Strictly No Dancing?

[markyt]

Thomas finds the new ‘Sutton and Shearer’ announced the red top Sunday papers following the Saturday afternoon away fixture at Brentford.

Mark had been forced to make a change following a training ground injury to right sided midfielder Holmes but at the same delighted to at long last welcome back Owen Story. Story a bargain basement signing from Nuneaton early into Mark’s arrival at WSM had made the right sided berth his own and in the play off battle from the previous season had even provided superb cover for the injured Walker wide on the left. Story was every bit the player that Mark so craved for his midfield foursome. Story had a footballer’s brain and after two seasons of coaching fully understood the ‘team’ role he was required to deliver whilst playing in the ‘lucky number 7’ shirt.

An uncomplicated player with a turn of pace and the ability to get past the last man and deliver a cross that begged to be attacked it was no wonder that Mark was pleased to see the man return to playing contention. Holmes had been the latest player to ‘fill in’ for Story and whilst Mark would have preferred ‘status quo’ after recent team performances including a fit again Story was some compromise....

Brentford were one of the mid table clubs nestled alongside WSM. Close enough to the top 5 clubs and with a long road ahead conscious that a couple of wins would move them rapidly up the table. WSM positioned at 14th one of the clubs harboring thoughts of a promotion challenge and looking for that elusive run of form that would propel them to the top of the pile. With seven positions including the play off spots providing a route to promotion nothing would be shaped until January and with so much to play for it was no wonder that so many clubs fancied a their chance. Make that 7 from 18 or 19 clubs.....

WSM never allowed the home side to settle and after claiming two goals in a 20 minute first half spell Mark’s side always had full control of the game and effectively ran out comfortable winners. McCann who had returned home to his former side received boos from the decent sized crowd when he emerged in the white strip of WSM but as he claimed the mom award finished the game with a standing ovation. The only thing missing from his all round play an elusive goal. However the post would long remember his best effort from the edge of the penalty area.....

WSM hit the ground running from the opening whistle and as the game entered the first quarter mark Brentford were in trouble and apart from the odd counter attack forced into a permanent rear guard action. Kerr and McCann were running the show, pulling the strings and their accuracy of passing allowed Walker and Story opportunity after opportunity to deliver the ball into the box after being set free by the perfect pass.

With the warning signs being obvious for all to see including the Brentford bench, WSM opened the scoring and never looked back.

18 minutes and Kerr robbed a Brentford player just inside the WSM half, fed McCann who first time played the ball to Owen Story. Story at walking pace collected the ball on the half way line and after checking on the movement of the front two arrowed a ball towards the left hand corner flag. Benyon reacted quickest and despite the pace on the ball managed to head the ball down and keep it moving in the direction of his run. The Brentford keeper had seen the danger early and came out to collect the ball. Benyon’s first deft touch took him out of the game and despite bodies throwing themselves at the line Benyon had the simple chance of ramming the ball home into an empty an unguarded net. The keeper took full responsibility as his error had clearly been the cause of the goal.

10 minutes later and the game was as good as over.

Kerr picked the ball up from McKeown and looked to catch Brentford on the break. Two passes later and Newbold was celebrating a second WSM goal. Kerr saw a gap and quickly got the ball forwards to the dangerous McCann. McCann burst forward and ran 30 yards and after not being closed down simply steered the ball towards the penalty box. Newbold did the rest. Collecting the ball and a cheeky Zindane step over took him past the last defender and from 12 yards he blasted venomously past the Brentford keeper.

Clinical, powerful and effective were just three of the words used to describe WSM’s first half performance. Brentford had been carved apart by two marvelous craftsmen and with razor like teeth on the end of their attack Newbold and Benyon had delivered the goals.

The second half saw Brentford try to change tactics and look to get something from the game. Tactics and players were changed but all to no avail. WSM were not to be denied. The scoreline should have looked increasingly bleak for the ‘bees’ but despite the regularity of chances created the scoreline remained stuck at two. McCann who seemed to be everywhere even hit a shot from the halfway line and with the keeper racing to get back saw the ball smack the upright.

Forget Sutton and Shearer it’s the B&N show... and the papers extolled the virtues of a side that people were beginning to take not of.

WSM were upto 12th in the league as a result of a good away win.

Brentford – away

2:0

[markyt]

“The one that got away†– Stockport County - home

Mark stared across the lush playing surface as the anger swelled from within. He was absolutely furious and despite the growing anger inside strangely quiet. For him anyway....

After dominating the match for three quarters of the game to go one down in the 75th minute was just too hard to take.

Mark had been forced to change the team after the recent three match unbeaten run.

In defence there was one significant change. Stewart had picked up a knock in training and with Evans suspended experienced ex Stockport man Ian Sharps had stepped into the breach. Midfield changes were forced as Story had felt the post match effects of his last run out and so Holmes came back in on the right hand side of defence.

Opponents Stockport had the team pillaged by Mark and several other league managers at the tail end of the previous season.

Stockport had just missed out after an epic battle in the play offs and with the die cast they had sold the majority of the team and looked to rebuild from almost scratch. Rebuilding was going extremely well and they were hard on the heels of the better fancied promotion tipped clubs. A recent run of 5 straight victories seeming to suggest that they would be in the promotion shout come the sharp end of the season.

Mark’s pre match team talk had focussed on the talents of Adam Le Fondre.

Mark had coveted the Stockport player but no deal had been remotely possible with Le Fondre being priced way above Mark’s budget. The new Stockport team had been built around the talented player. This allowed Le Fondre freedom to roam from his wide left midfield position similar to the role played by Arjen Robben at Chelsea. That several of the players at WSM knew from first hand experience what the Stockport player could do when given space made the goal even more difficult to swallow. Ian Sharps the ex Stockport man in particular had no excuses.

The Stockport goal came from nothing. Ian Sharps hesitancy at the back and over playing of the ball allowed Le Fondre to ghost in, spirit the ball away and with Sharps almost immediately giving up the chase Le Fondre bamboozled Brains before clipping the ball under the diving WSM keeper. One nil to Stockport and they moved to six straight wins. For 70 odd minutes Stockport had been forced to counter attack and with even those chances limited had done nothing to trouble WSM. Brains but for his energetic work out on the edge of the penalty area wouldn’t have broken sweat during the game. Apart from three long range efforts that had whistled past the post he had not been involved in the game.

But for all the cleverness of Le Fondre’s effort and the alarming lack of awareness from Sharps, WSM themselves had been guilty of missing the gilt edge chances that would have seen them more than comfortably win the game. Benyon and Newbold in particular had a day to forget and despite solid performances across the park from the rest of the team the spark of magic seemed to be missing from the ‘seagulls’ play.

The front two were by the time of the goal already sitting on the bench with Bates and Olaoye thrown on to try and break the deadlock.

Olaoye had been prolific in front of goal for the reserves and with Madjo off to Sunderland seemed to grow in stature and confidence as he emerged from the shadow of the larger than life character of Madjo.

Regardless of the changes made, including the introduction of Robert Bayley another ex Stockport man, on for Bailey as Mark chased an equalizer by moving to three at the back and five thrown across the middle, the goal just wouldn’t fall. Even a penalty claim in the dying embers of the game as Olaoye appeared to be pushed when trying to get a header towards goal was denied to WSM.

The ref clearly thought about giving it but the linesman flagged for offside against Holmes. Holmes had strayed just off and would have been in the vision of the Stockport keeper.

As the whistle blew to signal the end of the game applause from the 3000 sell out crowd was somewhat muted. WSM had created 20 chances with 7 on target and controlled 60% of the play and yet collected nothing for their efforts. Mark’s post match reaction to losing the three points perhaps significant as WSM deserved more and got nothing.

‘At least Dick Turpin wore a mask when he robbed people....’

In amongst the doom and gloom in the WSM changing rooms Mark commented to the shattered players that they had shown the watching world that WSM could more than match anything the division could throw at them. WSM were more than a match for Stockport and players needed to remember the taste of defeat today but be aware that they were closing the gap significantly on the best teams in the league.

WSM were moving in the right direction....................

Ian Sharps accepted full responsibility for the Stockport goal and would soon pay a high price.

Stockport – home

0:1

[markyt]

‘Is it safe to look yet?’

Mark walked down the tunnel seconds after the final whistle and just before he entered the home dressing room he heard the voice of the Barnet Manager. ‘Thomas, you are the jammiest git I know, you were lucky and didn’t deserve the three points and I reckon you had your eyes closed for the second half cos you were too scared to watch.’

Mark turned and waited for the Barnet man to catch up with him. Mark offered his cheekiest grin and replied ‘I know, we didn’t deserve the win but we did. Keeps our momentum going but I agree your side deserved a draw at the very least and if I’m being totally up front the win.’

The two shook hands and went off to their side’s changing room.

Barnet were one of the teams comfortably positioned in amongst the promotion chasing group of clubs and if WSM were to really challenge that group a team that WSM now had to beat or risk the gap from mid table to the top seven widening and after the narrow loss to Stockport a must win home game as the final game of September approached. Barnet had made some clever signings and in particular the key addition Paul Dickov. Dickov was a defenders nightmare with his constant harrying, niggling fouls added to the banter of a seasoned pro. Dickov’s game all about make a nuisance of himself and drawing defenders down to his level. Literally in his case. Mark has seen his type of player many times before and actually considered it to be a height challenged problem. Jody Morris and David Speedie both former Chelsea colleagues were renowned for their ‘Dickov’ style moments which seemed to be in response to trying to make up for their lack of height.

Speedie was a Stamford Bridge legend and delivered the goods whereas Morris who had been at Chelsea whilst Mark had been there had never really cut it. The Hammersmith lip had infrequently run into training ground bust ups and suffered the wrath of even Mark himself amongst a long list of others. During games Morris would often find himself in the thick of problems and Mark had lost count of the times he had needed to step into to save Morris from swift retribution.

Mark had long decided to change the back four and with Stewart not quite ready to return Sharps was dropped to be replaced by Steve Evans. Evans was given the full remit of covering Dickov and making sure that he didn’t fall into the seasoned pro’s man trap. Story fully fit returned to the wide right berth. Just two changes to the side after its recent loss and Mark confident that the team could get something from the game. A sellout crowd of 3000 welcomed Barnet to the West Country and from the opening whistle possibly the best game ever witnessed at the WSM ground commenced.

From the opening whistle WSM took control and with their quick, inventive football pushed Barnet backwards and for 45 minutes completely ruled the roost. The Barnet bench were like jack in the boxes emerging from the bench to yell advice to their struggling players. For once Mark although residing in his second home, the touchline area almost calm in amongst the unfolding drama. Words of encouragement and tiny tweaks of tactic were all that were required in those early minutes. Barnet couldn’t cope with the WSM drive and power and with the midfield partnership of Kerr and McCann at the centre of all things it was no wonder that the WSM crowd delight at the excellent performance grew by the minute. WSM tactics were now evolving as the team got to grips with 2nd division life and training ground work now paying off rich rewards. As the clock flashed 15 minutes had passed WSM had already spurned several half chances and a Walker free kick that had hit the back of the net ruled not a goal as that had been pushing in the box.

Benyon and Newbold were on fire and their movement and pace whilst troubling Barnet at the back just allowed the WSM midfield four the room and space to create even more infront of goal. With the almost constant pressure and Barnet unable to change the game flow two quick WSM goals arrived.

27 minutes and a trademark WSM move opened the flood gates. Kerr and McCann tidied up in midfield and as McCann broke forward Story’s run perfect. One simple ball played into the right hand channel and Story was away. Story barely looked across goal before releasing a peach of a cross. It begged to be headed home and after just eluding two Barnet defenders arriving late at the back post was Elliot Benyon who calmly headed the ball goalwards. The ball bounced and went up and over the despairing keeper’s dive. The move had taken seconds and from breaking up an attack to scoring the goal just two passes involved.

On 35 minutes WSM were off into the distance. Walker trickery on the left allowed him time to cross the ball and as it arced towards Newbold and Benyon somehow it eluded everyone in the box and after arriving at the perfect height Owen Story smashed home a full volley from an acute angle. Story ran the length of the half to celebrate his goal before being downed by the whole of the first team.

Story’s excitement clear to see as it was his first goal for WSM...

As the whistle blew to signal the end of the first half Mark knew that WSM should have been further ahead than just the 2 goals and changed his team talk to instill discipline and caution as well as encouragement to his players. Mark knew that Barnet couldn’t play as badly in the second half and had already imagined the wall paper would be pealing off the walls in the away changing rooms. The Barnet manager rightly furious that his team had yet to turn up.

‘Is there a storm coming?’

From the whistle it was obvious that Barnet had a different mindset. Changed formations and tactics along with a change to faces had all been the order of the day. Moving to 4-2-4 Barnet now looked to play a more direct game and open up the space behind the WSM left and right backs. The tactics worked and it was a completely different match. Barnet now exerted control and Kerr and McCann once dominant now forced to defend from the back. The pace of Walker and Story were still a threat but WSM couldn’t get enough of the ball to provide the ammunition to either of their wide men. A goal was coming and despite Mark shouting at the back line to move 10 yards further forward within minutes Dickov had picked up on a knock down and buried the ball past Brains. Mark breathed a sigh of relief as the goal had been chalked off for a foul at the knock down. WSM were defending too deep and this was the cause of their problems. Two minutes after Dickov’s first disallowed attempt he created and scored again. This time there was no whistle to save WSM. A knock down bobbled in the WSM box and Brains unsighted by a mass of bodies beaten by a clinically place shot. Dickov celebrated the goal and urged the Barnet supporters to believe in their team.

2:1 on 68 minutes.

What followed for the remainder of the game can only be described as an epic battle.

WSM were being tossed aside as if they were driftwood on stormy seas. Unable to control procession they were forced to counter attack. Even those attacks had become few and far between. Barnet turned the pressure up ratchet by ratchet. As the whistle finally blew Mark had lost count of the number of times that either the bar or upright had saved his side. At times he had wanted to close his eyes and even go behind a sofa until the nightmare was over. Dickov even had the ball in the net on 81 minutes only for the goal to be disallowed for an earlier foul. Dickov earned a yellow for his verbal attack on the linesman. Mark punched the air at the final whistle and he like the home fans couldn’t quite believe that they had clung onto the three points.

Mark and the backroom team high fived and as the players trooped from the pitch each got a hug from the delighted WSM manager.

The truth though that Barnet had been unlucky and as the Barnet manager suggested ‘Mark was a jammy git.’

The 2nd division table showed encouraging signs for both of the West Country sides. After the weekends games Torquay were now upto 7th but only two points ahead of WSM. WSM now in 9th position and for a back to back promotion side they had clear sight of another challenge....

Barnet – home

2:1

[markyt]

Mark winked at Sue Barker, grinned and after initially being stumped by the picture behind number 12 something had clicked into gear and he said ‘that is a very old picture of England footballer Mark Hateley.’

Mark’s answer secured the win regardless of the captain’s final selection from the picture board. Mark had been invited to join the elite sportsmen at short notice after one of the guests had been involved in a nasty athletic injury involving a javelin. The athlete was fine but an urgent replacement was required and Matt Dawson had suggested Mark.

After completing morning training Mark made his way to the London studios. Early Doors and Mark had become firm friends from Mark’s failed attempt to be involved in Strictly Come Dancing from the summer of 2006. Dawson had finished runner up and but for the failed attempt Mark may have rewritten history by never becoming manager of WSM. Fate had played its part in full.

With Lleyton Hewitt on the other side of Dawson completing the team line up realization that the world was a very small place.

Mark and the tennis professional had bumped into each other whilst on summer holidays in Florida.

Mark and Lleyton had caught up during rehearsals for the show and Hewitt had physically cringed when he saw the introductory footage of Mark running the midfield for both club and country. When Mark had introduced himself months before he had played down his sporting achievements and the clips demonstrated how close to the top of his sport Mark had been.

Mark had been involved in the programme several times before but as a ‘late show’ perhaps enjoyed the day more than usual. No build up just turn up and shoot....

Mark was a natural hit with the studio audience. Confident, cheeky, playing the game with a twinkle in his eye and above all having fun the recording of the programme seemed to fly by.

For once got all of his questions right and added much to the team effort. The team gelled from the off and the banter between the three kept the studio audience and Sue Barker thoroughly amused and even had time to take the michael out of each other during filming. The other team included Captain McCoist, boxer Ricky Hatton and current footballing superstar Wayne Rooney. Filming completed all of the guests joined with the TV crew in a post film wrap party and Mark, Hewitt, Rooney, McCoist and Dawson in particular continued to enjoy each others company. After drinking more than enough Mark made his farewells and was chauffeured across London to his Chelsea flat.

As he was about to leave promises were made to keep in touch and Hewitt and Dawson confirmed that they would come along to watch WSM play in the coming months.

It was close to 8pm on Monday night and mark arrived just in time to watch Leeds take on Blackburn live on Sky.

He was just making himself comfortable when Carolyn Smith phoned his mobile.

‘Hi sweetie, how was filming?’

‘Great fun actually Carolyn; I really enjoyed the show perhaps as I had no advance warning.’

‘I’ve just finished for the day and on my way over to join you. What do you fancy to eat?’

Mark wasn’t particularly hungry but Carolyn persuaded him to go for Thai out of a huge choice on offer and Mark with one eye on the sky game set the table. By the time the food arrived he was actually hungrier than he initially thought and helped to devour the delicious delicacies selected by Carolyn. After the meal they slumped in the large leather sofa talking as they watched the second half of Leeds game. Dennis Wise had long been sent to the stands and Wise’s side was three down with 15 minutes to go. Objecting to one decision too many had earnt him that honour. There was no way back and Leeds were slumping towards the foot of the table and being dragged into the relegation battle. It was still early days in the season but it was obvious from the performance that Leeds were in for a long hard winter.

Talk between the two moved onto Mark himself and the latest rumours circulating the football world. For Mark, the Sunderland link just wouldn’t go away. Madjo had been a hit since arriving and already was the club top scorer but Peter Taylor’s side was still struggling to put wins together and the ‘makems’ were still bottom of the league but had at least closed the gap on the teams above them. The arrival of Madjo to the North East and the fact that Mark had unearthed his talent for next to nothing seemed if anything to send the rumours spiraling further out of control. The fans and board were growing restless and the internet was suggesting that the club needed a ‘bright young thing’ and Mark’s name along with much more high profile managers was now frequently being mentioned. Mark dismissed the rumours as just that but Carolyn suggested that Sunderland would remain interested for some time to come. She also threw in Newcastle, Watford, Wolves, Leeds and QPR.

Mark was taken aback by the mention of Newcastle. Newcastle despite fanatical support were now classed as a mid table premier league side.

The club had sold its major assets and current manager Peter Beardsley had to make do with free signings and the best from the youth development programme. The latest player to vacate the ‘big’ club was Michael Owen who had returned to Spain in the shape of Valencia.

Carolyn’s insider knowledge suggested that this was Beardsley’s last season at the club and unless silverware or Europe was confirmed he might not get another go and there would be limited monies regardless of his success. Of all the clubs mentioned since Mark had launched himself into club football, Newcastle was the first time that a club had really sparked his imagination.

Newcastle was different league despite the supposed monetary issues at St James Park. 52000 fans made the place some club. Leeds were struggling in the Premier League and were no longer the club of old. Mark rubbished the link as lazy journalism. Ken Bates and Mark had a long history and therefore it was a simple deduction. Wise was doing well with limited resources and Mark was convinced that 'small boy' would do more than just survive at the club.

Carolyn watched Mark above the rim of her wine glass. She had seen the spark at the mention of Newcastle. In the world she worked there were several clubs keeping tabs on her client and that was fairly common knowledge. She smiled to herself at the realization that Mark had started to believe that he could manage at the highest level and that it was only the matter of time before he would do so.

The football discussion over the two continued chatting before exploring fully the finer things in life from a horizontal angle.

[markyt]

Mark arrived late to the boardroom on the Tuesday lunchtime finding Chairman Paul Bliss and Director of Football seated and waiting for him.

Bliss greeted Mark warmly and rightly so as the Bliss vision and dream of league football for WSM had been realized and looked likely to stay reality for some time to come. WSM were now in the top half of the table and moving in the right direction with all fronts at WSM looking promising. Ticket sales and close to sell out games were now a regular occurrence; the town had embraced league football life now and the commercial arm of the club continued to do brisk business. Now the team that had been hand crafted over the summer months had began to bear fruit and proved to everyone that they weren’t just in the league to make up the numbers.

The club was now worth 6 times Bliss’s initial investment and with players now having a recognised value even that rough assessment of club value would be on the low side.

The meeting was organised to review the October fixture programme.

However after the previous month’s review meeting which turned into a debacle, whereupon Mark and DOF Gregan rubbed each other up the right way and the meeting quickly descended into a serious row leaving dark clouds forming all around. Part of the reasoning of that spat, Gregan querying why Mark considered that his game forecasts could be justified following the run of losses and sticking his nose in areas of Mark’s domain where it wasn’t welcome. All of the troubles had been resolved and with clear lines of responsibility going forward there would be no repeat of interference or inferred interference.

Time would tell whether Mark and the DOF would ever enjoy working together.

Although Mark probably didn’t ingratiate himself from the minute he opened his month but a day off had left him refreshed and in the mood for fun and maximum damage. Mark reminded everyone that he had predicted three wins and a draw from the 6 September games. He had been extremely accurate with his forecast and it was no wonder he cocky almost arrogant in tone.

Gregan blanched in his chair at the sight and sound of the WSM manager talking confidently about club progress.

For October there was the mere matter of 5 league games three at home and the 2nd round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy to contend with. Mark looked to continue building fortress Woodspring Park and aimed to secure three wins. The two away games looked tough affairs and Mark hoped to get something from the games but recognised that a 9 point haul from 15 would be a fantastic return for the club.

Bliss and Gregan could hardly disagree with the prognosis for the month ahead.

The fixture that already had everyone talking was the away match to local rivals Torquay. Both clubs were nestled in decent positions and would look to come out top dog locally. The fixture was first up for the month and away at Torquay Utd’s ground Plainmoor. Local press would be their in force and Mark had already presumed that he would be facing the delectable Victoria from Spotlight South West. He would worry about that problem nearer the time. In terms of crowd pleasers the game would be the biggest game in the South West for some time and Torquay could rightly expect a decent crowd.

The game itself would be a barometer as to which of the Conference promoted sides had improved most over the summer months.

Player wise barring the long term injury to Lee Sawyer, Mark was able to report a squad close to full fitness and that barring a few niggles he would happily field the same team for the next game.

Central defender Stewart would be disappointed to be on the bench but wouldn’t replace Steve Evans after his mom performance against Barnet. Stewart had played well in his debut but injury had forced him to miss the Barnet game and Evans hadn’t put a foot wrong. A good state of affairs for the WSM boss to consider.

The meeting closed without friction and Mark bounced off to afternoon training and looked to continue the winning streak going.

[markyt]

Mark had actually played on Torquay United’s home ground at a school boy level.

He had played a couple of games for his school team on the hallowed turf when they had gone on a cup run. He had already been identified as a potential talent and shortly after featuring in the cup games he quickly signed up to the Chelsea youth programme before the age of 16.

There were very few people who actually would have known that he played at Plainmoor. Over the months before signing for Chelsea all of the local clubs had expressed an interest. Plymouth, Exeter and of course Torquay had invited him to join training sessions. Torquay had actually offered him a contract but with clubs like Southampton and then finally Chelsea knocking on the door it was no wonder he was advised not to sign for his home town club. To be fair to the Torquay management at the time they would have probably reacted similarly as they had done with Lee Sharpe a few years later. Sharpe had played a dozen of league games for them before signing for Manchester Utd.

As a manager he had taken WSM to Torquay the season before but as he emerged on the touchline to take his place on the sidelines he received a welcome home that he would never forget. He casually waved to all sides of the ground and then specifically waved to the director’s box where all of his family were proudly ensconced. As the game kicked off he found himself sitting next to Jacobs and Atkins on the away team bench. As expected the media interest had been high and under the glare of live TV he had managed to keep his tongue untied as he spoke to the Spotlight anchor Victoria Graham. It took some doing because she really was gorgeous. Team talk and tactics for the game had been completed and with an unchanged side WSM were ready to face a local derby and a capacity crowd of 6104.

On a dry, sunny but chilly October afternoon WSM kicked off and looked to maintain their recent run of form.

Torquay managed by the more famous ‘Ian Atkins’ looked to press ‘home ground’ advantage from the off but Steve Evans and Craig McKeown in the centre of the WSM defence made sure nothing breached the final line of defence. After a few nervous minutes WSM finally battened down the hatches and defended comfortably without ever looking like being troubled. Torquay were renowned for the long ball game under Atkins and happy to hit a direct ball searching for the pace and prowess of their potent strike force.

WSM’s attacking force initially limited to sporadic counter attacking football but with Mark Kerr bossing the midfield it became apparent that for all of Torquay’s early procession deep in the WSM final third it was WSM themselves that looked to have the more effective weapons to earn the win. Every time WSM broke up an attack they seemed o have the movement and pass to break open Torquay with Walker and Story keeping the left and right back’s extremely honest and wary of roaming too far forward.

Newbold and Benyon harried the Torquay central defence barely letting them have seconds on the ball. But despite their nuisance value neither striker managed a goal bound shot worthy of mention in the opening 25 minutes. Brains the WSM keeper was alert and busy, coming off his line sharply he denied any serious attempts on goal during the first half.

A frustrated Torquay Utd were left to long range efforts all of which missed by some distance.

Despite the vastly differing styles of play an equally balanced game with some decent football was on show.

Regular skirmishes into the opposition half followed by resolute defending and a decent chance heading towards the target.

Mark standing on the touchline shouting words of encouragement also acquired the body language of a traffic policeman and directed the tactics with sweeping hand movements making sure the back four held a decent line and pushed up reducing the space between defence and midfield.

The first goal came from nothing.....

McKeown picked up a for once an aimlessly hit Torquay diagonal ball and after easily collecting it turned and made his way up the pitch. After finding nothing on, he simply pumped the ball forwards hoping to get Newbold or Benyon chasing the ball. The Torquay defender should have headed the ball clear but after crucially allowing it to bounce ensured from that moment on that he was in trouble.

Benyon was not going to be beaten over the first 10 yards. Benyon took the ball in his stride and despite the defender breathing down his neck smashed the ball through the legs of the onrushing keeper.

34 minutes played and WSM had the lead and although the goal was hardly the prettiest it still counted.

Mark’s team talk at half time asked for more of the same. No changes to tactics or personnel. Torquay would come out guns’ blazing that was certain but WSM had grown up and evolved.

With the new players in the team WSM had the ability to soak up pressure and with rapier like precision open up a team as if it were a can of beans. WSM were no longer one dimensional and having to play just one way. Mark with Kerr and McCann in the centre had options that managers merely dreamed of.

Despite the expected bluster of the home side Torquay appeared to be under lock and key and it was no surprise that WSM on the counter attack looked likely to add to their goal tally.

Torquay wanted the win but by pressing forward they would certainly create space for WSM to exploit.

Five minutes into the second half and WSM scored another goal completely against the run of play.

McCann heading for mom for his all action display clobbered the man in procession and after Kerr helped the clearing up in midfield, McCann on the move up the field collected Kerr’s neat pass and with one glance he slid the perfect pass wide out onto the left wing demanding that Walker chase the ball. Walkers pace saw him collect the ball just on the edge of the pitch and at pace he began to weave some magic.

The Torquay right back nervous of Walker’s pace backed away conscious to stay goal side but at the same mesmerized by the WSM man’s trickery. As Walker approached the edge of the box he pushed the ball on but never had chance to action the next movement as an awful tackle from the Torquay right back felled him leaving him spread eagled on the hard turf.

It was a borderline decision free kick or penalty as the incident had occurred right on the edge of the penalty box. With Torquay Utd fans and players screaming for a free kick the ref decided after a long consultation to award a penalty. Walker stepped up himself and buried the ball past the Torquay goalie kissing the badge on his shirt as he ran towards the traveling WSM support.

55 minutes had been played and the game looked well and truly over.

Mark rang the changes and introduced three new faces seeming to settle for a 2 nil win.

Ian Atkins had other ideas and moved to 3-5-2 and demanded greater work rate from his team. The remainder of the match was played in the WSM half but again for all of the home club procession not one decent strike on target rained onto the WSM goal. The chorus of boos at the end of the game perhaps best expressed the Torquay Utd point of view.

There was also the fond farewell greeting awarded to Mark himself echoing around the home ground ‘Torquay reject, Torquay reject’.

The final whistle blew and Mark punched the air quite happy to pick up three points on the road regardless of his fondness for the opposition.

WSM clambered over Torquay as they moved up the table reaching the play off places and the heady heights of 7th.

Torquay – away

2:0

[markyt]

No pain no gain..... (for Hotdog)

Mark had spent two long days on the training ground and it was no surprise that his knee nagged with continuous pain. He had been kicking a ball for long periods and whilst each of the sessions were hugely rewarding the pain was now clearly etched across his face at the end of the two day stint. After the win against Torquay Mark was determined to keep the pressure on the team to perform at the highest level and with that momentum and success came a need to enhance the tactics and style of play to ensure further progress. Over recent games he had seen further opportunity to improve team performance and look to further push the club to a higher level.

Scouts were regular visitors to WSM games now and the word would be out that if you stopped Kerr and McCann from operating then you could close down the attacking prowess of Mark’s team.

Mark was now working on using this to his advantage.

As part of his myriad of options he intended to play slightly more direct than his team’s previous incarnations, cutting out any idea’s of slowly building from the back but looking for either a ball out quickly to the wide men or for the midfield pairing of Kerr and McCann to use their range of passing to exploit space behind opposition defence and pick them off at will.

Regardless of numbers placed across midfield in terms of 4 or 5 man midfield Mark was confident that Kerr and McCann were amongst the best passer’s in the division and very able to find space and slip the perfect ball behind a defence for Benyon and Newbold to do the rest. The two nil win against Torquay had shown Mark that his team had evolved to the point where they had much more in the locker than the previous two seasons. WSM whilst always looking to exert pressure and play the game the right way this meant feeding the wide men and then looking to flood the middle. Possession football and decent crosses played in from the wings were the order of the day.

But he now had further options and with two quarterbacks ruling the roost in the centre of WSM’s midfield he would now explore the option of direct, counter attacking with a well honed pacy strike force.

Part of the aim of the two days was to show the team how to get the opposition playing higher up the field, putting pressure on them and then counter attacking and taking full advantage of any huge gaps, using the right ball and asking the pace of the WSM front two to do the rest. The whole package now at the club would ensure that the pace and power, clearly evident and rippling through the side would move forward the moment possession changed hands and WSM were in control of the ball. Putting it simply WSM would effectively overpower weaker sides but when faced with tougher teams look to slice through them as if carving a traditional Sunday roast.

Two solid days on the training ground were worth the pain. He had plan a, b and even c depending on the opposition.

[markyt]

Mark shook the hand of the man of the match for the TV cameras and a jubilant Blake Newbold happy to accept the magnum of champagne that quickly followed. Newbold had polished off a well taken goal and worked his socks off for his team but the fact that the goal was his 50th in WSM colours had perhaps been in the end enough to sway Gary Birtles decision.

Hereford had come to Woodspring Park on an unbeaten run of three games but for 45 minutes had been no where near the races and it had taken two WSM goals to bring the visitors finally into life.

Each of the goals had been clinically taken by the front two of Newbold and Benyon but the creation of the goals something that would burn with pride deep inside the experienced WSM manager.

Two very different goals but each a perfect blueprint drawn straight from the training ground.

A crowd just over 2800 had welcomed two teams both on a decent run of form. Although it was a midweek game in October the weather still allowed for the bravest fans to wear short sleeves with some braver or mad ‘bulls’ fans going for the bare chested look.

From the first whistle WSM were determined to impress their watching fans. Neat crisp passing looking to release the wide men or if nothing on the killer ball for the WSM front pairing. The crowd had barely nestled into their positions before the WSM juggernaut continued its relentless journey.

Brains had started the move after a save on 3 minutes after a poor long range effort on his goal. His quick throw out found Kerr just on the outside of the WSM box. Kerr unmarked moved forward evading the nearest challenger and then released the ball diagonally into the right hand channel looking for the run of Story. Story with time and space collected the ball and with Hereford defenders racing to get into position he simply lofted the ball into the opposition area asking Newbold to conjure up some magic. Newbold leaning on the shoulder of a defender had a lot to do but somehow managed to bring the ball down with his right foot, clip it over the defender and then smash a volley with his left. The ball hit the top corner flicking off the underside of the bar before finally hitting the back of the net. The Hereford Keeper hadn’t touched the ball during the game opening and stood and actually applauded the effort. Newbold raced to the fans kissing his badge and the roar of appreciation grew when the tannoy announced that it had been his 50th goal in club colours.

For the remainder of the half WSM exerted the style of football demanded by their manager. Possession of the ball but with a purpose and movement in front of the ball player trying to create the space for the right pass. Open spaces were being carved all over the pitch and with Hereford chasing longer shadows across the floodlit pitch it was no real surprise that Woodspring Park celebrated a second goal. Walker the creator after McCann and Kerr interplay had provided him the chance to run at the right back. A swivel of the hips and a Newbold dummy run had given him a yard over the right back and a simple dink into the box played Benyon in and Benyon used his pace to chip the keeper and slide the ball into the unguarded net. WSM were two up after 28 minutes and with Hereford struggling to cope an ominous silence covered the away end. The Hereford fans may have been waiting for the hammer to fall but after moving into a two goal lead WSM took their foot off the pedal and coasted to half time.

Despite the scoreline Mark was furious and laid into the players during his half time interval demanding that they up the pace and drive on for the second 45 minutes.

Hereford were equally stirred at half time and after a cagey restart it was Hereford who began to play the better football. Mark was now stood in the touchline area barking out instructions but the early impressive football had gone. Hereford had tightened the space and now beginning to trouble the WSM back four with Brains much the busier of the two keepers. Mark stared skywards as Brains was finally beaten on 62 minutes. A corner kick hadn’t been cleared and it was no surprise to see a goal bound effort ricochet past the WSM keeper. Mark yelled at the bench to get three changes ready. After going into the 2 goal lead Mark was determined to keep the 3 points.

Within minutes of the Hereford goal mark had thrown on Kirk and Charles into midfield and added a 5th to the defence. Stewart replacing striker Benyon as Mark moved to 4-5-1. Mark hated the tactical change and saw it as a weakness but recognised that he wouldn’t care less in the cold light of morning if WSM hung onto the three points. The change sparkled WSM into greater creativity despite the loss of a striking option. Newbold worked tirelessly upfront ploughing a lonely furrow and despite the lack of numbers should have stretched the WSM lead to a more comforting scoreline.

The whistle blew and Mark apologised to Herefords manager Graham Turner for killing the game so early into the second half. Turner shrugged and said he would have done the same but added that WSM’s first 45 minutes had been superb and the best team he had come up against so far in the season.

Nice words but the victory left a bitter taste in the mouth and after presenting the mom to Newbold mark stormed into the home dressing room and sent a broadside to the team about their overall performance.

Hereford – home

2:1

[markyt]

Calm before a storm – don’t you believe it.....

Mark slammed the door to the away dressing room. He was the last one to enter and with all of the team and backroom staff already regrouped Mark had tried very hard to calm himself before joining them. Despite his best efforts and a period of deep breathing as he tried to dam the fury it was all to no avail. He had spent the majority of the second half berating the team, losing his voice as he shouted words of encouragement and despite changes of tactic and the introduction of three substitutes nothing had improved the WSM situation.

The players were clearly expecting the worse and as he entered the room and slammed the door behind him, the silence that followed said it all. His half time rant had been priceless and he had probably expelled every swear word in the dictionary in a 10 minute outpouring. The reason for the anger the loss of a two goal lead made worse by WSM dominating for the majority of the first 45 minutes. ‘What the f... do you think you are playing at? What did I preach before the f.....g game? If you can’t f.....g understand what I’m asking of you, f.....g say so you a..h.les’ probably the best summary of his half time team talk.

But despite the WSM manager’s pure disgust at the performance and the end result as he looked at the silenced players he changed tact immediately. Another verbal drubbing would achieve nothing and history had told him from his playing career that the Souness approach didn’t always achieve the best result.

‘Look at me lads! Let’s put the result down to a bad day at the office and look to redeem ourselves next week. I know the result hurt and I can see it etched on your faces. There is only one way to forget this game. Win our next match and wash this one out of the system. Keep your chins up and go get showered. The chairman’s wallets going to open and fish and chips all round on the way home.’

Mark looked at the players and saw a few grins emerge. They had clearly expected the torrent to continue and were relieved that the storm had evaporated. It had no where near subsided but after watching the subdued squad there was no point in hammering home a point for the sake of it. They had lost, the unbeaten run gone but each player knew that they had to work hard to get back to the high standards that they had set. Worrying for Mark that after climbing the table WSm were wobbling. Hereford and now Boston.

Despite the wet weather the game had started brightly for WSM.

Boston were the wrong end of the table and scratching for points. That they were meeting one of the form teams in the league more cause for Boston added agitation for the Boston supporters. From the first whistle WSM continued their run of form and dominated from the off.

Boston chased shadows as the midfield unit took a complete stranglehold of the game and the front two of Benyon and Newbold plied their trade. Despite the damp surface, slick passing stretched Boston and with the tone set WSM created chance after chance. But for inspired keeping WSM would have been out of sight after just 10 minutes. Benyon, Walker and Newbold all saw goal bound efforts saved but with the number of chances being created it was only the matter of time before WSM opened the scoring.

18 minutes and Gillan at left back collected a Brains throw and as he made progress down the left side of the pitch played a delightful pass to Walker and then himself overlapped the left sided midfielder with a run that left his marker in his wake. Walker saw the run and found Gillan with a channel ball. The Boston right back closed the space but Gillan instead of crossing pulled the ball back to Walker just to his right and Walker slid the perfect ball into the feet of Benyon. Benyon was in the clear and never going to miss. As the Boston keeper raced from his line, Benyon smashed the ball under his body and the ball nestled in the bottom of the net. The neat ‘Bermuda triangle’ of football was not lost on the WSM traveling support. 18 minutes later McCann smashed a second goal direct from a free kick. Benyon making a pest of himself fouled on the edge of the D and with Walker the expected taker behind the ball, McCann stepped up and curled a shot up and over the wall and into the bottom left hand corner. A late dive from the keeper clear that he had been unsighted by movement in the wall. With WSM two up the home support became restless and demanded that their team show some improvement. With WSM dominating the game many of the Boston faithful expected a severe drubbing at the hands of Mark’s team.

Almost without rhyme or reason Boston found a way back into the game. Evans tidied up a Boston attack giving away a corner. The resulting corner looked to be nothing to worry about until McKeown set a size 10 at the ball and blasted it past the startled Brains. McKeown sank to his knees and was the only person who had any idea what he had been trying to achieve. Although Mark actually doubted that even McKeown would know. WSM crumbled and from a position of total dominance and control for 37 minutes of the half found themselves under a Boston onslaught from which they reeled, staggered and eventually fell.

With the referee looking at his watch Boston threw caution to the wind and went forward en masse for another corner. A wicked delivery found a Boston head and flew into the top corner of the net. Brains had come confidently for the ball but caught in traffic had come nowhere near the flight and paid the ultimate price.

7 minutes of bedlam had seen WSM back to all square. It was no wonder that Mark flew into the dressing room in a towering rage.

The second half again dominated by WSM. Mark had been forced to sub Benyon who had a slight knock and Guy Bates entered the fray. Bates was champing at the bit for a start and WSM lost nothing in the substitution. Not that it made any difference. WSM flung themselves forward searching the third goal and got caught out by a speedy Boston counter attack. Sam Bailey drove forward from his right back position and lost the ball. The space he had left behind him an inviting option that allowed Boston to close on the WSM box. Two incisive passes later left Brains picking the ball out of the net. McKeown again at fault for losing his marker and McKeown was on his way to earn 4 out of 10 from the staticians for his performance.

Mark for the final 20 minutes moved Bailey into midfield, swapped Kerr for Kirk and Buchanan on for Owen Story. Nothing worked and although WSM continued to look menacing until the final whistle there was to be no leveler and WSM would travel back to the South West empty handed except for a bag of fish and chips.

Fish and chips for 24 please...................

Boston – away

2:3

[markyt]

Give me five!

Mark walked into the home dressing on match day to discover all of the team wearing black curly wigs and stick on moustaches.

Sam Bailey the joker of the pack asked for hush and then told the team in an awful scouse accent that WSM today would be playing Accrington Stanley. An orchestra of voices shouted back ‘ooooh are theyyyy’, which then brought 20 or so Harry Enfield characters to life shouting ‘ Exactlyyyyyy, eh eh eh, calm down calm down.’

The comedy moment broke all pre match tensions and Mark completed his final team talk in a relaxed buoyant atmosphere.

Mark had learned a lot from the previous match at Boston. The managerial learning curve still climbed upwards.

1 There is no point flogging a dead horse. It will still be dead.

2 Giving the players a couple of days off worked just as much as extra training and had refreshed everyone’s batteries.

3 His backroom team were making a significant impact on his workload and as their confidence grew he was able to spend time with key individuals, the reserves and even the under 18’s.

4 The Boston loss hadn’t changed the league position of the club and WSM were still very much in the play off hunt.

5 Fish and chips tasted much better than defeat.....

A sellout crowd on a wet and stormy afternoon packed into the ground to watch two decent footballing sides. The weather awful and the stormy seas that crashed onto nearby shores ominous for one of the teams not wearing the white of WSM. The rain fell heavily as the match kicked off and the ground already heavy would test players footing.

Accrington were given no time to settle into any rhythm as WSM looked to avenge their recent result and tore into the away team as the wind and rain continued to hammer the ground. Mark had found a waterproof coat and pitched himself in the technical area. He was unsheltered and soaked from the start but as ever keen to influence the game from close quarters.

For 90 minutes despite the falling rain he had only words of encouragement for the same eleven that had lost to Boston and whether it be the two days break or the fish and chips WSM clicked and ran roughshod over Accrington. By half time WSM were ‘coasting’ at three nil and added two more after the break. Despite the weather, the playing surface and a recent loss to remember it was probably the best WSM performance of the season.

The scoring avalanche started as early as the 5th minute.

Newbold chased a lost cause into the right hand corner and with the left back slipping he managed to get to the by line and push a ball into the box. Benyon had gambled on the ball arriving near post and slid in lifting the ball over the keeper and claiming an opener. Newbold had chased 40 yards to get on the end of a Bailey clearance. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed by the supporters despite Benyon scoring the goal. Accrington were two down on 12 minutes. This time Benyon repaid his strike partner. Walker skinned the left back and without looking smacked a cross deep into the Accrington box. Benyon climbed above the centre half heading downwards perfectly into the feet of Newbold. Newbold unmarked and with the whole goal to aim somehow miss hit the shot but still found the back of the net with a bobbler off the right knee. WSM kept the foot to the pedal and chased more goals. The Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman was furious with his side’s capitulation and demanded better. Accrington had struggled on the road and today were fairing no better. 22 minutes and the WSM fans rubbed their eyes as Benyon smacked a 30 yard screamer into the top right hand corner. McCann and Kerr were ruling midfield. Everything came off and a through ball from McCann found Newbold in the clear. Newbold was quickly closed down but incredulously he simply stepped over the ball and continued his run. The defenders were wrong footed on the damp playing surface and Benyon didn’t hesitate as the ball sat up invitingly for him to strike goalwards. Mark was leaping in the air long before the goal thumped the back of the net. It was going in from the minute it left Benyon’s foot.

As the players entered the changing room they found Mark wearing one of the discarded wigs and comedy moustaches.

The players rightly entered into the spirit of the half time talk. They were playing well and the team wanted more and with the final words from their gaffer ‘calm down and same again please’ they trooped out into the still heavy falling rain. Mark and asst manager Atkins talked as they walked up the tunnel. Mark had decided to throw on three subs on 60 minutes unless WSM scored a forth before that time.

Conscious the heavy ground would take its toll Atkins firmly agreed that the changes made perfect sense.

The fourth goal came on 55 minutes. Benyon had climbed to reach a Story cross only to be nudged from the flight of the ball. A soft penalty to give away but when the luck was against your team that was the way the game tended to flow. Walker stepped up and slotted the ball beyond the Accrington keeper. Walker had hardly time to celebrate his goal before being substituted.

Walker, Benyon and Newbold walked off to a standing ovation from the crowd. Mark threw on Buchanan for Walker and Bates and Olaoye for the front two. If Accrington thought their troubles were over after the departure of the games goalscorers they were sorely disappointed.

Bates and Olaoye had a point to prove and both fresh and pacy took advantage of leaden legged defenders. Bates nipped past bemused defenders as if walking on water but before he had chance to progress he was felled from behind. The referee had no option but to send off the offending player. It had been a second yellow.

Accrington had virtually given up and were well beaten with fifteen minutes remaining and the loss of a player added to their woes.

As they quickly organised themselves and the Accrington bench readied substitutions McCann stepped up for the free kick and blasted the ball through the poorly formed wall and claimed a 5th for WSM on 75th minutes.

Mark punched the air as nearly all of the crowd celebrated a fantastic WSM victory.

The ref allowed no additional time and blew the whistle on 90 minutes. It was almost as if he had seen Accrington punished enough and keen to put them out of their misery. WSM celebrated the five goal salvo as hard as they had celebrated promotion the previous season. The news got even better as the group of teams around tem had stalled and WSM climbed to near heights and 4th place. Torquay also took advantage of slip ups and sat one place behind. Ian Atkins prediction of both promoted sides mounting a serious promotion challenge this time around was coming true. For Accrington the long journey home would hurt and even some fish and chips would do little to lift the gloom on the coach ride home.

Accrington – home

5:0

[markyt]

Mark was deep in concentration looking at a list of players he had identified for a future scouting mission.

From the division two sides he was going to have another look at Torquay’s prolific scorer Craig Reid although the rumours suggested that Aston Villa were now watching him. Chesterfield’s central defender Aaron Downes who was setting the heather alight in the division was someone else he was keen to look at further.

Two strikers in the division were puzzling him and although there was no doubt over their ability as they were a class above most. To boot regular goalscorers but despite almost daily reports of them moving to bigger and better things still they remained at their clubs. Caleb Folan at Chesterfield and Iszale Mcleod at MK Dons. They were both scoring for fun and the fees involved at 250-350k not outrageous compared to the rumours surrounding Torquay’s Reid at ½ a million. Mark was sure that they would demand higher fees but at least he would satisfy his curiousness by having a look.

In addition he had already trawled through a list of the previous season’s offerings most of who had either been signed to WSM or deemed to expensive. Adam le Fondre stuck out like a sore thumb and he would have the Stockport lad watched again.

Danny Jenkins WSM’s scout had been used sparingly since joining the club in the summer but would between October and the spring he would be a busy man. One area of the team Mark was concerned about and keen to strengthen was right side of midfield. Owen Story was at present a definite starter but with several options failing to impress when he wasn’t available to play, doubts had been raised in his mind as to adequate cover. Story when on fire had no equal and one of his coveted players but equally he could be anonymous when things weren’t going his way. Mark recognised that the player signed for negligible money from Nuneaton would need protecting longer term to ensure that WSM continued to get the best from him but having a ‘star’ back up would increase the pressure on Story to perform at the highest level.

Of the players scouted from the previous season Lee Houghton had been his scout.

Mark read the comments attached to each one and he could envisage Houghton getting animated about the ones he really rated. Houghton had left close season to move onto Cardiff. With the club progressing and Houghton being linked to finds such as Benyon and Story it was no real surprise that Houghton became a flavour of the month. Mark had been extremely disappointed by the loss of someone he had worked so closely with especially as they had developed an almost uncanny knack of knowing each others thoughts.

Jenkins was still not on Mark’s wavelength but Mark remained confident that the young scout would soon get with the programme.....

As he mused his detailed list the phone rang. Without looking away from his notes he answered the phone and heard the club secretary announce Lee Houghton was on the phone. Talk of the devil and he shall appear.

‘Lee, your ears must be burning’

A tentative Houghton responded clearly unsure of the reception he was going to get...

‘Hi boss, how are things going, I see the table’s looking good and nice to see the hard work from last year coming good.’

The two casually chatted and the rapport from the season before although gone the friendship and respect clearly remained.

‘Boss’ continued Houghton, ‘I wanted to let you know that I’m going to be scouting WSM for the next few weeks. Me misses is delighted as I’ll be home every night, but you can’t have everything....’

Mark couldn’t have actually stopped Houghton even if he wanted to but appreciated the courtesy call even though it was pretty much unheard of across the game. Scouts were at lots of games over a season and most times club managers would know nothing until bids were received.

The courtesy was nice, if unusual but Mark was curious and guessed that behind Houghton’s call was perhaps a question of finding out player availability or perhaps giving Mark due warning that bids could duly follow.

‘Who are you looking at Lee?’

Mark expected to hear a couple of his recent acquisitions and the clubs best assets especially as Houghton had been involved in the scouting of many of the WSM squad. But the list of players reeled off by Houghton included names that were periphery to the first team. As Mark talked he clicked on the BBC website on his pc and searched for Cardiff’s league placing. They were bottom of the Championship and but for Sunderland having an equally bad season they would have been well adrift of safety. Sunderland were improving although a lowly 18th the highest placing they would achieve all season. At least they would end up being safe.

Cardiff were a different story however and doomed to relegation despite well over half of the season to play. An age old story of a club selling the silver and the replacements not being of a high enough quality and failing to make the same impact, but what did the club expect. Hamstrung with little or no money to spend Houghton’s appointment to their scouting team now made perfect sense.

Houghton was now tasked to unearth the bargains using his lower league / non league background. WSM were an obvious starting point especially as he had found or been involved in finding the current crop of players. Story, Evans, Sharps, Bates, Gibson and Olaoye tripped off the Cardiff scouts tongue. There was no mention of the players Mark had been expecting to hear. Perhaps this showed the severity of the problems at the ‘big’ Welsh club. He had expected to hear Benyon, Newbold, Walker, Kerr and McCann but was pretty much silenced by the lesser names. The five players even in a sellers market probably worth a three figure sum. Bates the only player to be close to anything like a big fee and even that would be around 50k. Houghton knew how much Mark coveted Story but with a value of 5k Mark knew that the club would accept an offer way in excess of that amount. Mark could demand high prices for players he didn't want to sell but a three figure sum would easily grab a player or two. Houghton was obviously trying to tell Mark that clubs were sniffing around his squad. The big name players at WSm would always be watched that went with the turf. The players that Mark considered critical and perhaps without value were now on clubs radar.

Once the phone call was over Mark dialed Jenkins and put him in the picture and set the hare running. A right sided midfielder might now be an urgent requirement. Next a phone call through to Plymouth and a cheeky request for tickets to watch Argyle take on ‘dirty’ Leeds.

Mark would take advantage of the local game to catch up with Ian Holloway, old friends Wise, Poyet and of course Ken Bates.....

[markyt]

Anyone fancy a samba?

Mark signed autographs for fans crowded around the players / directors entrance as he entered the Home Park ground. He was still surprised by the number of people keen to get his paw print and in no particular hurry was happy to sign as many as possible. He entered the foyer area and was welcomed by the Plymouth reception staff. With a couple of hours still to kick Ian Holloway had left a message for him on his arrival to pop down to his office. Mark was escorted around the warren of corridors before finding himself in the player’s tunnel leading to the pitch where the two Premier League managers were chatting amiably.

Ian Holloway saw Mark approaching and in his broad West Country burr announced his arrival loudly to Dennis Wise.

‘Look out Wisey, here comes that new manager on the block, the new chosen one, the one that’s after our jobs according to the papers...’

Wise turned and saw his old friend and politely welcomed Mark with a colloquial greeting, ‘Fat Boy, come to watch some proper football?’

Mark laughed and shook hands with both.

Mark joined in with their conversations about life in the Premier League and how their season was progressing. This time around both clubs were struggling. Leeds hadn’t yet returned to their former glories and were rubbing along with Plymouth at the wrong end of the table. Plymouth were bottom and suffering from the second season syndrome now that teams knew their style of play they had found wins hard to come by. The surprise element had gone. Talk turned to WSM and both conceded that from what they had seen, WSM were doing well and that maybe just maybe Mark knew what he was actually doing.....

Mark enjoyed their company and although both had preparations for the game they seemed happy to chat and not in a particular hurry to get away. The coming transfer window became the next big topic of debate and with both clubs scratching for loan deals and bargain buys names were mentioned that Mark recognised and even one or two that had even made it to his scouting list.

Wise broached the transfer subject ‘So Fat Boy you got a fiver to spend this January? Or are you saving it all for the Summer sales?’

Mark smiled sweetly before sticking out his tongue and replied ‘Small Boy, I have some pocket money and I am looking to find a right sided midfielder with pace to burn and a decent right foot for crossing. Have either of you got anyone on the books that I could charm away from you for less than a fiver? Or perhaps seen someone on your travels going cheap......’

Mark didn’t expect much of a response as the player he was chasing really was from the bargain basement and despite their troubles Plymouth and Leeds wouldn’t be looking that far down the chain. He was therefore surprised when both Premier League managers furnished him with names.

Holloway was the first with a definite name from his squad and that the player would be available for a small fee. ‘Cherno Samba’

Samba was a name Mark had heard of. He was the boy wonder that Liverpool baulked at playing £1.5 million for at 15 from Millwall who had then gone on a downward spiral before being offered a chance at Plymouth. He hadn’t taken his chance but Holloway was fairly confident that Samba was a player Mark should definitely consider. Samba was someone who could do a decent job on the right hand side.

Holloway waved two fingers at him and whilst Mark was ready to wave two back he understood this to mean 20k for the lad.

20k seemed a snip from his relative high price of 7 or 8 years previous.

Samba could be used as a midfielder or striker and therefore could be a useful asset to Mark’s squad and he would check the lad out.

‘Small boy’ couldn’t be left out of the conversation and chipped in with a player deemed as surplus to requirements at Leeds.

Wise had decided to move the player on during the summer but under contract and no interest had been shown apart from a short term loan deal to Nottingham Forest and old mate Nigel Clough. Clough had already extended the deal by a further three months but Kevin McBride would be available for a fee around the 150k mark but Wise reckoned he could potentially be worth over a million if someone could get the best out of him. The time had run out at Leeds despite obvious player potential and McBride hadn’t settled to life in the fast lane.

Wise was convinced that Mark could get more out of the player especially as WSM was no where near the profile of Leeds.

Wise grinned and more the London wide boy than ever said ‘I’ll do ya a swap for the youngster Benyon.....’. Wise was told where he could stick that idea. At Forest Kevin McBride was doing very well but Forest would be reluctant to spend that kind of money for him as they continued to struggle with financial problems as they continued to remain in the lower levels of the football league. Clough of course remained hopeful that Leeds would eventually release him and then he could sign the player on a bosman but wiley old Bates would not allow anyone to go for nothing....

It was time for the two managers to crack on with their pre match prep. Mark said his goodbyes and the three agreed to catch up post match.

Mark hadn’t seen Gus Poyet and Wise promised that he would drag him along for a quick drink after the 90 minutes.

Mark alone made his way back to the main foyer and was directed to the director’s area where he located a cheerful Ken Bates and joined him for the remainder of the evening. Leeds proved a difficult opposition and ran out 3:1 winners and whilst Holloway was gutted at the result he still met up with Mark and the Leeds management duo. Mark had watched with envy the array of talent on display and recognised that the gap between the Premier and the lower reaches of the league was incredible. The pace of the game somehow seemed even quicker than the lower league despite its frenetic nature but with a huge step up in individual talent on the ball. Leeds were ready for home just after 11pm and Mark took advantage of their departure to head for home himself. Two more potential scouting targets had been identified for Danny Jenkins to run the rule over. As he drove home he listened to the latest football results and smiled ruefully. H

e was relaxed and had enjoyed a cracking night but in reflective mood felt that no matter what he achieved in management he would always miss the closeness of the player grouping. His role at WSM would always leave him looking on from the sidelines..............

[markyt]

Mark’s time at the training ground had been sparse in the build up to the Rochdale home game which would be their last league game of the month. When he returned for the Thursday and Friday sessions he wished he had stayed well away. With the team progressing well he saw no reason to make changes unless his hand was forced by injury.

In just two mornings the ripple effect of injury would impact on Saturday’s team sheet.

Brains had been training with Baronowski along with the other keepers when he fell awkwardly and jarred his hand on the ground as he hit the deck. The swelling suggested a break that could only be confirmed by x ray. A broken hand that would rule Brains out for several weeks was soon identified at the hospital. Ryan Northmore WSM’s ever present keeper from the conference season would now start. Northmore who had warmed the bench since losing his place was delighted to reclaim the number one shirt but his joy was extremely short-lived. Just 24 four hours after the Brains injury Northmore tore a hamstring.

Northmore was involved in a training session with the starting eleven and somehow lost his footing when simply kicking the ball. He fell as if shot by a sniper and the scream echoed around the misty training ground. There was no way he could play even with heavy strapping in place just 24 hours later and therefore Mark now turned to youngster Mark Crossley.

Crossley had been one of the survivors of the reserve team clear out. Potentially he had all of the attributes to make the grade and this alone had seen him survive the summer cull. In the new look reserve side he had been a regular fixture in the side that had made significant progress year on year. They had actually won games which was a start and with a back up squad stiffened with a mixture of experienced and hungry players the young keeper had grown in confidence and had looked secure at the back. Mind you not conceding goals by the bucket load in every game was always going to have an impact.

Crossley couldn’t believe his luck and with the cards falling his way he was dealt the best hand he could ever of hoped for despite his concerns for his injured colleagues.....

2904 was still a decent crowd but Mark was still surprised that a sellout hadn’t been achieved especially after their recent run and the fact that Rochdale were also a top 6 club. Steve Parkin’s side was hard to beat either at home or on the rode and likely to be there or there abouts come May. Scoring goals remained their major concern but as a squad of players one of the best in the league. Half term holidays though had impacted the crowd and as WSM had pretty much closed down until the Turkey and Tinsel season commenced many locals had taken the chance of getting away.

Whether it be the opposition, team concerns about the untried Crossley or over simply confidence WSM struggled to get into the game despite home turf advantage. The Rochdale side were one of the few sides who actually nullified Kerr and McCann and their 5 man midfield pretty much locked up everything and excerpted greater control as the match progressed. Mark from as early as 10 minutes had made changes to the formation. Sam Bailey moved into midfield leaving three at the back. Bailey was their to even up the numbers in the midfield battle but despite the change the gaps at the back allowed Rochdale space to use and they cranked up the pressure further and began to assail the WSM goal. WSM looked unbalanced at the back and the tactic change tended to be used when WSM were searching to get something from a game. Wide open spaces appeared at the back and Rochdale looked to take advantage. Crossley though despite early panic and nerves obvious to all watching from the sidelines settled down and with Steve Evans on his way to the man of the match award vocally keeping Crossley alive the back line stood firm.

Finally after a spell of unending pressure from the blue shirts of Rochdale, WSM got themselves into the game and from 30 minutes the balance of power swung back towards the West Country side. As the whistle blew for half time the sides were now pretty much equal and the initial Rochdale superiority had disappeared. That said WSM had not managed one decent strike on the opposition goal and but for a couple of set play’s had barely ruffled the Rochdale keepers area.

Mark had much to think about and despite the success of Bailey in midfield had long decided to revert to 4-4-2 and allow Rochdale advantage in the centre of the park. Changes would be made to tactics as he would ask Kerr and McCann to both drop deeper than normal and hope that this would give them time to sling the right ball into the channels for either the strikers or wide men to chase. Put simply the formation would alien to his WSM side but Kerr and McCann would be asked to both play a holding role and curtail their attacking thoughts. Chances would be few and far between but now was the time for the front pair to weave their magic.

The second half changes wrong footed Rochdale and it gave them plenty to think about. WSM had now started to use their front line pace and launch direct balls from much deeper. Despite both space and numbers to their disadvantage WSM began to pepper the Rochdale goal. Benyon guilty alone for blasting two decent chances straight at the keeper when the goal looked wide open but at least WSM were creating something in front of goal.

The game now resembled something akin to American Football. Kerr and McCann playing as quarterbacks dropping back into the shotgun coverage until they could see the wide open receiver and then launching a ball 30 plus yards into space. Walker and Story were pushing forward as Mark tried to increase the pressure on the Rochdale defence. WSM finally dominated possession and with the crowd noise rising as the home fans saw WSM take control finally the scoreline changed on 57 minutes.

Rochdale pushing forward fell into the trap that had been set for them. McCann playing a role that clearly frustrated his all round marauding style picked up a Crossley throw and hit a peach of a pass 45 yards asking Newbold to get on the end of the ball delivered. Newbold was equally matched with his marker and just as he looked to be marginally winning the chase he was unceremoniously nudged out of the way and dramatically hit the deck. The referee gave the free kick but despite the marker being clearly the last man the ref would not listen to WSM requests for a red card.

Newbold and Walker each picked up a yellow card for their unsporting demands.

Walker or McCann? Who would take the kick the question of debate amongst the home crowd and one that was quickly answered? No dummy, no special tricks, Walker just stepped up and cannoned the ball towards goal but failed to clear the jumping wall. The ball smacked a defence full on the face and felled the defender who would remember very little about it. The ricochet bounced kindly for WSM. The Rochdale defence had lined up to face the free kick and fully expecting a shot had failed to man mark all of the men in white. Kerr unmarked and 30 yards from goal volleyed the ball, catching it perfectly. The Rochdale keeper with a clear view, saw it early and simply had to either catch the ball or push it over the bar. He did neither and somehow the ball found its way through him. Kerr didn’t care that his goal had come about following a clear error and celebrated the goal wheeling his arm in a big circle as he was chased up the pitch by his colleagues.

Mick Channon would have been impressed with his celebration.....

The goal riled Rochdale. Parkin’s rang the changes and the formation and Rochdale searched for an equalizer. Crossley now came to the fore and saved everything thrown at him. Evans and McKeown were nothing short of magnificent but in fairness the WSM eleven all did their part. Mark reluctant to change too much threw on Bates and Olaoye for the last 10 minutes to offer fresh legs up front and Buchanan on for Story wide right. With the clock counting down to the final whistle the game entered injury time and Rochdale finally clawed level. Rochdale had nothing to lose and from the final kick of the match scored. Parkin even sent the keeper up for the corner. Crossley had pushed another shot just past the post and conceded a last chance corner. Could WSM hang on as Rochdale threw the dice for the last time?

A groan from the home crowd erupted as soon as the ball hit the net. The corner found a Rochdale head and for once Crossley had been beaten and he didn’t deserve to be after a performance that belied his experience. His only mistake, coming enthusiastically for the ball and not making had left an unguarded net.

Mark couldn’t grumble at the score line. WSM hadn’t been good enough for the three points and yet hadn’t deserved to get beaten. It had been a tactical match that in the end had ended all square.

WSM, Torquay and Rochdale now remained in 4,5 and 6th places in the league as the season now entered November and closed on the half way point.

Rochdale – home

1:1

[markyt]

October had flown bye especially with the number of games played in 31 days but one still remained and it gave Mark much food for thought.

In terms of priority order it was lower than painting the fence or mowing the grass at his Exeter home compared to everyday bread and butter of the league. He therefore had all but made up his mind to field a predominantly reserve side against Brighton in the Johnson’s paint Trophy 2nd round game. He would have no choice in fielding keeper Mark Crossley as he was now the only recognised fit keeper at the club but for the ‘schoolboy’ keeping for the under 18’s.

Brighton would take advantage of any weakness and throwing an inexperienced youngster into the lions den not fair on the young player.

Mark was comfortable with his decision in truth made weeks before until Chairman and owner Paul Bliss popped into his office early on the Monday morning.

‘Hi Sparky, just wanted to let you know that ticket sales are going well for Wednesday night and it looks already as if we will be well over 2500 for a crowd which is fantastic for a cup game. Who knows if the weathers good we may be close to sell out?’

Paul Bliss more than ever was delighted with club progress and had the look of a small child in awe after a visit from Father Christmas.

You couldn’t blame him as everything Bliss touched seemed to turn to gold. Purchasing a non league club at a nominal cost, seeing the investment grow dramatically, appoint an unknown managerial quantity and see the move work, finances at the club leaping above all forecasting models and improvements on the pitch being matched by dramatic changes off of it. Bliss had managed to reduce his hands on approach to the club and shift responsibility elsewhere which in turn allowed him to become strategic and looking at the bigger picture. His latest wheeze to link a price reduction for the Brighton cup game to season ticket holders and fans paying at the gate for the previous home game in addition to the kid for a quid night if they dressed in a Halloween costume.

Spooky stuff but the golden touch was working........................

Back to back promotions were stuff of the wildest dreams and now the doubts of an instant return to the non league football already looking to be disappearing faster than Mark’s Porsche on the motorway the growing belief that WSM could go further and challenge the promotion pack in division two very much coming alive. A long way to go but the halfway mark in the season was nearly upon the club and they were in the play off chasing pack.

With a game close to sellout he could no longer short change the WSM fans and recognised that he would have to pick a side capable of winning. Fortunately he hadn’t informed the players of his initial team selection and as he trudged across the windswept and very damp training ground the team sheet in his pocket was a carbon copy of the previous game.

Supporters would expect a show and WSM would now have to deliver the ‘ghouls’ to win the game.

[markyt]

WSM keeper makes a Crossley mistake!

Brighton after being highly fancied as a promotion destined side had slumped. Despite a squad envied by many Dean Wilkins had struggled to get his side to perform consistently. When they were good they were probably the best team in the league. But those good days were few and far between as November fast approached. Wilkins side appropriate for the time of year were very much a Jekyll and Hyde team and when things were going badly stuff of the worst nightmare. Wilkins was beginning to feel the heat from the fans as the performances stuttered and questions about his longevity at the club were being asked.

Things had been markedly different just weeks before when Brighton had last played WSM. The game played at Woodspring Park had been at that time when Brighton had been coming to the boil nicely and were handily placed in the league. In contrast WSM were in the midst of a losing run that seemed never ending but a decent performance from WSM had done enough to nick a point. However as the game closed WSM had dominated and in hindsight should have taken all three points.

For Brighton the cup game was a well timed diversion from the hassles of the league.

Mark looked around the ground prior to the whistle being blown. The ground was short of being full but 2700 fans had turned up for the game. Bliss’s activity to drum up crowds had worked a treat now it was time for WSM to trick Brighton and move into the third round. Mark strangely prior to a game lacked the usual nervous anxiety of match jitters and almost serenely observed the action from the bench.

Ten minutes had been played before the serenity rapidly cleared and Mark returned to type and began growling up and down the touchline area. Despite selecting the best side available WSM were two goals down and staring longingly at defeat.

The goals had all been self inflicted and WSM keeper Mark Crossley to blame for both. After coming through the previous game with much praise heaped his way especially for an assured second half performance, Crossley undid all of his good work with two errors and gifted Brighton a dream start. On two minutes a Brighton attack had been stubbed out with relative ease and Sam Bailey at right back knocked a ball to Crossley to give the keeper a first touch. Crossley stepped up the ball, controlled it and looked to get something moving in front of him and under no pressure spooned his kick out straight to a Brighton forward who simply lobbed the WSM keeper from 30 plus yards and despite Crossley’s best efforts to get the ball both slid into the net almost in unison.

Brighton who had done nothing in the opening minutes celebrated as if they had won the cup final.

Mark sent the physio round to the goal area to pass some calming words to the distraught Crossley.

Brighton still struggling for cohesion sat back on their lead and demanded WSM break them down. Mark still relatively calm now expected his WSM side to take advantage of the invitation granted and the space given to them and look to get into the game. What happened 3 minutes later changed the mood completely and again lax play the cause of WSM’s downfall.

Brighton hit a direct ball into the channel and Gillan wary of a Brighton player close by chose to knock the ball out for a throw in. He could have passed to Crossley but after the incident just minutes before decided to take the pressure off of the WSM keeper. Brighton were now within reach of the WSM area and a long throw into the box should have been meat and drink to Evans and McKeown but Crossley looking to make amends for his early mistake came to get the ball and instead of catching it punched it. 9 times out of ten the punch would have gone to safety. Tonight it flew straight into the net and Brighton almost astonished at receiving a second gift celebrated their second goal with much embarrassment. The few traveling fans sang with joy ‘Easy, Easy, Easy’ and with Brighton yet to really mount a serious attack on the WSM goal and yet be two goals in front there was no wonder the chant echoed around the quiet ground. WSM fans including youngsters who had probably never been to a match before were almost silent at the unfolding nightmare.

Close to Halloween and WSM had been kicked in the ghoulies not once but twice......

Mark’s voice cut through the night as he began to challenge the players to get something from the game and his best efforts kick started WSM into life. There remained over 80 minutes of football to play and Mark demanded that WSM put things right.....

Finally as a unit WSM took control and Brighton still playing the football that had seen them stutter in the league were confidently pushed back as Kerr and McCann in particular put their foot in, got hold of the game by the scruff of it’s neck and started to carve holes into the Brighton side. Walker and Story willing workers wide left and right created the space for Benyon and Newbold to hunt for the ball and like menacing sharks hunting off the Cornish coastline the two harried the defensive back line and created regular panic.

Brighton were now left for the remainder of the half playing counter attacking football but despite chances falling their way on regular intervals for both sides as the sides walked off the pitch at half time the score line remained the same. Mark hadn’t heard boos at Woodspring Park on many occasions but if he had been a fan he would have joined in.

Guy Fawkes came early to WSM. A rocket went up from the minute the changing room door closed.

Crossley was shot and Mark recognised that he needed protection and sent Ian Atkins and Crossley back to the pitch for a half time work out. The plan was to take Crossley’s mind off of the game and the two mistakes made. For the rest of the WSM team a hair dryer blasted full on as Mark questioned their desire to get something back for the paying public.

Second half and finally a break through and something for the home fans to celebrate as early as the 47 minute mark. Kerr and Walker combined just inside the WSM half and released a ball in behind the Brighton centre half pairing and looking to release Newbold. Newbold was unmarked and after making his run ended up 3 yards clear after the initial delightful triangle had been played and just onside. His pace would see him burst in the box and lash a shot into the bottom left hand corner. His early shot caught the Brighton keeper out and the goal gave the home support heart. The noise levels cranked up from off to full on!

40 odd minutes remained to get another goal. Brighton were not to be denied and despite Benyon, Walker and Newbold all having further chances the game stood at 1:2 as full time fast approached.

Mark threw on three attacking options on 72 minutes and went for a final onslaught but with WSM desperately searching for an equalizer in the dying minutes Brighton broke clear.

Bailey tried to get a tackle in but mistimed his last lunge allowing the Brighton man through one on one with Crossley.

Crossley was dragged across the box as the strikers run tried to get past him and with the goal now gaping wide a shot headed towards the net. Crossley stuck out a leg connected with the ball and denied the chance. To be fair to the WSM supporters despite the scoreline they cheered the save as if it had been of some meaning. Crossley would hopefully remember the cheers not the fears of the night.

WSM were out of the cup and it had all been their fault caused by two Crossley mistakes. Three ghouls on the night and all scored by WSM....

Brighton – home Johnsons Paint Trophy / 2nd Round

1:2

[markyt]

Some you win some you lose and some despite a 1:0 score line you get absolutely thrashed.....

The Weston Mercury headline read ‘WSM away day blues’ which was a nice way of putting the facts.

WSM had been played off the park by a decent side and deserving nothing from the game, actually got nothing from the game.

Mark was actually fairly good humoured post match as he recognised that Northampton should have thumped a cricket score past WSM and coming away with a 1 goal defeat meant his side wouldn’t suffer a significant wobble in confidence. Coming away with 6 or 7 goals conceded would have really hurt and perhaps thrown WSM off track. Therefore despite doom and gloom from the local press he remained very positive.

WSM still remained in 4th place. Despite the loss no one had made a major move up the table and with WSM now close to the ½ way point of the season and close enough to an automatic promotion spot and certainly another promotion run via the play offs life was looking good for the South West side. Agreed there was a long way to go but Mark had now seen and played most of the sides in the league and whilst WSM had been weighed and measured as of early November they not really been found wanting. WSM were not going to win every game and would likely pick up a couple of thrashings before the season was over but Mark’s side now had the tenacity to recover from such set backs. Midfielders McCann, Kerr and Walker would not allow their team to roll over. The character of the side was dramatically different to previous season’s makeup and one that would drive on until the last minute of the very last game.

It was a team that was closing on Mark’s very own character.

Importantly WSM were able to beat the sides around them not just the sides from the wrong end of the table as from the Conference league season twelve months before. As of November the 1st WSM had picked up 9 wins and three draws from their league games amassing 30 points along the way. 50 something points would see WSM safe and that first challenge looked well within their grasp. Much therefore to be positive about and the theme of Mark’s comments to the press during the post match interviews.

Only one drama for Mark to really be concerned by and that surrounded injuries to key players.

Crossley was still the only fit keeper although both Brains and Northmore were closing on a return to training.

Crossley would be required to keep goal for at least another couple of games. Fortunately next up was the first round of the FA Cup and a fixture against Farnborough and hopefully Crossley’s confidence would be further restored following his Brighton mess.

The two weeks would give the back room boys time to get the team fit as he would definitely play his reserve players in the cup match regardless of player availability. Crossley to be fair had recovered well from his Brighton shambles and back to his old self. Against Northampton he had done more than play his part and with McKeown and Evans in front of him they kept him bright and alert. Owen Story had now picked up a knock and prognosis wasn’t good. Dave Buchanan had been introduced on the right side of midfield from the 20th minute during the Northampton game. Out of position and not fit enough he had struggled but when he had the ball at his feet understood the role he had to play. Mark had seen enough to select him in that position against Farnborough.

Buchanan wouldn’t like being played out of position but was wise enough to see a chance to play and maybe force the WSM boss to keep him in the side.

Northampton had a striker of real class in the midst. Andy Kirk was a player of significant talent and a full international with Northern Ireland and a player that WSM had been warned about. He was a real handful and from the first whistle put himself about. Evans was assigned to mark the Northampton player but frequently needed to be bailed out by McKeown. WSM were ineffectual for the majority of the first half and but for the odd free kick or set play had barely set foot in opposition territory. Story pulled up after trying to dribble his way out of the WSM half and was quickly replaced by Buchanan. With traffic one way Mark even dragged off Elliot Benyon on 32 minutes.

He had seen enough and wanted to change the play by moving to 5 across midfield. Michael Charles was on and directed to play an attacking role from the centre of midfield.

Surprisingly despite Northampton having 70% procession and creating chance after chance the scoreline remained level after 45 minutes.

Newbold was a passenger in the game and Mark played his last card. Guy Bates asked to add some spice upfront and perhaps offer something different to the WSM side. Despite another change to tactics with Charles moving further forward as WSM moved to 4-4-1-1 the flow of the tide remained unchanged. WSM were running in treacle and going nowhere.

WSM defending if anything was becoming more and more desperate and but for a flag happy linesman should have been one down from 50 minutes.

Kirk was on fire and WSM pretty much had two men on him for most of the second half despite the space it created for other Northampton players. Despite the close marking Kirk finally scored. 67 minutes and after evading Evans’s desperate tackle he bamboozled McKeown and then with Evans trying to have another go at getting the ball calmly slotted past Crossley. A clinical and calculated strike from a master craftsman at work. At the final whistle Kirk should have had at least a hatrick but missed two goal opportunities from the penalty spot.

Two penalties were awarded the first for handball on 78 minutes and the second on 91 minutes for a nasty tackle on a Northampton midfielder. Mark laughed at the first decision as it was a joke. Sam Bailey literally got in the way of the ball from 5 yards. But fortunately Kirk stepped up and smacked the ball 3 feet over the bar. WSM hadn’t even recorded one strike on goal as the game came to a close. With the game over bar the shouting and well past 90 minutes the second penalty was awarded.

Evans frustrated with his day’s work was determined to get the ball and clear the lines. He did but not after taking the legs away from the Northampton ball carrier. The foul just inside the box left the Northampton man in a heap and stretchered off. The crowd silenced as Kirk stepped up to the ball. A shot placed in the bottom right hand corner saw Crossley going the right way and able to get a hand onto the ball and push it wide. The WSM team jumped on Crossley in celebration. It had been a good save but still meant nothing in terms of the end result. At least it was a confidence booster for the young keeper.

Mark would also have a detailed look at Kirk. He looked a real talent but probably came with a hefty price tag.

Northampton – away

0:1

[markyt]

Paul Bliss and Frank Gregan sat opposite Mark in the boardroom as the WSM boss began a review of the November programme.

For once the meeting was a brisk and fairly non confrontational affair. Gregan was too busy looking to improve the club profile elsewhere and having little to do with the day to football. Youth development and work being done to attract young players to the club pretty much the only time the two even came close to talking. They did the talking that was necessary but life at WSM for all involved was bouncing along nicely and no one wanted to be responsible for rocking the boat.

In terms of November WSM had already completed one fixture and suffered a loss at the hands of Northampton.

November lacked the number of games compared to the previous months and the fixtures could be even quieter depending on the clubs FA Cup performance in the first round.

WSM had only ever made progress to the second round once before in 2003/4 and the likelihood that the club would and should beat Farnborough, they were clear favourites and that meant that WSM could expect to make it to this sacred ground once more. Gregan shook his head but said nothing when Mark indicated the reserve team would play against Farnborough.

Mark out of the corner of his eye saw the head movement but simply quelled it by saying ‘we have a squad and I will use it to its full...’

The line up for November would see WSM almost reach the half way point of the season still coming up against teams that they had yet had to face, Wycombe away and Port Vale at home.

Three league games one already played and potentially two cup games. (Or one cup game and a week’s holiday for the WSM boss if things went pear shape at Farnborough...)

Mark’s mystic meg view on November was for WSM to pick up two league wins, making life harder for himself especially as they had lost to Northampton, and of course to progress into the second round of the FA Cup. Wycombe and Port Vale were both beatable but would offer WSM a stiff challenge but WSM would need to get something from the two games to ensure they remained close enough to the play off group.

No voices of discontent raised at the club fortune predictor so the next topic up for discussion transfer monies and player targets....

Gregan cleared his throat and started to talk numbers ‘through astute fiscal control we will be able to release a limited sum of money for the January transfer window and depending on the clubs league position a sliding scale of money will be released as appropriate for performance.’

Mark just started blankly at Gregan ‘so money is available in January, more in the summer depending on end position. How much Frank?’

A silence as Frank Gregan rustled his papers and located the figures. ‘200k will be made available in January and a maximum of 400k for promotion but finishing in the bottom half of the league will limit you to 100k in the summer.’

Mark considered the figures and on the face of it recognised that the budget sounded fairly hefty compared to previous transfer budgets.

But one thing puzzled him and that was the sale of Madjo and the funds generated.

‘If Madjo signs for Sunderland permanently then that money is in addition?’

Gregan nearly fainted at that thought ‘we have taken those figures into account as the deal has been agreed for Jan 1st’

Mark stood up and helped himself to a glass of water, drank some and then said ‘astute fiscal control means that a player gets sold and I get to keep the money generated plus 100k....’

Gregan blustered and faffed about but finally had to agree with Mark’s précis of the scenario. Mark didn’t see the point to add comment to the discussion.

Paul Bliss was trying hard not to laugh. Gregan was a help to the WSM chairman that much was obvious especially due to Gregan’s local knowledge and contacts. For Mark though Gregan always seemed to over complicate things. Why use seven words when one will do.....

Regardless of where the money came from a budget ranging between 300-600k was potentially a tidy sum and as they concluded discussions it was confirmed by Paul Bliss that any other player sales would go straight into the transfer pot. A top half finish would offer 300k to the WSM manager. 300k might just allow him some maneuverability in the market place anything above that ‘happy days’.

Some of the names on his scouting list would be way out of reach to him but others definite targets.

Despite money being available in January Mark couldn’t really see himself moving into the transfer market at that point. Long term injuries to key players may yet change his mind but he was delighted with the overall squad and as of the first week of November he was happy to save the money until the summer. Right side midfield would remain an issue but Buchanan had offered him an option he hadn’t previously considered.

Arjen Robben he certainly wasn’t but with a sweet left foot and a range of passes that mirrored Scott Walker, Buchanan could do more than just keep the right side of midfield warm for Owen Story’s return.

300k was a lot when you were looking to add to the side rather than make wholesale changes....

Mark stood up collected all of his stuff together believing the meeting was over but Bliss indicated to mark to sit down and asked Gregan to turn the lights out.

Bliss’s laptop beamed a presentation onto the large projector screen.

The presentation highlighted WSM’s recent history, ground changes and the potential for the club.

Bliss spoke over the presentation. ‘We have achieved my initial goal of reaching the Football league as that was my ambition for the town and all of this was achieved ahead of my timescale.

Stability is the key but it is clear that we have outgrown the current Woodspring Park and whilst we have the backing of the supporters locally we need to grow to further this club. We must therefore be brave, believe in what we are creating here and look firmly to the future. We need to think longer term and therefore I want to divulge my ambitious plan with you both.

Woodspring Park will expand if we are promoted to a capacity of close to 9000. If we are not promoted, Bliss paused to add to the moment then we will expand the ground to close to 9000.’

As the PowerPoint screen changed a fantastic view of the Woodspring Park emerged. New stands appeared at each mouse click until the ground was surrounded on four sides. Mark sat with his mouth open at the sight before him. Incredible and even though the ex Chelsea player had seen many grounds improved and new stands built over his playing career this time it was personal.

‘Fantastic Paul, absolutely fantastic’ was all he needed to say.

There would be huge hurdles along the crowd development route not least with local planners but Paul Bliss had the foresight to build the future.

The future is bright and the future is all white...

[markyt]

Mark had barely seen or spoken to his agent Carolyn Smith for several weeks. They still talked almost daily but with their workloads it was like two ships passing in the night. They had met up earlier in the season and spent time together but Carolyn had found now herself bogged down in her entertainment side of her client’s work. Three of them being involved in the latest I’m a celebrity get me out of here in Australia she had flown down under to manage their pr. Carolyn’s business was booming and with the coup of snaring one of America’s music industry legends and them being signed up to the reality TV show her world had gone mad.

Mark had heard of the artist but in truth the droning on of P Did or PD or Puff D or whatever he was now calling himself bypassed him completely. But he was a star and a demanding one that meant stellar paydays for Carolyn and her growing business.

His music regularly played in the training ground changing area but to Mark all of his songs sounded the same and he was getting old... and and it was never going to match his music favourite Rick Springfield.

He had just emerged from the board room when Paul Bliss’s secretary told him that Carolyn was on the line from Australia.

‘Hi Carolyn, how’s the weather in Oz today?

‘Hot and I’m bothered and missing you...fancy a trip to see me?’ came her sexy voice in reply

Mark laughed at the invite ‘Carolyn if things go wrong and we lose to Farnborough on Saturday then I’ll be out at the weekend...’

After the conversation wound through its normal route and they caught up with latest events Carolyn’s long distance call turned to a question.

‘Mark, I’ve had two or three phone calls from middlemen asking about your availability. I can’t meet up with them at the moment and I wanted to know your thoughts before trying to organise things from over here and as you know I won’t fly back for ‘just’ anyone sweetie. Sunderland are definitely back on the scene, you know my thoughts about them and the position there but Niall Quinn obviously thinks a lot of you and is trying to build bridges and repair the damage from the summer. Peter Taylor is not working out despite a recent improvement in results but they will not pull the trigger until they know the right man has agreed to come on board. I am hearing silence down the line so I will take that as a no...’ Carolyn shouted to someone to get her a glass of water before moving onto the second option supposedly becoming available, ‘Mark I can’t quite get to the bottom of this one but I’ve done some digging and one of those European super agents Peter Swarovski is behind the request. He is working for several clubs across Europe and is the new flavour of the month with the major money men and it points to possibilities at potentially Tottenham, Watford and Middlesborough. The last two I think make more sense as they have just fallen into the hands of foreign owners and have loads of money to flash about. So I guess Peter’s involvement all adds up especially as Middlesborough have a transfer budget of £35 million according to the rumours I have picked up since getting the initial contact. So I guess my question is do you want me to listen, find out more and make it ‘crystal’ clear or simply ring someone’s bell and move on from there?’

Mark stroked his stubbly chin and thought. There was some pause before Carolyn’s voice came back down the line. ‘You there........’

‘I’m here Carolyn and actually struggling what to say in response. Sunderland is a definite no. I like Niall Quinn and have a lot of time for what he is doing in the North East but I’m uncomfortable with the set up there especially after our previous dealings. I agree with you on that score and let’s close that door once and for all; I’ll leave the words to you.

Explore the options I guess is my initial thought but don’t fly home unless you think it completely necessary.

London would be great but let’s be honest Middlesborough and having £35 million to spend would be incredible..............’

20 minutes later and Mark put the phone down. After learning of his future transfer kitty at WSM and then shortly afterwards hearing that someone might well have £35 million to spend his mind was racing. Whoever landed the Teesside job would be a lucky man.... and be like a kid in a sweetshop not knowing what to buy first. Mark drove to the training ground for the afternoon session and as he drove mentally spent £35 million quid. Craig Gordon, Jermaine Defoe, Morten Gamst Pederson, Carlton Cole or perhaps Nathan Ellington would blow a huge hole in £35 million quid but good money well spent. Monopoly money really and all soon forgotten when Mark joined in the 5 aside session on a dry and sunny Autumnal afternoon. For a Monday there was a lot to take in but the everyday enjoyment of kicking a ball around soon cleared Mark’s mind of money, transfer targets and new stands at Woodspring Park.

[markyt]

I used to be a wolf but I’m alright nowwwwwwwwwwww!

Hours before kick off in the FA Cup first round game against conference south side Farnborough, Mark discovered that Carolyn’s information was slightly off track with the thought that Watford were interested in him. Watford actually turned out to be a Wolverhampton Wanderers who themselves were falling like a stone in the Championship division and heading for the relegation zone.

Mick McCarthy had paid the price of a demanding owner expecting to see his club winning every game they played. Cardiff, Wolverhampton and Sunderland were all fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table. Big clubs with big reputations all falling perilously close to the trap door of division one football.

Clubs like Nott’s Forest had never come to terms with relegation to division one and still years after the event found themselves struggling in amongst the lesser names of the Football League and seemingly unable to get out of the mire. It was no wonder Wolves had called time on McCarthy.

According to the Saturday morning papers the choice of new manager was a relatively easy one for the new money men at Wolves. Wolves were another club that had fallen into the hands of foreign investors. It was a growing trend amongst the big name clubs that seemed if anything to be happening at a rapidly increasing pace.

It was a straight fight between the inexperienced but growing reputation of Mark versus the much more experienced and available Bryan Robson. Whether any of that was actually close to being true was a mute point but Robson and Mark’s name appeared on every back page of the tabloids.

It made the coach trip to Farnborough an interesting one and the banter aimed in his direction from the players was more humorous than normal as they tried to get anything associated to a wolf into the conversation. If there were any pre match tensions they quickly disappeared on the journey.

Carolyn never heard back from her contact and the jobless Robson swooped into post promising a return to the good times and a message that Wolves would soon be back in their rightful place.

Time would tell if Robson delivered on his promises but Mark, someone who found Robson as annoying as a wasp at a barbeque, November the 5th, Bonfire Night was the day of Robson’s official appointment which would either herald a damp squib or provide a rocket to launch Wolves Championship survival plan. In theory Wolves could with a decent run even get back into the promotion race as could any of the sides fighting at the bottom of the league. Robson had arrived at a club with money to spend and surely this time he couldn’t fail. Mark as he heard news of the appointment thought that Wolves deserved better but then he and Robson would never see eye to eye.....

Robson’s arrival failed to spark Wolverhampton into the self-proclaimed ‘glorious’ drive up the table and after an initial honeymoon period with Wolves winning three games in succession and looking as if they had the ability to get out of trouble the club went into a spectacular freefall that they never recovered from and ended the season relegated to division 1. Robson covered himself in tefal ensuring that the blame for relegation never stuck to him and that he would start as manager of the club in the following season and spend major money in the summer.

[markyt]

Farnborough Town two seasons earlier had been a side Mark had genuinely considered as a promotion winning team. They had a magnificent run that pushed them close to the play offs but ultimately a couple of points short. However but for the impact of a 10 point reduction for entering administration they would have been amongst the end of season mix and who knows could have been joining WSM in the Conference.

Farnborough were certainly better equipped to survive in the higher league than Eastbourne who went up via the play offs.

WSM player Michael Charles had recently signed from them and had been despite his tender age the man behind their drive for success.

His prolific goal scoring and ability to pass the ball effortlessly had soon brought him to most scouts attention but Lee Houghton had run the rule over the player early and Mark snapped the player up whilst the other interested teams considered their options. Charles’ was like Lee Sawyer a long term investment and a player for the future but in the FA Cup 1st round he would be given his chance to show the Farnborough Town just what a talent he was.

With a crowd of just over 400 Mark’s voice boomed across the lush turf. He was at his most vocal for some time offering advice, observations and perhaps despite a much changed side determined that they would play well. The WSM side Crossley, Wilce, Stewart, Sharps, Somner across the back, Buchanan, Kirk, Charles, Gibson, in the midfield and upfront Bates and Olaoye had enough about it to win but with a side made up of reserves perhaps one that Farnborough Town considered beatable. Despite a bright start from the home side any remote chance of a win was snuffed out by half time although for Mark his side hadn’t done enough and he would continue to harangue his side for the majority of the game.

The scoring opened as soon as the 10th minute. Farnborough had taken advantage of unfamiliarity at the back but despite a couple of half chances emerged from a decent period of play without claiming a goal they probably on balance deserved. Kirk industrious in midfield soon began to pull the WSM strings and with Charles looking to mark his return home with a decent performance the two began to emerge from the WSM mediocrity on display and deliver the goods required. Bates now that the ball was moving to the right end of the pitch smelled goals as any natural predator would and busied himself around anxious defenders. The first WSM goal came from a Kirk pass delivered diagonally towards the right hand touchline and just kept in by Bates. Bates shimmied past the closest defender and edged closer to the 18 yard line and as he looked for support a lunge from behind knocked him off his feet. Perhaps without the normal finesse at a free kick Kirk selected to take the kick himself and readied himself for a no nonsense blast at goal. He struck the ball well avoided the wall and as the ball looked to be heading into the net the Farnborough keeper pushed the ball on to the stanchion after making a great save. Charles had taken the gamble and followed the flight of the ball and was rewarded by a lucky bounce. There were claims that Charles had been offside but the referee was having none of it. Charles himself couldn’t miss and remembering his home ties to Farnborough barely celebrated the opener.

With league side WSM now controlling the game everyone including Mark himself expected a goal bonanza.

Chances were being created in front of the Farnborough goal but sterling rearguard action somehow kept them out. WSM became more and more desperate to score perhaps summed up by the wasteful Olaoye who seemed to spurn four or five sitters. Finally the second goal arrived on 42 minutes breaking the Farnborough Town support hearts and dreams of a cup upset evaporated.

A neat triangle of play allowed space to be created and Charles lobbed into space behind the last man a ball for Bates to chase. Bates with the ball at his feet took advantage of unwary defenders, stole the ball and still with a lot of work to do curled a shot into the top right hand corner from 25 yards. The net buldged and a handful of traveling support greeted an excellent goal. The goal arrived to late to influence the half time team talk that wasn’t far short of an ear bashing.

Not quick enough not determined enough, where is the passion lads.....

If the reserves wanted to make a claim for the first team they had 45 minutes left to do so.

With the recent team talk still resonating in ear drums saw a WSM team broach the second half in a whirlwind of activity. The tempo lifted significantly causing Farnborough to defend deeper and deeper which only allowed WSM to excerpt even greater territorial advantage. WSM cracked in a third on 47 minutes when Buchanan lifted a cross deep in the box after excellent work wide out on the left and Bates out jumped the closest marker and smacked his header through the arms of the keeper. The power of the header gave the keeper no chance.

With Farnborough Town making changes to both player and formation WSM scored a quick fourth goal.

Crossley in goal claimed an assist as his long ball started the move behind the goal. A long hoof from the back found the head of Olaoye who glanced the ball towards Buchanan. Buchanan after collecting the knock down went on a mesmerizing run which left the defender on his backside and finally he drove a shot under the dive of the advancing keeper. A lovely goal to open his goal scoring account with WSM.

52 minutes had been played, WSM were four up and despite the fairly decent weather Farnborough supporters now expected an avalanche.

Despite complete control over the game for WSM that was the lot.

By the end of the game Mark had already withdrawn the three players he felt had credited themselves well from the overall performance.

The remainder would here is voice for all of the 90.

Bates, Buchanan and Stewart received the crowd’s applause when withdrawn and replaced by Farrell, Rhodes and McMenamin and those three pressed their claims for a first team start.

In the end the win was classed as comfortable and an efficient display by a reserve WSM side.

The performance wasn’t good enough despite the 4:0 scoreline and the dressing room despite victory heard harsh words from their demanding boss. Olaoye in particular would be quick to knock on Mark’s door to understand where he would go from here....

WSM were through to the 2nd round of the FA Cup and would face Bournemouth away.

Farnborough Town – FA Cup 1st Round away

4:0

[markyt]

With the majority of the first team not involved in the FA Cup match at Farnborough several had taken advantage of the break to take some time away on a sunshine break. They returned refreshed and reinvigorated and ready and the change of air if anything added to the normal training banter with several ole’s thrown in when someone created a piece of magic on the training ground.

In the days leading up to the next league fixture at mid table Wycombe Mark and his coaching staff had looked to increase the training schedule and boost fitness levels. The players were all at peak fitness but November gave Mark time to look at player conditioning with only one game a week to be played. In the months ahead game frequency would increase to 2 games a week and any work done now should hold WSM in good stead when the going got tougher. Mark was happy to let Wayne Jacobs and Ian Atkins loose on the training ground and across the week became an infrequent visitor to the proceedings. The benefits of the sunshine break quickly wore off as the players toiled in their conditioning sessions and the moaning and griping started as the sessions began to hurt.

In between training sessions Mark started to watch some of the players identified as potential transfer targets.

He was joined by Danny Jenkins for the trips to Exeter and Chelsea reserves.

Plymouth Argyle reserves were due to play Exeter and had included Cherno Samba. Mark wanted to have a look at the lad and playing at St James Park 15 minutes or so from his home an opportunity not to be missed. He would also make the trip to Brentford’s home ground to watch Chelsea reserves in action mainly to tap into the knowledge of Steve Clarke the Chelsea asst manager and reserve team boss rather than hunting for potential players. Jenkins had started the work demanded of him by Mark but knew that the two or three days spent with Mark would be invaluable. Listening to the thoughts of the WSM boss and gaining understanding just what kind of player he wanted for his side would certainly improve chances of finding the right men.

Samba was playing as a striker and a mile above the rest of the talent on display. Exeter were run ragged by the all action display that included a goal and the creation of four others. Samba whilst not particularly of big build seemed all legs but with pace to burn. If anyone was looking for a striker for the lower divisions then Samba at 20k was a bargain.

Between them Mark and Jenkins reviewed the Samba performance as they left Exeter heading up the M5 and then the M4 to London.

‘What did you think Danny?’

Danny Jenkins clung onto the seat as the Porsche raced up the fast lane of the M5. They had just touched 75 but it was the speed of accelerating from a sedentary position to 75. Jenkins wasn’t used to driving anything much different to a Volvo and had been taken aback by the power of the car.

‘Boss, if we need a decent fourth striker then he is a class above what we’ve got currently. Newbold, Benyon and Bates however I am convinced are going to leave him in the shade which won’t help him.

However as a right sided midfielder the jury is out. He could solve a problem but I would want to watch him several times in that position.

Whilst he was playing upfront today it was obvious his vision is good and at least he wasn’t selfish. He seemed to find space when others couldn’t which is a good trait to have. But if I’m being totally honest I’m not convinced. He has talent but never seems to be able to display it on the stage consistently. He’s a drifter and that will continue to happen. Plymouth are happy to let him go after a couple of seasons. He has done nothing there really but certainly has the attributes to make an impact on the game. I guess the question is what will it take to get the best out of him and if we sign him have we got time to work with him....’

Mark glanced at Jenkins in the car mirror. He had been worried about the quietness of the man but no doubt he knew his stuff and the synopsis of Samba pretty much spot on with his own consideration.

Samba would be watched again but Jenkins was right. Could Samba be part of a big squad or did he need to be a big fish in a small pond. He had run the roost in the reserve game. Maybe that was where he was most comfortable and Jenkins would need to explore further. Certainly Mark hadn’t seen enough to splash the money out straight away. If he was going to sign Samba then he would need to be assured of his character as well as his playing attributes. Jenkins visibly relaxed as he knew that Mark had pretty much agreed with his summary of the player and the two talked football non stop for the rest of the journey. Jenkins was going to be ok.

The Chelsea reserve game was different class compared to the Exeter versus Plymouth fare. The talent amongst the Chelsea side incredible and the majority of players playing in blue would surely walk into any other top team. No crumbs for WSM on this top table but conversations with Steve Clarke pushed him towards a couple of under 18’s that could be released in the following summer.

Mark himself would return to watch the under 18’s with Steve Clarke promising to join him in the stands. It was something to look forward to especially as Mark could probably pick up a Chelsea game the same day and then include a stay over in his London flat.

Driving home after the evening game Mark heard on the radio that Tony Mowbray had won the national lottery.

Mowbray had been appointed the Middlesborough manager and given a war chest of £35 million.

Mark smiled at the thought of spending all of that money.......

[markyt]

Q Why do cannibals not like to eat clowns?

A Because they taste funny..

Mark spent ¾ of the Wycombe game confined to the stands. Wycombe despite a lowly 12th place in the league were still pulling in crowds in excess of 9000. It may have been November but Wycombe needed to put wins together and quickly if they were going to mount a serious challenge to the play off group of clubs.

Teams like WSM just had to be beaten.....

A much rested and reinvigorated WSM side entered the game to a cauldron of noise. The atmosphere almost intimidating and the 400 or so traveling support found it difficult to make themselves heard above the passionate home crowd. Wycombe meant business and clear of injury able to field their strongest side. WSM barring in goal could do likewise. A team struggling perhaps the best summarisation of the Wycombe season to date and that was how they started against WSM. For Wycombe the indifferent performance continued with passes being misplaced, players rushing on the ball and trying to get themselves organised whilst trying not to concede an early goal.

Leaking early goals a bad trait that had hampered their season. WSM on a dry cold day happy to make the most of disorganized opponents and within minutes of the whistle had created two clear cut chances that on another day would have sunk Wycombe. Mark Kerr snatched at a chance on 2 minutes with the keeper on the floor and blazed a well hit shot 10 feet over the bar followed very quickly by a Walker cross that Newbold smacked a firm header straight at the bar. WSM were right on the money and the small number of WSM fans making the trip finally made themselves heard as the home crowd were silenced.

With Wycombe players falling out with each other at each set piece as they tried to organise just who was marking who, it was no real surprise to anyone that WSM scored. Gillan picked the ball up just inside his own half and after making his way forward and over enthusiastic WSM forward manhandled him off of the ball. Gillan took the resulting free kick and played the ball down the line. Walker didn’t even try to beat his man and crossed early but despite the number of players waiting for a cross into the box it somehow careered to the other side of the pitch to be collected by Owen Story. Story didn’t need an invitation to cross and with no one closing him down he delivered a drilled ball right into the 6 yard line asking someone in white to get something on the ball. Newbold, Benyon and McCann all tried to get to the cross but were beaten by a centre half who planted his clearance past his own keeper.

1:0 to WSM on 16 minutes and what happened over the next 15 minutes set the tone for a scrappy affair with bookings galore.

Wycombe continued the post mortem far too long after the goal and were neatly caught out after Benyon sprung their poor offside attempt. He was clear and caught from behind just inside the box. The ref saw it as a penalty but not as a sending off offence. Benyon was certainly away and no one would have caught the WSM flyer and the poor decision prompted abuse from Mark towards the match official.

Walker took the penalty and placed the ball down the middle where the goalie simply stuck out a leg and saved his poor effort.

Mark was still incensed by the lack of a red card and earned a swift rebuke and told to sit down by the fourth official but less than two minutes later a nasty late tackle went unnoticed. Mark had been following the flight of a Kerr long ball when Newbold collapsed in a heap. It looked as if the WSM striker had been caught by a flying elbow. Groggy and covered in blood he had to be replaced immediately and Mark was close to explosion knowing that the professional foul had gone without any retribution.

Both benches were at it now and when Newbold’s replacement Bates was caught in the face by a high tackle Mark had to be restrained as he now felt the referee had lost control of the game.

Mark had always been a fiery character but able to control his temper unlike his central midfield colleague at Chelsea, Dennis Wise but his sidelines rant towards a poor referee even for him way out of character....

‘Oi, ref, if I want to see a f.....g clown perform I’ll go to the f......g circus’ perhaps wasn’t the best choice of words but once said earned him a red card and he required Wayne Jacobs to push him away from trouble.

Mark stormed into the stands and despite the distance from the pitch continued his to vent his spleen. The referee was now into double figures with yellow cards issued as both sides fought mini battles over the pitch. The match was anything but a spectacle and any thoughts of a game of football breaking out destined to the bin.

Mark’s personal storm had blown out by the time his WSM side had entered the changing rooms.

It was hard to keep a straight face in the midst of his team talk especially as he urged restraint and not to get involved in skirmishes whilst he uttered harsh words about their opponents and the match officials.

Keep tight keep together and let’s beat these f.....g tossers....

The Wycombe boss had already realised that the over aggressive stance hadn’t worked and to be fair to him looked to change things and importantly get something from the game and knowing that it was important to keep eleven men on the pitch. In the opening minutes of the second half Sam Bailey launched a long ball that bounced kindly for Guy Bates and a piece of Bates magic put him into the box and closing on the goal. About to strike he appeared to be pulled back by a desperate defender. WSM claimed a penalty and even from Mark’s advantage point it was a clear and certain foul.

Imagine the disbelief that followed when nothing was given. Story’s protestation’s earned him yellow and as it was his second offence a red card quickly followed.

55 minutes played and with WSM down to 10 men the game turned against them.

WSM were forced to defend deeper and deeper and with Mark doing his nut in the stand he needed to be calmed down by Paul Bliss. Things were made worse by not being able to communicate quick enough with the bench. Despite the man advantage and several chances that should have been tucked away Wycombe failed to find the net and with the home crowd screaming for their team to shoot on sight Crossley despite the barrage on his goal had a fairly uneventful second half only being called into making one real save.

Game over and the post match retribution would earn Mark a warning about future behaviour. Mark couldn’t bring himself to shake hands with either the match officials or Wycombe boss and left the wrapping up to Jacobs. The match was truly horrible but still to claim three points especially when playing a long period with 10 men enough to return a smile to the WSM boss.

For Wycombe the ramifications of the loss continued with the price being paid by their manager with his contract terminated days later and the hunt on for a replacement.....

WSM were now upto third in the second division.

1:0 Wycombe - away

[markyt]

Banished to the stands for the next game Port Vale at home Mark sat almost statuesque in comparison to his touchline and stand display of 7 days earlier. Port Vale were at their highest league placing of the season in 8th and goal difference the only thing denying them a play off place. The 90 minutes were sheer torture for the WSM boss as his team faltered and delivered a poor performance in front of expectant and sold out Woodspring Park.

In regular contact with Jacobs and Atkins on the bench he urged the two to keep up a constant flow of words in particular to the back four. From his high up vantage point he could see that they were falling back and giving an alarming amount of room to the Port Vale midfielders to make use of. It looked almost as if WSM were frightened and now that they had reached the heady heights of third afraid to lose what they already had. Sat in row Z there was very little he could do. Jacobs was frequently in the touchline area and even from the stands Mark could hear his own words falling from the mouth of his asst manager but all to little or no avail. The match tactics defined and clarified just 60 minutes earlier were now in tatters.

There was just one sign of encouragement. Port Vale had all of the invention upto the final third but despite great amounts of possession to the away team they couldn’t hit a cow’s backside with a banjo....

Martin Foyle was in a maelstrom as he crashed and barked orders at his wasteful troops. Mark wasn’t the only manager in the ground feeling frustrated.

Mark Crossley looked secure at the back. Evans and McKeown had developed an understanding with the WSM keeper and now that Crossley had settled into the rhythm of regular games he was giving the defenders in front of him plenty of stick and growing into the green shirt. McCann and Kerr toiled hard against a determined opponent but for all of their efforts WSM in all sense of the word had stalled.

Newbold and Benyon hunting down the ball as per usual were virtually midfielders and dropped deeper and deeper to search for the ball.

45 minutes and not one shot on goal. Nothing, nowt, zip and the players braced themselves for a half time roasting as they jogged from the playing surface.

Mark was waiting for them and delivered a sermon using every second of the half time interval. Heavy words, words of encouragement, line drawings on the wipe board of where he wanted players to position themselves and a threat to the strikers that if they set one foot back into their own half he would substitute them immediately. ‘I want you two forcing their defenders to think. Move offside make them take a step back and expect a long ball. No faffing about lads, you get the ball in midfield and I want you to hit it wide to the channels or straight to the front men. Direct who cares I want the three points! ‘You four’ Mark indicated the defenders, ‘you will push up as there is no line on the edge of the box it’s at least 10 yards further up. They haven’t got the pace of Newbold and Benyon upfront so if they get by you will still have a chance to get something on the ball. Crossley you keep alert and ready to close down anything that gets past the back four....; and remember I want those points so don’t come back in at full time with anything less than three points.’

The second half started with both sides determined to improve and after initial jousting for space and time on the ball two quick goals settled the game. Mark punched the air with his fist in rapid succession as both Benyon and Newbold plundered a goal a piece after two lightening breaks. Port Vale should have learnt from the first goal but paid a price for not doing so..... Mark by now was pretty grumpy with the all round performance but the goals lightened the mood considerably.

67 minutes and Sam Bailey after clearing up a Port Vale move that had broken down following an awful pass, looked up before thumping a long ball aiming to get it behind the Port Vale back four. He succeeded but despite the pace of Newbold the defender calmly passed back to the keeper who then made a right hash of his clearance passing it straight to the feet of Benyon.

Benyon drilled an instant shot back towards the goal and despite it seeming to take an age to roll over the line WSM had the lead.

Less than five minutes later and McCann tackled the ball carrier and swept the ball wide right deep into the channel. The keeper spotted the danger and raced from his line but Benyon beat him to the ball and from a tight angle pushed a shot towards the empty net. It was probably going in but Newbold stretched for the ball after sliding in on the damp surface and made sure. 71 minutes and WSM were now two up.

Port Vale may have had 60% of the procession but two shots on target and two goals scored some return for the WSM second half performance. Game over!!!!

Port Vale made changes but despite remaining almost totally in control they failed to score. Mark changed Newbold and Benyon for Bates and Olaoye and the two subs continued to make a nuisance of themselves and either could have claimed WSM’s third. Port Vale time and time were cut to ribbons after one direct ball. They had no answer to the pace of the WSM strikers.

Three points for the collection and WSM got a nose bleed from climbing into second place.

Port Vale – home

[markyt]

Pitman the hitman!

It didn’t take a genius to make or even type a headline following the Bournemouth versus WSM FA Cup game. WSM had for their second time in history made the second round but would come up against a division one side looking to put their league troubles behind them. In league placings less than a handful separated the two clubs despite the divisional difference. WSM were 2nd in Division two and Bournemouth 21st in division one. The pundits didn’t even consider this as a cup upset but merely as a tense battle that either side could emerge triumphant. WSM had come along way on their progress from the non league football for that result to be even considered.

It would have been nice to suggest that the game had been one of end to end football with players playing their part in an entertaining and pulsating fixture that ultimately reinvigorated the soul and gave supporters much to cheer. Nothing could have been further from the truth as the victor emerged with the spoils of victory after managing to score just one goal.

Adjectives that summed up both team’s performance realistically detailed as turgid, dire, efficient, poor among with many that even the tabloids wouldn’t print. 8404 fans had arrived in good spirits to the neat and compact Fitness First Stadium. The stadium a blueprint for all lower league clubs to aspire to. Kevin Bond had been manager at the club for a couple of seasons and whilst never coming close to promotion they had done more than enough under his leadership to suggest progression was being made.

That was until the 2008/9 season when injuries hit the small Bournemouth squad and the replacements failed to provide adequate cover.

Bond’s side were down on their luck and they were already ‘shaken and stirred’ at the thought of a relegation battle.

In November the cup gave their fans something else to think about and with Brett Pitman back in the side, free from injury and hitting the net with increased frequency hopes of survival had become stronger.

Mark condemned to the stands for the second game running could only watch in despair as his side struggled with their opponents, the elements and at times themselves. Changes to the WSM side had been forced. Owen Story had picked up a slight knock in training and Mark’s obvious replacement either Holmes or Gibson wide on the right. He chose neither and went for Dave Buchanan. Buchanan had been pushing for a first team place and whilst on the wrong wing happy to play wide right if it meant starting match.

Mark had no thought of fielding the reserves for the second round and therefore picked his strongest side much to Frank Gregan’s obvious glee and Gregan seemed to enjoy the moment that he had influenced Mark’s decision. He hadn’t but Mark didn’t want his team embarrassed or players that may be critical to the season on the end of a thumping loss. Sam Bailey was serving a match ban and that meant that Matt Somner came in at right back for his game for some considerable time. In the reserves he had been made team captain and his enthusiasm and determination had propelled the reserves up their league ladder. He deserved to start...

The game started tentatively as two teams shadow boxed with each other. Perhaps WSM started the brighter of the two but if there was any advantage it was marginal from Mark’s point of view high up in the stands. As the first half ticked on Mark’s mood and body language had changed for the worse and even amongst the polite atmosphere of the director’s box he found it difficult to remain in his seat.

The first half produced a couple of chances for both sides but in truth neither side deserved a goal and with Newbold indicating that he wasn’t feeling right after going over on an ankle midway through the half life didn’t look to be going to get much better. Despite playing for all of the first 45 minutes in an effort to run the injury off it was obvious he was labouring and unlikely to start the second period.

He wasn’t the only WSM player labouring.................

Mark arrived first in to the dressing room and as the players trudged or limped in he began to ask questions of his team and demand greater application of their devised game plan. WSM were playing well with in themselves, inhibited, afraid of getting beat and more importantly forgetting how to play the football that had served them so well. Up the intensity look for the pace of Walker and Buchanan wide on the flanks if the front two were still being well marshaled. Bond had done his homework and had nullified the pace of the WSM strikers with pacy and athletic defenders. WSM would need to play the ball around these apparent immovable objects and get behind them with the right pass. Newbold couldn’t continue and Bates was introduced from the second half whistle.

WSM’s tweaked game plan fell apart within one minute of the restart. The best bit of football of the day saw WSM carved open neater than any Sunday roast consumed that afternoon. It had started from deep within the Bournemouth half and a clearance from a WSM corner landed at the feet of Brett Pitman. McCann had spotted the danger and the space left by defenders still not back from the corner and tracked the ball but Pitman shielded the ball from the WSM midfielder cutting off an initial tackle and then broke clear.

A couple of clever dummies sent the closest defenders the wrong way and Pitman chased by McCann all the way back to goal was away.

McCann had closed the gap but just before he dived into a last ditch tackle Pitman let fly and launched a screamer from 30 plus yards.

Crossley could only watch the ball fly past. From Mark’s angle it looked to be just going past the post but a final turn on the ball took it into the net and after the merest of glances off the inside of the right post. Replays later would show the ball had moved incredibly in the air and its final movement curved into the net. It was a beauty of a goal and Pitman rightly celebrated his effort with a ‘dance’ in front of the home crowd smacking the corner flag with his fist as he finished his routine. The goal meant that WSM had 45 minutes or so to get something from the game but despite the time available nothing much happened for them that warranted an equalizer. Bournemouth were happy for the lead and defended their advantage over zealously strangling any thoughts of further goals. WSM had neither the skill, desire nor where with all to break them down and went out of the cup with little more than a whimper. Jacobs and Atkins shouted themselves hoarse and despite two further substitutions both attacking in their nature WSM failed to hit the target.

Not one shot that could be counted as hitting the target for 90 minutes. The ref blew the whistle and despite Bournemouth moving into the third round of the cup the fans accepted the win with muted applause. It had been an awful game and the only positive from the game for Mark that Pitman was a player to have a look at.

WSM had lost their way and Mark would need to shake the pot. The boldness of early season and the rise to the top of the league had now come to a grinding halt. Teams had sussed out WSM and how to stop them playing and some elements of fear had crept in to their game. The training ground would become Mark’s focus for some time ahead that was clear. The crowd were going home and Mark was alone in the directors box. He stared at the now empty pitch and considered where to go from here. WSM may have been 2nd in the league but it was clear from the last couple of performances that things had to change. Navel gazing would now commence!!!!

Bournemouth – 2nd round FA Cup away

0:1

[markyt]

Mad dog’s and English captain’s go out in the midday sun.....

Mark had endured a couple of sleepless nights in the aftermath of the Bournemouth game.

A stuttering performance that created very little in the right areas of the pitch with the added worry that Mark had fielded his best team barring one or two injured players or suspended players. There was no time between the Bournemouth game and the next league game away to MK Dons managed by ‘Mad Dog’ Allen. Two days would not give him enough time to consider change let alone implement them but as he lay restlessly in his bed he had concluded that the player pool needed a good shake up.

5am on Monday morning and he was prepared to make wholesale changes and introduce new faces into the side.

New faces would have included Stewart, Charles, Bayley, Buchanan playing on the left, Holmes wide right and perhaps most telling Bates up front replacing one of the ‘dream team’ and he was even prepared to drop talisman Scott Walker the first team captain. The changes would have been dramatic but by 9am Mark the early morning drive from his Exeter home to WSM had cleared his thoughts.

It may have been the start of December but the day started dry and brisk with winter sunshine basking the day and working with the players on the frosty training ground changed his mind. WSM would feature 9 of the 11 that had lost to Bournemouth versus the Mk Dons.

Sam Bailey and Owen Story would return to strengthen the right side of the team and hopefully improve the balance and shape of the WSM side. Perhaps harsh to drop Somner and Buchanan but Mark spoke to both personally to reassure them that they were not being blamed for the defeat. Anything but.....

Both would be on the bench joined by Olaoye, Bates and at last the returning and fit again Bayley.

Bayley had yet to really make an impact at the club after becoming injured very early into the season.

Silence as Mark called the players around him. They were all around the centre circle of the full sized pitch on their training facilities.

Players had read the press coverage and the scores given to their individual performances. It hadn’t been good enough and Mark’s silence and limited appearance in the dressing room after the cup game spoke volumes. No smiles as the team was announced just realization that they were being given the chance to redeem themselves and had been given the opportunity to get things back on track.

Putting things into perspective the effect of the fresh December morning air.

WSM were 2nd in the league and in terms of form winning more games than they were losing.

Mark was showing faith in the players that had served WSM so well all season long and now they needed to repay that faith.

Mark was back in the dug out for the first time in weeks his ban now served.

He had shaken the hand of Martin Allen someone he knew from his playing days and the two had regularly ‘bumped’ into each other on the pitch. No quarter given in those days, but despite his label ‘mad dog’, Martin Allen had always been a fair player despite his combatitive nature. Mark was of similar mould and despite the battle scars from their encounters Mark considered Allen as someone he’d happily chat to over a pint after the game even though they had never played in the same side together. Unlike his cousin Clive who Mark had played with at Stamford bridge all be it for a relatively short period of time.

MK Dons were slower starters in the league but after they indifferent beginning had clicked through the gears and were happy to thrash anyone in their present form led by their hot shot striker Izale McLeod whose rich vein of form was pushing him to the top of the goalscorers in league 2. 10002 and fans turned up to watch the two clubs battle out the game at the National Hockey Stadium on a cold and wintry night. Despite the cold rain fell although it fell as sleet and the wind whistled across the ground. t was nights like these that Mark was quite happy to wrap up in his thick winter coat and patrol the touchline area rather than face the biting cold in a pair of shorts and his preferred short sleeve shirt. He was getting old.....

Despite WSM being aware of the need to keep things tight and work themselves into the game before looking to catch the Dons on the break it was clear from the outset that WSM would come up short against a cracking and purposeful side. MK Dons were ferocious from kick off and went for the jugular. The pace and power of Allen’s side belittled the WSM team and the savagery of the tackle through to the ability to create space for themselves way beyond the ability of Mark’s WSM side.

To be three down at half time and to be downtrodden and bullied out of the game not good viewing from the WSM bench. Mark as ever vocal and yelling out team or player instructions but even he had no answer to just how to stop the runaway train. Benyon and Newbold manned the decks as WSM were tossed around the stormy sea with all WSM players encamped in their own half. It made no difference as MK Dons were magnificent and by far the best team mark had seen in the league. Mcleod turned him self into action man and at the heart of every MK move. Either acting as the target man or trying to get on the end of another cross he was everywhere and with 25 minutes played had already claimed a deserved hatrick. Each goal well taken. The first a powerful thumping header from a cross that Evans failed to clear leaving Crossley beaten all ends up, the second a volley after being put through by a long ball over the top of the WSM back line and finally the third from the penalty spot. Steve Evans was having a torrid time at the heart of the WSM defence and losing his temper at his inability to control the erstwhile and elusive MK striker felled McLeod with a late tackle that the big number 9 slotted home with some panache.

As the players came off the pitch at half time the game was already over. The dressing room was as silent as any graveyard late at night.

Mark went into overdrive making immediate changes and dramatically changed the formation. It was time for WSM to roll up their sleeves and never say die. The changes brought Benyon and Newbold off with WSM moving to just one striker. Three at the back with McKeown giving the task of just following McLeod and becoming his shadow in an attempt to lock the striker down. Walker was also brought off the pitch with Mark Kerr assuming the captaincy. Bayley, Buchanan and Bates entered the fray. To some point the changes worked as WSM stemmed the tide but in essence had 6 bodies strung across the middle as McKeown was virtually in midfield. Mcleod in trying to shake off his marker had dropped deeper and deeper but with McKeown still following him everywhere.

Bates ploughing a lone furrow had only a sniff of a chance but should have done better with both that came his way. At least WSM were moving forward and the two chances for Bates more than the last game put together. The midfield six quelled MK Dons but despite the numbers couldn’t really create much or support Bates quick enough. The game was closing and in the last seconds a final corner to the Dons.

A simple ball, one glancing header and the WSM bulged for a fourth time. A McKeown slip gave Mcleod the chance for a free header and after doing virtually nothing for the second half he ran off with a four goal salvo and the mom award.

MK Dons were magnificent and Mark was the first to tell Allen that he thought so to. The ride home not the most entertaining and perhaps the tensions and quietness giving some clue to the way forward. WSM third in the table in marathon terms had hit the wall and it was only December. Mark closed his eyes and began imaging his December review meeting with Paul Bliss and Frank Gregan. Difficult, dark and cold days certainly lay ahead.

Merry Christmas everyone........ and all Mark wanted for Christmas was an MK Don player called McLeod.

MK Dons – away

0:4

[markyt]

For a change the usual monthly meeting between Paul Bliss and Mark was scheduled for an early start. Mark was the first to arrive and happily chatted to Bliss’s secretary as she readied the room and got teas and coffee organised. Emma had been at the club for years having joined pretty much after leaving school. Now in her 30’s she was as integral to the club as perhaps Mark himself in terms of her work load and organisational skills. The fact that she was easy on the eye another reason that Mark always found time to chat to her.....

Bliss arrived followed shortly afterwards by Frank Gregan and the meeting kicked off with a financial update, club progress off the field and Gregan’s work in improving the youth development programme.

Despite the cup exits WSM were progressing nicely and with the picture looking good further investments into the youth programme had been agreed. Regarding club expansion Bliss informed everyone that he had already completed the first round of council talks and positive signs that the changes could be agreed in time for Summer 2009 and if everything went to plan by October of that year WSM would have almost trebled ground capacity. The expansion to Woodspring Park would now take place regardless of league finish as crowds generated in the last couple of seasons had far and away smashed the projections. It was now well known that for many sellout games, WSM during their league 2 campaign demand had outstripped capacity. Yes much of it was down to the quality of the opposition but importantly the locals had embraced the club success and Bliss was now convinced that going for a decent sized expansion now rather than building in perhaps two of three stages would benefit the club longer term. The expansion would give WSM security long term increasing club revenue even if bumpy times lay ahead. Staying in the league system now imperative.

‘Build it then they will come....’ and although Bliss smiled when he said the line only Mark and Emma of the four in the room knew that he had pinched the line from a film. Emma was a smart cookie and obviously involved in the creation of the PowerPoint presentation.

Mark’s turn came next and he quickly confirmed the November programme as two wins and one loss in the league and a win and loss in the FA Cup. True he would have liked to have sat in the room without a recent 4:0 drubbing but to be 3rd in the league entering December an incredible first season regardless of where things headed for now. One game to play and the half way point in the season would arrive.

Only Cheltenham remained and WSM had done more than enough against the other teams in the 2nd division to show that they deserved to be in the league and had nothing to fear from the other teams. Yes they still had a long way to go, no they weren’t mathematically safe yet and yes there remained likelihood that they would face another drubbing or two before the end of the season.

But they were in the football league and growing in stature game by game. They were gaining the respect of the clubs they faced. WSM had come a very long way in a short space of time.

For December there were 5 games in total including the MK Dons and no real heavy build up of fixtures around the Christmas New Year breaks.

3 home and two away fixtures with the pick of them Hull the runaway league leaders away and Morecambe at home. Morecambe had been the first league team played in division two and the scene of a thirteen goal thriller. An interesting return match up to see how the sides had evolved over the season.

On the transfer front Mark confirmed that he would not be bringing anyone in the January window and was confident that the squad was good enough to continue to compete. Gregan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. WSM football wasn’t good at present and all in the room knew it but importantly they were at the right end of the table.

Gregan then made an announcement. ‘One of my footballing contacts has offered us a top notch player that I think Mark should have a look at especially as he is of an international standing’

Mark woke up from his training ground dreaming and said ‘Who?’ wondering just what player of an international standing Gregan was talking about and from the smile on his face was either a free or next to nothing cost. Gregan waited before replying ‘David Dunn’

Mark laughed ‘there is no way that David Dunn the Blackburn player is coming to WSM. For nothing? and he would need to take a huge drop in salary. There would be a host of clubs interested in him so why on earth would he come here, and he’s still got years ahead of him?

Gregan could see and hear the incredulity on the faces in the room but repeated ‘he will come if you talk to him and my contact assures me that he wants to leave the North West and why not WSM. He’s over 30 not getting first team football, unlikely to find a club at the highest level and is looking for a new challenge. He can play wide right the position that you yourself Mark are concerned about...’

Bliss looked at Mark as if to say go along with this for all of our sakes especially as looking costs nothing.

‘Ok Frank, I’ll get him checked out and even watch him myself if Danny Jenkins thinks he can still do the business....’

Mark was still laughing at the thought of David Dunn playing for WSM as he drove to training.

The session would be a tough one but at least his day had started off with something to brighten his mood.

David Dunn or DD as he was nicknamed by his mates or even double d when he made a mistake.

A usual training ground mickey take using his initials. Jenkins would take a look and so to Mark if Jenkins raved about the Blackburn stalwart but for now the only dd Mark would think about today would be Emma and her 36dd shape. Mark shook lustful thoughts from his head and stopped singing the Beautiful South song as he turned his mind to the serious matter of how to change things in time for Saturday’s home game versus Cheltenham.

[markyt]

Happy Days?

Mark held his arms aloft to salute WSM’s second goal and with two minutes on the clock hopefully the winner.

After several games where the free flowing football had been condemned to history the real WSM returned with some vengeance. Total dominance over a decent Cheltenham side well positioned themselves for a promotion tilt. Another sellout crowd bore witness to WSM’s return to form but despite over 80% of the possession and a shot count that despite its high number perhaps showed why WSM had lost confidence and alarmingly lost their way on the playing field. A nervous and tense performance throughout without the freedom of play from just weeks before.

After the very recent thumping away to MK Dons Mark had spent hours on the training ground, regularly losing his temper, losing count of the hours watching every minute of WSM’s recent games on DVD in an attempt to understand what had gone so badly wrong. Players were spoken to either as a group or taken aside and graphically shown where they needed to work harder. All of this with WSM lying in third place in the second division and heaven help those working around him if WSM ever found themselves at the wrong end of the table.

‘Sparky’ Thomas had turned into one of Snow White’s dwarfs and it wasn’t dopey…..

Mark dropped two players. In the still of the night post the MK Dons game it could have been a lot more. In the end a rationale Mark decided to rest two for the long winter haul ahead rather than drop them for poor performance. Shock waves reverberated around the club as the team was announced. Crossley, Newbold and McCann dropped with Newbold not even featuring on the bench. Mark had been ‘rested’ himself and took the time to explain his decisions. Newbold was told to go on holiday and made his way to Dubai. McCann hadn’t been happy at the news but took the decision professionally promising to work hard for an immediate return.

Brain’s was fit again and Crossley despite playing well returned to being sub.

WSM started the game with a point to prove and recent training ground work and tactical changes rammed down their throats. Bates playing alongside Benyon looked bright and busy making the most of his first league start. Bayley replaced McCann in the centre of the park linking well with Kerr straight from the whistle. Cheltenham had expected WSM to come out of the blocks flying and were happy to defend in numbers hoping that they could see out the passing storm. Scott Walker on the left one of those looking to get back into Mark’s good books provided the first early chances for WSM. Two crosses finding the head of Benyon and Bates respectively only for their efforts to find the arms of the Cheltenham keeper. Pressure was mounting but despite all of the ball in those opening minutes Cheltenham quietened the home crowd with a cracking goal against the run of play. Bayley caught in procession allowed his opponent to make a run and after clever link up play the Cheltenham striker hit a shot on the turn that found brains clutching at thin air. Cheltenham had the lead on 15 minutes.

As the goal was celebrated Mark could here the fans groaning that it was going to be one of those days… Fortunately WSM equalised within 10 minutes after sloppy Cheltenham defending at a Walker delivered free kick and Mark Kerr rammed home a low shot from 22 yards. Cheltenham had two or three chances to get the ball cleared but Kerr made them pay.

Half time came and went and with Mark demanding the players claim the three points no changes were made to personnel or tactics. 45 minutes of relentless football followed but a winner just wouldn’t come. Cheltenham had given up any hope of winning the game and defended as if their lives depended upon it. Mark reluctant to make changes watched silently from the sidelines as WSM ran themselves into the ground with any of the outfield 10 being contender for man of the match. The free flowing football had at last returned.

Mark looked at the bench and considered his options with ten minutes of the game remaining.

McCann was ordered to get ready and this decision was backed almost immediately as Bayley hobbled from the pitch after being caught by a late tackle. McCann was on…

The Cheltenham support were whistling for the end of the game but Mark on checking his watch still thought there was a couple of minutes left. Another WSM shot rained in on the Cheltenham goal but an excellent save pushed Bates effort wide for a corner.

Was this the last chance saloon?

Walker took the corner and curled the ball into the 6 yard line and it looked to be heading right down the keepers throat. Inexplicably he dropped the ball and a surprised McCann found himself in the right place to smash a shot into the net. All hell broke loose as the home support welcomed the goal. McCann couldn’t believe his luck but was not going to give up a gift horse.

The whistle sounded shortly afterwards and WSM collected maximum points and the home crowd roar of support a very welcome sound for Mark and the players.

Cheltenham – home

2:1

[markyt]

When does five equal 10?

Sammy Mcillroy had tried to play mind games in the lead up to the Morecambe home game or at least the press suggested that he was.

After the opening game of the season when the two clubs had shared thirteen goals and ultimately WSM claiming a priceless away win by just one goal both clubs life at both clubs had been positive. Both tidily placed, both able to beat anyone on their day and importantly for Mcillroy a defence that had become as watertight as any boat moored off Weston Super Mare.

Mcillroy suggested in the press that he had watched WSM and understood how to beat them and that Mark would be found out tactically. There were a few derogatory comments towards Mark and his team and completely out of character for the former Northern Ireland boss.

Mark scotched any ideas of starting or encouraging a feud between the two and when asked by journalists for his view on the quotes promised to answer each and every one of them where and when it mattered on the pitch. This lead to a newspaper headline of ‘less jaw more war....’

Happy Days!

Mark selected the same eleven that had started against Cheltenham despite McCann and Newbold being refreshed and ready for return. Of the two McCann perhaps the less happier of the two but recognised that he would gain very little from throwing the rattle from the pram. Woodspring park provided another full house for a fixture that many fans hoped would lead to a bumper crop of goals. In all honesty that was most unlikely but you couldn’t blame them wishing for an entertaining match on a freezing cold Saturday afternoon and something to warm the cockles of the heart...

Mcillroy approached Mark minutes prior to kick off and apologized for the newspaper talk. He had made one comment that he wanted to see his side avenge the loss and perhaps even take WSM apart for beating them on home turf. The rest was pure rubbish.

Mark watched his side from the bench with both sides taken some time to measure each other but from the 10 minutes point Morecambe’s danger man Danny Carter, and the man that personally had taken WSM’s defence to bits in the opening game of the season came to life. Two shots caused problems for Brain’s and only a McKeown header off the line prevented an opening goal. The goal line clearance brought Mark onto the sidelines. McKeown warned to stay tighter to Carter and Bayley to cut Carter’s supply line from midfield by stepping further forward.

Carter looked to be through on goal on 18 minutes only for a McKeown sliding tackle to rob him just prior to a shot being released. McKeown then stepped out of defence with the ball at his feet and hit a hopeful ball wide to the right wing. Story chased the ball, kept it in and skipped past a challenge. Story glanced up and pushed a cross into the box. Bates climbed highest got the ball down on the deck and lashed a shot past the keeper from 7 yards out. WSM were one up completely against the run of play. 18 minutes and WSM’s first shot resulting in a goal.

Morecambe traveling support were stunned after seeing there team carved open by an electric counter attack despite having supposed control of the game. Before their side had time to settle down Guy Bates had claimed a superb hatrick despite Carter again having chances to level the score for the away team. Bates was on fire and everything he did simply worked from a flick on, to a back heel and a collection of tricks that came to life as his goal tally increased. 28 minutes and another lightning break saw Story hurl a cross into the box and Benyon wide open on the penalty spot had time to chest the ball to his strike partner and Bates happily thumped a volley home. The marking was no where to be found and WSM had their tails up scenting goals. The third arrived less than two minute later. Bates barely broke sweat. Kerr picked up a Brain’s throw and found Bates with a lovely threaded through ball and Bates just strode past his marker and from just inside the Morecambe half lobbed the keeper. Mcillroy was furious at the capitulation of his side and despite an evenly balanced game realised his side were on the wrong end of another hammering unless Morecambe got their act together and quickly.

Into injury time Morecambe got a break. A penalty after a foul by Evans allowed Carter to add to his goal tally for the season.

The home crowd clapped their side off as the whistle blew knowing that the opening 45 minutes had been as good as WSM had been all season long. Neat counter attacking football with a real venomous end product. Despite the two goal advantage Mark ordered caution in the white shirted ranks. Carter was still a danger man and Evans and McKeown politely reminded to watch the striker closely.

Mark knew the next goal would be critical and if it went to Morecambe then WSM could face a torrid second half. WSM needed to be patient and continue to break at pace.

Mark’s concerns were quickly cleared on 51minutes.

Gillan at left back galloped forward with the ball at his feet and with WSM looking to make the runs for him he curled a ball towards the box. Morecambe cleared their lines but Bates dropped back to get the ball and after a sharp turn weaved his way through a packed defence before shooting through the keepers legs. Some goal and already four to his collection with 40 minutes left in the game.

Morecambe were now beaten and despite Carter being productive and troubling the WSM all afternoon long it was WSM that claimed the final goal. The game was over and Mark had withdrawn Bayley and Benyon replacing them with McCann and Olaoye respectively. Olaoye on for 20 minutes was magnificent and turned in a performance that was by far his best for WSM. He had finally delivered some of his promise.

He was a giant and ran amok with a goal the only ingredient missing from his ‘cameo’ performance but he was the catalyst for the 5th WSM goal.

McCann hard in the tackle bulldozed his way past a tiring Morecambe midfield before laying a ball into the feet of the huge Olaoye giving a late chance to run at the Morecambe defence. Olaoye pushed wide beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper before shooting from a wide angle. The ball bounced off the post and Bates following in given the easiest of chances to claim a fifth.

The whistle blew and Mark jumped around like a scalded cat on a hot tin roof. What a game what a performance and with it WSM rose back to 2nd in the league.

Bates the man of the match awarded a perfect 10 for his match efforts. So five does equal 10!

Bates was sensational and knew that his performance would rightly keep him in the side and Newbold on the sidelines for now.

The papers saluted his performance - Bates the master!

The competition for places was hotting up nicely and would only help WSM in the months ahead.

Morecambe – home

5:1

[markyt]

Mark saw no reason to change the side after a convincing win against Morecambe especially as the next game up an away fixture against the top of the league team Hull. The clash would see the top two go head to head and despite WSM’s three goals to one victory in the previous match up all bets were off. Hull to win was the message from the bookies and the only debate around the margin of comfort and the number of goals clear for the home side.

Training was as ever brisk and busy and with morale at an all time high the players knuckled down to serious work despite the chilly but dry conditions. Coming out of the previous game unscathed meant that Mark would not be hindered in his selection process for the Hull game. On Tuesday afternoon he unusually announced the team as much to show his pride in recent performances as to stop the obvious questions when were certain players going to get back into the team. Newbold and McCann took the news surprisingly well although there was muttering from elsewhere and that was quickly followed up by a knock on Mark’s door.

Three players were concerned to various degrees and wanted clarification of their long term prospects.

First up was Ian Sharps who had been dropped after a series of mediocre performances and was no longer even a definite on the bench. Sharps clearly aggrieved that top notch performances for the reserve side had gone pretty much unnoticed wanted to know where he stood in Mark’s team consideration. Mark looked at Sharps paused for a moment or two as he gathered his thoughts ‘Ian, what can I say. The first team picks itself at the moment and Stewart hasn’t done anything to deserve coming off the bench. Things will change I’m sure and you are playing well and in some form so that will bade well for the future. We are bound to suffer injury and suspensions so you will need to be ready. Let’s just say if you stake your claim at the next opportunity you will not be dropped.’

Sharps shrugged as if to say that’s the best he could have hoped for and shook Mark’s hand before heading home.

Next up Olaoye who after a decent cameo role now felt that he should be firmly in the first team.

Benyon in Olaoye’s opinion wasn’t in form and the combination of Olaoye and Bates had for 20 minutes proven that they could play together in the league and the benefits of learning each others playing style after featuring together in the reserves apparent for all to see.

‘No deal sunshine it doesn’t work like that’ was Mark’s short and sharp reply mimicking the Nationwide adverts. ‘Bench on Saturday and I can however assure you that you are close to starting a game. Benyon plays for now, but when you come on you need to play at the same tempo as Saturday. Do that and it will force my hand? Right now you need to show me some consistency and I haven’t seen enough to make a change. But I will if you deliver.’

Olaoye left the room clearly not in the best of moods and within hours had slapped in a transfer request. A call from his agent suggesting that the player himself felt undervalued and overlooked and needed to move on for first team football. Mark laughed when he heard the news and decided to ‘play the game’ and agreed to put the player on the list. 15k the fee should anyone want to take a bite.

Frank Gregan was given the job of organizing the news of Olaoye’s availability and to ascertain any interest.

Michael Wilce was the final player requesting to see Mark. Wilce had been a first team regular two seasons previously but had made some stupid comments and demanded an outrageous hike in wages to negotiate a new contract. Barely sniffing a first team berth since the row he was now in his last year of contract. He began his conversation almost hesitantly ‘Boss, I’ve realised I’ve been a spoilt brat but hopefully my reserve performances have shown my commitment to you and the club. I wondered whether you would be able to offer me a new contract or should I make plans to move on I’d love to stay but realise the decision is out of my hands.’

Mark remembered vividly the contract row the two had had 2 years before. However Wilce had been contrite and professional during the intervening period as a reserve player and infrequent starter for the first team someone that Mark still considered very much part of his squad despite the excessive and foolish wage demands. Wilce had learnt his lesson and kept his head down. Reality had hit home in the land of Wilce and now he was keen to stay and remain at the club. Mark had already recognised the new improved Wilce and agreed to discuss a new contract with the youngster in due course.

In fact the new contract was signed one week later all because of his performance on the pitch after a late call up to the first team..

Training was progressed well which allowed Mark to continue scouting and sharpening his potential transfer targets. Watching Cherno Samba had virtually become a new hobby for Danny Jenkins and Jenkins had asked Mark to join him so that he could fully explain his rationale for confirming Samba as a future option. As Mark sat in the almost empty stand talking with Jenkins he received a call from Wayne Jacobs WSM’s asst manager. ‘Mark we’ve got some problems for Saturday, Gillan has just seen the doc. He’s got a broken toe and is out for a couple of weeks. Robert Bayley is also feeling some uncomfort in the groin but I think he should be close to fitness if we lighten his training and rest him a bit. What do you think?’

Mark engrossed in the game saw Samba skin a defender and lash a 20 yard shot inches over the bar replied ‘Wayne, bring Wilce in at left back and monitor Bayley. I don’t want to risk him especially as he is just back from injury so if there is any doubt McCann plays ok...’

Two enforced changes were duly made for the trip to the league leaders with Wilce and McCann back in the fray of first team action.

As for a certain Cherno Samba despite an obvious lazy streak and poor body language when things weren’t going well on the pitch he had ticked enough boxes to suggest he would be a useful addition to the WSM ranks and Jenkins report suggested he could operate either at right side of midfield or as a striker and potentially on a good day an equal to Bates, Newbold and Benyon.

However despite the opening of the transfer window just two weeks ahead an offer for Samba wouldn’t be made until the summer and if he did come it would be as an option on the right hand side of midfield.

[Amaroq]

I like the bold effect you've started adding; you do it in a unique way; it really adds a spot of life to the prose. Btw, congrats on 5,000 views - KUTGW!

[markyt]

Thanyou for your comments Amaroq. i hoe it is an interesting read although sometimes his hard to jusdge without constructive feedback like yours. I guess the yard stick is the number of views which have been way beyond my initial hopes. Lots more written so hope it will continue to be of interest on here for sometime to come..

I am enjoying the writing and think I've got better as the story has progresed. (Hope it has anyway!)

Hit it screamed Mark from the touchlines as Guy Bates broke clear and beat the onrushing keeper. The game barely 10 minutes old but WSM were in complete control.

The clash of the top two days before Christmas licked the lips of footballing fans from more than just the two clubs involved. Many neutrals wanted WSM to have a go at Hull and make the league more interesting.

Hull were runaway league leaders and a class apart from the rest of the league. A club that should not be kicking around the lower reaches of the pyramid system not with their large support base and a ground that really was magnificent. But they were and making light work of the league’s opposition and storming to the league title heading for a new league points record.

The best defence in the league happy to contain opposition strike forces whilst simply grinding out one nil wins rather than thumping sides with their obvious qualities. Why break sweat when you didn’t need to...

With home advantage an unbeaten for the season the passionate home support expected another win. But in those early minutes Hull were staggered by the pace, power and purpose of Mark’s WSM side. McCann in particular keen to make up for lost time dominated early proceedings. For 20 golden minutes it was all WSM and a flurry of goal mouth activity should have produced the opener. Elliot Benyon aware of pressure on his place started brightly and his movement caused Hull major problems. The first chance fell his way after a McCann pass and with a centre half man handling him he managed to unleash a shot from 20 plus yards that needed a finger tip save to push wide. A brilliant save bringing loud applause from the large crowd despite the diversions of Christmas shopping.

Mark could see his team playing well but realised that with the amount of possession WSM needed to score when in control. His scream of ‘hit it’ on 10 minutes loud enough to be heard above the noise of the crowd. McKeown had picked up a loose pass and no nonsense smacked the ball straight up the pitch, Benyon with his back to the goal allowed the ball to bounce and turned it in one movement around the corner looking for the run of Bates. Bates had already anticipated the flick on and staying onside was clear of any likely defensive cover but with a bouncing ball unable to gain full control to his liking and he was forced to push the ball wide left on to his weaker side. The keeper closed the space and with Mark screaming for an early shot Bates tried to round the keeper only to find a hand taking the ball from his feet. Credit to the keeper for his alertness but Bates had wasted a golden opportunity. A shot on target should have been delivered much earlier in the move.

McCann was the next to test Hull and after neat inter play between Bates and Kerr, McCann arrived at the edge of the box to thump a shot forwards that smacked off the cross bar and over into the Hull supporters.

Mark grimaced and turned towards the bench knowing that the chances were not going in. WSM were playing some lovely football and Hull despite their confidence and player qualities across the pitch were scratching their heads as to how to get into the game. But a decent side unbeaten at home was never going to allow WSM to control the game for 90 minutes.

As the half closed the game had become even and it was no surprise to see WSM pay for their inability to score early on.

Darryl Duffy the Hull leading scorer picked the ball up deep evaded two challenges and hit an early shot that Brain’s saved but somehow pushed the ball back to the feet of Duffy. Brain’s had no chance with the second shot from Duffy and could only watch the ball bounce into the empty net. Where was the WSM defence? Nothing to do and one goal down...

Mark did a Mick McCarthy on the touchline and three his drinks bottle to the floor in annoyance at the loss.

Duffy had been the Hull danger man and somehow he had found the time and space that had been denied him until 45 minutes into the game.

The half time team talk was a balancing act. Mark delighted with the performance yet aware that Hull were ahead. Change too much and WSM could suffer. Don’t change anything and WSM were already out of the game and chasing the league leaders. Mark therefore tweaked a couple of positions rather than drastic changes to shape and demanded the same again.

Mark couldn’t expect anymore from his WSM team....

Hull had received a rocket up their backside and started the second half in determined mood. Two minutes into the half and Duffy doubled the lead. A corner from the right headed goalwards and deflected clear by Wilce bounced nicely for Duffy who headed between the man on the post and Brain’s. Mark’s plans now lay in ruins and as he unbuttoned his coat placed his hands on his hips and surveyed the scene.

Two down with 40 odd minutes remaining and time to perhaps get something from the game.

Sam Bailey was quickly moved into centre of midfield and McCann moved further up the pitch to play behind the front two.

WSM despite the change in shape gave it a real go and pushed for something from the game which every neutral would agree would have been fair.

Bates and Benyon would rue their missed chances before the final whistle. Both should have scored but it wasn’t going to be WSM’s day.

WSM grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time adding perhaps insult to injury with McCann picking up a goal for a busy determined performance. A free kick up and over the wall left the keeper no chance but despite the goal a subdued WSM team walked from the pitch knowing that they had been beaten by the narrowest of margins.

It might have been one goal it could have been 10 for all that it mattered. Hull had again done more than enough to chalk up another win and as they hit Christmas widened the gap to the chasing pack.

For Mark the loss showed how far WSM had come. Hull should have been beaten no doubt about it and WSM were worthy of their heady place in the league. 2nd going into Christmas was a magnificent achievement for the league’s new boys.

Hull – away

1:2

[markyt]

Mark picked up the phone to hear Frank Gregan’s voice.

He grimaced at being disturbed from sharpening his scouting programme for Danny Jenkins but as Gregan rarely spoke to him unless it was an urgent matter Mark was curious to the reason for the call.

‘Hi Frank, what can I do for you?’

Frank offered the usual greeting’s in return before getting down to the nitty gritty.

‘Mark, we have had an offer for Olaoye from Exeter for 10k plus a further 3k based on appearances and they in addition want to pick up Ben Kirk wanting to pay just 5k for him. What do you think?

Mark leaned back into his office chair and stared at the blue sky through the office window which was just poking through the dark clouds.

He hadn’t expected an offer for Olaoye that quickly and hoped that his immediate action in placing the striker on the transfer list would bring the player back into the fold. Kirk was a different matter. Mark had a lot of time for the club captain and the way he had performed in the previous two years but now in all honesty Kirk was unlikely to be a regular in the first team squad. Mark was happy for the lad to stay but felt that on reflection Kirk needed to play first team football.

Exeter were a good club and Kirk would get games in the conference and would make an immediate impact for Exeter and the marriage would be a good one.

Mark came back to reality after nearly toppling backwards out of his chair.

‘Frank, both can go. Decent money and from each point of view it makes good sense. We wash our faces and come out with some money and the two get first team football. I’ll talk to Kirk and explain my decision. Olaoye is down to you’ said Mark laughing. Olaoye had certainly taken Mark off of his Christmas card but mark understood that the players resentment was actually desire to play and play regularly. Mark thought the call was through when Frank uttered his final words in parting.

‘David Dunn is going to watch our next home game against Chesterfield on Boxing Day..........’

Mark put the phone down and after shaking his head at Dunn’s supposed visit decided to call scout Jenkins for his latest reports about the Blackburn midfielder. Mark couldn’t see Dunn playing for WSM but to make the trip suggested the player was serious in thinking of dropping down the divisions to ensure a first team place. Jenkins spoke positively about Dunn but stopped short in suggesting he should be snapped up by WSM even for nowt. Mark appeared to have first refusal for Dunn and Gregan might just have paid for his salary.

Time would tell.......

[markyt]

Seeing its Christmas make mine a double…

Chesterfield made the long trip down to the West Country on Boxing Day.

Eric Black’s side had won the reverse fixture earlier in the season despite being outplayed for the majority of the match. They had struggled for consistency and despite a lethal weapon in the shape of Caleb Forlan Chesterfield languished at the wrong end of the table. Mark fielded an unchanged side and demanded that the team serve up some festive flair and not a turkey for a sellout crowd.

WSM were 3rd in the table and teams such as Chesterfield needed to be beaten if momentum was to be maintained.

WSM provided plenty of entertainment for the vocal support but despite playing 90 minutes in the opponents half couldn’t find the breakthrough. Chesterfield soaked up the pressure and counter attacked in number. The back four marshalled by a dominant McKeown toiled hard to keep a decent shape and not be pulled into an area that would give space or attacking opportunity to Chesterfield. A 4-5-1 formation that seemed to be par for the course for away sides ensured that WSM would need to clever to get through heavy traffic.

The script for the game was an obvious one. WSM would flatter to deceive, Mark would dance along the touchline encouraging his cohorts and Chesterfield would take advantage of a stupid mistake and claim the points. And so it came to pass. From nowhere a midfielder flicked the ball beyond the WSM back four and as Steve Evans looked for man in a white shirt he lost his footing allowing Forlan freedom of the park and the chance to beat Brain’s. Forlan had one chance during the 90 minutes and took it. For the rest of the game he was an irrelevance with Evans and McKeown keeping him under lock and key ensuring that he was kept that way.

The post match stats would be gruesome reading. 22 shots, 7 of which on target and not one goal to show for their determined and efficient and praiseworthy efforts. Four strikers had been involved and each would come up empty on a cold sunny Boxing Day. Benyon, Bates, Newbold and Olaoye all should have claimed at least one goal apiece. That they ended with nothing testament to fine defending and a large slice of good luck. Chesterfield produced nothing but one shot on target and a Christmas present of three points for their 90 minutes of trouble.

The opta stats identified that every man in white had played their part and at least turned up at the Christmas party.

The letter from Father Christmas appeared in the tabloids, with Eric Black thanking WSM for the gift and that he had total control over a WSM side knowing their game plan and how to beat them. 6 points to Chesterfield suggested their may be some truth in his comments.

WSM had done more than enough top claim the points but had spectacularly failed to register a goal.

Press rumours suggested that Olaoye and Kirk now heading for the exit door would be missed come the final run in.

WSM would struggle to break sides down and couldn’t afford to lose players regardless of their status in the squad. Caleb Forlan however had done enough in 90 minutes and with a strikers patience had taken his one effort well. Mark would certainly add him to his very own Christmas wish list.

Chesterfield – home

0:1

[markyt]

Christmas may have been and gone but Mark received plenty of gifts long after the big day.

The fixture computer had been kind to WSM and with over a week between fixtures Mark and the players had the luxury of spending time with their families. Mark had taken full advantage of the gap combining a mixture of three activities. Family time as a matter of course, a Premier League fixture and two ships that were frequently passing in the night.

Time with Carolyn had been fleeting over recent weeks to say the least but a couple of days together allowed the two to explore fully each others company and even taking in a game and a night out in the West End a pleasurable experience. Mark’s flat a refuge on dark cold December nights suddenly alive and full of fun. Mark and Carolyn were welcomed to the VIP lounge at Stamford Bridge as guests of the club and made the most of the perks available. The football a turbulent match Chelsea against West Ham saw Tevez open the scoring before Chelsea shrugged over a Christmas hangover and flex their muscles in front of goal running out 4:1 winners. Jose’s side were neck and neck with Manchester United and Liverpool in the title race but Arsenal still close enough to be involved come May. After the game the two had wandered down the Kings Road and the bistro that had been booked days in advance. In high spirits the two soon ate and went to the flat to unwrap a delayed Christmas present.

Football reality returned with a vengeance. Grimsby away on the 3rd of January would be the next fixture and with the traveling and New Year ’s Day in the way training was short and sweet.

Wayne Jacobs promised Mark a Christmas present that he had forgotten to give him pre Christmas.

On arrival to the training ground there was Mark’s present and an incredible one at that.....

Lee Sawyer WSM’s forgotten man injured during pre season was involved in the gentle morning workout.

Sawyer had never played for WSM in anger since his arrival from Chelsea. Injury and a cruel one at that had meant that Sawyer had had the difficult task of months of intensive physio pretty much alone. Ed Baronowski WSM’s fitness coach had been working in secrecy for weeks all in the aim of getting Sawyer close to match return early in the New Year. Sawyer had a target to aim for and it had clearly worked. Despite obvious nervousness and ring rustiness Sawyer looked good. For Sawyer to be included in a full squad training session incredible and it was certainly months ahead of schedule. Even for Mark the hardened pro watching Sawyer jog and sprint through a session on New Year ’s Day brought a lump to his throat. Sawyer wouldn’t be ready for first team action just yet but despite the long layoff mark was surprised by the lad’s fitness. He wouldn’t be many weeks away from action. A couple of gentle openers for the reserves would see him right but he would join the first team for the trip to Humberside.

Mark’s monthly review had been delayed until after the away fixture and as the players readied to board the coach for the long journey mark was surprised to be asked to join Paul Bliss in the board room.

Bliss and Gregan were waiting.

Gregan had some news on David Dunn that apparently wouldn’t wait.

‘Mark, David loves the set up here and has agreed in principle to join us but he knows that it is dependant on your full agreement to his arrival. For 100k he could join now. Blackburn have agreed to a low fee which I think is a bargain. He thinks he can make an impact and is excited with the style of play played at the club. What do you think?’

Mark was taken aback by the suggestion. That may have been alcohol induced but he soon woke from his thoughts.

‘Frank, I agree it is interesting news. But I think his arrival would send the wrong message to the squad. We are third, fighting above our weight and who knows where we will finish this season.

Parachuting Dunn in now would send the wrong signal especially to the players whose position may be affected. If he wants to come then do the deal from July but don’t break the wage structure as I don’t want the lads upset. Danny Jenkins reckons he can add value so then I will rubber stamp the deal. But not now July!

Mark couldn’t debate the subject any more as the team coach had to leave heading on it’s northern route.

Whether Dunn would agree to July or that another club might jump in for him in the January transfer window.

Perhaps that was in Mark’s mind as he made the decision.

Alarm bells rung at the potential arrival of Dunn. Would Dunn alter the complexion of the club?.

Food for thought but after a busy Christmas period and too many mince pies food was the last thing Mark wanted on his mind.....

[markyt]

Mark smashed open the double doors at the end of the corridor finding himself in a huge open foyer. As he stalked up and down the now quiet area he could still hear the faint roar of the crowd. He was furious with the referee and after an altercation on the touchline he had been given a red card. As he tried to quell his fury a voice sounded behind him.

‘Excuse me, this area is for players and match officials only. You will have to leave immediately.’

Mark turned around to find a sweating, overweight and very short sighted Grimsby club official.

Normally Mark would have found the scenario amusing especially at not being recognised at a football ground.

But today was not normal and the timing of the official way off beam.

‘I suggest you turn around and walk away before I say something you will regret…’ Mark then added a few swear words under his breath that ended with the politest of all ‘f in wazzock.’

Before he could utter another word security appeared from all angles expecting to deal with an intruder.

The senior security manager appeared with the group and soon drained of colour to find Mark pinned against the wall ready to be frog marched from the ground. All hell broke lose as the mistake was recognised and with Mark receiving a profuse apology and being shown to the WSM dressing room. Mark looked at the Grimsby official that had started the security drama, smiled his sweetest smile and said in his best Devon accent – ‘You’re still a wazzock!’

The Saturday afternoon had started brightly for WSM. Playing a team haunted by relegation fears WSM had torn them apart with confident and at times arrogant football. Kerr and McCann’s prompting along with the pace of Benyon in particular scaring the very life out of side without a win in seven games. Grimsby were there for the taking but despite the chances falling to Mark’s side the game remained deadlocked well into the second half.

By then Mark had been sent off for one word to many. He had been provoked by Mark Clattenberg’s stupidity but on reflection deserved a card. The incidents that infuriated Mark and the away support, two disallowed goals, a penalty decision not given for a clear handball and finally perhaps the killer Bates being sent off for supposedly catching the keeper by leaving a foot in after sliding in at a corner kick.

10 men WSM were stunned by the blank scoreline and the gods appeared against them as their boss disappeared up the tunnel. So much for a Happy New Year…...

With the game almost over Jacobs threw on Newbold for Benyon and both Charles and a delighted Lee Sawyer for a last 10 minutes or so. Mark was watching a screen in the bar and offering words of wisdom via a walkie talkie. Jacobs reacted as if being operated by a puppet master but made the changes and shouted orders as directed from afar. Newbold’s introduction quickly won a free kick but earned him the jeers of the crowd for making the most of the bad tackle. Scott Walker stepped up to take the free kick although both Kerr and McCann looked interest. The kick was on the edge of the box wide right.

Walker stepped up and curled a left foot shot over the wall and had already fallen to his knees in celebration as the ball thumped into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Cue mass celebration from the 400 travelling fans. The tv replay made Walkers effort appear almost like a Jonny Wilkinson rugby union kick at goal. The stance, the movement and the end result.

In all truth WSM deserved the win but had left it until 87 minutes.

In the end news of Mark’s fracas in the bowels of the ground made bigger news than the game.

Mark would pay a price for his touch line antics but with three points in the bag to soften the blow more than happy to cough up…..

Happy New Year!!!!!

Grimsby – away

1:0

[markyt]

Mark had prepared himself well for the January review meeting with Chairman Paul Bliss and Football Director Frank Gregan. The extra preparation in readiness for a rough ride over his FA ban for aggressive and insulting behaviour towards match officials and to bat off his decision not to sign David Dunn in the winter transfer window.

With regards to his recent sending off ‘guilty on all charges’ was Mark’s honest response when questioned by the press pack made worse with the TV footage readily available on You Tube and thousands of people witness to his antics.

Life would be difficult however on the ‘double d’ debate.

Right winger Owen Story had picked up an injury following the Grimsby game.

He would be out for several weeks and Mark could already imagine Gregan foaming at the mouth that Dunn was a ready replacement and ready to make the trip to the South West.

Mark didn’t want Dunn, certainly not now.

If WSM could get promotion then Dunn’s arrival would make sense.

But not now and Mark had dug his hells in on the matter much to Gregan’s annoyance.

Time to debate January’s fixture programme.

Mark opened the door to the board room forced a smile on his face and entered the lions den. (Roarrrrrrrrr)

[markyt]

Mark swaggered into the boardroom with a smile as wide as the Thames. If he was going to encounter choppy seas in the next hour or so then he was ready. Mark would be hamstrung with a long touchline ban following his recent red card and this was the first touchy point that caused swords to be crossed at the WSM board room table. Frank Gregan wouldn’t let the matter lie and after a few words were bandied about he saw sense and became silenced when Mark took the bull by the horns and offered a forthright apology and offered to match the FA fine with a donation to Children in Need. Chairman Paul Bliss was happy to move on and accepted the offer immediately hoping for closure.

On the quiet he paid the fine himself and matched Mark’s donation to charity although he would never admit it to anyone but Mark himself…..

Paul Bliss’ work at appeasement between the two finally worked. Bliss was delighted and rightly so at club progress and with a green light for ground expansion all but in his hand life would get even better for WSM.

Bliss was in a buoyant mood and keen to learn of Mark’s transfer progress before reviewing the fixture programme for January.

Gregan still had the huff about David Dunn but Mark neatly side stepped talk after Gregan again made his point about Dunn’s availability. It probably wasn’t the right moment to mention Story’s injury as it would make Gregan worse. If that were at all possible......

Mark had already sharpened his transfer target pencil with WSM’s scout Danny Jenkins a busy man and was now earning his wages and racking up the expenses.

The list was growing but at the same time Mark had a clearer idea of the targets he actually wanted to bid for come May.

New names included James Gilpin a young keeper from Chelsea reserves, Sean Mackle an attacking midfielder at Cardiff and striker Stephen Anderson at East Fife. All three additions to his burgeoning player file. All three were gettable and potentially either free agents or at a decent price come the summer. Mark wanted to strengthen and deepen his goal keepers and Gilpin would press for a first team place on arrival despite his youth.

Mark remained firm on the subject of the January transfer window. He didn’t want anyone now and would save his money until the Summer sales. Gregan was about to mention Dunn again when Bliss decided enough was enough and it was time to talk fixtures.

If any month in the season would a pointer to a team’s destiny for WSM it was January.

A busier month free of cup activity would see WSM play 5 games (of which one played already) three at home at what was becoming fortress Woodspring Park with a sellout crowd backing the seagulls.

The games:

Grimsby – away

Peterborough – home

Macclesfield - away

Bury - home

Nott County – home

Mark had set his heights high and despite a derisory snort from Frank Gregan he confidently expected for the first time to win all five league fixtures. All of the teams to face WSM in January were all in the bottom half of the table and whilst clear of relegation needed points to keep clear from the drop zone all were beatable and the table didn’t lie. Teams at the bottom or at the wrong end of the table were there for a reason. If promotion beckoned for WSM especially with three automatic promotion places to aim for now was the time to hit a groove. WSM were now one of the form teams in the league and expected to beat such teams.

Bring it on!

[markyt]

Total Football?

For WSM fans the Peterborough game perhaps offered further proof of their team’s ability and that they were now truly here to stay amongst the big boys of the football league. Two seasons after playing teams such as Eastbourne, Farnborough and Basingstoke they were now playing and picking up points against the likes of Hull, Grimsby and MK Dons.

Life in the Football League had been more than they could ever have dreamed of and they were going to make the most of the season ride regardless of the finish. Well over half of the season had been played and come what may they would see life again in the second division at the very least. For some the Peterborough fixture proved that they could do even better than that…..

Mark sat in the director’s box whereupon he found the game sheer torture.

Unable to communicate fully with his team he moved in his seat as if he was actually playing the game himself.

Every header, every tackle and every shot on goal included the WSM boss from his high vantage point. Paul Bliss had set up a simple phone system allowing Mark an open mic to the bench which allowed him to comment as he saw things happen and at least get rapid instructions to the players if the need arose. Mark and the backroom team had worked hard on tactics at the training ground wanting to make sure everyone was aware of their responsibilities. Their efforts were richly awarded as WSM were nothing short of magnificent and despite an equal share of possession WSM provided a cutting edge and put away their chances with some aplomb.

Peterborough started brightly enough belying there mid table position and after 10 minutes of dominance should have at least one goal to their name. Keith Alexander’s side went all out for broke in those early moments as if knowing they had to strike first and stop WSM in their tracks. Somehow WSM clung on and Brain’s, McKeown and Evans in particular ensured that Peterborough failed to find the net.

The best effort saw a groping Brain’s somehow get a fingertip to a looping shot and just push it onto the bar and over. The grimace from Mark in row z showing how close Peterborough had come to scoring.

From 15 minutes the pendulum swung the opposite way and WSM hit a purple patch that saw them go close on several occasions but for fine keeping holding them at bay.

The goal was coming and the packed ground could sense it... Total Football arrives at WSM.

On 35 minutes a ball played forward by was picked up by Peterborough’s Peter Gain and after a lovely darting run on the left wing he stroked the ball into the corner only to misread his strikers run and waste his efforts. Sam Bailey then had time to collect the ball and fired a cross field ball to Mark Kerr who had tracked back the Peterborough attacker just in case he was required to be on hand.

A first time pass to Steve Evans in the centre of the penalty area followed and after moving slowly forward Evans hit a long diagonal ball aiming for Bates. Bates got his head on the ball and flicked it wide out to Buchanan. Buchanan spun beat his man and found Mark Kerr with a slide rule pass. Kerr had burst from the WSM penalty box and as support piled forward Kerr drove a pass to the feet of Benyon who simply laid it off to the feet of Bates who then thumped it first time past the keeper. The ball hit the top right hand corner of the goal. Some effort and a magnificent finish to a lovely move and Peterborough were pure voyeurs of first touch football.

Mark was the first one to arrive in the home dressing room. He awaited his team and when they arrived he was ready with words of praise. The second half would see a tweak to formation as Mark would move Bailey into a holding midfield role and allow McCann and Walker greater freedom of movement. ‘More of the same lads please’ the message from the WSM boss.

Peterborough again started at a brisk pace but despite a couple of half chances remained out of luck in front of goal and within minutes of the restart WSM continued to force the game and provide a cutting edge to their efforts. The midfield tweak paid off handsomely.

On 76 minutes McCann cracked a volley to make it 2:0.

A throw in quickly taken by Walker found Mark Kerr unmarked and close to the by-line. He was closed down and a tackled firmly by a defender. Without looking the same Peterborough player hit a risky pass in his own area providing the perfect ball for McCann. McCann hit the ball on the half volley and claimed his 5th goal of the season. The goal was totally self inflicted but the WSM home support couldn’t care less. Their team deserved to be at least two goals to the good. 20 shots on target testimony to a good day’s work for the men in white and Mark could finally relax from his seat squirming antics high up in the stand.

Within seconds of the second goal Mark threw on three replacements.

For the last 15 minutes Newbold, Farrell and Lee Sawyer would be asked to make a nuisance of themselves keeping the game tight and to keep Peterborough out of the game. With the game all but over a stupid foul for a trip on Newbold earned a yellow card and a chance for Scott Walker to add to his season’s goal tally. Walker flighted in the free kick and the ball sailed into the unguarded net. An excellent goal fully deserved for his afternoons hard work. 91 minutes on the clock and 3 goals on the score board.

Walker had earned his man of the match award completely giving Peterborough the run-around.

Lee Sawyer had been influential in the build up to the third goal and was beginning to reach a fitness level that would certainly be beneficial to the club for the remainder of the season

WSM were firmly in third place in division two and the New Year had started in a positive manner. Life was very good indeed for fans of the South West club and asst manager Wayne Jacobs needed medication for earache.......

Peterborough - home

3:0

[markyt]

Manchester versus Chelsea Part 1

After the fantastic win against Peterborough Mark woke up to Sunday newspaper headlines heralding his rise in management status as the WSM boss. The News of the World had done a two page spread on former England captain’s within the English game and in particular those who had been either Manchester United or Chelsea players. To balance the story they took two ex players from each club.

The main background and the reason for the story that Steve McClaren was now positioning Manchester United as a mid table club and the vibe from Stamford Bridge that Jose Mourinho who soon get bored at Chelsea and look to try his hand further a field. Therefore according to the paper it was time to look at the long term potential replacements and why not look at former players from each club as potential successors.

Carolyn Smith had warned him late on Saturday night to expect the media interest to pick up over the weekend as the article was to be discussed further on Sky’s Soccer Supplement.

Carolyn added ‘of course sweetie you can tell there not much happening in the world if they have to scrape the barrel this low for a story’

Mark laughed at her cheeky comment and as he drove home after the game they agreed to meet early the week after and spend some time together at his London flat.

The Sunday newspaper article was more than pleasant towards Mark.

He was showing great promise that he would go on to bigger and better things and with only good words and very little negative comment heading his way a gentle Sunday morning read. The two from Manchester were Paul Ince at Macclesfield, Bryan Robson at Wolves and from Chelsea Dennis Wise at Leeds and Mark himself.

Four fairly recent ex players made for a decent non story.

Ken Bates was quoted as saying Dennis would end up as the boss of the blues but Mark would head up north to Leeds and was more than an adequate replacement. Robson must have upset some of the journalists involved in the story as they hammered him as a talent less wastrel who even with £50 million couldn’t buy a decent player or get a team promoted. Wolves were doomed to relegation despite excessive spending by the former England Captain. Paul Ince and Wise suffered very little negative comments either. Ince was doing a tidy job without setting the heather alight and Wise was getting an average Leeds side to a level of safety in the Premier League. Ince was maturing as a manager and only time would tell if he had the talent to succeed. Macclesfield were a good mid table side and people were wondering why Ince hadn’t moved on.

The coming Saturday would see Mark and Ince test their talents against each other. Manchester united v Chelsea part 2 was just days away.

[markyt]

Manchester United versus Chelsea part 2

Mark grimaced as the WSM equaliser hit the net after a lovely interchange between Kerr and McCann which put McCann himself clear of the last man and the chance to lash home a shot from the edge of the box. The movement from Newbold exquisite in creating the actual space for the WSM midfielder worthy of the entrance fee alone. The one touch football and the shot that actually forced the goal were just the icing on the cake as the build up to the goal a class above the league that WSM were playing in. As the ball hit the net Mark allowed himself a small punch in the air that all but Bliss and Gregan would not see.

Pitched up high in the stands Mark had found the first half sheer torture. Unable to influence the game despite frequent communication to the bench Mark had seen his side struggle to break down a dogged Macclesfield defence and concede a late goal just before the break.

The Macclesfield goal direct from a corner had seen potentially two defenders with a free header that either could and should have scored. Brain’s the ex Macclesfield player was surprised by the velocity of the header and despite getting something on the ball couldn’t stop its journey into the net.

Mark arrived into a disappointed dressing room and spent the interval boosting morale and driving home the message that they could pick up the points.

The side picked marginally different from the side that had played so well at home against Peterborough.

Benyon had picked up a knock and replaced by the raring to go Newbold who had forged a deep trough in search of the ball across the first 45 minutes.

Second half cue WSM in the groove and searching for a way back into the game. The chances began to fall to the seagulls and finally on 67 minutes they got their reward for 20 minutes of patient lively football. McCann had a growing influence on the team’s performance and his work rate deserved the goal.

WSM were tiring and a brief conversation to the bench saw WSM make three quick changes as Mark went full out for three points.

Macclesfield had been forced to defend and themselves looked a spent force despite Ince’s vocal support from the sidelines. Bailey replaced by Somner, Sawyer for Kerr and Bates for Charles.

Despite fresh legs two swift counter attacks as the game moved past 80 minutes saw Macclesfield home and dry.

WSM had left the back door open and two carbon copy moves saw a 3:1 lead open up rapidly.

Mark Thomas the Macclesfield central defender on his way to the man of the match award claimed a second goal as he hit a dropping volley from 22 yards which beat Brain’s by a mile and finally the hard working Langmead beat Somner and played the ball across the 6 yard line to fine Thomas again striding to get to the ball only for Steve Evans to slide the ball home for an own goal. Two goals in three minutes sealed the win for Ince’s side.

The Macclesfield fans rubbed their eyes in disbelief. WSM had been expected to pick up the win had been out thought by their beloved side. Soaking up pressure and counter attacking as tiredness set in the key to their success. Ince had won the day and in truth barely deserved to do so.

WSM had not deserved to walk away with nothing form a game that was a credit to them but they hadn’t taken the chances when presented with them and had paid a price. Mark hurt badly after the loss feeling in particular that not being on the touchline had been the cause of their downfall.

He swore as the whistle blew and coloured the air with his blue language clearly expressing a word that wasn’t usual for the directors’ box.

Macclesfield – away

1:3

[markyt]

Clear water………….

Mark completed the pre match details with the final words ‘I want the points – go get them for me!’24th of January 2009 and a must win home fixture at Woodspring Park for Mark’s WSM team.

Bury one of the teams plundered by Mark for the launch of WSM’s league debut were the opposition and a team immersed in a relegation battle. Bury’s board had deemed it time to cash in their squad after missing out on promotion the previous year and had found to their cost that the quick financial reward soon turned to dust. The 30 pieces of silver had been a poisoned chalice.

Mark’s week following the Macclesfield hammering had been busy. He made the journey to London and spent time in the company of Carolyn. They had barely left the London flat but for food and after two days of sheer unadulterated pleasure it was time to return to the real world.

A real world of squad problems, team selection headaches and having to rake through the ashes of a recent defeat.

All in the search for some small glimmer that would allow his team to move forward.

All of this with WSM firmly placed in 3rd in the league table and but for the clear leaders Hull very much in the hunt for an automatic promotion punt. There was a real smell of fresh air between the top three and the gathering pack. The only problem would be to maintain momentum and keep winning.

Facing a side close to the bottom of the table somehow perfectly timed.

In his seat in the stands Mark allowed himself a smile as from almost the whistle it was clear that his side were bang on the money in terms of the performance he demanded and that Bury really were as good as their league table placing suggested. But for all of the pressure and the heavy amount of time on the ball as the game developed WSM couldn’t find the net. Bury whilst still abject looked to be holding out for a draw and if anything likely to score from a WSM error.

The first real chance in the game fell to WSM with Newbold making the most of a long ball over the top. Grant McCann made a great interception deep in the WSM half and passed pack to Wilce. Wilce barely looked up before launching a long ball hoping that one of the WSM strikers would get to the ball first. Blake Newbold’s pace left the defender for dead and the pace of the ball and his first touch put him clean through with just the goalie to beat but a tame shot sent the shot wide. The sellout crowd groaned at the poor effort. The goal was there for the taking and Newbold had snatched at the effort.

For all of their determined work WSM failed to take advantage of poor opposition and at half time were running out of ideas. Mark tore into his side and whilst berating his side made key tactical changes. Newbold despite a decent half complained of a pain in his hamstring and would take no further part. Michael Charles was on in place of him and Mark moved Sam bailey into the midfield asking McCann to venture forward in the hole behind the strikers.

As the changes bedded in Bury had two glorious chances to score a goal and somehow a man in the white of WSM kept the ball out of the net. It was frantic stuff and the game was breaking down in terms of any real quality. Finally a decent passage of play put WSM one up.

59 minutes played and Michael Charles picked up a perfect pass from Buchanan and smacked the ball in from 10 yards. After the ball had been sprayed around the pitch Mark Kerr picked up the ball 30 yards out and as he looked for the right pass he slowed the game down before finding McCann. McCann kept the ball rolling with a first time back towards Bailey who shrugged off a tackle before playing the ball wide to Buchanan. One step inside the left back and Buchanan centered the ball arrowing it towards substitute Charles. Charles neatly chested the ball down and cracked a shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net. Silence greeted the goal as many thought Charles had strayed into an offside position. But the ref happy that the goal was good broke the hushed Woodspring Park tones with a blow of his whistle signaling the goal would stood.

Bury needed the points and the setback seemed to stir their hearts into action and they switched towards a more attacking style. They should have scored as the changes made to the WSM shape at half time left too many holes for Bury to explore. A decent team would have made merry but as the final whistle loomed WSM were still in the box seat even allowing for disallowed goal which clearly should have been given.

Charles had chipped the keeper only to find his goal chalked out for an offside that was marginal at best. It was a good job Mark was far removed from the match officials as he would have earnt another early bath. Charles had collected a McCann through ball and with one look up chipped the advancing keeper. No marker had been in sight.

Mark looked at his watch. It showed the game was up and it was…..

McCann collected another goal for his fine collection.

A strike from 30 yards bent past the keepers dive and bounced into the unguarded net. A stunning goal that cemented his man of the match award. Nothing had been on and with the crowd calling for the whistle he had simply lashed it goalwards. It would go onto to win goal of the month and the TV replay would show a huge bend of the ball as it curled into the net.

The WSM players couldn’t care less whether it was a 2 yard goal or a 30 yard screamer.

They knew they had won the game and picked up the points. Job done!

The win would lift WSM upto second still a distant second to Hull but second was a good place to be in January.

Bury - home

2:0

[markyt]

Good Evans.

Mark looked at his watch placed his face in his hands composed his thoughts before standing taking one last glance at the pitch before moving quickly away from view on route to the changing rooms. The game still playing but as far as Mark was concerned long over. At the 80 minute point WSM had the points in the bag and well on their way to collecting three points. At 89 minutes 2 points had been lost and inexplicably two carbon copy goals scored that would rock the very core of WSM’s drive for promotion.

Nott’s County had arrived looking to fight for at least a point and from his vantage point high in the stands Mark could see a cagey game of chess being played out where move for move the two sides cancelled out by the other side. Nott’s County another of those mid table sides stranded and remote from either a promotion challenge or the threat of relegation but yet ever hopeful of putting together a run of results that could just could see them close on a playoff place. They needed to collect points and knew that counter attacking patient football the best way to attack the game at Woodspring Park.

Mark’s regular calls to the bench saw several changes to the tactics and with WSM growing in dominance as the first half continued finally the deadlock had been broken.

Kerr, McCann, Buchanan all played their part but the pace of Newbold perhaps the key to the opening goal. Neat quick feet saw Buchanan closing on the corner flag and as Newbold strode clear and made his way into the box a cross was launched and flighted on it’s way to the 6 yard box. With County defenders trying to get to the WSM striker they left the potent force that was Walker alone and arriving late he surprised everyone by connecting with the ball and ramming it past the bemused keeper. The mêlée in the box somehow had all missed the ball although in truth this was a result of an air shot from Newbold.

The sellout home crowd however quite happy to celebrate a goal regardless of how it ended up in the net.

Mark demanded a higher second half work rate and rollicked the strikers for not making the most of chances delivered to them. His half time words or missed chances better not cost the game would return to haunt him.

Second half saw WSM continue where they left off. In charge, dominant and in bullying mood WSM were pulling the strings without really cracking open a Notts County side reduced to long ball hit and hope football. Any other day and WSM would have been well on their way to a goal blitz past the keeper.

70 minutes and the game was beyond reach………………

Newbold caught from behind on the edge of the d after a neat trick had seen him jink past his marker which allowed Walker a shot at the target from just on the edge of the area. Walker was always going to take the free kick and to take the chance to strike at goal but instead of his usual top corner effort he drilled a shot along the ground and as the wall jumped as one his shot flew past the unsighted and out of position keeper. WSM were 2 up and coasting. The goal signalled mass substitutions from both sides. Mark threw on Sawyer, Bayley and Charles for the last 20 minutes and fully expected either a 2 nil win or perhaps better.

A comfortable three points in the bag.

10 minutes of madness put paid to those ideas..

Steve Evans after a game of doing nothing went to sleep as the Nott’s County substitute a 17 year old reserve player in his first full game had the debut of his dreams and in 10 minutes went from zero to hero. Two chances two goals is the stuff of legend and legend he became as he tore into a static WSM defence turned Steve Evans inside out, upside down on his route to goal. Evans like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a car caught ball watching as the pace, enthusiasm and sheer youth of the 17 year old simply beat him to lash home a first goal. The second within 10 minutes a replica that left Evans on his backside and a 17 year old on his way to greatness……………..

Enter stage left the new Wayne Rooney and the clamour from the big clubs to sign the next boy wonder.

Evans would take the blame and the wrath of the journalists for not using his experience to flatten the debutant before the run got going. But the loss of two goals would hurt long after for Mark. He had thrown the dice, changed the shape of the team and in doing so had given the advantage to the opponent. The County comeback would linger long in the mind of the ex Chelsea man and play a critical part in his future game strategy. The comeback would affect his decision making for months to come.

Nott’s County – home

2:2

[markyt]

The lone figure rounded the last cone raced to the edge of the penalty area and without slowing curled a shot into the target net scoring 100. He had hit the centre of the goal 9 consecutive times and he headed back to the start line. The rain was teeming down and if possible fell even heavier but the man working hard on the WSM training ground didn’t seem to notice and if anything it perhaps made him work harder.

He had been working alone since late afternoon and it was now dark but the lights at the facility were good enough to allow him to continue despite evening hour.

Mark’s knee had begun to twinge as he hit the 10th goal dead centre again racking up a maximum score.

It was Sunday evening just over 24 hours after the Nott’s County draw. He couldn’t sleep and had spent most of the day in his own world before appearing just after 5pm at the WSM training ground. He’d let himself into the grounds and flooded the area with light. Three hours later and he’d worked out his bad mood and was now close to exhaustion after the intense workout. The timing of his substitutions perhaps troubling him most followed very quickly by the shortfall of cover on the right side of midfield.

Dave Buchanan had worked hard to fill Owen Story’s boots but there was still a tendency for the left sided player to step inside rather than ghost past the marker and curl in a cross from the by-line. Defenders were aware of Buchanan’s probable route to goal and had closed him down time and time again.

Time was against Mark as the January transfer window closed but he’d made up his mind to splash the cash and dash into the market. Substitutions would still haunt him for several weeks but at least the caged tiger would be back in his usual habitat on the touchline. The ban was over and Mark would return to the bench and at least be able to influence the game from much closer.

Mark would now chase Cherno Samba and see if Ian Holloway would part with the player for anything less than 20k. Mark had the cash to go that high but as Holloway had deemed the player surplus to requirements he would have a go at getting a bargain. Gregan would remind Mark of David Dunn’s availability but Mark wanted the greater option that Samba offered. Ability to play wide right or as a striker would certainly benefit the WSM boss as he closed towards the sharp end of the season.

Strictly no dancing, oh ok a bit of a Samba then………………

[markyt]

The doors on the Samba deal slammed shut just as the transfer window closed. It had been close to the wire but Samba was now a WSM player. 20k in all for the deal to be pushed through but 15k upfront with 5k to follow for appearances for the seagulls. Both Holloway and Mark considered the deal to be good business but with Olaoye gone to pastures’ new Samba’s flexibility of position would give Mark options especially late in a game. Samba had an eye for goal and certainly a regular goal scorer at the reserve level with some suggesting prolific at that level. But wide right with pace to burn the main reason the deal had been pushed through so last minute. Samba had never delivered his youthful promise and many would think Mark’s transfer market deal to be a gamble but at 20k Mark deemed him an excellent acquisition. Samba needed to find his feet and with the right management should deliver consistently.

How many managers had thought they were the right man though.....................

Time would tell but with the next game just 5 days ahead Samba would now appear in the WSM team that would face Dean Wilkins’s Brighton.

The fixture a home game was the first of five games during the month.

Depending on Samba’s overall fitness level mark ad already penciled the new player to appear at some point during the game.

Samba’s first two days were spent working on his fitness levels with Baronowski before being fully integrated into the team coaching programme.

Samba looked to have settled in well and from the reports from his backroom team and the view from his own eyes Samba would feature on the bench.

Mark was still troubled by thoughts of substitutions but with a subs bench that was as close to the best available to him he would sleep better as the week progressed.

Paul Bliss had escaped the cold weather to cruise around the Caribbean leaving Gregan and Mark to review the month ahead. Mark dragged himself to the board room but found Gregan to be in conciliatory mood despite the non signing of David Dunn. WSM were 3rd in the division and had some breathing space to the chasing pack but as Mark detailed the games ahead it was obvious that February would make or break the WSM season. They had lollopped past the half way point in the season and kept to the coat tails of break away leaders Hull. Stockport were now firmly in second place and picking up points mercilessly. The fixture calendar had deemed that WSM would suffer in February offering 5 games four of which would be on the road. Every game would be difficult but Mark hoped for 2 wins and a draw.

The big game of the month would see 2nd versus 3rd but WSM if troubled on the road may have slipped out of the automatic promotion places by the time that fixture appeared. WSM were certainly entering the final lap and the bell was ringing in their ears but the last lap still had a long way to go before the finish line but with the addition of Samba the return to fitness of Sawyer and Benyon due back any day fate was in their own destiny.

Gregan updated Mark on club progress off the field and confirmed that WSM would open by September new seating plan that would see capacity rise to the 9000 mark. Gregan even went as far to suggest that the transfer revenue for the following season could well be upgraded in time for the summer based on season tickets and the huge increase in capacity from the current 3000. Gregan wouldn’t confirm the potential number but suggested that Mark could well have money to spend well over £1million.

Gregan couldn’t resist a dig that 'of course the potential numbers would depend solely on promotion. Of course as Mark had sole influence over team affairs the success off the pitch could only be matched with success on it......'

Regardless after having virtually no money in his first season at the club to here that the transfer pot was likely to grow music to Mark’s ears. February would see WSM judged and the shape that they emerged the other side of 5 games would tell their season's fortune.

WSM were soaring high in division two and the seagulls would need more than scraps if their progress was to continue.

[Terk]

Cherno Samba, how good he used to be on earlier versions of the game Nice story, mark.

Also just wanted to remind you that the second round of voting for the FMS Awards closes on Friday, you've got until then if you want to have your say

[markyt]

Thanks Terk - Samba was a star in older versions of CMan - remember selling him from Rangers for 30 mill after 40 plus goals in a season. Thanks for your comments!!!

Mark turned towards the bench after shouting some words to his side.

As he did so he caught a wide smile on the face of Dean Wilkins the Brighton manager and in that fleeting glance he knew that Wilkins felt his side would get something from the game and perhaps even go on to win outright. This despite WSM coasting to a comfortable 2 goal lead and ruling the roost over the supposed home side for well over three quarters of the game. But as the game moved into the 69th minute the tide had turned on a defensive error and Brighton were back into the game and a grinning Wilkins suggested three points were there for the taking.

The game had started with WSM on fire leaving Brighton hemmed into their own half as time and time WSM powered forward and creating chance after chance. Even a poor challenge on striker Newbold resulting in his early substitution failed to quell the raging fire. New signing Cherno Samba made his entry into the game linking with Bates up front. Samba was like bambi on ice and despite tremendous pace and an almost arrogant demeanour as he wandered the pitch there was little substance to go with his style…

Saying all of that he was more than happy to pick up two goals on his debut start for WSM and all within 20 minutes from emerging from the bench. That both were more luck than skill up for debate. With WSM pressing an orderly queue of takers for chances emerged. As the game hit 20 minutes Bates and Newbold each had half chances that demanded a better return for their efforts. Walker and Buchanan working the wings well and given a huge amount of the ball from the ever hard working Kerr and McCann but the game remained scoreless at the 40 minute mark and Mark was already well into writing his half time script.

Then came the opener……

Scott Walker turned left and right twisting and trying to offer a feint to his marker, a half slip allowed him a yard and he ghosted past the right back. Knowing that at least two white shirts would be racing to the box he barely looked up before curling in a well weighted cross The cross delivered with pace from wide left missed Bates and bounced taking it past Kerr’s late lunge. It also somehow cleared the Brighton defence landing at the feet of Samba. Samba connected with the ball but completely mistimed his shot as the ball bobbled from his right foot somehow hit him on the left knee and went over the top of the keeper and into the net. Somehow it went in and almost everyone in the crowd knew it was a fluke. Samba celebrated by bowing to the travelling support not caring one jot. With Brighton regrouping a second came on the stroke of half time and was despatched by Samba with all of the aplomb of bambi skating on ice…

Kerr pushed the ball forward and Bates collected the ball raced goalwards before smacking the ball goalwards from the edge of the box. It cleared the diving Brighton keeper hitting the post before rebounding off the prone keepers shoulder and landing invitingly into the stride of Samba. Samba had an open goal to aim at with the keeper out of position and promptly sliced his shot. The ball hit the keeper on his head somehow rolled into an unguarded net. Whilst there was no doubt WSM deserved their half time advantage even the WSM supporters chortled with laughter at Samba’s 2nd goal. Wilkins’s side however were far from laughing and trotted down the tunnel after the half time whistle fully expecting a salvo to be fired in their direction. Mark’s script was in tatters but even he laughed at Samba’s good fortune and made sure the ‘new boy’ got his half time ribbing quickly being rechristened to ‘bambi’ by his amused team mates.

The second half was a much tighter affair and Wilkins changed tactics moving to 4-5-1 and hoping to overpower the WSM midfield. Whilst for the opening minutes of the half the change failed to make an impact on the flow or WSM dominance Brighton finally put a period of play together that suggested they were working themselves into the game. 0n 68 minutes they broke through and reduced the scoreline. A corner was failed to be cleared and the Brighton number 9 volleyed the ball past Brains. The goal had been coming and in the build up to the goal Mark had tweaked the WSM game plan to try and stem Brighton’s flow. The tactical changes hadn’t worked and he knew that he needed to quickly even up the battle in midfield. Lee Sawyer on for a very tired ‘bambi’ as WSM moved to 5 across the middle. Sawyer quickly emerged himself into the battle and looked to have made the difference as 90 minutes arrived on the clock and WSM emerged from the final 20 minutes unscathed.

With the game almost up Wilkins’s smile had gone knowing that three points were no longer available to his side. A desperate tackle from Kerr brought them one last chance as the ref considered it to be a foul. Mark by now was standing on the touchline urging his players to play to the final whistle. With the crowd screaming the ball was thrown into the box with everyone including the Brighton keeper waiting for it to arrive. WSM’s Evans climbed highest and headed the ball away only for it to hit a Brighton player and straight into the net. A silence before the home crowd celebrated the unlikely last minute equaliser. Wilkins ran the length of the half to join in the celebrations. Mark looked at the ashes of the win and walked away from the carnage. Three points had become one and Wilkins grin would be added to his growing nightmare moments….

Brighton – away

2:2

[markyt]

Danny Jenkins, WSM scout rubbed his eyes to try and keep the tiredness away as he finalised his email late at night from his Glasgow hotel room. The coffee intake was at maximum. The week had been a long one after he had criss crossed the countryside taking in a dozen or so games in less than seven days. That was the trouble with life as a scout. You simply went where the players identified were playing or dependant on their talent or level of playing it could be almost any time anywhere. Reserve games or under 18 matches tended to be spread across the day and not all played in the evening or a Saturday afternoon. But if you were creative with your journey plan then you might strike it lucky and see potentially 2 or 3 games in one day. Danny had been lucky but the number of games hadn’t allowed him to file back all of his reports and now stranded overnight in Glasgow with no flight out until late morning he had decided to email his latest player reports to Mark and look for a lie in before catching his flight and day to take in two further games.

The pressure was on as Mark was now demanding two player lists one with players that could take the squad on if the WSM should get promotion and a second with players that would improve the squad and help to strive for promotion in the next season. From Jenkins point of view it was a good job that two lists were required as very few players’ names appeared on both lists. One had been Cherno Samba and Jenkins had been delighted to see that his hours of work had been recognised with the player signing before the transfer deadline. It was a return on any scouts work that made the job worthwhile.

Of the players seen this week only two stood out from the crowd. A young keeper playing for the Chelsea under 18’s that Mark had been tipped off about by Steve Clarke, James Gilpin and striker Steven Anderson playing for St Johnstone and hitting the target at an incredible rate. Gilpin was likely to be released at the end of his contract but Clarke was a keen supporter of the lad and Anderson was all the rave north of the border but the big clubs hadn’t yet bitten because the theory remained that one swallow didn’t make a summer. Anderson had a lot prove apparently but as a 4th striker Anderson was more than an equal to the purchase of Bates from the last Scottish player raid. Both players were available either for nothing or for next to nothing but the player report that Jenkins knew would interest Mark the most and was the most keenly anticipated that of right sided midfielder Kevin McBride.

McBride a Leeds player on loan at Forest had been offered by Dennis Wise himself to Mark and with Forest short on funds and unable to finance a deal available to WSM at 100k. The player would certainly resolve the problematic right side of midfield despite Samba’s recent purchase and had the talent to play at the highest level but needed the right team and time to acclimatize.

McBride would be a certain buy for Mark based on Jenkins detailed report but what was also certain that McBride would not play any lower down the league table than division one.

Jenkins hit the send button and readied for closing the internet session down when his inbox flashed. Despite the late hour there was an instant reply from the WSM boss. ‘Danny you should be in bed, but thanks I couldn’t sleep so will read the contents with pleasure. Catch up in the morning before you fly ok?’

Jenkins smiled. 15 reports had been filed containing at least 6 possibles. Mark would burn the midnight oil if he read them all.

Minutes later Jenkins was sound asleep....

[markyt]

10 men went to mow.....

To spend the week working on tactics and just how your team was going to turn the ‘result’ corner that was beginning to nag like a dripping tap especially when most of the lost points were self inflicted. To then see your painstaking plans destroyed within 10 minutes of kick off more than some people could take. For Mark after his recent banishment from the touchline too close a call that he would be quickly banished to the stands. But despite the setback his tactical nous saw him through a difficult 90 minutes.

Next up parachute jumping Lincoln and an away fixture that desperately required WSM to collect three points. The imps were now in freefall and despite the warm welcome and torrent of abuse thrown at ex player Grant McCann it was obvious to any Lincoln fan that the loss of the midfielder had hurt their cause all season long. That he had gone to a side amongst the promotion hunting sides a bitter pill to swallow.

They were sliding down the table at an alarming late and clearly had forgotten to pack the emergency Shute. For WSM after a promotion drive that had seen them storm to the higher end of the table a serious wobble and the wheels were coming off. Fortunately in the dramatic turn in fortune WSM were still well placed among the three automatic promotion placings but the chasing pack was closing but not making huge inroads just yet. A WSM win would alleviate the pressure on the team.....

Lincoln had recently invested money in the ex Polish International Tomasz Radzinski and he was now beginning to repay the club’s faith in him despite the fact he was well past his playing sell by date. He had become a player similar to Teddy Sheringham playing off the main striker and adding menace to an otherwise impotent attack. Sides couldn’t keep him on a tight enough rein as he played and preyed on the space between defence and midfield. But despite scoring goals they hadn’t won since November and December, January and now February were not getting any better. Not yet in a relegation dogfight but getting close enough to hear the barking.

WSM started brightly and with Samba selected from the start to play alongside Bates the WSM front two gave Lincoln something to think about. WSM dominated the midfield but ever wary of the break away opportunity and the chance of a long ball over the top and the knock down to Radzinski. Defensively WSM were sound and as the first 10 minutes of the match was concluded out of nothing all hell broke loose. The Lincoln lone striker had come together with Michael Wilce. Hardly any one had seen the incident as the ball had headed into the Lincoln half but Wilce inexplicably had seen a red mist and laid out the Lincoln man. A right hook couldn’t have been landed better and whilst completely out of character for Wilce more than enough for an instant red card and WSM were down to 10 men. Post match Wilce could only apologise but commented that the Lincoln man had wound him up and pushed the wrong buttons. Simple sledging but something that Wilce would need to learn from. His three match suspension would give him the time to reflect on his actions. After dominating and looking comfortable WSM were now made to think and Samba was almost instantly replaced by Stewart who moved into the left back slot.

As the changes were made the free kick earned for the punch curled into the near post and as a bundle of players in stripes or the away blue of WSM threw themselves at the ball Steve Evans headed past a bemused Brains. Steve Evans was having a bad run of luck and the own goal especially after similar goals for him in recent games a mere continuance of his bad fortune. Things got worse for Evans as he compounded the goal by catching Radlinski trailing leg and giving away a penalty. No doubt about it Evans had broken a mirror.

As the Lincoln fans readied themselves for a two goal lead Radlinski stepped up and saw his fine effort pushed wide by Brains.

27 minutes had been played and WSM were at sixes and sevens the changes made hadn’t worked. With Stewart out of position and clearly struggling to get to grips with the game Evans and McKeown were forced to defend deeper. All music to the ex Polish international’s ears. WSM were giving away to much space and the wily old campaigner saw goals.

Somehow WSM hung on until half time although by then Mark had completely altered the teams shape moving to three at the back and five across the midfield with Buchanan coming inside giving room for Sam Bailey to move forward on the right. The balance was better but WSM hadn’t mounted a serious attack since the red card incident and it seemed a matter of time before a second goal would be conceeded.

Second half and WSM were provoked into a response. Mark replaced Bailey with Michael Charles and moved Charles into the centre asking him to get forward to support Bates whenever the opportunity arose.

It is often said that 10 men are hard to beat and for the next 45 minutes so it proved. WSM were magnificent with Steve Evans rising from his personal dramas and earning the man of the match. For all of the good work WSM were still searching for an equalizer. Bates ran himself into the ground and with options limited Mark replaced him with Lee Sawyer asking Charles to act as the striker. The added energy from midfield and the natural ability from Sawyer to play the holding role gave greater freedom for Kerr and McCann and with the home crowd screaming for the whistle Sawyer snapped into the tackle laid the ball into the run of McCann who without looking up smashed the ball goalwards from 30 plus yards. He couldn’t have hit it any better as it was straight and true coming off the centre of his foot and the ball drilled it’s way into the top left hand corner with the Lincoln keeper grasping at nothing but fresh air. There was no time for the restart.

The chorus of boo’s that greeted the final whistle as much for ex Lincoln player McCann as they were for the home team.

Mark was delighted for his team and the tweaks and changes to personnel had done much to calm his tactical nerves.

He was especially pleased for Steve Evans and the warrior of his team hadn’t rested until WSM were back on level terms. It was no wonder he was selected for the divisional team of the week.

Despite the comeback a draw wasn’t enough for WSM although Lincoln would hurt much longer as the search for a win became much more desperate.

Lincoln – away

1:1

[markyt]

Thankyou for 6000 views - hopefully it's a good read and as always I am appreciative of your feedback. Thanks again - Mark

Juggling more than three things at once is complicated and made worse if you are crap at juggling.....

Mark was sat in his car parked up at the training ground talking to several club managers on the mobile about the availability of players.

Despite the need for such conversations he was itching to get onto the training ground and work on tactics in an attempt to break the winless streak. In addition there was Carolyn. Workloads for mark and Carolyn had grown to huge proportions and the limited time of actually meeting and spending time in each others company becoming more and more fleeting.

Carolyn’s business was booming and she was spending more and more of her working life across the Atlantic dealing with her music and film clients who had not only got a foothold into the US market but had made themselves the new in thing.

Barring phone calls still almost daily Mark hadn’t seen Carolyn since the New Year and it was unlikely that the worlds would collide until Easter and that was weeks away. Mark was missing Carolyn more than he would ever admit. It wasn’t the fact that they spent time in each others pocket’s just that it was nice to know she was there. Being 5000 plus miles away in LA wasn’t the same. In such circumstances people tend to find other things to occupy themselves perhaps throwing themselves into more work. Not easy to do when you were already fully immersed and spending every waking minute focussed on the footballing needs of your club.

Exhaustion was even beginning to hit the relentless energy of the WSM boss. He had spent the small hours of the day reading the scouted player reports, sharpening his thoughts on the players he wanted to sign and when he tried to sleep formations, tactics and future fixtures would disturb his attempts at shut eye. In those dark waking moments one decision had been made. He wouldn’t sign anyone other than those who could play at a higher level. Buying players who could maintain their status and marginally improve his side and deepen the depth of his squad had been erased as one of his options. The problem of chasing higher quality players meant that either costs were much higher or players simply weren’t interested in moving to a club at their level.

Players like Caleb Folan at Chesterfield were keen to move on from their current club but wouldn’t accept a move to a club in the same division. Even players that were affordable or available for next to nothing wouldn’t accept that move especially if they were deemed to be destined for much greater things. The internet and newspaper gossip machines ensured that players from the lower reaches of the Football League were being mentioned in the same tones as the multi million pound signings. The rumour mill sold papers and whilst great for the players and fans alike so good for managers trying to improve their respective clubs. Players realised they had a short playing career and wanted to make the most of it. Making the wrong move could limit their long term prospects and Mark couldn’t blame them for saying no to moves that didn’t fit into their career plan. But of course getting promotion and have a decent transfer fund would change everything for WSM and the players that Mark had already spoken to weren’t foolish enough to say no. Never say never....... but come back and talk in the Summer. Great in principle but a problem if the players you wanted become wanted by clubs who didn’t have such mountains to climb.

Kevin McBride had been the first player spoken to. He was upfront saying he’d love to stay at Forest where he was on loan especially as his Leeds future looked uncertain but would happily join Mark at WSM if they got promotion. Several players followed with similar lines of conversation with some like Stephen Anderson making the journey to the South West. All however remained reluctant to sign up to the WSM bandwagon however strongly they felt towards Mark, the club, the area and dramatically changing facilities. Mark’s playing career and results as a manager had swayed many into actually looking around and getting fully engaged into the transfer process but all of his targets stopped well short of saying yes and signing for WSM.

One part of the process of trying to persuade players to join WSM was speaking to other managers. Many Mark knew from his playing days and despite the almost constant rebuttal from players it was pleasurable to speak to many friendly counterparts. But there was a downside in that by speaking personally to managers conversations quickly turned into a double edged sword as thoughts and comments turned to his own squad. Some comments had merely been subtle enquiries of availability but some turned into the question how much? The names of the players queried included McKeown, Benyon and Newbold with Newbold perhaps creating the most fervent interest. Newbold’s prospective fee of £1.1 million barely caused any consternation amongst the interested parties but whether the interest would turn to offers time alone would tell.

Mark finished the call and stared out the car window at the gloomy day that awaited him. All player enquiries were leading nowhere and he had nothing to show for days of labour. He simply would have no choice but to join the pack in the summer chasing the same in demand faces and probably having to pay a higher price as a result. He sighed as he opened the car door pulled on his thick coat and quickly made his way to the changing rooms. Time to plot for a win.....

[markyt]

Training had been tough but rewarding as the team worked hard on eradicating the errors and lack of concentration that had impeded their recent progress. The team was now virtually picking itself what with the regular absentees and the recent suspension for a red card in Wilce’s case. Adam Griffin would return to the starting eleven in the left back position with Samba and Bates continuing upfront.

Looking at the division two stats any observer would clearly recognise that Mark’s side had some very consistent performers featuring at the top of their game and amongst the best the league had to offer. Kerr, McCann, McKeown, Evans and the front two of Newbold and Benyon were all in the top 50. Three of those names were even in the top 10. The problem for Mark was now covering for the gaps amongst the five added to the usual concerns of form, fitness and a shortfall in depth of squad. No disputing the effort from Guy Bates but he was hardly setting the world on fire or hitting the target with the same regularity of either of Mark’s preferred starting strikers. Samba was still a yard of full fitness and Mark hadn’t expected to use him in a striker’s role. Despite the run of form Mark was happy with the squad and even when given the chance to enter the transfer market had barely made a move. Questions were beginning to be asked of his team and they were being found wanting. Many suggested that WSM had been sussed out and that in the reverse fixtures that they now were clearly struggling to win or to keep a lead. Sides knew what to expect. The element of surprise had gone and Mark’s tactics were even being questioned by the most loyal of the team’s and his supporters.

All of this probably unfair especially with the club vying for promotion and in the Football league for the first time but with the boom in football interest the microscope was looking an much more minute detail. With Mark almost weekly being linked to ‘bigger and better clubs’ the wobble had been noted. It was almost a similar story to that of Paul Ince at Macclesfield. Ince had stabilized and improved his club but despite constant knocking on the promotion door had found the way barred. Ince was another manager supposedly destined for higher things but something was stopping his progression. Dennis Wise had proved that lower league managers were worth a look and had got Leeds back amongst their rightful home. They both needed somebody to take a chance.

With all of the paper talk in the background WSM entertained Brentford.

Brentford were coasting along nicely in mid table and neither worried about relegation nor promotion. A steady season had seen them comfortably placed. A decent run might still propel them in amongst the play off chasing teams but after recent yo-yoing of promotion and relegation and financial concerns that clearly had impacted on the team a season of quietness probably made a nice change. They arrived in the West Country determined to get at least a point and played 5 across the midfield hoping to catch the home team on the break with their counter attacking tactics. Weather bright and sunny, a full packed ground watched one of the direst nervy games ever seen under Mark’s reign. In total two shots on target across both sides and chances even half chances limited to a mere handful. The game described as ‘simply rubbish’ by the local paper on Monday afternoon which fitted nicely to their concerns about local refuse collection.

Two managers almost foaming at the mouth at their sides overall performance barely sat down during the 90 minutes as they tried to influence and challenge the pitch performance. But for the words, action’s, tactical changes and full use of substitutions it was all to no avail. The game never got started and both sides would express disappointment for the fans, happy to put their efforts down to a bad day at the office. Despite the doom and gloom on a bright Saturday afternoon WSM managed to at least gain some consolation. Three points..........

On 27 minutes a Brentford attack fizzled out with the ball arriving at the feet of WSM keeper Brain’s who simply punted the ball forwards from the edge of his box launching it long and over the heads of the Brentford defence. It was one area that had been identified by Mark as a Brentford weakness and with a lack of pace across their centre half’s perhaps something for his side to exploit.

The quick ball caught Brentford out and with a ball bouncing kindly for Bates he was yards clear of the closest defender before the danger was recognised. Seconds from the ball being in the hands of Brain’s Bates was bearing down on the Brentford area and with time and space on his hands. The keeper came out sharpish seeing the danger early and his move saw Bates decide to take a shot early. His effort hit the post. Samba no slouch himself had mirrored in parallel Bates’ run and happily smashed in the ball from 6 yards. When Samba actually scored not one Brentford defender had closed him down such was the speed of the attack. The hard ground had played it’s part but Bambi had claimed his third WSM goal in as many games and with it the three points. That was it, move along now nothing else to see.

60 minutes still to be played but if the fans had known what was to follow they could have all gone home.

The result and a win confirmed by the final whistle brought lukewarm cheers from the home crowd.

Three point’s maybe and a break of their recent run but still they hadn’t paid their money to watch paint dry or to see two sides play such dross.

With WSM limping along the next fixture was already looming and that against 2nd placed Stockport. The doom and gloom merchants were already wringing their hands in fear at a massacre......

However the last few minutes of the game had seen Benyon come of the bench and provide a slight glimmer of hope the WSM faithful.

Brentford – home

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