential pitfall with three of the four against clubs still chasing their own promotion dreams.

Added tension would be included in the fixture mix with Torquay first up at Woodspring Park and a local derby that would test the nerves of everyone involved. Hereford, Northampton and Rochdale were hardly easier rides for WSM and with Mark hoping for two wins as a minimum flagging up to Bliss and Gregan that difficult times lay ahead. Of all of his monthly meetings since arriving at the club this was with doubt his most low key in terms of analysis.

Gloomy with storm’s ahead the summary although it sounded more like a weather report than a fixture review.

Bliss tried to blow the cobwebs away with an update on the ground expansion programme. A couple of planning hurdles had now been cleared as the plan raced towards its final decision. Bliss was now confident that it would be passed in time for WSM to start building work in the summer. The planning tweaks had brought ground capacity down from 9000 to 8952 due to health and safety concerns.

Regardless of capacity WSM would fail to fill the ground unless promoted. The pressure was rising and WSM now had to stand and be counted.

They would need to answer questions. Had they been found out, were they good enough and more to the point was Mark able to change tactics in order to overcome the opposition.

There may be trouble ahead................

[markyt]

Torquay arrived at Woodspring Park on a vibrant warm sunny spring afternoon.

A local derby for the South West given even more attention and hype than normal due to the thought that the result probably would play some part in both teams season destiny. Torquay were the home town for the WSM manager and their manager Ian Atkins someone Mark had a huge amount of respect for. Atkins had achieved promotion bouncing back from relegation as the Conference champions in the previous season and now had fashioned a side that was certain to be in the play off places. Atkins had suggested 12 months before that both Torquay and WSM would be in amongst the promotion mix despite the step up in class of the opposition. Promotion gave sides a confidence that gave them momentum. It was just a matter of keeping that momentum going through new signings and a large slice of luck…..

Despite Torquay only bringing 600 fans to the fixture the noise was incredible as both sides stepped on to the pitch. Mark was one of the last to appear from the tunnel and as he acknowledged the fans he heard the WSM faithful cheering and trying to drown the noise of 600 fans singing Torquay reject. Seeing as he had never played for Torquay all good natured banter. Despite the barracking he gave a wave to the away fans and got a round of applause showing the sporting nature of his home town. The warm up 45 minutes before kick off had impacted on the WSM side selected. Samba had complained off stiffness in his back and the Physio quickly gave a thumb down to his selection. Guy Bates was back and ready to prove his worth playing alongside Newbold. Newbold had been involved in a hectic 48 hours culminating in his signing for Wolves. Despite Wolves financial muscle they had baulked at paying Newbold any where near to his demands. Newbold hadn’t been greedy just aware of the going rate for his talents. Wolves had finally seen sense and paid up. The WSM fans aware of his move didn’t give him a hard time as he readied for the match. Newbold was a star but most fair minded WSM supporters recognised that he had served the club more than well and deserved his chance.

From kick off both sides showed their ability on the ball. WSM appeared to have blown away the cobwebs of insecurity. Torquay perhaps the more direct of the two caused the first real effort on goal that saw Brain’s neatly save to his left. A 20 minute passage of play saw WSM gain dominance in the centre of the park and after a couple of wayward efforts on goal a clash of heads caused a nasty head injury to Sam Bailey which in turn seemed to drive WSM up another gear. Bailey returned wrapped in bandages on 28 minutes and unmarked delivered a whipped in cross that finally arrived at the back post and found the head of Walker. Scott Walker connected with the ball perfectly and it nestled into the back of the net. The keeper had come for the ball and instead of going for it 100% had taken a step back. His delay allowed Walker the easiest of chances….

The goal failed to quell the dangerous Torquay who within 2 minutes were level. Craig Reid the much admired Torquay striker flew past a seemingly static WSM defence before cheekily lobbing Brain’s. One all at 31 minutes but for the delighted fans the next 7 minutes served up a glorious feast of attacking football.

After stout defending McKeown cleared his lines finding Guy Bates wide open on the left. A run aided by strike partner Newbold’s timely decoy move saw Bates slip a poor tackle and curl a right footed shot goalwards. His shot hit the post and the rebound was thumped anywhere. The ball bounced on the edge of the box and Lee Sawyer playing in place of Mark Kerr caught it on the full. 2:1 and Sawyer’s goal stunning goal capped off a cracking period for WSM with 35 minutes played. Torquay however were not out of the gameand the second goal barely dented thier own confidence. Reid capitalised on a poor Brain’s goal kick and happily snaffled his second goal of the game. His drive hit from 35 yards hit perfectly and just out of reach of the scrabbling WSM keeper.

2 all on 38 minutes and some game…..

The half time whistle welcomed by cheers from all sides of the ground. The game had been played at a ferocious pace and in a fair manner. The crowd wanted more….

The second half saw more of the same although both sides more wary of the opposition tightened up at the back and made sure that goal efforts dramatically reduced. Mark on the bench delighted with the teams efforts but knowing the longer the scoreline remained all square the greater the tension on his team. That fear of blowing another lead...

Neither team gave quarter but all players aware of the high stakes. A flurry of substitutions failed to challenge the net and as the game closed a magnificent break from right back Bailey created panic amongst the Torquay defence. A gap as wide as the red sea opened in front of the WSM player and he just kept going.

With lungs bursting he looked for the right pass but it never came and he was now in the Torquay box. 60 yards and he was running out of air. A shot remained his best option, but as he about to fire goalwards a nudge in the back felled him. In fairness Bailey was absolutely done for and whilst going down was not on his mind off balance he went down like a sack of spuds. Penalty!!!! Torquay – home

The crowd hushed bar for 600 booing Torquay fans. The clock was well past 90 and captain Walker stepped up and promptly lashed his shot 5 feet over the bar.

There was no time for a restart. It was all over and WSM had blown the chance of three points.

A draw the fairest result and both managers happy with the day’s work but would the loss of 2 points hurt WSM in the final countdown….

Torquay – home

2:2

[markyt]

The Torquay game whilst exciting for the fans had been a trial for Mark and the rest of the WSM bench.

The game had been played at a frenetic pace and despite the greater share of possession, the slight margin in quality when his side had the ball at their feet yet again WSM had lost a lead. Monday training had been tough with tired aching bodies dragging themselves through a gentle workout. The depth of squad sorely being tested and whilst Mark certainly had back up players that were tried and tested at this level he remained unconvinced that they would out perform the first team.

How can you rollick a side that played 100% for 90 plus minutes and but for the last kick of the game should have claimed the three points.

All about being a manager.....

The WSM were turning into weebles and wobbling at the slightest breeze.

Sam Bailey, Steve Evans in particular were wearing their dents with pride. The physio was now working wonders to ensure the patched up two were ready for each fixture. The speed of fixture at just one a week now was benefiting the South West side.

Scott Walker captain of the side looked to have played one game too many and in certain need of a rest but with the ball at his feet the ability to conjure up something from nothing. Mark Kerr his midfield general would be back in a couple of games but the enforced rest would see him through to the season’s end. Dave Buchanan was playing way beyond Mark’s expectations on the right side of midfield but he wasn’t Owen Story and whilst he had performed majestically in his unfamiliar role the desire to see Story weave his magic and skin the defender before laying the perfect cross into the paths of the WSM strikers was now stronger than ever. Story was on his way back but still a couple of weeks from full fitness. Finally some light at the end of the tunnel with Benyon and Newbold. Benyon would start against Hereford in the next fixture and Newbold whose goals seeming to have dried up would welcome his strike partner back with glee. In tandem there was no better in the division. MK Dons may be the goalscorers extraordinaire but WSM were closing the gap and now the second highest goalscorers in the league. However seven goals had come on day one of the season and five against Accrington. Current trends and discounting those two fixtures WSM were struggling to find the back of the net. Set pieces remained their forte with Kerr, McCann and Walker all wading in with huge contributions with their goals scored. Without them WSM would be dropping down the table with some speed.

The press was having a field day.

Thomas struggles to get the blend right, WSM have got the yips...

The players were now coming under some criticism much unjustified but with WSM stuttering the journalists had much to write about. Steve Evans in particular had riled their senses with many journalists questioning why he was a certain pick and that favoritism had long gone past its sell by date. Evans wasn’t the only one to come in for flack and despite Mark coming out strongly in support of his side until WSM won and won convincingly and returned to their form of earlier in the season the press noise would continue to annoy.

With the smell of bad news lingering Mark was persuaded to confirm the signing of David Dunn. Dunn duly arrived and gave the fans a real buzz. Many of the WSM faithful that turned up to see the unveiling of a top class signing rubbed their eyes in disbelief. Dunn had arrived to ‘lift WSM to a higher level’ and was excited to be part of the best side in the South West. Gregan was delighted that his coup had been signed and delivered. Dunn had arrived and not broken the wage budget. Dunn having been released by Blackburn could play for WSM immediately as he had been effectively out of contract for several weeks. But Mark knew by looking at the player he was nowhere near match fitness. The press junket over Mark assigned Ed Baronowski to work with Dunn. Dunn was clearly carrying extra weight and with the words of wisdom from his new boss ringing in his ears Dunn went to work.

‘Fatty, you have got some serious work to do. No eating any pies until you are down to your fighting weight. Ed work the fat b*gg*er hard and make him sweat. I want him ready in four weeks.....’

[markyt]

Mark spent the afternoon of the Dunn signing locked in the boardroom. He had felt like a polar bear in a zoo enclosure. Trapped with no where to go and yet he had to be there...

The afternoon had been organised to interview a selection of potential scouts for the vacancy created with the sudden departure of Danny Jenkins. He was with Wayne Jacobs WSM assistant manager as Chairman Paul Bliss and Frank Gregan the club’s football director had a council meeting. Mark thought that was just an excuse for missing out on an exciting afternoon.

The interviews had been duller than watching paint dry but with hope about to be abandoned that the afternoon had been a complete waste Guy Wiles arrived and sailed his way into the job. Wiles was untried and very much untested but with a confidence in his ability, a blue print for an action plan and a scouting dossier of players he considered that WSM should be looking at, he was miles ahead of any other candidate. The clincher if one had ever been needed had been his player dossier. The players he had identified were a close mirror to many of the names that Mark had already identified has transfer targets. The Wiles dossier also highlighted shortfalls in the WSM squad and Wiles had then identified the players he considered the best future option. Kevin McBride’s name appeared with a full scouting profile and almost to the letter a summary that Mark had confirmed previously. Other names such as the prolific Brett Pitman from Bournemouth. Pitman was a prolific goalscorer in a poor Bournemouth side but priced way above Mark’s transfer funds. Interesting read though it made. The Pitman scenario might change if Bournemouth were relegated and Mark would be tempted to go for the lad. Wiles report would ensure that he would be interested. Mind you so would have the league...

Mark read in silence the analysis of his current squad including even the reserve side. Clever stuff and hours of work. Wiles was desperate for the opportunity and whilst out of work had made sure that the preparation for the interview was first class. The interview for Wiles had gone like a dream.

The job was his......

now if he would accept the low wages and long hours. He accepted without reservation immediately.

Mark was now back to a full staff and Wiles would be quickly into the scouting routine demanded by his new boss.

[markyt]

Mr Magoo meets a load of bulls.

From some early positives the away fixture against Hereford had turned into a complete quagmire. Dunn had signed and a new scout appointed.

The day before kick off an outbreak of food poisoning had decimated the squad. Mark had been informed that one player had gone down with the problem but by Saturday am the side that he had selected had been torn apart. What a load of crap......

Newbold and Benyon both penciled in to start were out along with Lee Sawyer and a whole host of reserve players totaling 7 of the team in all. Mark had been given the option of treating Newbold at the club but aware of the risk to the side. On reflection not the best management decision he had made as the virus had spread. The traveling party however was fighting fit with no injuries amongst the 17. The motorway journey had seen Mark and the backroom team roll the dice and arrive at a starting eleven. Lee Farrell was in to start alongside Guy Bates with Michael Charles replacing Sawyer in midfield. The spine of the side still strong with defence and midfield barring one change unaffected by the bug. Upfront WSM would be light and reliant on Farrell delivering some of his definite promise. Farrell had something of a spark about him and now with a season’s coaching behind him finding his feet and importantly not looking out of place in the reserve side. Scoring goals had always been his greatest talent but he had matured and learnt to lessen his greed and now with lighting pace and confidence on the ball he was improving almost daily. Facing Hereford would see if the progress he had made would see him take a step up in terms of playing against better more experienced defenders.

Hereford were mid table and under the stewardship of long term servant Graham Turner. Hereford were going no where but quite able to beat any side on their day. On a dry sunny March afternoon with just 9 league fixtures remaining both sides started brightly with a decent passage of play as the tide ebbed and flowed from each half. 15 minutes played and WSM were beginning to dominate possession and pin back Hereford. Scott Walker was having a superb start to the game tantalizing his marker and delivering several crosses that needed the slightest of touches to score but the game remained scoreless. Farrell was making a right nuisance of himself and after calming down and focusing on the right runs creating uncomfortable moments for the Hereford defence.

In a nothing challenge the game changed. A long ball clearance bounced awkwardly and Steve Evans attempting to get the ball went over the top of his man, fell and lay still. The referee gave a foul against Evans rubbing some salt into the wound. It took minutes for Evans to be checked over before the central defender was put on a stretcher and quickly on his way to casualty. It looked like a nasty shoulder fracture at the very least. Stewart was on and the leggy Jamaican defender quickly entered the fray. The Evans accident a freak would see him out of action for the rest of the season. The press pack would be delighted....

Hereford made matters worse by promptly scoring. The free kick hit the perfect spot and Stewart lost his man in the penalty box melee and a header rippled the back of the net.

The scoreline doubled just 2 minutes later. Stewart thrown the ball by WSM keeper Brain’s dallied, and instead of clearing the ball tried to play his way out of trouble. Not the best idea when you are the last man. Brain’s closed the first Hereford striker down and saved well the first shot but the rebound whistled past his ears. Stewart was entirely too blame. Mark was out of the dugout screaming at Stewart to get his head straight and forget the fancy dan stuff. Mark was now furious at prowling his touchline area. 19 minutes and WSM were staring down the barrel of a gun...

The rest of the half was actually fairly subdued. WSM were too quick in their attempts to get the ball forward and even Hereford clever enough to play the offside trap barely broke sweat. WSM had been nullified. Mark was beyond range on the sideline.

Mark lay into the troops at half time. Stewart got the biggest blast and received the name Mr Magoo with the comment ‘Get you glasses on Mister Magoo and start to watch the game. How the hell didn’t you see the Hereford players around you?’

The team had to get going and try to retrieve the dark situation. News on Evans confirmed long term damage but at least he would travel back to the West Country with the team. Let’s get the win and give Steve a get well present of all three points...’ were the last words from the WSM boss as the players headed back for the second half.

Hereford were happy with their lot and set their stall out as such. 2 goals was a decent cushion and knowing that WSM had to come out to play they would happily counter attack when the chance allowed. McCann and Charles at last fired up the WSM engine and between them and Walker Hereford were pinned back and defending. The shots began to rain down on the Hereford keeper but as the minutes ticked by still WSM were unable score. Stewart had calmed and actually making a decent fist of a performance. Apart from his two minute debacle he would be a possible man of the match although the Hereford no.9 would eventually pick up that award. The game was over 90 minutes played and finally WSM claimed a consolation goal. McCann hit a bobbling shot on the D of the penalty box that somehow found the bottom left hand corner. There was no time on the clock and no chance of a repeat. WSM were beaten and well beaten at that.....

The journey home not a pleasant one for any of the side and Steve Evans didn’t get the present that had been demanded.

Were the wheels falling off their promotion challenge and was the lack of squad depth going to play its part.

Mark had much to think about and in a foul mood traveled home in virtual silence.

Hereford – away

1:2

[markyt]

With a squad returning to fitness after the previous weekend’s high drama Mark was comfortable with the side selected to face Rochdale at Woodspring Park. Steve Evans was now out for the remainder of the season and it was time for either Damion Stewart or Ian Sharps to step up to the plate. Despite his ‘mistake’ Stewart had shown enough to be given a start alongside McKeown. The WSM midfield also returned to a more usual footing with Mark Kerr close enough to fitness to start the game. Newbold would also return after a 48 detox had seen him back to normal and he would now lead the line with Guy Bates in support. The whole WSM side had much better shape and balance and having the team work together on the training ground for a couple of days had given Mark and his backroom team every confidence that they could get something from the game. They needed too as the pressure was building and the gap from their 3rd place closing.....

Rochdale were a very good side and one of those happy to be in amongst the play off mix. Too many draws had seen them strongly positioned in the league but too far away from the automatic promotion places. With just eight games to go all of those well placed sides in the top half of the table needed to string an unbeaten run going. Even Hull and Stockport at the pinnacle of the league had seen points lost. If a side could win 7 or 8 games on the bounce then promotion was still within their grasp. Sides wanting to make a move needed to get going..........

Woodspring Park on a warm spring Saturday afternoon was as usual sold out. WSM could have sold a lot more tickets as Rochdale themselves had brought a decent traveling support. Despite WSM’s recent results the locals had stayed faithful to their side although many now admitted they were watching the games with their eyes shut. One thing was for certain and perhaps the main reason they still turned up excitedly. Whatever happened over the next few weeks they would never forget their league debut and the rollercoaster of emotions involved in supporting their local side. Just three seasons previously the club had struggled to sell 200 tickets for home games. In that short space of time the opposition had changed for the better, the scenery was a million miles better and with back to back promotions thrown into the journey enough to please even the most pessimistic fan.

Rochdale set their stall out for a point hoping for more and with 4-5-1 as their starting promotion demanded that WSM break them down with the North West side happy to counter attack with pace. WSM were the home side and needed to drive the game from the first whistle. WSM knew the score and were happy to oblige. However the makeup of the game changed dramatically on 2 minutes.

Damion Stewart collected a mistimed pass and volleyed the ball out of the area. Mark Kerr raced to the left hand side of the pitch and just stopped the ball from going out. A one two with Wilce followed and Kerr curled a pass into the feet of Bates. Bates was flying and began to weave his way closer to the box. One step over and he was on route to the goal. The slightest of tugs on his shirt saw him pulled back and with the ref on the spot a clear offence with the ultimate ‘penalty’ to pay. Bates’ change of pace and purposeful run had earned him the spot kick and after some argy bargy over who would take the kick McCann took the onus and smashed the ball down the centre of the goal. An early dive meant the keeper was already watching the ball go by him into the net. WSM were one up after two minutes and all three points were in their grasp.

The early goal meant that Rochdale’s game plan was already in pieces. They changed to 4-4-2 almost immediately without changing personnel and from the restart started to search for weakness amongst the WSM back four. They had clearly seen the tape of the Hereford game and knew the pressure points. Diagonal balls hurled from back to front tested Stewart and McKeown and in the glorious sunshine they stood firm. Mark’s side were well drilled and happy to defend on the edge of the box. A comfortable 90 minutes ensued for Stewart and McKeown as they defended strongly and without ever being panicked. Brains patrolled his line not being called into a save for the game.

Going forward WSM played their full part in stretching Rochdale to the limits. Kerr reserving energy almost a 5th defender for the second half played the role of quarter back picking up the pieces and launching the ball forward to either the wings or a longer ball towards the WSM strikers. It wasn’t pretty to watch but as a style of football was certainly effective. Mark rang the changes at 60 minutes and introduced Charles and Benyon for the front two. Walker started to have a greater say in the game and with Rochdale getting ever more frantic his beautifully timed runs caused pandemonium for the now back three. Space was opening up but WSM with nervousness creeping into their game were unable to add to the score. The game limped to the final whistle with WSM probably the better side by a two or three goal margin. Domination and control had been all to the men in white but with so much too lose the early goal proved enough.

8 games had now become 7 and the win actually closed the gap at the top. Stockport and Hull and played out a drab scoreless game that saw several sides in the top 10 benefit. Still along way to go but at least WSM had stopped the rot regardless of the actual performance.

Rochdale - home

1:0

[markyt]

With continuity the key to performance changing your side almost weekly not by choice was beginning to drive the WSM manager wild. Wild he was furious....

After beginning to slip through the gears and getting the best performance for some weeks from his now Northampton another team chasing their promotion dreams would arrive in the South West. Change this time was purely down to injury and coming from a simple training exercise that was supposed to be a very gentle work out. Scott Walker pulled up clutching his hamstring and the prognosis wasn’t good. Walker had played magnificently all season long and now when he was needed most he would be out of action. At a best guess Walker would miss the remainder of the season. One change to the side impacting both the personnel and formation with Graeme Holmes coming in to play wide right and Buchanan shuffled to his preferred position wide left. One benefit if benefit was the correct word was time. Walker’s withdrawal meant that the WSM management team had effectively four days to work with the starting eleven.

Holmes had been a summer addition to the squad and apart from bits and pieces of first team action had spent most of the season in the reserves. He had worked hard but Mark considered him more of a striker than a winger but beggars cannot be choosers and Holmes would start.

A crowd short of sellout by 8 arrived at a soaking wet Woodspring Park on the last Saturday in March. The weather had been atrocious for days and the ground staff had worked hard to keep the game on. The wind and rain had been non stop and with the forecast for heavy showers for most of the day the pitch would be heavy and not the best for keeping the ball on the deck perfect for Northampton spearheaded by the goal machine Andy Kirk. Kirk admired by many but probably playing at the top of his game an ever present in the Northampton side and chasing the title of top goalscorer in the division. It would be down to Mark’s side to ruin those plans.

Mark wrapped in a waterproof coat took his seat on the bench. The wind driving the rain and the floodlights were already on despite the 3pm kick off. The damp conditions underfoot took time for players to adjust and several meaty challenges interrupted the flow of the game with the referee being over lenient and giving them all the benefit of the doubt. Whilst the conditions were far from perfect simply hitting a long ball hoping for Newbold and Bates to make something happen not what the WSM boss wanted. The game minutes old and he was already screaming encouragement and advice to his side. Northampton using the pace of Kirk happy to launch the ball forward early but Stewart had the player well martialled and WSM remained watertight at the back.

With Kerr and McCann struggling to get involved in the game Mark grew angrier by the minute. There was no thought to the delivery of the ball and it was like watching Wimbledon in their heyday. Either that or a game of head tennis between two well matched sides. Mark up off the bench screamed at the back four to think about the pass as the ball arrived at Holmes feet on the other side of the pitch. Holmes took one touch and fired a ball over the last Northampton defender. Mark was about to explode at a wasteful ball when Newbold beat the defender for pace and from the edge of the box lobbed the advancing keeper. One nil to WSM on 20 minutes and barely deserved. As the half continued WSM grew in confidence and began to mix up their play on the ball. Mark’s message had landed and whilst the odd long ball was still involved in WSM’s play it was now a weapon rather than just the only option. With the wind against them and heavy rain falling in their faces Northampton were kept to hitting long shots for the first half and Brains whilst busy had nothing to really trouble him.

Second half and WSM went into overdrive. Mark’s words of wisdom and tweak of tactics all allowed Kerr in particular to dictate the game. McCann given a freer role menaced the Northampton back four by adding to the weight of WSM attack. Northampton were being stretched and put through a wringer. Perfect for the wet occasion......

65 minutes and Bates doubled the score. A one two on the edge of the box with McCann put Bates clear and with sliding challenges hurdled Bates lashed the ball past a static keeper. Despite the conditions and the turf Bates had danced his way through a good defence and scored a lovely goal. The goal would win the WSM striker goal of the month. The game was nearly over and WSM were ‘coast ing’ to a comfortable win when Kirk grabbed a consolation goal. Stewart slipped and Kirk pounced and with McKeown not close enough to make a challenge Kirk smashed the ball under the dive of the WSM keeper. The goal was too late to influence the result. WSM had picked up a second win in 7 days and fully deserved the three points.

As the players entered the changing rooms the final scores from elsewhere were arriving. The top two had lost and WSM had advanced closing the gap marginally but the remainder of the top 8 had all won barring Northampton. The race was on and still no answer to who would be successful. Hull remained the out and out favourites but the other places would go down to the wire. Stockport away and clear for much of the season were being reeled in by the chasing pack and like WSM had hit a bad run of results. Despite the limited number of games remaining in the season there was a long long way to go......

Northampton – home

2:1

[markyt]

Monday afternoon’s were always better after a win. Training had gone well although there were no significant injury worries following the Northampton game. Dennis Baird the WSM physio however had little positive news about the long term absentee’s although Elliot Benyon finally was closer to a match day return. Training complete for the day Mark was at his desk with new scout Guy Wiles and the two poured over the latest scouting reports for the rest of the afternoon. Wiles less than a fortnight into his role had already covered a dozen matches across the country and the two had much to discuss.

With Newbold off to Wolves an additional striker had become a major priority. Whilst there were options around Mark had narrowed the target list down to a manageable number and Wiles now had the reports on each player with the key names in particular Craig Reid at Torquay, Brett Pitman at Bournemouth, Caleb Folan at Chesterfield, Iszale McLeod at MK Dons and one Scottish target Stephen Anderson.Wiles reports ran into pages and he had even managed to find some video footage of each of the reported players demonstrating why they should or not be signed by WSM. Of the preferred striking options all were available but all for a decent fee. Pitman however was automatically off the radar. Bournemouth were reportedly looking for a similar figure to that received for Newbold at a cool £1.2m plus. It didn’t take a genius to work out that price would change come the summer. Bournemouth were unlikely to escape the trap door of relegation and were already days away from a return to division 2. Pitman’s goals wouldn’t go unnoticed despite playing in an awful team.

Pitman’s price would drop come August and be certainly less than £750k but clubs with money wouldn’t need to wait......

Mark stroked his chin as he listened to Wiles extol the virtues of all of the players he considered as definite purchases.

On the striker front Wiles had concurred that only those that Mark considered as his key targets were worth a punt with the rest being consigned to the bin. Other players that Wiles agreed as definite purchases included central defenders Aaron Downes and Robert Pacey, midfielder Kevin McNichol’s and finally keeper James Gilpin. No issue with the reports or comments. Not one of those players recommended would actually sign up to WSM unless they had achieved promotion and on the striker front not one club would actually entertain a sale until their own promotion dreams were settled. Chesterfield, Torquay and the MK Dons had much to play for in division 2 and their strikers would shape their final position and could even potentially end WSM’s promotion hopes. The question of where to next for Wiles and how to shape his scouting programme? Mark rubbed his chin and finally came to a decision.

‘Guy, let’s widen the search on the striker front. Go and trawl the conference and look again at the likes of Lee Phillips at Exeter. In terms of our league the likes of Andy Kirk at Northampton must come back into the equation. I’ll pick up the reserve league’s and see who is surplus to requirements at the big clubs. We can’t move until the seasons over and in fact that will mean nothing happening until the playoff final at the end of May. Potentially I have the money for two or three strikers at the prices quoted here but I have to confirm that Pitman is a no go. Too rich a fee and whilst I believe he is worth it I need to spend the money on more than one player.’

‘Sure, boss it makes sense to do the rounds again and maybe I’ll have another go at the lower divisions in Scotland if that’s ok. I have a couple of other forwards penciled in to review so let me do the work and see what happens. There are a couple of players who moved up to higher league’s a season or so ago who haven’t made the grade. I’ll look at them too if that’s ok....’

The two would now meet weekly and with the end of the season looming every club would start to move players on, secure them on longer deals or sell to the highest bidder. WSM would never be that but with a budget of over £1 million they could certainly have a say on a player’s destination.

[markyt]

It was time for the April review meeting with Paul Bliss and Frank Gregan and as Mark collected the last of his meticulous notes he smiled at the irony of having the meeting on All Fools Day.

‘Who’s the bigger fool – Gregan or me’ he said to himself......

Surprisingly Gregan was no where to be seen having excused himself to head off to some management empowerment course. It meant that the meeting would probably bounce along a lot quicker with just the two of them involved although Emma Bliss’s shapely pa would be taking notes as required. Paul Bliss was a millionaire prior to purchasing the club but now the club and his investment had risen to the point where it was probably worth as much as the man himself. Potentially with further promotions and a ground expansion programme the club’s value would continue for some time to come. The key to all of the financial growth success, affordability and now it was time to build on that success and add stability in terms of league survival. WSM’s first league journey had been so much more than survival though and with April upon the club it was ‘almost’ certain that WSM at the very least would secure a play off berth. To be fair play off’s were secured. Even a complete derailment now would probably not be enough to stop that accomplishment. One point would do the trick.

Just Six games in the season remained. Five matches in April with the final game of the season on the 2nd of May unless the play offs beckoned. Six games that were clearly winnable and yet six games that WSM could easily come away with nothing. However only one of the sides that they would face provided any major fear for Mark’s team. That team was the MK Dons at home and whilst they were an awesome side like WSM of late very inconsistent despite a very positive goal difference. The only positive news that the MK Dons were the last game of the season bar one and WSM would know their destiny by then and hopefully the MK Dons result would be irrelevant especially if WSM had won the previous four.....

Three home and three away fixtures balanced the remainder of the season nicely and Mark stuck his name to three wins and a draw. If WSM collected 10 points they would be promoted. More than 10 they would chase 2nd place less than 10 as the old man of football had coined ‘squeaky bum time’.

Bliss was delighted at progress and whilst promotion would be fantastic he was just glad to be involved in the ride. He had done some homework of his own and presented Mark with the stats for the top 10 clubs in the division. On form it showed that whilst WSM had stuttered to keep the momentum going the other clubs had suffered too over the last 7 games. Even the all conquering Hull had lost points when wins were almost guaranteed. Emma’s PowerPoint graph detailed Bliss’s comments and showed that whilst there was little to separate most of the clubs the one team that perhaps were coming up on the rails were Chesterfield followed by Cheltenham. Chesterfield like WSM had probably done enough for the play off’s, Cheltenham were coming from way back and were creeping up on everyone and could yet be the cat amongst the pigeons. Cheltenham away were WSM’s final fixture of the season.

The final furlong would sort out all of the fancied runners and riders once and for all.

Ground development was now ready for May and by the start of the 2009/10 season WSM would be close to 9000 in terms of capacity.

Bliss’ investment would rise dramatically in value and the return in terms of attendance revenue would be returned almost instantly with increased season ticket sales and of course 6000 extra tickets available for every home game. The numbers really were beginning to add up.

‘The only way is up.......................’

[markyt]

‘Thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening me....’

Mark’s request to physio Dennis Baird to have an unchanged side went unheard which was hardly a surprise after recent weeks.

Sam Bailey who had tied down the right back position picked up a cold and was confined to barracks. Matt Somner stepped upto automatically to replace the local hero. Bailey had been with WSM since leaving school and whilst several of the local lads had departed the club Bailey was a certainty to remain with Mark’s side for the long term. Bailey preferred the position of central defender but as with the precocious talent that was Micah Richards he was adaptable enough to move to the full back position. He had applied himself well and was now one of the first names to appear on the team sheet. Bailey was a quiet lad who left his talking to the football field where his communication skills and ability to appear effortless when on the ball all linked beautifully with his well honed defensive attributes. In discussions with assistant manager Wayne Jacobs Mark had expressed surprise that no one had ever come in for the boy.

Compared to the rest of the league Bailey was a class act and for 50k an absolute bargain. Their loss Mark’s gain.....

Matt Somner had become the reserve team captain and worked hard to remain in Mark’s field of view. Somner wouldn’t let anyone down and would take his chance to the max.

The WSM side that took the field: Brain’s, Somner, Stewart, McKeown, Wilce, Kerr, McCann, Holmes, Buchanan, Newbold and Bates welcomed by a crowd 10 short of full capacity.

Boston United were out of the play off picture and well clear of relegation concerns. They had nothing to play for but pride and a contract or two. That made them dangerous and the team talk delivered made sure the players were aware of their responsibilities and not to lower the guard against supposedly weaker opposition.

On a heavy pitch and weather conditions dry and blustery it made for a difficult game. The first 30 minutes saw a titanic struggle amongst a crowded midfield which finally saw McCann in particular dominate. The keepers on both sides were kept alert but in reality kept their gloves clean with very little goal mouth action to trouble them. WSM were constantly their worst enemy with Bates and Newbold straying offside at the vital moment. Their anticipation saw a goal disallowed on 32 minutes when Newbold collected a Buchanan driven ball and lobbed the keeper with ease. The flag was very late. Mark turned into the character Jim from the Vicar of Dibley – ‘yes,yes,yes, and nooooooooooooo’ as he saw the breakthrough goal discounted.

Half time’s team talk saw Mark and Jacobs telling the players they could win this one and that they had to delay the final ball. Bates and Newbold told to wait for the pass rather than blindly anticipating the ball to be played over the top. Holmes wide on the right was told to push further forward and give the Boston defence something to worry about. No raised voices just an urgency to get the job done.

WSM were effectively 4,2,4 for the start of the second half.

Finally a passage of play early in the second half arrived where WSM dominated and pressed home their tactics to full effect. Pressure turned into a series of corners and Boston seemed unable to get the ball out from their feet or their area. The chances were beginning to mount up when finally Damion Stewart cannoned a Buchanan corner of the cross bar and Newbold bravely dived to head the ball home.

The home crowd erupted in noise but their cheer hung in their throats as Newbold remained still on the turf. His bravery and desire to score had seen him connect with an accidental flying boot and he was out for the count. Seconds turned into minutes and he was stretchered off to be replaced by Benyon. The good news however that Newbold whilst concussed and clearly unable to carry on would be none the worse for the freak accident.

Benyon’s return by default a welcome distraction and for 20 minutes he chased and harried defenders. Clearly rusty from his long spell on the sidelines the workout would benefit the final WSM push for glory.

Boston then delivered another blow.....

Coming from nothing on 79 minutes a Boston midfielder waltzed his way past Kerr hurdled two lunge tackles from McCann and then fired a thunderbolt shot that saw Brain’s clasping at air and with his fingertips just clipping the ball the WSM crowd watched as the ball hit the top right hand stanchion and went in. The shot from 35 yards a wonder strike and the away fans had a tea party to celebrate.....

The final minutes saw WSM press again but they ran out of steam and with it ideas. Mark threw Sawyer and Charles on for the final 10 minutes but the changes had little or no impact. Mark even moved to three at the back with Somner moving forward into midfield but all too little too late. WSM had to settle for a point. The point now secured a play off place but for Mark’s side they knew that yet again over 90 minutes they had failed to deliver enough to justify their lofty league position. Time was running out and the gap to the chasing pack was closing and closing fast....

Boston – home

1:1

[markyt]

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!! and I hope Father Christmas visits you all....

Mark had been an active throughout the week in the build up to the Accrington game encouraging, cajoling and looking for players to find a little more in the final season run in. But on Thursday when a training match pitted the first team versus the reserve side he chose to play himself and joined David Dunn in the centre of midfield. There were two realistic reasons for playing and one more that bore some weight – no pun intended despite Dunn’s dramatic weight loss since joining the club.

Mark hadn’t kicked a ball in anger for weeks and the freedom of lashing a ball around to the WSM manager became a huge relief from the day to day pressures of management. The two realistic reasons however were to see how Dunn shaped up and to try and to give his first team some words of advice from close quarters. How much better when being less than two feet away and hurtling into challenge for the ball. Mark’s pace and fitness were a mile off of his Chelsea days but to be fair in his armoury he had the ability to pass with some accuracy and that skill remained in some quantity. He had Glenn Hoddle to thank for his skill. Hoddle had never been blessed with sheer place had been able to deliver the ball 50 yards or so and to see it land on a sixpence. Arriving at Chelsea as player manager he no longer was able to boss the midfield but from defence he could play the sweeper role in his sleep. Timing, awareness and a presence of mind to find the right pass and clear the ball from defence to attack almost at will. Hoddle’s arrival at Stamford Bridge had seen a change of style at the club and the football became much more about pass and movement. Dennis Wise, Gavin Peacock and Mark himself benefited in particular from the less direct style of football and with players like Mark Stein upfront the blues could no longer reply on the long ball route one style of football. A revolution rather than evolution arrived as Hoddle began his work. Hoddle to some was a genius and his arrival certainly extended Mark’s playing career. Mark too thought the man a genius and was probably ahead of his time. However much that Hoddle had learnt about coaching had come from a certain Arsene Wenger and Arsenal could certainly vouch for the finished article.

The training match brought out the best in the players. Kicking a ball rather than the chore of training always brought the smiles out. David Dunn had come on leaps and bounds and as the game progressed Mark told Dunn that he would be on the bench for his old stomping grounds in the North West. For a Blackburn lad Accrington was just two miles away and he would get a warm reception.....

The first team, the side that had drawn against Boston were given the chance to collect the win that was now much needed. The chase was on and now was the time for WSM to stand and deliver. What better time to do it when facing bottom of the table side Accrington a team that had leaked five goals when WSM had last faced up against them.

Guy Bates would return to haunt Accrington.

The reserves won the game 2:1 with Mark slotting home the winning penalty.

A dodgy decision had seen the kick awarded but Mark Kerr should have known better than challenging the boss for the ball in the box......

[markyt]

Training in the build up to the Accrington game had been tough with Jacobs and Atkins allied to fitness coach Baronowski cracking the whip.

The days were filled with a mixture of toning and training with the ball. Mark had been ever present for each session and took time to work specifically with the front men. Bates and Newbold would start from the whistle and with the Accrington defence analyzed to the ‘nth degree’ Mark wanted to make sure both knew the movement that would create most havoc. The two starting strikers watched video of the Accrington defence and quickly understood the likely opportunities they could take advantage.

Speed and mobility were the key to success and Accrington’s back four were anything but. Playing on the shoulder of the last man would see Accrington taking a step back and that would create space for McCann, Walker and Kerr to exploit. WSM would play a more direct ball than normal and Bates and Newbold would need to be ready for the ball over the top. Chances would come and they would need to be sharp and alert to the goal scoring opportunities.

The final training session was underway before the long trip to the North West and as Mark watched the full team playing against the reserves his mobile phone sparked into life. ‘Mark, its Jim Davies from the Daily Mirror? Any thoughts on the latest news from Forest?’

Mark was silenced. He hadn’t heard anything on the grapevine and said as much to the newspaper man.

Jim cleared up the gaps nicely. ‘Nigel Clough has walked after falling out over transfer budgets for next season.

There is probably more to come but simply he’s gone and the rumour is that the job is between you and Dean Wilkins at Brighton. Do you fancy managing European Champions Mark?’

Mark laughed loudly at the suggestion. Jim Davies had caught him off guard and with the Clough’s resignation resonating around his head he had to be cautious with his words. ‘Jim, I’m going to finish the season with WSM come what may so any club looking for an instant replacement will be out of luck here.’

Hours later Mark switched on the TV and saw an emotional Clough explaining why he had tendered his resignation.

He had taken the club as far as he could and without financial investment he was concerned at the long term success he could achieve without constant selling of his best players. Of all the words he had said during the 30 minute interview those were the killer, ‘selling his best players.’

Forest were enjoying an excellent season compared with recent history. With 6 games to go they were still within grasp of automatic promotion and a return to the Championship. The bookies remained convinced that they would go up and yet something in the background had soured the relationship with the best Forest manager for years. Somebody was about to be sold despite the probable promotion around the corner. Clough had seen the writing on the wall and walked................

The way that he said the words seemed to suggest the likelihood that the player in question was being sold to a lesser club in terms of tradition or history.

Mark’s name was mentioned as a possible long term solution along with the usual suspects Paul Ince, Kevin Bond and Sammy Lee but with the board desperate to secure promotion and to quell a fan revolt moves were already underway to find a replacement and quickly. 24 hours later as WSM were on the coach heading for the North West Dean Wilkins was unveiled as the new manager and tasked with securing enough points for promotion. Wilkins had inherited a very good side and needed a gentle hand on the tiller. Forest would go up and the success was all down to Clough.

[markyt]

Coleman’s side hot as mustard?

Accrington away at any time of the season was a tough place to play but for the club and the town each game now critical at maintaining their league aspirations. After the failure of the original Accrington Stanley in the 1960’s, after not being re-elected to the football league they had gone on a long journey that had finally seen the club in its new form return to their rightful place. Throughout their ride to a league football manager John Coleman had been at the helm. Coleman was working some magic as just 4 weeks previously they were down if not out but his January transfer window additions, loan deals and mixture of youth and experience was turning their season round. The threat of the return of conference football had seen the townsfolk come out to support their team in the hope that they could make a difference. The 5:1 thrashing at WSM had been their darkest hour and what better way than showing their resurging form by turning over the league’s new upstarts. Accrington however despite improving crowds were financially on a precipice. The club would forever be in the shadows of the Ribble Valley sides that included Preston, Blackburn and Burnley. Within 40 minutes you had the power houses of English football that were Manchester and Liverpool. The heydays of Accrington’s position as a founder of the football league would never return and with a handful of games to save themselves they would need to win them all to save themselves. Their also had support from the fans of the Accrington story. No one wanted Accrington to go down and that include Mark.....

5000 fans were packed into the Crown Ground with only 200 WSM fans making the long trip north. It was Accrington’s best crowd of the season and with the fervent support backing them Accrington started the better of the two sides. As the first half continued WSM began to find their footing and began to exert some pressure that caused consternation amongst the home fans. The first real chance on goal came after a clever one two between Kerr and Newbold that saw Kerr crack a shot inches over the cross bar.

Accrington were not to be cowed and bullied their way into a dominant position and in the 20 minutes upto half time should have taken advantage of the lions share of possession. Coleman’s recipe for league survival was working and the half time team talk that Mark would need to deliver a balance between well done keep it going and hey lads we need to get more out of this game.

The scales were calibrated and the balance set...................

Mark didn’t change the personnel and Dunn itching to get into the game would have to wait. Tactics were tweaked with Sam Bailey moving into midfield to all McCann the freedom to roam. The changes clicked from the start of the second half. The change caused problems for Accrington and they reacted too slowly to counter them and one rapier like move saw them go one goal behind.

Bailey hard into the tackle saw the loose ball land at the feet of Kerr before Kerr and McCann combined finalizing with Grant McCann floated a ball to the left of the Accrington box. Guy Bates pace saw him collect the ball and given time to turn he faced the Accrington goal. One step over and the closest defender was bypassed and with the space opening up in front of him he took a gamble and curled a shot that started wide right before passing a gloved hand and bouncing into the bottom of the net. WSM were one up but the advantage lasted less than two minutes. Bates goal was a cracker and showed just why Mark had bought the man in the previous summer.

Accrington like a cornered animal took a swipe at the hunter and grabbed an equalizer that they deserved for their efforts so far. The tactical change that WSM had made created space at the back and rapier incision saw them carve open the WSM back three and with caution thrown to the wind they had thrown men forward and capitalized on the advantage. A shot saved initially by Brain’s fell kindly for a red shirt and the ball crashed into the net. The crowd erupted in sheer joy. The crowd were given something to hold onto and expected their side to go for the win. Their desire was shattered in minutes.

Accrington were pouring forward attacking with pace but the more they pressed the greater the space for WSM to explore. WSM grabbed a second on 70 minutes and probably broke fan’s hearts. In less than 10 minutes three goals had been scored. The WSM second simple in creation started from the boot of keeper Brains. One long ball flicked on by Bates set up Newbold and the WSM leading striker wasn’t one to miss up on a gift. Newbold shrugged off the close marking and with the keeper advancing a cheeky lob saw WSM back in front. The move had taken less than 15 seconds from the moment it left the foot of Brains. Accrington were not about to give up and continued to search for goals. Changes made by both sides effectively cancelled each other out but David Dunn’s introduction gave the home crowd something else to jeer as the game came to fruition. A point wasn’t really enough for Accrington and with the game into injury time they were rewarded a corner. The Accrington keeper made his way forward. The crowd hushed as the corner was taken and the ball delivered perfectly into the 6 yard box initially caused McKeown problems but McCann helped out the defence and cleared the ball out of the area.

Despite the corner Mark had kept three players up top and Accrington were swamped by a lack of manpower in defence as they had been so desperate for a point. One of the three included David Dunn. The clearance found its way to the local lad, Dunn, with an open goal in front of him, a home keeper racing to get back in goal he barely broke into a jog before launching the ball from the WSM half. Despite the ball taking an age to find the net the 200 WSM celebrated as the ball traveled towards the net. Moments later confirmation of the three points as the ref blew the final whistle. Counter attacking football against a desperate team saw WSM run out comfortable 3:1 winners.

WSM were now confirmed in the play off’s..............

Accrington – away

3:1

[markyt]

John Coleman’s office wasn’t the largest office in the world and right now packed with key members of both Accrington and WSM as they watched the Sky Sports Saturday afternoon results show. The scores were being read through and the impact of the results in the other leagues was almost irrelevant. The nine people in the room were there purely for the division 2 scores to arrive on screen.

Mark had been offered a chair next to John Coleman and the two talked through results as they appeared but it was all small talk as they waited to learn their fate. Despite the loss Coleman was realistic to know that his side still had time to get the points to save themselves. The season would go to the wire regardless of the loss to WSM and his side had improved. Of that there was no doubt.

Both managers waited for the key news.

Had the win helped WSM and pushed them closer to automatic promotion?

Who at the bottom of the league had won?

The results from division one were completed and the screen changed to the league that mattered to everyone in Coleman’s office. The silence was deafening as everyone listened to the TV. Mark’s eyes flicked around the screen as he quickly gathered the facts together. Hull had won and were now nailed on for the championship title. Stockport had lost which meant that WSM had closed the gap to just one point on second place. That was about all of the good news for WSM from the final scores. The promotion dream had expired for just two clubs from the top half of the table but the rest had all picked up points and with the form of some of the sides going into the final four games WSM would need to keep winning. Anything less would see ‘squeaky bum time arrive’ and they would need to play to the final minute of the season to confirm their promotion. The chase was on and WSM far from being a safe bet for promotion. 3rd place meant nothing with 4 games to play. After occupying a promotion spot for some time knowing that a loss now might mean ending the season with nothing after a extended season via the play off’s.

But for Accrington the results had not gone for them on that Easter weekend.

Coleman drank the last dregs of his coffee and as the league table appeared on screen but he already knew the facts after seeing the scores. Accrington had slid back to the bottom of the table. Teams at the bottom had picked up points.

The Accrington season run in had now become much clearer. Whilst in their own hands Accrington would need to win all of their remaining games to guarantee safety. Two were at home and they were now must wins.......... but even 12 points might not be enough to save them.

At least Accrington would have the consolation of only two days before the next fixture on Bank Holiday Monday.

A win would change mindsets.

[markyt]

Difference of opinion.......

After the 8 hour home trip post the Accrington trip the last thing tired aching limbs needed was a gentle workout.

The journey back to the South West hampered by holiday traffic heading to the seaside for some spring sunshine.

But with the Easter Bank Holiday Monday fixture at home to Wycombe just 48 hours after the Accrington game needs must and the full squad were requested to attend training.

The players were all given a lie in but to be at the training ground for 3pm. Training was a loose word for the session.

Players with regular games were already at their fitness peak but the Sunday afternoon session was more about working knocks and stiff joints out of the system. At least the sun was out.....

Team selection would also be considered dependant on how players had come through the Accrington battle. David Dunn despite a 15 minute cameo role and a goal on his debut was clearly unable to play so soon on Monday. His fitness level still no where near enough for two games in three days and with three points critical a passenger couldn’t be placed on the WSM bench regardless of his quality.

Dunn would be rested and the recovery time should see the player ready for the following weekend’s game at Port Vale.

As the players jogged through the second session of the afternoon Mark and Wayne Jacobs began to discuss and confirm the team for the Wycombe game. There would be no surprises with the team that had collected the priceless win on Saturday given the chance to collect another three points. The only real debate for the two was around the shape of the bench and Mark after much debate selected a bold five.

Northmore, Lee Sawyer, Michael Charles, Elliot Benyon and the only team sheet shock, Walker.

Scott Walker was back and confident that he could play for 90 minutes if required. There was no need for an instant return for the WSM star man especially with the form of David Buchanan. Having Walker on the bench was a huge bonus for Mark and knowing that the player could play 90 minutes a much more comfortable option than David Dunn.

The boldness however meant there was no defensive coverage and that was a risk.

Sawyer however would be used as a defender if needs arose. Certainly he could operate at right back and then Sam Bailey if still on the pitch the man to move across the defensive unit to cover the problem. Jacobs had urged caution and had wanted Ian Sharps. But Mark judged that the three points were a necessity and caution was thrown out of the window. Jacobs knew the decision had been made but remained unhappy at the conclusion but knew he was flogging a dead horse and had no choice but to change the subject.

[markyt]

Mark’s WSM side were like a raging sea during a heavy storm as time and time again they drove onwards with the desire and determination to grab a win over the 90 minutes. Shots rained down on goal like the sea crashing onto a desolate beach. Cheered on by a sell out crowd Wycombe were simply overwhelmed with the urgency, aggression and power of the South West promotion chasing side. Wycombe’s season had long been over and with nothing to play for their desire and ambition wavered under the continued purposeful onslaught.

From as early as the first minute WSM signaled their intent with a break from deep in their own half that drew gasps of delight from the home support before Bates cracked a shot that rattled the cross bar before landing in the crowd. Each of the men in white played their part and with Mark and the bench purring with delight at the attitude and performance on display it seemed as if WSM would score almost at will.

Newbold in his best display for some weeks led the line with purpose and despite decent chances they failed to break the deadlock.

15 minutes became 30 and then 45 and despite total control and a shot count into double digits the game still remained all square.

Mark’s half time team talk urged the same again but a reminder to the team to keep alert and tight at the back. Wycombe had been poor and it was unlikely they would as bad again be in the second half. The speech more Churchillian than Blair demanded every ounce of sweat, toil and trouble. Don’t come back in saying ‘if only’ – give me everything and let’s get the win.

Whilst the second half spelled more of the same for Wycombe and indeed it was to be so, WSM became nervous and became slightly desperate despite having total control of the game. It became clear that the crowd’s restlessness was now affecting the team and the reason for crowd mumbling quickly became catching as news spread around the ground that the teams closest to WSM in the league were all winning. 50 minutes, 60 minutes and still no score and the self inflicted tension was growing and become a millstone around the players’ necks.

Newbold and Bates like a storm that had finally finished and blown itself out could offer no more. On another day each would have filled their boots with goals and they would have deserved them for their hard work. The midfield four too were running out of ideas after seeing their determined efforts come to nothing.

Mark by now a permanent fixture in the touchline area called asst manager Jacobs over for discussions about making key changes. It looked like it was going to be one of those days. The Wycombe keeper playing only his third league game and having the game of his young life added to the crowd’s concern which was now evidently rattling and unnerving WSM. The chances were still falling to the white shirted WSM at almost regular intervals but now the final delivery was becoming erratic. WSM that afternoon couldn’t have scored in an Amsterdam brothel.

66 minutes and time for change. Mark rolled the dice for the last time and Walker, Benyon and Charles entered the fray. Newbold, Bates and Buchanan received the applause from the crowd in good measure. It was obvious they had played their hearts out and had nothing left to give. The changes and fresh legs up front game WSM a shot in the arm and the Wycombe defence cowed further under the onslaught. There was only one team in the game but for all of the quality the deadlock remained. Charles and Benyon quickly added to the drama but both saw shots cleared with desperate defending involved. The pressure continued as the game entered injury time. Mark Kerr drove through a tackle, Benyon raced left creating space and Kerr unleashed a net buster of a shot but the young 18 year old keeper flicked the ball over the top.

Even Mark from the bench was convinced the shot was in, covered his face in his hands realizing the keeper had again denied WSM the points. The groans from the crowd were getting louder.

Scott Walker stepped up to take the corner and the crowd expected a left foot delivery to be curled into the centre of the penalty area. It would be the last action of the game. Every player in white had made their way forward and the penalty box was crowded with bodies. McCann raced towards the corner flag, Walker saw the move and hit a driven ball short, McCann with time turned and found Benyon who turned in one movement and clipped a forceful shot goalwards. The keeper saw the ball late through a crowd of bodies but dove low to his left and kept the ball out. Michael Charles reacted quickest amongst the tired Wycombe legs and smashed a shot into the roof of the net. Stunned silence from the home crowd followed by sheer pandemonium and several home fans broke from the stands to join the team celebrations. Mark and the WSM bench joined in the celebrations and with the whistle following shortly Mark danced across the touchline reminiscent of David Pleat.

The victory although much deserved had been left too late and the 3000 plus in the ground knew it but right now couldn’t care less.

WSM had racked up a 23rd win of the season and now with 75 points in the bag found themselves in 2nd place. Stockport had blown a two goal lead to claim on point and WSM with a better goal difference climbed one place. Stockport were the only side to ‘drop’ points from the top 7 in the league. The jostling for promotion would continue for some weeks to come but WSM had kept their chances of automatic promotion within their own hands. They had to keep winning it was a simple message to land......................

Wycombe – home

1:0

[markyt]

Mark could taste the sense of nervousness amongst the squad as he prowled around the training ground. He was a constant at the training ground during the build up to the away fixture at Port Vale and with the rest of his backroom staff they had done all done their best to shake the mood. The players themselves knew they were on the verge of achieving something special and that game could determine their futures. Contracts were up for renewal with some hoping for extension, others perhaps would be moved on and then there were the constant rumours of new player’s. The rewards for their efforts would also be fairly substantial to them all especially with automatic pay rises for promotion. The team had to keep winning................

Mark even took the unusual step of naming the same eleven at the first training session of the week. There were no injury concerns and the belief that naming the side might break the tension failed. The players themselves were up to their usual fun and games during the sessions but there was something in their body language that gave the game away. Something had to give and Mark called the players together and rewarded them all with two days off.

‘Spend time with your families, get away from the game and we see you all here Friday for the coach trip North. We trust you to take care of yourselves do not let us down by doing something wild like dropping a jar of pickles on your foot or getting out of bed too quickly’

The comments brought forced laughter from the selected eleven. Too much was riding on the next three games but each of them knew that they were key to the club’s fortune and would take care. History had shown that players doing the most significant thing actually ruled themselves out of games. Dave Beasant whilst at Chelsea had dropped the infamous pickle jar and Leroy Lita hurt himself jumping out of bed. Both incidents had caused hilarity amongst the press and fans but they had cost both their respective teams their services at crucial times.

Training followed by a coach trip to Stoke on Friday morning appeared to show the rest period had been of benefit but still when talking to the players the eyes gave away their inner thoughts. Port Vale would be playing purely for pride and pride was a dangerous substance against a team requiring a win.

[markyt]

‘Sandell’s puts his foot in it.....’

Wayne Jacobs and Ian Atkins had worked the players hard during the last training session at Port Vale. Mark could see the fear and wanted it shaken far from the tree and the demanding work out certainly shook the team from the slumbers. Delays on the journey around Birmingham had added an hour or so to their journey and given the players far too much thinking time. The team talk and pre match routine concluded it was time for the feet to do the talking. Port Vale’s ground Vale Park now that building work had been completed after a 10 year delay was a real footballer’s home and despite newish stands and a ground capacity of 19000 it still managed to capture the past and rekindle memories of when 50,000 fans could be packed into the ground. Mark had actually played at Vale Park in a Friendly match when he was in the junior ranks at Stamford Bridge and the club was infamous for being named after a town that didn’t exist which at some point was a trivial pursuit question.

Port Vale themselves had suffered another season of mediocre football and at no point had ever been involved in either promotion or relegation concerns. After the arrival of new boss Steve Brown just weeks before many players had been informed that they would not be offered contracts but there were still a few hoping that decisions might be changed if they could show improved performances on the pitch. Brown had introduced several youngsters from the reserve side including players that the previous management team had considered surplus and as a result Port Vale were playing much better than their season to date. Mark warned his players to be wary of the opposition and that if WSM were not careful they could end up with a rude awakening. Too many results at the sharp end of season had gone against trend and WSM couldn’t afford a slip.....

9000 vans including 600 traveling support from the South West welcomed the sides to Vale Park. Despite initial concerns WSM settled the better of the two teams and within 2 minutes had rattled the bar with a cleverly worked move that saw Newbold released and a shot inches wide of the left hand post. It was close and the keeper breathed a huge sigh of relief as the ball took off a lick of paint on its way past his post. Pressure continued to grow on the home team and after another near miss WSM were awarded a corner. Dave Buchanan stepped up to take the corner and from the right hand side of the pitch curled a perfect delivery into the box with his left foot. The ball was easily cleared by the PV centre half and then further pushed away from trouble by a midfielder. The ball bounced kindly into WSM territory where McKeown closed down the ball and looked to get it simply under his control. The ball somehow sliced in the opposite direction to his intended recipient and Andy Sandell the closest PV player didn’t need asking twice to attack the loose ball. McKeown was as surprised as anyone in the crowd and under no pressure had made a complete hash of simple and basic defending. ‘Don’t faff on the ball.’

Sandell was away and clear and with Brains racing out of his box to close the space down Sandell’s lashed home a shot that went through the legs of Brains and in. Brains screamed abuse at McKeown for being so incompetent and McKeown could only apologise for his own stupidity to angry and frustrated team mates. Sandell had not featured in more than one game all season long and here he was with a two games and a one goal ratio. The Port Vale support were dancing in delight at taking an early lead and Mark at just 7 minutes on the clock was already turning into a Met office TV weatherman demonstrating graphically to his players exactly what he wanted them to do to return to status quo.

WSM staggered by the early goal took 10 minutes to regain their presence before returning to their match dominance. The chances were falling to WSM but again despite lovely, and at times clever play the elusive goal wouldn’t come. The chant’s of ‘who are you, who are you’ were growing from the locals as WSM continued to flunk in front of goal. WSM deserved something from their efforts of that there was no doubt but with half time approaching still PV clung to the lead. A foul by Mark Kerr on 42 minutes saw the home side finally get the ball out of their half after 15 minutes of protecting their own area. Port Vale pushed everyone forward for some respite and a long free kick followed. Sam Bailey headed the ball away and Sandell’s kept the ball from going out for a throw in. The Port Vale left wing knowing the box was crowded with bodies slung a floated ball in towards the 6 yard area and Stewart rose highest and slammed a defensive header into the roof of the net. An own goal had seen WSM two down at half time and Mark on the verge of disappearing into a nuclear cloud. He was beyond fury and Jacobs and Atkins beside him on the bench knew when to keep quiet.

The half time ‘chat’ was interesting to say the least.....

‘You have choked, after all we talked about you crossed the line and within sight of glory you choked. I expect a win so get out there and bring me the points. You want to be heroes – its time to deliver.’ Mark was furious and his mood had been worsened by news that the other sides vying for promotion were ahead at the half way point. All of that was irrelevant as WSM needed to find two goals and cut out the wasteful over flamboyance infront of goal. Mark’s words looked to have impacted straight from kick off with a simple route one ball hoisted by Dave Buchanan asked a lot of Guy Bates but the WSM front man got to the ball first bullied his way clear and chipped the keeper to score and drag WSM back into the game. The 600 traveling fans made themselves heard as Bates saluted the crowd and kissed the badge on his shirt.

Port Vale were now forced deeper into their own half as WSM searched for a second and at least a point.

WSM were now on fire and with the fury of Mark behind them they looked odds on to get a draw. The only concerns for WSM that they would leave themselves open to a counter attack. Changes were made with Walker and Charles replacing Buchanan and McCann with Sam Bailey now a permanent midfielder asked to cover the defence allowing Kerr and Charles to support the front two whenever possible.

The killer blow fell on 75 minutes............

Sam Bailey flashed a shot from 25 yards that bounced off a static Port Vale player and cannoned clear. Sandell’s a pure bystander for much of the second half collected the ball and waltzed his way from one box to the other avoiding challenges and lunging tackles. Sandell’s then simply raced past Brains and after walking his way around the WSM keeper fired into an empty net. Sandell’s goal ratio now read 2 goals in two games. WSM were three one down and despite time on the clock were now down and out and pretty much bereft of ideas. Mark threw on Benyon in place of Holmes on the wing and despite three strikers for the remainder of the game they caused the P Vale keeper no real worries.

Mark would have booed the team off at the end if he had paid money on tickets and travel. The build up hadn’t been right and WSM were now in a real battle for promotion. Only Hull of the 8 teams at the top of the table could yet confirm their promotion right. Two games and 6 points would decide the final mix. Hull were the first team to be promoted and were unofficially the champions.

Port Vale – away

1:3

[markyt]

The coach trip home after a defeat was always a difficult affair. The journey from Stoke back to the West Country had taken over 5 hours and despite the Sky Sports teams match report detailing that WSM had looked nervous and that clearly the match preparations had gone awry which led to a ‘heavy’ defeat Mark took the time to speak to the players involved individually. Football often had a habit of giving you a swift kick in the donkeys but at least in a relatively short space of time teams could come out and put right their last performance.

Now with two games to go WSM had reason enough to bounce back and prove everyone at home. Next up would be the free scoring MK Dons and the fixture would be at home in front of some vocal locals. The Dons under Martin Allen had torn WSM to shreds in the reverse fixture and thumped four past a cowed and well beaten side and the fixture would allow some vengeance. At that time WSM had been anything but a promotion chasing team. The MK Dons themselves had suffered a poor start to the season but after grinding through the gears had moved menacingly into the right half of the league and the regular thrashing of other sides seemed to suggest they were certainly a promotion bet. However as the final ½ dozen games approached they had lost their killer instinct. The players that had done so well for them had gone off the boil and Martin Allen raged like nobody else could on the sidelines. At best Allen’s side could only feature now in the play offs but they would need maximum points to confirm that.

Despite the season lasting 10 months it would all come down to 180 minutes of football for both clubs.....

Decisions over who would play in that game would be left until later in the week. Mark wanted his best eleven on the pitch and there would be no sentiment shown to the players who had done well in the last couple of games. The loss to Port Vale had shown that experience would count over form and that he would need every ounce of experience and history to the club. When the chips were finally down he would now look to the players that had been with him since his arrival at the club and add to them his winners...

Training would confirm the side as his hand could well be shorn of his preferred team but as he talked to his ‘chosen men’ in his own mind he had resolution.

Mark despite his darkest thoughts still had time to take in news elsewhere. Wolves were relegated and Guy Madjo’s goals had done enough to keep Sunderland in the Championship. Although Taylor’s side was not mathematically safe their superior goal difference would see them home and dry. Plymouth were relegated from the Premier Division and had suffered from the one season wonders tag. Dennis Wise Leed’s side like Sunderland would escape the drop but by their skin of their teeth. Leeds return to the Promised Land hadn’t seen a return to glories. Without money and backing clubs could no longer survive in the Premier League despite the riches on offer. Leeds were one of the clubs now simply making up the numbers. The parachute payments meant that sides relegated from the top league tended to bounce back one year later. The Premier League had now become a very rich man’s club.....

The players despite the loss found the Wolves news amusing. Not Blake Newbold.

‘Oi Blakey, we will take 6 points off you next season when we get promoted....’

Could WSM really feature in a league with the likes of Wolves and Forest? 180 minutes would see that dream come true or fall apart in front of their eyes.

[markyt]

‘Every Mcleod has a silver lining’

3000 fans again entered the through the gates of Woodspring Park for the last home game of the season versus the Mk Dons.

This would be the last time that the club would host a home fixture in its current facilities. Literally the minute the game was over the bulldozers would arrive and the ground expansion programme would begin. Paul Bliss as ever the marketing guru reproduced the special collector’s edition brochure which had been launched at the start of the season to herald the clubs arrival into league football and had it updated to show the future development and artists 3d drawings of the future. Incredible to think that just three seasons before 300 or so fans would have been a decent crowd for Conference South side.

Mark’s desire to play his best side and call upon on the experience of his ‘stars’ was a dream ripped apart in the build up to the most important game of the season. The cupboard was open and was bare...........

Injuries impacted on team selection with the final starting eleven delayed until the morning of kick off. Training had been disjointed and added to the sense of nothing going right at the crucial moment in time. Keeper Brain’s the first to be withdrawn followed quickly by Owen Story. Mark had been desperate for Story to return to the fray but the right winger on the verge of a return pulled up with groin problem.

Scott Walker had suffered reaction to his efforts in the Port Vale game and had gone from a certain start to being touch and go for even the bench. 12pm on match day and Mark selected all but one of the starting eleven from the previous three games. Bates was dropped for the fully fit Benyon. Bates would return to the bench but his annoyance at being dropped was etched firmly to his body language. Even the home crowd was surprised that Bates probably the most consistent striker at the club in recent weeks had been replaced by Mark’s favourite Benyon. Favoritism or not Mark wanted his two main strikers on the pitch from the first whistle and despite Benyon not playing for 90 minutes for some considerable time linking him with Newbold a given.

MK Dons came to the South West needing a win if they were to chase an automatic promotion spot. Anything else may even mean missing out on the play offs completely. For the mathematics in the crowd whilst it was easier for WSM to simply pick up points they could yet hope that either Stockport slipped up and allowed their team to move back into second in the table or that the likes of Chesterfield or Northampton failed to close the gap. The top of the table from 1st down to 9th place was liable to change completely if results went to or against club’s plans. Keep it simple the message from both managers – we need to win...........................

A nervy start for both teams finally broke into an advert of excellent football for the league. The power and pace of the Milton Keynes side matched with the fast and marauding style of Weston Super Mare. In amongst the lovely football some tasty challenges as each defence tried to limit the opponents time on the ball. The ref kept busy but to his credit he allowed the game to flow. Mark was the first manager to fly from the dugout. Holmes on the right caught late by a poor challenge that saw only a yellow card awarded. Mark’s view that it was worthy or red saw some abuse from the Dons bench fly in his direction but Mark was oblivious as it was clear Holmes couldn’t continue. Only 12 minutes had been played and a critical decision had to be made. Charles, Sawyer or Walker the choices and each had a reason for their selection. But Mark couldn’t accept caution now and wanted the win. Walker would come on and whilst starting on the right it gave WSM the option of switching him and Buchanan on each of the wings.

Walker’s introduction if nothing else a crowd pleaser as he was the local hero and after a couple of erstwhile touches he began to influence the game. He couldn’t however stop Martin Allen’s side scoring. From absolutely nothing a goal which saw WSM one down at the 22 minute mark. Mcleod had got very little change from his personal battles with Stewart and he profited from what started as excellent defending by WSM. A lovely cross chested down into the feet of Sam Baldock the Dons number 10 saw McKeown in the right place to challenge. A lovely tackle drew gasps of pleasure from the crowd as it was timed to perfection and whilst it was fair it left the attacker in a heap. The ball bounced into space falling behind Damion Stewart and as the WSM centre half turned to face the ball McLeod pounced and drilled home a shot into the bottom right hand corner. McLeod had grabbed his 25th league goal of the season.

WSM regrouped and after several minutes of being backed up on to the ropes they found their feet and played some of the best football seen at the ground all season. Walker and McCann were at the centre of everything positive and Newbold and Benyon back in tandem worked hard to stretch the Dons at the back. With green shoots of positive growth appearing everywhere Mark could see his side creeping back into the game and the most likely to score next. Buchanan then rocked the WSM support. A late challenge and some verbal abuse thrown in his direction saw him react and infront of the ref he swung a punch. An instant red card signaled the end of his season. 34 minutes had been played and Mark and Wayne Jacobs talked through changes but delayed making substitutions until half time. For the reminder of the half WSM went to three across the middle keeping it narrow and congested in the centre of the park.

Half time couldn’t come quick enough. The crowd were growing restless and clearly listening to the scores elsewhere. WSM would fall out of the promotion spot unless they picked up at least a point. Mark coaxed a second half to remember from his side. ‘This is it, this is our last stand, forget Custer forget Waterloo let’s give the fans 45 minutes of WSM brilliance. This is our cup final. Forget next week. Everything we have built collapses if we don’t go for a win now...’

Tactically Sam Bailey moved into midfield but instead of a holding position asked to shore up the right hand side of midfield. WSM were going out at Woodspring Park 3-4-2.

Sometimes manager’s are called lucky. Sometimes they are known as being master technicians. Sometimes their half time team talks and words of wisdom provoke a team response. The second 45 minutes had elements of all three. Struggling with the new shape took time and as the clock counted down MK Dons should have added to their advantage. The space was behind the WSM midfield and Northmore in the WSM became more frantic as the game progressed. He alone perhaps in the best position in the ground to see where the next MK Dons attack would come from. The jugernaught turned on 72 minutes as the MK Dons happy with a win introduced three substitutes and replaced the tiring McLeod hoping to save him for another day and to ensure they remained water tight for the last quarter of the match. WSM were beginning to flag and the crowd wanted Mark to react and introduce fresh legs.

72,73,74,75,76 minutes passed and still no sign of any bench activity and in the 77th minute came a positive WSM reaction. Scott Walker dead on his feet beat the right back, who had been booed since the Buchanan sending off, and with feet that would carry him no further he curled a pass into the run of Benyon. Benyon had no right to get to the ball but shrugging off the close contact he strode on into the box and volleyed the bouncing ball beautifully into the top right hand corner of the net. Everything and everybody went mental. Even the WSM boss who had seen it all before got carried away by the goal and raced to the corner flag to celebrate the goal with his team.

Despite the extra man MK Dons were now in trouble. Only one team would win this game and the goal gave flagging players a second wind. Bates and Charles the likely replacements told to sit back on the bench. WSM dominated and passed their way into total control of the game. But time had run out and there was no second goal. The game ended all square but as the whistle blew 9 outfield players sank to the floor in sheer exhaustion. They were finished and they had given everything and knew that even a point might not be enough. Cleverer fans in the crowd recognised that the magnificent feat in the second half might have cost the side more than a win and two points. Players were exhausted and cramp had affected many and the question now would they have enough in reserve to play Cheltenham in just 7 days.

MK Dons - home

1:1

[markyt]

Post match routine had been completed and the players, fans and club employees had begun to drift away after drinking the dregs of the bottom a glass or two, completing their work after a frantic afternoon’s activity or simply it was time to go.

Mark alone sat in his office. The lights turned down low as he sat quietly brooding over the computer screen. The large screen television still rolling with sky sports news talking through the days action and post match interviews sounded in the background but he was oblivious to the stories making the news. Mark was studying the league table engrossed in the minutia of detail as he was flicking between web pages as he looked at the final fixtures of the season. He evaluated every game and every permutation. He was helped immensely by the BBC website and their league predictor.

From the low point of hearing the scores coming through at 5pm and the reaction of those around him to the draw, he had pulled the team together and in a lock down reminded them that the season was far from over and would not come to and end until the 90th minute of the next fixture. Motivating the squad easier said than done but the players had given every ounce of effort and a point meant that the final game away to Cheltenham ensured their season destiny remained in their own control. Win and WSM would be promoted and those words were easy to say.

Getting exhausted players listening to your clear and concise words hard but necessary despite the empty stares returned in his direction. Words said time for them to clean up and go home. Mark would see the players on Sunday morning and that would give him time to consider his thoughts in more detail. He left Jacobs, Atkins and Baronowski to finalise the afternoon’s work. He wanted some space….

As the screen updated he doodled on a pad. The facts…………

Hull were champions and with a game to go sat nicely on 81 points but importantly they would face Stockport at home in their final game. Stockport had amassed 77 points in their season haul and were 2nd in the table. They could actually miss out on automatic promotion which for ¾ of the season had been theirs. Next came WSM in third place with 76 points. 22 wins in the previous 5 season would have seen them promoted but on 76 points sat Chesterfield in fourth. Chesterfield had been closing on the promotion places all season long and with a prolific goalscorer chasing the golden boot in the guise of Caleb Forlan they had every right to expect their season to end in success. In their way stood the mighty MK Dons. Martin Allen’s side after denting WSM’s final challenge now had to win as anything less they wouldn’t even make the play offs. Their draw at WSM had also impacted negatively in their final run in allowing Brighton the final play off berth.

Brighton couldn’t breathe easily either as they would travel to the South West and face Torquay who were now the in form side in the league. Eight clubs would fight to the last second of the season and the media would have a field day with the tension to the final Saturday building almost by the hour.

At least the bottom of the table relegation issues had been resolved. Accrington and Grimsby were gone regardless of their final 90 minutes. Mark vowed to call both managers as both would be feeling like crap. For every winner there was always a loser and as Shankly had so neatly said “the first loser is in second placeâ€.

Mark leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling before moving his eyes towards the TV screen. A newsflash scrolled across the screen. Accrington part company with Coleman. Football really was a cruel game. Turning up the volume he could hear Coleman’s voice in a phone interview with Sky. Filled with emotion Coleman had given everything and it hadn’t been enough. Mark stood up and went to shower and change. It was time he went home. Right now he wanted nothing more to do with the game.

[markyt]

Although the team had been given two days off on the Sunday and Monday it was business as usual for the backroom team.

Several players had turned up for physio work after suffering post match reactions but despite bumps and bruises and lumps and even more bumps only one player would miss the last game of the season through injury. Holmes felled by a late tackle would sit the game out and would be out for 4-6 weeks. The majority of players appearing had complained of sore legs and stiffness in the joints. A gentle work out and some pool work at the local swimming pool would see them available for Saturday afternoon.

Monday afternoon and Mark, Wayne Jacobs and Ian Atkins sat around the board room table and discussed the Cheltenham game in terms of team selection. Thoughts, review of the opposition and any tactical changes for the game. In truth once certainty over the fitness of the squad was ascertained there was very little debate. Buchanan would miss out due to suspension for his red card and Holmes due to injury.

Scott Walker was a more than a replacement for Buchanan and was a no debate. The right side of midfield as ever the cause for concern came down to which square peg would fit in the round hole. The players comfortable in that position we either long term injury concerns or simply not fit enough. The choice stood between Matt Somner, Sam Bailey with Somner coming in at right back or holding midfielder Lee Sawyer. WSM were fragile enough at the back without making a change to the back line. They would need a win realistically and the conversation focussed on Somner or Sawyer. In the end youth swung the vote with Sawyer getting the nod although it was a close call. Sawyer would spend the week working with Atkins to ensure he understood fully the role he was being asked to play for the team.

The week’s activities on the training ground were then detailed between the three which would now include an early Saturday morning session before the relatively short trip up the M5 to Cheltenham and a 3pm kick off.

Cheltenham were mid table and defensively sound. Toothless up front meant that their season one of close scoring games and too many 0:0 draws. WSM would need to break that sequence of events and from first whistle look to play their game high up the pitch playing football across the flanks. Mark Kerr and Grant McCann would earn their wages as their ability to add support to the front two crucial to the end result. WSM would need to overwhelm and bully Cheltenham out of the game.

Jacobs and Atkins headed for home just after 5pm and Mark remained in the boardroom spending a couple of hours finalizing decisions about his squad. It was the part of the season he hated most but he had grown use to having the most difficult conversations with upset, distraught youngsters and their equally upset parents. This year at least there would be no major cull from the first team or back up squad. Promotion or remaining in the same division would determine that outcome. Other clubs would come knocking and he would certainly not stand in the way of some of the lesser used players if they wanted to move on. Nobody would rock the boat until the season finale but Mark expected Ian Sharps, Rob Bayley and the scarcely used Alex Rhodes to be among those questioning their long term futures at the club. However Lee Farrell would be the only player to be released on a free transfer. Farrell despite determined efforts would not make the grade but Farrell himself would not be informed of that decision until the season’s activity had been completed. He might yet be needed.

New faces would arrive in good time but again until Saturday 5pm, WSM would remain in the ‘new’ land of limbo....

The under 18’s however were a different story and despite a huge improvement in terms of performance year on year and finally some points on the board after winning games all would be simply released. That afternoon of torture would wait but again after almost 12 months nothing had changed on the under 18 landscape. There was no real quality coming through and the cost of having the squad was currently way above any benefits. Atkins even doubted the quality of the next crop of youngsters that Frank Gregan had been involved in organizing. Time would tell but Mark would wait before crossing swords with Gregan. He had enough to consider at the moment and going into battle right now something he would wimp out from. Future upgrades to the youth development programme couldn’t come quick enough but the facts said it all. Only one under 18 had played for the WSM first team during Mark’s time at the club. That statistic for a club of the stature of WSM was appalling and something dramatic on that front needed to happen.

[markyt]

Training had gone too well and the team penciled in for Cheltenham had simply been firmed up from its embryonic status. There were no late dramas; no last minute drop outs and importantly the starting eleven were as close to fitness as any player in the final game of a long season. Cheltenham away was close enough to being a home fixture and the WSM support traveled on mass ensuring that Whaddon Road was a 7500 sell out. The ground was a 50/50 mixture of the red of the home team and white of WSM not surprising really given the huge turnout from a club less than 60 miles away. The ground was rocking in the minutes before kick off. Cheltenham after the heady days of football in division 1 had returned to life in the lower division and done very little but ensure they were comfortably placed in mid table. For fans looking for an instant return to the high life it had been a season of if’s, buts and maybe’s. Home support had been dwindling as the season came to a slow close but today the ground at capacity showed that many fans in the home supporters end either had a sudden interest in the game or an invasion from the South West had occurred.

Mark Clatenburg the match referee blew sharply on his whistle to signal the start of the game and WSM playing in their yellow 2nd strip began to attack the supposedly home end of the C&G Terrace. From the bench Mark could see that his side had heeded their team talk and applied themselves to a pacy and busy start to the game. Cheltenham struggled to get a hold of the ball whilst WSM stroked it around and looked for an opening on a gloriously sunny Saturday.

Just 2 minutes had been played when Kerr first sliced open the home defence with a drilled pass that rolled into the run of Benyon and with one quick twist the WSM striker turned and unleashed a shot that looked to be going in from the moment of contact. The crowd jumped up in anticipation of a goal only to see a fingertip from the Cheltenham keeper push the ball onto the cross bar and the ball go out out for a corner. The corner an in swinger from Scott Walker saw Sam Bailey again test the keeper but the ball headed dead centre of the goal was a comfortable save. The crowd was by now constantly singing ‘going up going up going up’ and WSM played like they deserved the accolade. Cheltenham a town known for its links to horses were not at the races.....

At the back WSM were untroubled and as every minute progressed looked at ease with the odd ball thrown into their area. A free kick for a nudge from Stewart saw the first real threat on their own goal. The threat turned into a chance and despite complete control WSM were one down from a set piece. The floated free kick saw a clearance from McKeown rattled back into the box from a hopeful shot but the mass of bodies assembled around the penalty box saw the ball ricochet off a leg and wrong footed the WSM keeper who could only watch the ball bypass him and into the unguarded left hand side of the goal. The groan at the goal being conceded would have been heard by people walking along the deserted WSM sea front. If the goal was to cast despondency upon Mark’s side it did not show and within 5 minutes WSM were level. Experience and class showed in the quickly found equalizer and even hard headed ex pros could only purr at the cleverness of the goal. Quick feet from Mark Kerr saw him drift past close marking and at full speed he found Grant McCann. McCann given ample time to turn looked for the right pass and with Benyon, Walker and Newbold screaming for the ball Kerr wandered into the mix completely unmarked. McCann heard the shout and knocked the ball to his feet. Kerr looked up and thumped a half volley into the top right hand corner from 35 yards leaving the home keeper grasping some West Country air. Even as the ball nestled in the bottom of the net Mark was on his feet fingers pointing fingers at his temple. It was time to think and to make sure they didn’t lose focus after clawing their way back into the game.

Despite the noise and frantic goal mouth action Cheltenham saw out the half and as players trooped from the pitch fans began to look at mobile phones for latest scores from around the grounds. Mark and the bench had tried to avoid listening to a running commentary coming from the stands but at 1:1 WSM were in trouble and confirmation that a win would be needed. Mark’s half time chat made sure everyone understood. Forget the chatter from the stands – we need to win nothing has changed from 2.30pm so let’s get the points you deserve. 45 minutes and then you are all on a beach soaking up sun and some well earned rest. No changes were made to the team or tactics for the second half but the players were told ‘if nothing’s happening expect things to happen from 70 minutes’.

WSM were not about to give up something that they had worked hard to achieve but for all their endeavour Cheltenham had settled in for an afternoon of counter attacking football and asked WSM to try to break them down. Prodding and poking around the edges time and time created an opening but Newbold and Benyon the pivot for attack whilst hitting the target couldn’t get past the keeper. Cheltenham’s fans were now responding to the cacophony of away support singing ‘Not going up, you are not going up’ and as news of latest bounced around the terraces WSM began to wobble and what was purposeful football became nervous and pedantic. WSM were running out of ideas and Mark whistled for the cavalry. Bates and Charles were brought on with Sam Bailey and Benyon replaced. WSM moved to three at the back and Charles playing behind the front two. 3-4-1-2 the formation as Mark looked to unsettle a now comfortable and cruising Cheltenham defensive unit. WSM for all of the possession were now wasteful with their final delivery and in tune with their fans became fretful at the day’s outcome. The clock was counting down now and WSM needed a goal.

The final straw for Mark came when Craig McKeown started shooting from 30 yards. He was out on the touchline hurling abuse. ‘Get the ball down and play to the wings....’ A cheer came from the crowd almost as Mark finished his words of abuse. The cheer then erupted all around the ground. Mark turned to Atkins for information who then quickly advised that MK Dons had leveled at Chesterfield and now WSM were back in pole position. Players for both sides started to query the reason for the noise and in that moment WSM lost focus and the game. There was space behind Sawyer and any side with the right inclination could see wide open areas of green turf in front of them. One slide rule pass and WSM were caught ball watching and Northmore was beaten at his near post after being left cruelly exposed. It had taken seconds to dent a season long promotion challenge. No one to blame but the gamble to change tactics had blown up in Mark’s face. WSM at 2:1 down were now heading for the play offs and thoughts of beach holidays delayed for two weeks. Guy Bates had a last chance to make himself a hero but despite finding the net he was ruled to have pushed his marker. Clatenburg was having none of the complaints and Walker earned a yellow card for his protestation. It was all too little too late.

The whistle blew and the game was over.................

Cheltenham – away

1:2

[markyt]

As Mark Clattenburg put his whistle to his lips to signal the end of the game Mark standing on the touchline grimaced and tugged at his designer neck tie and undid the top button of his shirt. Whilst the majority of the crowd would have welcomed a home win there was a muted silence across the sellout crowd. Mark surveyed the scene of chaos with WSM players sat on their haunches, silent and alone in their thoughts of what might have been. A couple of the players lay exhausted flat out on the turf hands covering their faces with their hands. Scott Walker the club captain was closest to Mark from his touchline position and Mark walked across the grass to find him and pulled Walker upto a standing position. Emotion of the day had impacted on Walker as much as anybody but Mark calmly put his arm around him and gave him words of comfort and a message for him to relay to the players.

‘Scott, get them on their feet. The journey isn’t over and I want them to walk around the ground and salute the support we have been given today and all season long. Call it a lap of honour. You all deserve it and this club and the fans will not forget what this team has done. I don’t want anyone to think of what might have been. We have a game in 4 days to prepare for and no time for despondency. We have unfinished business...’

Walker quickly got to work and the team was soon on their feet within a minute or so of the final whistle and with Mark’s message delivered they were on their way to salute their supporters. With the players grouping together close to the centre circle listening to Scott Walker suddenly the away end of the ground broke into a murmur of activity which was followed by a massive cheer. Mark turned his head as a wave of noise seemed to erupt from all around the ground. The players and Mark looked at each other and literally had no idea what was going and why their traveling support were cheering a loss until a message came out across the pa system.

The MK Dons had come from behind and in the dying embers of their must win match against Chesterfield Isaiah McLeod had scored a late winner saving the Dons season and hurling them into a play off battle. The Cheltenham announcer congratulated WSM on achieving promotion and the players from their lowest ebb were dancing and running around in sheer delight. Mark couldn’t believe the turn of events and wanted verification and with modern technology a couple of supporters with mobile phones and Sky Sports access confirmation of their success. Never had a loss been celebrated with such scenes of jubilation. Fans broke from the terraces and players were hoisted on shoulders. Mark was quickly hoisted in the air and carried around the ground like a Roman Emperor. Paul Bliss danced a gig of delight in the dressing room as the players finally appeared and champagne drunk and thrown around in huge quantities.

WSM were promoted in third place and continued the long tradition of non league clubs climbing straight up through the division despite their lack of league history. Chesterfield were a broken side after the loss on that afternoon and would have to face MK Dons again over two legs. Momentum had turned in that story and Chesterfield were thrashed 6:0 in the first leg and with the damage done a one nil win in the return leg irrelevant. The other play off sides Northampton and Torquay was a closer affair but Torquay and the prolific Craig Reid finally won the right to go to the final. The new Wembley staged the play off final over the May Bank Holiday weekend and despite being the underdogs Torquay came through a tight game by the margin of 2:1 making it a double celebration for the South West.

Ian Atkins premonition that both clubs would be promoted 12 months before had come true. What chance the two would fight for that right again after a season long campaign in higher company.....

[markyt]

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | C | Hull | | 46 | 22 | 18 | 6 | 61 | 40 | +21 | 84 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | P | Stockport | | 46 | 22 | 11 | 13 | 60 | 48 | +12 | 77 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | P | Weston-super-Mare | | 46 | 22 | 10 | 14 | 74 | 55 | +19 | 76 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Chesterfield | | 46 | 22 | 10 | 14 | 63 | 51 | +12 | 76 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | P | Torquay | | 46 | 19 | 17 | 10 | 60 | 44 | +16 | 74 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Northampton | | 46 | 20 | 14 | 12 | 59 | 44 | +15 | 74 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | MK Dons | | 46 | 21 | 10 | 15 | 83 | 65 | +18 | 73 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Brighton | | 46 | 21 | 10 | 15 | 65 | 56 | +9 | 73 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Rochdale | | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | 62 | 53 | +9 | 69 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Notts Co | | 46 | 18 | 12 | 16 | 60 | 55 | +5 | 66 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Port Vale | | 46 | 17 | 12 | 17 | 50 | 56 | -6 | 63 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Hereford | | 46 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 60 | 59 | +1 | 62 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Cheltenham | | 46 | 16 | 11 | 19 | 67 | 78 | -11 | 59 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Wycombe | | 46 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 67 | 59 | +8 | 58 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Boston Utd | | 46 | 16 | 10 | 20 | 67 | 74 | -7 | 58 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Macclesfield | | 46 | 16 | 9 | 21 | 59 | 68 | -9 | 57 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 17th | | Peterborough | | 46 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 48 | 63 | -15 | 56 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 18th | | Morecambe | | 46 | 14 | 11 | 21 | 73 | 84 | -11 | 53 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 19th | | Bury | | 46 | 14 | 11 | 21 | 56 | 70 | -14 | 53 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 20th | | Barnet | | 46 | 13 | 12 | 21 | 57 | 69 | -12 | 51 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 21st | | Lincoln | | 46 | 13 | 12 | 21 | 57 | 69 | -12 | 51 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 22nd | | Brentford | | 46 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 50 | 65 | -15 | 50 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 23rd | R | Grimsby | | 46 | 10 | 17 | 19 | 52 | 66 | -14 | 47 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 24th | R | Accrington | | 46 | 9 | 18 | 19 | 59 | 78 | -19 | 45 |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

[markyt]

‘Tales of the unexpected’

Mark and the WSM team arrived home in the late evening of the Saturday night and arrived to a throng of supporters waiting to welcome home their local heroes. It was growing dark but on a warm spring evening the fans had waited patiently for the team coach to return to the ground. The journey home had been a jubilant one and the players relief at creeping over the finish line allowed for a loud and boisterous hour or two.

Over the days afterward WSM had been involved in the stresses and strains of hectic post promotion activity.

Meeting the mayor and an open bus parade around the town culminated the events and by Friday of the following week life returned to something like normality. The players had already gone on holiday with many heading for sunnier climates and they would all be required to return on the 22nd June. Part of the season wind down had seen the players meet for a promotion party which had doubled up as a leaving do for Blake Newbold prior to moving to Wolves on the 1st July. Mark amongst the high spirits and feel good factor had informed the under 18 squad that they would all be released at the end of June. The good, the bad and the ugly side of football demonstrated in less than 7 days.

Several players despite the club’s promotion had sought out advice on their career and queried futures. The faces at Mark’s door had included Ian Sharps, Cherno Samba, Dave Buchanan and recent arrival David Dunn. Sharps outcome being placed on the transfer list, Samba and Buchanan respectively advised that they would feature prominently in their division 1 campaign. Buchanan in particular would give Mark a dilemma. Buchanan had matured over the year and with the WSM coaching staff working him hard he had developed into a ready made replacement for Scott Walker and whilst Walker would remain first choice for the left midfield place Buchanan could well nail the place down as his own in the coming months. Walker now in his late 20’s would still have a huge role to play over the season but could find himself warming the bench. David Dunn after years of injury impacting on his pre season training programme wanted an early start and Mark was happy to agree to the player returning early from holiday. Wayne Jacobs would help Dunn’s chase for fitness.

Mark had a gap of three weeks before he himself would take some holiday. His holiday to Orlando delayed by three weeks due to play off concerns. The time between the last game of the season and his holiday flight gave him a huge opportunity that would not be wasted. Meetings with Bliss and Gregan confirmed the clubs transfer funds and Mark had kicked his player recruitment into top gear almost as soon as the discussions were completed between the three men. The extensive scouting programme had delivered a significant number of targets and with a pot of money that included the sale of Newbold Mark was confident that he could with promotion in the bag ensnare the majority.

Starting with a couple of less high profile signings WSM began to evolve into a team ready for Division 1.

First signing of the summer involved a splash of the cash with Mark securing Leed’s midfielder Kevin McBride for £140k if all of the added extras were included in the tally. Dennis Wise had been sorry to see the player go but McBride hadn’t found his feet at the highest level and Leeds happy to see some cash in return. McBride had been on loan all season at Forest and Mark had been surprised that he hadn’t been signed by them. But with the arrival of Dean Wilkins at Forest the landscape had changed and McBride ready for a new start signed within hours of arriving at the club for a look around. Almost as swiftly a second signing swoop was confirmed. Goalkeeper Scott Murray from Dundee was signed on a free transfer. The Scottish raid surprised everyone especially as Chelsea young keeper James Gilpin had been rumored to be on his way to the South West. Murray’s arrival would mean that either Northmore or Crossley would be moved on. But those decisions would wait until the Summer and Murray condemned to the Dundee reserves for most of the season as surprised as anyone at being moved to the South West and English football.

Once Mark had secured Murray and McBride he began the work on trying to sign his main targets but hamstrung as those that he coveted most were themselves involved in play off battles or that clubs they were signed to needed time to understand the implication of their season’s success or failure. Mark’s main targets would remain out of reach until the end of May and with the certain knowledge that results in those key games could end his player interest even before other club’s expressed any interest. Of those four names would keep him awake in the small hours and they were Brett Pitman at relegated Bournemouth, Caleb Folan at Chesterfield, Izale Mcleod at the MK Dons and Craig Reid at Torquay. Mark needed to replace Newbold and find a partner a long term partner for Benyon and from his scouted players only they would suit his exacting demands.

[markyt]

Patience is a virtue isn’t it?

Mark and scout Guy Wyles were the only two from the playing side of the club to remain regular visitors to the training ground facilities on the outskirts of WSM in those early weeks of post season. The ground had commenced redevelopment work and with the sound of cranes and bulldozers in the background most of the club staff had been rehoused at the training ground in some temporary accommodation.

In the chaos around, Mark’s office was an oasis of tranquility as it had been completely unaffected. Portacabins were strewn around the car park housing the club’s administration team and providing homes for the likes of Chairman Paul Bliss and Director of Football Frank Gregan. Despite the close proximity to Mark’s lair very few needed to enter the training ground facilities and he remained almost oblivious to the coming and goings elsewhere.

With decent weather Mark had found plenty of time amongst his schedule to work out on the lush playing field and frequently found himself joined by members of the newly located admin team. Not many of those that joined him ever dreamed of being a professional footballer but were delighted to utilise the almost empty gym and training ground facilities. Impromptu kick abouts and gentle jogging around the pitch had become almost routine and Mark was more than happy to join in especially as there was very little activity for him to be involved in elsewhere. Longing for a holiday meant that he had very little intention of being pinned to his desk and mixing with the staff lessened the boredom and brightened up the day considerably. The only problem for Mark had been that the fairly male orientated facilities were now being used by a majority of female staff. With the hysteria on the national obesity problems evident in daily news bulletin’s Mark was surprised by the number of staff keen to keep fit and the mixture of staff running around the place made for a happy camp. In the two or three weeks before his holiday there had only been two problems to deal with. One with Mark coming out of the shower scrabbling around for a towel only to find two young female admin assistants getting undressed and the other when he entered the shower room to find Paul Bliss’s pa Emma Forsyth already standing under the water.

Hastily the builders were asked to create his and hers changing and shower areas. In both cases it would have been hard to work out who had been most embarrassed by the scenario but Mark would long remember Emma’s shapely form and perhaps should have averted his eyes just a bit quicker. As he showered after Emma had gone back to work Mark laughed as he washed away his rudest thoughts but Emma’s boyfriend was a very very lucky guy.

At his desk the phone rang and Emma’s voice announced that Bournemouth Manager Kevin Bond was on the phone returning his call. If she had been embarrassed by the recent shower room incident it had quickly been forgotten and in her usual chatty way wanted to know if he would take the call. The answer was a definite yes....

‘Hi Beach, how are you?’ were the first words Mark said. Mark had known Bond for years and Bond himself had lived in Torquay before his Dad had returned to manage Bournemouth and his nickname beach from the obvious ‘Bondi Beach’ had stuck. His dad, John Bond had been one of the real characters in the game managing the likes of Bournemouth, Norwich and Manchester City and his son had followed him around the country before becoming a regular starter at Southampton. He had been a cultured centre half and should have won England caps but strangely despite being comfortable with the ball at his feet he had been overlooked. Life as manager of a club with limited finances had been a struggle but Bond had kept them afloat and competitive in league one until the current season where injuries to key players including their star man Brett Pitman had cruelly affected their ability to win games and they had been relegated well before the end of the season. WSM and Bournemouth would now trade places. After chatting through their latest news conversation turned to the reason for Mark’s initial call.

‘The timing isn’t great mate but I want to know if Pitman is for sale and how much do you want for him. Remember I’m WSM not Chelsea so can you talk real numbers...’

Bond chose his words carefully. ‘I do not want to sell him but know he has a value. I guess if your guy is worth £1.25 million then Pitman will be in that ball park.’ From the silence Bond gathered that Pitman was out of reach for Mark’s budget and the two concluded the conversation shortly afterwards.

Mark leaned back in the chair and bit on his pen. Pitman was untouchable and he would be now crossed off of his target list. Bournemouth wouldn’t take a lower figure that much was certain. As he considered his next action Emma bustled in with tea and biscuits and cheekily wanted to know if he wanted to wash her back after her lunchtime jog. Mark grinned and said that he’d give the opportunity a miss unless she needed her front done of course...

[markyt]

After days of simply waiting for the impact of the play off games results began to shape Mark's transfer plans.

Chesterfield collapsed in spectacular style against the MK Dons and after giving the club some time to recover from the shocking failure Mark made initial calls with regard to player availability. Two players from the club interested Mark and after tense negotiations spread over a period of days final agreement between the clubs was reached. The finer details required Paul Bliss's involvement which then left the player contact to Mark.

He would need to persuade the two targets that WSM was the place to come to progress their careers whilst ensuring that the contracts and personal terms were suitable for all parties.

One week later a chauffer driven limousine from the airport arrived at the training ground. The door opened and Aaron Downes and Caleb Folan leapt out and the two strode over to shake hands with Mark and Paul Bliss. Both players took their time over discussions but finally late on the second day both signed and 2 became 4. The press pack were quickly called to meet the new recruits and it was no suprise that Folan was the centre of attention. The speed of the deal had caught many on the hop and perhaps more suprising was the total cost of the two. Downes a smart addition to the defence costing 70k but Folan had been signed for a mere 250k. Even Mark had been staggered to purchase one of his main targets for a relative bargain fee. Bliss had even managed to stagger payment over 12 months which again was a smart piece of business. Folan triggered a small stampede at the club shop and quickly replaced Newbold as a WSM hero.

On the day of the double swoop Mark was still working at the training ground late into the night. He had secured four signings missing out so far on one major target. He had one week to go before the start of his holiday and he would be limited as to his next move and every minute was now critical hence the burning up of he midnight oil. Oblivious to his surroundings he hadn't heard he opening of his office door and the quiet footsteps behind him.

'What are you upto bossman?'

Mark leapt out of his seat at the question that came from behind him. He turned to the voice but already knew who it belonged. Emma.

Emma waved some hot chinese take away in his direction. Paul said you would work late and probably not eat so I thought I'd look after you.

Mark recovered from his initial shock and managed to find some plates and cuttlery and the two ate Jade Palace's finest take away food.

'Emma, why did you really come here tonight? and don't give me any of that crap about looking after me...'

'Well I guess I wanted to make sure we are ok after our less than brief encounter in the shower and the truth be known I wanted to know if you were going to do anything about it?' Mark was momentarily lost for a quick report before replying 'I'm sorry, what am I supposed to do anything about' before he winked and drank the dregs of his juice. The two chatted easily before Emma indicated it was time she made for home. Mark looked at his watch and offered to give her a lift home. Minutes later she was delivered safely home. As Emma opened the car door and got out she turned to thank the WSM boss and Mark leaned towards the open door. 'Emma, any chance of a coffee?'

[sirdez24]

Three women on the go for Mark now?

[markyt]

Aah well spotted my friend.

A couple of twists coming in from the far left should clear the field quite nicely. Hopefully they keep the story bouncing along and an interesting read for those following from the very start. Still enjoying the writing although tempted to start using FM 2008....

I have approx one years of story still to post so I appreciate your continued support.

[markyt]

Mark woke up in a strange room bathed in bright sunshine. Despite the surroundings he had acted the perfect gentleman the night before and spent the night ‘sleeping’ in Emma’s spare room. Her house a smart executive style three bed roomed affair in the quiet Kewstone area of WSM was neat, tidy and by the looks of it barely lived in, and in the very heart of commuter land to Bristol his Porsche barely looked out of place amongst the mercs and 4x4 BMW’s. After a messy divorce she had taken several years before establishing her new roots and settling for a nice, newish house for a home. Her parents lived closer to the town centre and with no rush for her to move out of the family home she had waited until the moment had been right for her. Boyfriends had come and gone in the mean time but no one had lit the fuse romantically and she had been burned once and now nervous of making the next big leap. The house contents were minimalist and without clutter which probably best summed up Emma herself, uncomplicated, thorough and clear thinking and pretty good to look at....

Coffee had been all that Mark had accepted the night before and he woke completely free of guilt. He had enjoyed the conversation between the two which itself had touched on so many areas of their lives but always remained somehow anchored to their football connections. Emma had an understanding of his day to day footballing pressures and with her finger on the pulse on all things at the club it was nice just to talk without an end game plan. Over coffee Mark had been persuaded to stay in the spare room saving the hassle of driving back across town and to his regular room at the hotel. It also meant that Emma could hitch a lift back to the ground in the morning saving the need for a taxi even if the rumour mongers had a field day. Possibly there was more on offer than the coffee but Mark looking at the happy family photos adorning the walls had the effect of sobering up a drunk instantly. He had enough on his mind without complicating matters even further and Emma razor sharp seemed to understand the route of the problem, Carolyn.

‘Do you miss Carolyn?’ had been a question late into the night.

Mark had been initially stunned by the random but clearly loaded question. Emma laughed as he actually blushed and swigged some coffee as he searched for the answer. ‘I always thought there was something going on between you two, but I wasn’t 100% sure and now I am....’ she giggled as he remained silent.

The subject changed as quickly as it had arrived but Mark was literally lost in thought.

Carolyn had been a major part of his life for such a long time but now if they spoke on a weekly basis then that was probably a fluke.

Immersed in her American dream she had been forced to shift the footballing side of her business over to other members of her team. Her major music client Puff D, or whatever he was calling himself today, had led to a goldmine and she had struck lucky landing several major film and tv stars. Her Britishness had been the key to success and with all of the top stars from the now ending US drama Lost being added to her portfolio she was hectically taking advantage of their star status securing huge contracts with the film studios and tv networks. Mark had watched that series in its early days but 5 years on it had all bypassed him and with the interest span of a gnat he had long stopped watching the show. But huge stars they were now and able to be very selective on their next contract. Carolyn was busy and the two hadn’t been in the same room together since the New Year.

The relationship if that was the correct word was petering out and he was loathe to admit it. Professionally he would irregularly require her services from now on that point was a clear fact. However personally he was struggling without her being a major part of his life regardless of how little it was at present. He had no right to demand more from her not when he had his own family to consider.

Reality had come home to the point where he could no longer have his cake and eat it. Carolyn would probably feel the same and throwing yourself into work would help to avoid such difficult conversations. As he lay in the strange bed he could almost here the voice of Sting rattling through his head ‘If you love somebody set them free.’

The door knocked and Emma entered the room carrying a cup of tea and the morning paper. ‘Sleep well boss? Or did you dream of me all night...’ She was in a good mood and at least Mark could take comfort from that. Emma was a stunning woman perhaps the complete opposite to Carolyn but right now the timing was crap and he had enough on his plate to sort out. Even though he was having an affair the dynamics would be completely different if he and Emma ever got together. That was a big step and if that ever was to happen he would need to have made decisions.

‘Hi gorgeous, no I was awake all night tossing and turning revisiting our shower scene.’

Emma kissed him on the cheek and went off to grab the shower first.

Mark turned the paper over and after reading the sports headlines found the page focussed on transfer speculation. In amongst the detail was a small paragraph given over to Elliot Benyon. Norwich to launch a South West raid and were not being scared off by the £1 million price tag. It was all news to the WSM manager but held very little surprise. Benyon amongst the younger goalscorers in the football league was a certainly creating interest and with Leeds, Plymouth and perhaps now Norwich keeping tabs on him.

Replacing both Newbold and Benyon would be an even worse scenario to deal than even his concerns over Carolyn.

The sooner his holiday arrived the better............

[sirdez24]

Originally posted by markyt:

Still enjoying the writing although tempted to start using FM 2008....

I wouldn't - this is a top, top story and 08 is a bit of a mess at the moment.

[markyt]

Thanks for the positive comments Sirdez24. Sorry to see your story close but good news on the job front! I shall avoid FM08 until the next patch...

Sat at his desk Mark cleared the last of the emails from his inbox. Nothing exciting but it had to be done and he continued to tie up loose ends before his imminent holiday. A rap at the door and as he looked up from the laptop Emma came into the room smiling broadly.

‘Hey you, any sarcastic comments about getting a lift from the boss this morning?’ He asked as she placed a hot cup of tea on the desk.

‘I just told them it was ok I was sleeping with you and you’d kept me up all night you wild wild man….’ before adding seriously that other than a couple of the admin girls wanting to know what was wrong with her car there had been no comment made.

With the tea she presented Mark with a batch of the morning faxes for his perusal. He flicked through them as they chatted but as he spoke his voice trailed away and he lost the thread of the conversation. Emma came over and peered at the fax that had caused Mark to focus so much on an A4 sheet of paper. She had collected the faxes herself and in truth hadn’t really recognized anything of great importance.

Mark looked at Emma and said ‘Girl you are a star’ kissed her firmly on the lips and then quickly he picked up the phone and dialled the number contained on the fax. Emma stunned by the kiss and the sudden change of pace from the WSM manager gave him a wave and then left the room. Mark watched her go as the call connected and admired the view long after the door had been closed. James Collins a central defender at West Ham had become available on a free and WSM probably one of many clubs to receive the broadcast fax advising of the players availability. Despite Icelandic investment the club still had to manage its books and balance wages to a budget. Carlos Tevez alone would strain that budget and Collins after not featuring for the first team for two full seasons was now being moved on. Still only in his late 20’s Mark recognized a gift horse when he saw one and was keen to explore the option.

Surprisingly his was the first call to West Ham and within 24 hours Collins was wandering the ruins of Woodspring Park and getting the full vision of the WSM dream. Collins needed time and to see what the other options were but had been impressed with the friendly approach and personal meeting with Mark and club chairman Paul Bliss. Collins was a current Welsh International and desperate to get away from a stalling career. Mark’s timing of his holidays now affected any further involvement in trying to secure a deal with Collins but as he touched down in the Florida sunshine a text message to his phone saw him punching the air. Collins was on his way to the South West with Bliss completing the deal.

Mark’s flight to Orlando left 24 hours after the division 2 play off final and the result put some players from his target list out of reach and some firmly back into his sights. That would all have to wait but Mark would now step up the pace on his return in three weeks time and look to see if the MK Dons would sell their star man McLeod. Valuations put the man at 500k and that compared to Pitman was real value for money. Torquay were promoted after winning the final and Craig Reid’s value would rocket accordingly. He was a definite no after cracking the winner in the play off final. Robert Pacey another MK Dons player would also be a possibility but at 70k the central defender would perhaps be the easier of the two Dons players to nail down and bring to the West Country.

It was time to relax and recharge those batteries. A time for clear thinking and his booked Florida villa would allow him time and space to do that. He would still be in regular contact with the club but at least he would have some control over when that happened.

[markyt]

Sitting on a sun bed in the back garden of an Orlando villa may not sound particularly like heaven but after the weeks of stress and the attention required to a minutia of detail, Mark reading the latest Bernard Cornwell hardback whilst listening to the new Rick Springfield cd on his Microsoft Zune was pretty close to finding it. It was still early and the rest of the family was still asleep but already despite the hour the air was hot and humid. He sipped from his drink and his mind began to wander back to the real world left 5000 miles behind. Despite promises not to get sucked into the day job he had been in regular contact with both Emma and Paul Bliss. It had become pretty apparent that even despite desperate attempts to avoid doing so there was too much going on and by not making daily efforts to speak to one or the other he could miss out on one of his transfer targets. Signing players prior to his return meant that they would be available for pre season training and that period of time would be critical in bedding players into the squad. Late arrivals would either be short of fitness or need time to adjust to their new team mates. WSM would struggle if they did not hit the ground running and when faced with the might of Crystal Palace, Wolves, Cardiff and hey even home town club Torquay a team that had time to prepare would give him at least a fighting chance to compete at the higher level.

The world of football had changed for ever and even in the relatively short space of 7 years since he had left the professional footballer ranks the process of change had if anything speeded up. Former big clubs despite still having money and a decent crowd base were struggling to compete with the new have’s of football. Clubs falling from grace and sliding down the league’s had no right to an automatic return and with the loss of revenue hampering their plans it was no surprise to see player’s exiting and heading for clubs better placed with either money or higher league status. There were the nouveau rich, Wigan and Middlesbrough who had attracted foreign ownership and the trappings of money and potential had joined into one force. Wigan with a billionaire East European magnate had even pushed Manchester United out of fourth place in the Premier League claiming the last Champions League place. Lower down the leagues Clubs were having to tighten their financial belt and were now forced to shift players simply to reduce wage budgets and either offer them to potential suitors for ridiculously low figures or release them from their contact completely.

Forget an orderly cattle market, post season had turned into the equivalent of a cattle stampede.

Mark’s calls to the club had set into motion a routine to review all players released from contracts or those being offered to WSM on a now daily basis. What had started as a trickle had become a waterfall and Mark had requested that the encyclopaedia that was scout Guy Wyles be called in to do some homework on each player he identified from afar. Wyles had hours to do his stuff or potentially the club would miss out.

Wyles didn’t fail him and the two via email contact crystallised plans. That allowed Emma to begin to invite released players for a trial at the club and in two cases WSM entered the transfer market with Paul Bliss steering the course. The first batch of trail players included Alan Morgan a left back who had been released by Hearts and midfielder Rohan Ricketts’s released by a certain Bryan Robson at Wolves. Both agreed to a two week trial period allowing Mark the ability to watch them closely. Of the cash bids placed one hit and one miss. Alan Quinn at 40k an acquisition from Sheff Utd and the miss Daryl Murphy from Sunderland.

Sunderland had to clear their player books after another disastrous season and Murphy had been offered to all clubs for nothing. He had been too good to miss out on and Norwich had grabbed him and fingers crossed closed the door on their interest in Benyon.

Mark removed his headphones dropped his book and dived into the inviting warm waters and returned to the carefree holiday mood he had been fostering for days.........

[markyt]

By the third week of Mark’s family holiday he had found that he had grown accustomed to doing very little and the holiday had completely relaxed him. He had even stopped the daily email and fax process instead leaving them to every couple of days and clearing them before the excitement of the day truly began. As the day of the return flight closed Mark found himself being dragged around the shopping malls and though initially protesting actually found that the cool almost empty malls were actually quite calming despite his credit card being hammered with designer clobber and the latest must have gadgets.

Every mall had a Starbucks and he would find an English paper read the football news and drink hot tea and just lose an hour or two.

In one mall 20 miles north of Orlando, Starbucks was nestled in the atrium area of the large shopping centre adjoining a mobile phone, TV and broadband service provider. The company held no interest to him other than the fact they had large high definition tv screens showing the content that one could expect from them and at that particular time were showing live football. It was all in Spanish and other than the odd English word he couldn’t understand a word of it. Mark’s wife and little one arrived after another venture into the Old Navy store and found that they had lost the WSM to the TV screen and after a drink went off to the play area.

As the game came to a close Mark had found one of the salesmen and between them found out who was playing in the live ‘soccer’ game.

It turned out to be an under 21 tournament beamed from South America on ESPN and Brazil and Argentina were playing each other in the later rounds. Argentina had the edge in terms of quality and possession but despite having most of the ball, Brazil by the final whistle had triumphed with lightening speed on the counter attack and some very direct football albeit with a high level of technical ability. Although the commentator made no sense Mark understood the repetitive words. ‘Alan’, ‘Welliton’ and one player named ‘Robson’ although according to the graphics that flashed along the screen they were not their full names by some measure.

Mark couldn’t get away from Robson even on holiday as a twist of fate had previously delivered WSM’s first home game of the season to be against the mega rich Wolves and the man he liked least in the game.

At least he could say hello to Blake Newbold.

The game itself had seen Welliton the team’s midfield creator find space at will and deliver the ball perfectly to either of the two willing front men. Alan grabbed a brace and Robson should have added to his single goal but Brazil happily ran out 3:1 winners losing to Uruguay in the final days later. It was time to go back to the holiday villa but Mark’s eyes had been set alight by the action he had just witnessed and the burning desire to get back onto the pitch had returned venomously despite his body happy to be working at s now leisurely pace. He would remember the names of the three players he had just seen but despite knowing that the three would be out of reach it would do little harm to research them and find out just what they were about.

However keen he was on them he couldn’t see Paul Bliss funding a scouting mission to South America although he wouldn't object to going....

[markyt]

After clearing his jet lag after the long and delayed flight Mark returned to his office at Woodspring Park early on the Monday morning of the 22nd June 2009. He quickly caught up with outstanding paperwork and joined Paul Bliss just after 10am for a tour of the ground to review the recent and dramatic development. Despite the size of the project everything had been completed on schedule but due to red tape the new stands would not be fully opened until the first home game in September. The ground opening programme had to follow health and safety regulations and over a period of games the gate could increase from a low point of 2000 to a new capacity of close to 9000 if demand was there of course. With the likes of Crystal Palace, Wolves and Sheff Wednesday in the same division there was a huge chance that at some point the gate could be a sellout especially with the traveling support clubs of that nature could bring. The pitch looked sensational in the warm summer sunshine and under the blue clear skies ready for action. Jim Edwards the head groundsman was delighted with the final outcome and his team was certain that everything had been tried and tested to the full and ready for action.

The club now had five weeks to the season starter at home to Wolves and a series of friendlies would allow everyone the opportunity to make sure things would go smoothly at the start of the season set for the 1st August. After regular sellouts in the season previously it would be interesting to see over the current months just where the average gate would lie but even doubling the 3000 was a huge testament to the achievements and strides made in the last three seasons.

With a smile on his face Mark wandered back into the office area and tracked down Wayne Jacobs. Jacobs had returned early and worked alone with David Dunn. It was Jacob’s responsibility to organise the pre season friendlies and he had not failed the task. With the need to test the ground out all friendlies would be played at home and along with the usual pre season meetings between the local rivals Clevedon and Cardiff City were games against Blackburn, Sheff Weds, Barnsley and another local derby against Bristol City. During their conversation Jacobs updated Mark on Dunn’s progress.

‘He’s definitely getting sharper and he’s close to his lowest weight for several years. But I can’t say he’s ready for games despite the additional work he has put in. Years of missing any form of pre season training have clearly impacted on his ability to really push himself and he has lost a yard of pace form the collection of injuries he has endured.

A spell in the reserves would do him good and a run of games without pressure would be worthwhile and boost his confidence.’

Mark nodded in agreement before replying. ‘Ok, Wayne let’s see how he does over the next four weeks and if that’s the decision then it feels right to me. I think he’s a bit like Roy Keane in his final playing days at Utd. Has a role to play but perhaps not as a driving midfielder with the engine to boot. He can still pass the ball so if we need to open up a tight game or slow a game down he might well be the perfect player.’

Early afternoon and the two arrived at the training ground and welcomed the returning players. All rested and tanned and delighted to be back they soon knuckled down to a fitness session organised by Ed Baronowski which soon had them wishing for a return to the beach. Mark joined in with most of the session until he felt his knee begin to complain. The newly purchased players were still a week away from arriving but the usual faces were added to by triallists Rohan Ricketts and Alan Morgan. They would have two weeks to impress but within a couple of hours were considered part of the group and moaning and groaning with the rest of them. Owen Story remained the only player not to take part in the full session and doubts about his fitness for the season opener were already evident.

Clevedon would be the first fixture set for Wednesday the 1st of July and the players arriving back on the first day of training would be given their opportunity to impress. The new recruits would need time to catch up with their fitness levels before being considered for match action.

It was good to be back and the banter and noise had been missed....

[markyt]

‘Ever Forward’

Chairman Paul Bliss had to pick the hottest day of the year to have an official opening ceremony where the hoy palloy could get a close up look of the new facilities at Woodspring Park. Wearing a suit and tie Mark struggled to keep cool and envied players Scott Walker and Sam Bailey wearing their new WSM strips. Those two had been selected as they were local lads and had been at the club long before the revolution had come to town. They could well remember playing in front of gates of 100 and now with the redevelopment work and personal investment by Bliss they could expect crowds close to 9000. Some change of landscape for even the most fervent of supporters.

In amongst the dignitaries attending the ceremony was the mayoress, local business leaders, the bank manager and club sponsors the local tourist board. The press of course had been invited and all types of media were represented on that last hot Friday in June. After the various photo calls Mark and the players themselves became the centre of attention.

Walker and Bailey stroked the ball around the lush grass and later provided the perfect picture opportunity. To their obvious pleasure they then were asked to stand next to several scantily dressed young ladies who included in their number the current Miss Weston-Super-Mare. The final shots that appeared on the front of the local paper showed all of them wearing the pristine new design of home strip and emblazoned with the tourist board slogan with the backdrop of one of the new stands. Mark’s afternoon was completed with an interview with BBC Spotlight presenter Victoria Graham as he escorted her around the ground. He had actually shaken off the effect that she had on him although he still felt him blushing when she talked to him casually off air. Maybe it was the tightness of the tie...

All made much harder under the hot sunshine although Sam Bailey struck gold literally with the telephone number of Miss WSM.

However he paid twice over in training the following week with the lads giving him serious grief.

After his return from holiday he had seen very little of Emma and with her hand behind the whole event he watched from afar as she organised everything to the very last detail. Her attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly. When the afternoon was concluded Mark caught up with her in the main admin offices. Despite the success of the day she looked completely stressed out. In conversation she told Mark that she had temporarily picked up additional duties whilst covering early maternity leave and clashing holidays. This meant that she had become involved in both season ticket and gate ticket sales. Pressure had been heaped on to her workload with the phased opening of the ground and worsened by the higher than expected demand for tickets. Pre season friendlies had spiked interest and with holidaymakers wanting to watch their own side whilst staying in the area the whole process had mushroomed accordingly and the phone and interent service were struggling to cope. Emma talked about figures and struggling to get to grips with the spiraling numbers involved and whilst Mark could see the opportunity for a pun or two in her choice of words now clearly wasn’t the time to suggest getting to grip with her figure...

Mark made his way back to the pitch alone he caught sight of the newly updated club shield. It had been repositioned at the exit from the players’ tunnel as it accessed the pitch. The words WSM ‘Ever Forward’ the motto of the town. Never a truer word had been said regards the club in its current guise and whilst it would never match the Anfield sign it summed up hope for the future and the strides made in recent seasons.

‘Ever forward’ he mused as he found his way back to his office.

Forwards would now become his no.1 priority as he searched for further additions in that department. It was time to test MK Dons resolve and find out if Izale Mcleod was available at a realistic price. He would need greater strength in depth for the season ahead and in truth wanted four top notch strikers. With Folan and Benyon he was confident in having two but Bates alone wasn’t the answer. Of all of his main targets McLeod remained the only possible option. Stephen Anderson at St Mirren was another possibility but unproven Football league but at 40k he was probably worth a shout. Come Monday he would have made up his own mind on where to next in the transfer market and Bliss, Gregan and himself would need to go into overdrive to bring those desired players to the South West......

[BobBev]

Glad to see this continuing Mark. I'd missed the recent developments but enjoyed my catch-up. Good luck for the coming season

[sherm]

Still an excellent story MarkyT. I love the way you write, and it really keeps the interest up. KUTGW

[markyt]

Thankyou both for your positive feedback. Much appreciated and glad to know you are reading the story as it continues. Makes the writing even more worthwhile!

Mark pushed his chair away from the boardroom table, stood up and stretched.

He had been discussing his transfer rationale with Frank Gregan in the boardroom and getting absolutely nowhere.

Paul Bliss had left those decisions to the two wise men and whilst still involved in the overall process had flown to a bolt hole in Barbados for a deserved three week holiday. Mark walked to the water cooler and poured a glass for himself and as a peace offering poured one for Gregan and Guy Wiles the third person in the room. Wiles winked at Mark as if to say he understood exactly what the WSM boss was thinking.

‘Frank, I have no idea where this is going or why you have such a problem. All I ask is that you start the process and let’s see if we can attract the names discussed today. As long as I am within my wages budget just what is your problem. I can only spend the money available to me and therefore cannot understand why we have in my honest opinion spent an hour debating a non negotiable point. But here we are going round and round in circles and the clock is ticking.’

Frank Gregan reddened in the face before blustering a reply.

‘I am the custodian of this football club and it is my duty to understand your transfer thought process and ensure the decisions you make are appropriate. Why for example are you looking for potentially two centre halves when we have McKeown, Stewart, Evans and Sharps on the books and even at a push Bailey. Upfront you have targeted two guys when we have an abundance of riches in that area. Don’t even get me started on your goalkeeper option.’

Mark saw Wyles grimace as if expecting another period of raised voices. But Mark was in the eye of the storm and actually calmer than he had been for most of the hour long discussion.

‘Frank, the motto of this club is ‘ever forward’ and those players identified will continue our evolution process. We are not looking backwards and yes as difficult as it may be, there are now players at the club that will need to be moved on. However we have consistently struggled with the rigors of a long season and not having strength in depth nearly caught up with our progress last year. You know that and I most certainly do! We need at least two players for every position and I want a first team squad of 24 and with the need to keep a decent reserve squad then you can push the total squad to the mid 30 mark. We will not break the wage structure and we will keep money in reserve should we have the need to enter the market in January. A squad of 30 or so in this division is probably still on the low side especially if you have injuries along the road.’

Frank looked to add fuel to the fire but realised the brick wall had been built and he would now need to deliver Mark’s demands where possible or face the flack if things went wrong. With the argument won Mark kicked a man when he was at his most compliant.

‘Frank, we have a real problem with the new crop of youngsters. After spending decent money on the whole youth programme revamp, this year Wayne Jacob’s suggests only one has a prospect of making the grade. I’m sorry but that isn’t acceptable and another reason why I have to trawl the market so readily. Too early to say but I doubt even that one prospect will come through certainly not to threaten the first team. Do you want me to pick up that baton or stick my nose in?’

Gregan said a few words but in truth he must have known to that there was a problem and quickly retreated quickly from a sticky wicket.

WSM weren’t alone with the lack of success at the under 18 level. Despite their rapid rise to league football the shadows of the ‘big’ clubs ensnared the best targets long before the likes of WSM came calling. Gregan’s work even if the full potential was realised would take years to come to any fruition and right now WSM couldn’t wait. More to the point Mark couldn’t wait....

Gregan had his list and they now pushed him towards securing five players. There were other options but Mark wouldn’t even debate them until every avenue had been investigated on the famous five. James Gilpin a young keeper likely to be released by Chelsea and available for free, centre halves Robert Pacey and Aaron Downes at around the 100k mark each and two strikers Izale McLeod and Stephen Anderson. Anderson was the right side of 50k but McLeod was in a completely different stratosphere. WSM would have to break their transfer record and pay in excess of 500k. No wonder Gregan was nervous but at least there appeared to be no other interest in the five. At least none that was broadcast. WSM had money to spend and by specifically targeting teams and players suffering from the hangover of promotion failure a real chance to persuade some to start a fire sale.

Mark would have to be patient as July arrived. The desire to get the right people into the club before the countdown to the season started in earnest. Players would need time to bed into new teams. Every hour would count and Gregan would need every minute of every hour...

[markyt]

Back in the saddle again!!!

An evening game launched the start of the new season 2009/10 and Clevedon the team many supporters classed as the ‘local rivals’ were the invited party to witness the opening of the all new Woodspring Park. The crowd was limited to just 2200 for the game but despite the opposition provided a sellout. However based on the previous year this was well short of the potential crowd that could have attended if the ground had been fully opened. Curiosity may have killed the cat but he wanted to look at the new stands first.....

Positive news quickly from the H&S officer that due to the well oiled WSM machine and of course the timely completion of the building work the next home gate could rise from 2200 to 5500. From there it could move in the matter of weeks to be fully open and allow for 9000 all told. Blackburn visitors to the South West just days later would see a record crowd for WSM if the numbers came anywhere close to sell out and the 5500 tickets on sale.

The day had begun as he welcomed the new signings and although quickly down to training none would feature against Clevedon.

Mark spoke to them all individually and for the afternoon training session were under the coaching wing of the clubs fitness coach Ed Baronowski. The new faces, James Collins, Kevin McBride, Scott Murray, Aaron Downes, Alan Quinn and finally Caleb Folan were given a great welcome by fans and players equally and after the local press photo shoot they were soon working hard in the Summer sunshine. Each looked fit and tanned but were one week behind the squad in terms of pre season work. Baronowski was confident they would feature in at least three of the pre season friendlies although Mark was hoping that he would have four games to bed the new recruits into his team and Baronowski was warned accordingly of his desire to do so.

The game itself kicked off with late evening sun shadowing the main stand and it mixed with the brilliant glare of the new floodlights. WSM had played Clevedon annually since the year dot but in Mark’s time the margin between the two clubs in terms of quality had grown wider than the Bristol Channel. Just 12 months earlier WSM had thumped 6 goals past the ‘seasiders’ and the home support many of whom actually lived in the close seaside town, expected much more of the same. The new signings were introduced to the crowd with Folan receiving the warmest welcome and then 15 minutes later the action began.

Mark resumed his place on the home bench and although the starting eleven would be far from the side he expected he had the usual excitement and anticipation as at any point in his management or playing career. Forget the rubbish that followed the game and all of the mundane parts of the job but the minute you crossed the white line the world was a better place. Mark keen to use the Clevedon game as just an extended training session would limit players to 45 minutes with a complete change over at half time and despite a strong team going onto the pitch at the start he had equal confidence in the team that would feature from the 46 minute mark. For regular visitors to WSM games they would recognise the names that started from the first whistle were most of those that featured prominently in the division two season with keeper Brains, Bailey, Wilce, McKeown and Stewart in defence. In midfield Kerr, Walker, McCann and Charles featured with Bates and Benyon leading from the front. Despite the post season lay off normal business resumed from the off. Walker free from injury weaved his magic, bamboozled his young marker and after hitting the by-line curled a ball and found the head of Bates. Bates caught it perfectly and the ball nestled into the net with one minute on the clock. The roar of the crowd even brought a smile to the face of the experienced ex-Chelsea man and with the fans cheering on the home team 45 minutes of lovely football entertained the ‘sellout’ crowd. WSM should have been far out of sight at half time but Clevedon clung in and kept the game tight. WSM perhaps suffering from their summer layoff could only add two more goals to the score and were guilty of either overplaying or over hitting the final pass. Elliot Benyon and McCann opened their season properly with McCann lashing in a trade mark 30 yarder and Benyon racing onto a Charles pass and lifting the ball over the advancing keeper. At half time a decent evening’s work. What was to follow showed why football was such an interesting and at times infuriating.

The second half team included two triallists Alan Morgan at left back and Rohan Rickett’s up front.

The team featured Northmore in goal, Morgan, Somner, Sharps and McMenamin in defence. Midfield featured Buchanan, Dunn, Sawyer, Holmes and finally a front two of Samba and Rickett’s. Clevedon whilst never in the game simply frustrated WSM and kept the scoreline to the half time 3:0. Morgan impressed in amongst a very luke warm second half showing and Mark despite the lack of any real outcome from an ultimately meaningless game shouted himself hoarse. Morgan and Sawyer the only two to emerge with positive words as the second half team trooped in the changing room. Work on the training ground would follow sure as night was day and WSM would work hard to clear their system of the second half crap. From the game other than a decent run out for 22 players the only other positive was the 45 minute performance from Morgan. Morgan would now start against Blackburn and it would be interesting how he would fare against tougher opposition. He was a hit with the rest of the squad and with the ability to play anywhere on the left in defence or midfield he had the flexibility to match his talent. He had ticked enough boxes with Wayne Jacobs and Ian Atkins to earn a contract.

Mark had a week to agree with his backroom team during Morgan's trial period and then ‘persuade’ Gregan to rubber stamp the signing of a third left back.

Clevedon - home

3:0

[markyt]

The banter and general fun on the training ground disappeared pretty quickly following the Clevedon match.

Training on Thursday and Friday prior to WSM’s next pre season friendly was serious graft and under baking hot sunshine both old and new faces toiled but there was no complaint. The holidays were over and they were professional footballers and all had witnessed a poor second half showing that could not and would not be repeated. In front of them all stood the opportunity of instant redemption with a game against Premier League side Blackburn. Blackburn had finished 7th in the league and were under the guidance of one of Mark’s ex Chelsea colleagues Mark Hughes. Hughes had probably been the final piece in the blues jigsaw puzzle and his experience had ensured that finally the ghosts of Chelsea past were forgotten. Hughes was a winner and it rubbed off on all of those around him. Mark along with the likes of Wise, Peacock and Clarke began to win things and not just friends…..

Blackburn’s arrival brought only one concern for Mark.

The game was not itself about winning or losing but meeting the man who had ended his career and eroded his world cup dreams. It was the first time they would have met. ‘Savage by name savage by nature’ is how the press had described the nasty late tackle in their banner headlines. Much water had passed under that bridge but working hard on the training ground with the WSM squad all around him the almost constant nagging in his knee a vivid reminder of that life changing afternoon all but 7 years earlier. Mark pushed himself hard, probably too hard but the players around him with their own pride to rescue worked equally as hard. Redemption ultimately 90 minutes away.

Mark left the players to their warm down and despite pain hobbled to his car and onto his office at Woodspring Park. There he could soak in his own private bathroom and hide his pain from those closest too him. As he soaked in the bath the pain eased and finally dissipated somewhat. 30 minutes later whilst not pain free at least he could move without wincing and the limp was less noticeable as he walked. He eased himself into his chair and a few calls later had tracked Frank Gregan down. He wanted to know how transfer progress was going and he was not in the mood for idle gossip and would take no prisoners in his brief conversation. The update delivered very little news and Gregan was left with little opportunity to offer any kind of defence for his tardiness. Mark wanted movement and quickly and Gregan would spend the next two hours punching the phone and hustling people to ensure at least the next time the two spoke he had some answers.

Emma with an office next door to Gregan had heard the outcome of Mark’s conversation with Gregan slamming draws and the desk and laughed to herself as she thought of Gregan withering on the vine after the torrential downpour from the WSM boss earlier. She made a tea and took it along to Mark and as she entered the stifling aroma of ralgex almost floored her. ‘I come in piece’ she said as she entered and then held her nose in amusement as the smell hit her nostrils. Mark laughed at her interaction but the burning sensation from the ralgex he had put on his knee brought his fun to a rapid end. He hated the stuff but believed in no pain no gain. Through the pain he finalised his team for Saturday afternoon.

[markyt]

Mark applauded enthusiastically as the 5437 fans stood to a man or woman and cheered both sides for providing a fantastic game of football.

Mark quickly found old friend Hughes and the two shook hands and together they walked up the tunnel deep in conversation.

For the record crowd the game had been entertainment from the very first whistle. The old footballing cliché of the game being of two halves had been delivered perfectly. Although the final score provided a victory for the Premier League side in reality they were made to fight hard and the win by an odd goal was just about deserved. Mark had shuffled the pack to ensure that his pre season strategy of two different sides for each 45 minutes of football was continued but also he wanted evidence that there was no real preference shown to any eleven that featured together on the pitch. Creating real competition for places was the driver and whilst still unable to play the ‘new faces’ the 22 players on show all had a fighting chance to prove their first eleven credentials. Mark Hughes side were worth star billing with a mixture of International quality players and local youngsters which were carved in the same granite rock as their boss.

WSM had a slight advantage if any on that sunny afternoon as the game kicked off and this due in part to Blackburn having their first run out of the pre season whilst WSM in the second game had been offered redemption from their poor overall performance against local rivals Clevedon.

The crowd 70 short of the maximum capacity had basked in glorious sunshine and by kick off many had stripped to bare skin and would pay the price for their bravado next day with serious sun burn. WSM opted to kick off and with neat passing and a quick tempo they took control and in the opening minutes Blackburn huffed and puffed chasing nothing but shadows. Scott Walker captain for the first half led from the front and on two minutes his endeavours on the left wing prised open the Blackburn defence and an opening goal. Mark Kerr collected the ball deep in WSM territory and spotting the run of Walker drilled the ball out to the left. Walker tapped the ball with the inside of his left foot and without breaking stride smacked a cross into the near post. Guy Bates gamble paid off and his glancing header flicked the ball over the keeper and in to the net. Bates partnered by Samba were a frequent menace and it was no surprise to see a second goal follow just 10 minutes later when another Walker cross was allowed to bounce by an infamiliar Blackburn defensive unit and Samba profited. Samba with his back to goal turned and lashed home an unstoppable shot. The home fans were in raptures and bayed for more but as the half progressed Blackburn began to play their own style of football and changed the pattern of the game.

For most of the first half Mark spent most of the time talking to his opposite number but as Blackburn fell two behind Hughes began to lay into his squad and the conversation between the two less involved although they still continued to chat despite the situation. Pure power and pace saw Jason Roberts race past a static Steve Evans to score with a diving header supplied from a Bentley cross and the speed of break saw WSM’s lead reduced. The game reached half time fairly balanced but Blackburn were now growing in confidence.

2:1 at half time and both managers made swathing changes, Hughes’ side in David Coleman terms ‘opened their legs and then showed everyone their class.’

WSM toiled under constant threat of a dangerous Blackburn side and under the heat of the oppressive pure blue skies they had no answer to the superior football being played. Robbie Savage ran the midfield in the second half and his ability to snuff out any threat pushed WSM backwards. Lee Sawyer matched the Blackburn man stride for stride but was purely a slave to the master. Savage had lost a yard or two of pace since his heyday but he could still run a midfield and when needed happy to play the role of enforcer and give away a free kick to provide cover in any poor defending. Savage managed to annoy the crowd almost with every flick of his hair and every time he had the ball at his feet the boos echoed around the stadium. Mark at times would have been more than happy to join them...

Jason Roberts rode the crest of a wave and grabbed two more well taken goals during the second half as Blackburn ran out winners. Each goal delivered from a Bentley cross as Wilce struggled to keep his marker quiet. Alan Morgan had shown again that he was a much better defender.

Mark cheekily asked Hughes how much he wanted for the marksman. Hughes simply said ‘ You cannot afford him mate’.

He would have been right. Roberts wages alone enough to sink Northern Rock....

In boxing terms Blackburn edged the bout in points but WSM over 90 minutes had shown enough to send the crowd home with belief that they would compete in the higher division. Mark was delighted with the showing and made sure the players knew it. Life would get better as the ‘new faces’ brought in to add quality to his side would now start to feature in the pre season programme.

Blackburn – home

2:3

[markyt]

Monday 6th July found Mark at his desk. He had arrived early and cleared his desk from the mountain of snail mail that had collected in less than a week. He was due to attend a meeting with Frank Gregan at 10am for a latest news update on his nominated transfer targets and wanted to make sure that as soon as that meeting was over he could make his way speedily to the training ground. Gregan promised movement on the new player front and Mark for once was actually looking forward to their get together. Gregan had to have progressed one way or another and with the pressure to sign players early enough to impact on their pre season training programme now was the time for Gregan to earn his wages or face the wrath.

Clearing through the mail on his desk he discovered a package delivered by scout Guy Wyles. The package contained a series of notes backed up by computer searches on his Brazilian three and in a couple of weeks Wyles had dredged up some footage of the three players on DVD for Mark to view. The footage made his mouth water with the pure talent on show. Mark had identified the ‘three amigos’ whilst on his Summer holidays and in his office Wyles was adding fuel to the fire that the three were of the highest quality. Mark went through each of the players in detail but his initial skirmish and summary had shown him that none would yet be given a work permit. Wyles had clearly gone to town on his report and he too had seen the three as potential stars at the very highest level. Of the three Alan appeared to be the obvious immediate fit. Alan was quick with the feet to match, robust in the challenge and the attributes to make a centre forward in the English game. Mark’s chin hit the floor when quoted the price by Wyles as the young star was given a transfer fee of just 250k

The price showed why many managers had gone from just buying UK based players and in Marks case when you compare the likes of Brett Pitman for over £1 million versus a potential global star at 250k. The big question for Mark was when would Alan be available to the European market? The answer was contained within Wyles notes ‘Alan needs a couple more international games at under 21 level and then he should get a permit in the UK without problem. The price will go up accordingly but even then I can’t see it being more than 400k. He wants to fly the nest so Europe is certainly on his map and contract length and wages will both be realistic requests when he leaves for pastures new.’

Mark leaned back in his chair and whilst Alan was not one for this year but in less than 12 months the scenario would have changed dramatically. The other two players were equally as interesting to Mark’s long term ambitions but the value climbed dramatically to. Robson coming in at a mere £1 million and Welliton in at just over £2 million both way out of WSM reach.

Those figures and prices were for the Premier League teams but all three players were now on Mark’s radar and if the money was ever available then he would return to South America. Already he imagined a side built around three fantastic quick flair players dragging punters through the turnstiles. But for now the Alan story was a different matter and really interested the WSM boss.

He would get Wyles to monitor that particular scenario with the view to looking again into the player availability once the work permit issue had resolved itself. There wasn’t much similarity between Brazil and WSM apart from the beach but Mark could already see Alan spearheading an attack with the likes of Walker and Story supplying the ammunition.

The phone rang breaking his concentration and after picking up the handset Mark heard Emma’s voice letting him now Frank Gregan was waiting for him in the boardroom and did he want a fresh tea. Back to the real world and thoughts of the boys from Brazil were pushed to the back of his mind as he would find out if his transfer targets were a possibility.