A couple of days ago, the FA released their initial plans to restructure the current system from Step 3 - Step 7 of non-League football. The plans were only brief, but did bring up some very interesting points, which today I give my thoughts on.
New Divisions
The benefits of these new leagues would be great for non-league clubs. There is no way that some should have to travel on 3-5 hour all round trips for a league match, which could end up being rescheduled for midweek if postponed. At this level, these players are part-time, they have jobs, meaning responsibilities and commitments which they have to fulfil off the pitch. If they have to leave early, because they have a fixture miles away, they could lose their job, which they need to provide for their family, which is the reality of this level of football, they don't have the luxury that Football League and especially Premier League players have. So the introduction of these new divisions mean less travel time which means less money spent on petrol and other travel costs, and, also a massive reduction in travel time across the season. The fact that clubs will be spending less on travel produces so many positive knock on effects. They could do great things with that extra money; Improve their youth system as they could set up more teams as they could afford to pay more coaches, Refurbish an old part of the stadium, Improve the bar/clubhouse, have work done to the pitch, save up their money and build a new/fix a stand, be able to afford pitch covers or an extra floodlight. That little extra money they will have, may not seem like much when you see Man United spend £89million on Paul Pogba, but at this level, that little fraction of money goes a million miles and keeps clubs at these lower tiers of English football going.
Creating new divisions does bring questions with it though like; Which teams will go into the new divisions? Will there be a season where a team won't get promoted/relegated in order to rejig the system? And most importantly, Will filtering through the non-league pyramid become a simpler, more efficient process? The system isn't perfect as it is, teams being promoted from different don't know where they're going in most cases. You could win the Southern Premier League and then be promoted into the Conference North, it's quite a complicated system as it relies on what teams go up and down, which gets more confusing as you go down the pyramid. Obviously, we won't get all the answers until the FA consult with the leagues to outline the regulations and reshuffle the teams, a process likely too happen next year, as this restructuring is planned to come into play in the 2018-19 season.
Less Teams Per Division
The benefits of this coincide with having more divisions, less money spent on travlling costs, a reductions in travel time, more money being available to help out with whatever the club needs to improve. The main benefit of having less teams is that it will reduce fixture congestion. In these lower leagues, there are so many postponements, especially in the December-January period. Not many clubs have pitch covers, pitches are played on by the reserve team, as that's the only place they can play, meaning that when the weather gets bad, the pitch can't cope and I experienced this last year when watching Hereford in the Midland League Premier. It got to the point where we had to play 5 games in 10 days, because of abandoned/rescheduled games. With less teams in the league, it'll allow more space for games to be rescheduled into, without teams having to play a ridiculous amount in a short period of time. It could also lead to the league being more competitive, sides who are normally at the bottom would have the extra funds to be able to improve the club to the next level, in order to challenge the teams at the higher end of the table.
This also brings up the question of what teams will be in what division when the reshuffling occurs, and, how will the promotion and relegation work, but, as said before, we're unlikely to hear about that until a later date.
Final Thoughts
I'm a firm believer that the FA don't do enough to help out non-league clubs, whether it be providing things, such as pitch covers, or having a fund set aside which could help out clubs throughout the non-league pyramid, that are struggling financially through no fault of their own, but that's something to be addressed at a further date. However, I give them massive credit for this restructuring idea, the benefits heavily outweigh the negatives, and, could lead to clubs in the lowest tiers of English football, being more financially stable than ever. This could make the Non-League system more fluid and simpler to follow as teams will be progressing through their region, and not bouncing from region to region. It's not going to be perfect or please everyone as there is some, who won't accept change, however it is a step in the right direction and could turn out to be a massive improvement, when it comes into play in the 2018/19 season.
Meet the most in-form Non League Teams! - Part 2/2 - 24/01/17
Taunton Town
Position : 5th - 48 Points
Form : Played 11/Won 11/Drawn 0/Lost 0 - 33/33 Points
Taunton Town, despite suffering financially in the past, now look to be a club on the rise as they are aiming to reach the 7th tier of English football for the first time in their history. They fell just short of promotion last season, losing in the playoff final, a fate they also suffered back in the 2006/07 season. This year has been incredible so far for Taunton, an FA Cup run which saw them reach the 1st Round for the second time in their history, where they were eventually beaten by Barrow in the replay. Usually non-league teams that go on a cup run like this, have great form in the league whilst they are still in the cup, then when eventually being knocked out, their league suffers heavily, similar to Chesham last year. It looked like it this was going to be the case for Taunton Town, losing to Salisbury in the league before getting knocked out of the FA Trophy by Chelmsford City, however, this seemed to wake them up and motivate them, as they've won all 11 league outings since the FA Trophy defeat. Their incredible run has sent them flying up the table, going from averaging just over a point per game as they had only 15 points after 12 outings, they're now up to 48 points from 23 games, an incredible turnaround for a side at any level. They also have 4-5 games in hand on the teams around them, and, winning these would see them as heavy for the playoff spots, as they'd be 5 points clear of 3rd place, yet 12 points off league leaders Hereford FC. What makes their run even more impressive, is that they haven't just been playing and beating mid-table and teams much worse than them, but have also beaten 4 of the teams in the top 7; Mangotsfield United, Evesham, Tiverton Town, and my side Hereford FC, who were unbeaten in the league until this fixture. Their record in this period has been nothing short of incredible, averaging an absurd 4.18 goals per game, whilst conceding only 0.73 per game. After watching them beat Hereford two weeks ago, it's evident why they've had so much success recently, they're a very well organised, well disciplined, physical team. As soon as they get a chance, they take it, showed by their quickfire double against us. They bully the opposition in midfield, yet they play decent football, preferring to keep the ball on the ground, rather than resorting to hoofing it to their big lad up top. I don't think they'll catch us this year, especially with the fixture congestion that they'll have in the final 3 months of the season, however, they'll definitely be in the playoffs, and, I can't see anyone beating them at that stage this year.
Alvechurch
Position : 1st - 66 Points
Form : Played 19/Won 16/Drawn 2/Lost 1 - 50/57 Points
Since reforming in 1996, Alvechurch are yet to get themselves back into the Southern League Premier, in which they were previously in, but recent years have showed signs of improvement. Last year, they finished runners-up to Hereford FC, despite managing an incredible 101 points. They managed to keep Ian Long at the helm and the bulk of the squad, but this year, they started slow again, picking up 16 points from their first 11 games, However in their previous 19, they've started to reproduce their incredible form of last year, picking up an incredible 50 points, the only blemish on the record, came against Boldmere on the 17th December. They bolster a strong squad, with some of the best players in the league for sure, most notably of these, are forward Josh March, currently on 27 goals and centre-half Jamie Willets, consistent and almost untouchable in the air. Their averaging a solid 2.79 goals per game, whilst at the other end during this period, they're even stronger, conceding 0.63 goals per game. There are sides in the division with games in hand on them, but they proved last year, that they can keep composed when it counts and grind out results. With only the winners gaining promotion out of this division, it's vital, they keep picking up clean sheets, to keep that goal difference high. They're a great club, with a passionate chairman and manager, and, with a squad that is definitely capable playing at a higher tier, I can't see them not winning the league this year.
Bromsgrove Sporting
Position : 1st - 53 Points
Form : Played 21/Won 16/Drawn 5/Lost 0 - 53/63 Points
Founded in 2009, Bromsgrove Sporting, have always seemed to impress and show consistency no matter what league they're in. They've won a trio of local cup competitions, but this year have their sights set firmly on promotion to the Midland Football League Premier. They're well on their way to not only promotion this season, but also becoming the newest invicibles, as they're yet to suffer defeat this season. It's not only in the league that they are finding success in either, as they find themselves in the 5th Round of the FA Vase, where they play last year's semi-finalists, Bristol Manor Farm. They have games in hand on many in their division, due to their impressive cup run and with the way they're currently performing, you wouldn't bet against them winning this division. The squad seems well balanced, shown by the fact that they've scored an incredible 3.1 goals per game, whilst only conceding 0.76 goals per game. What's also impressive about them is how well they're supported for 10th tier club, averaging an incredible attendance of 554, which is the 61st highest in non-league. Bromsgrove Sporting are definitely a club on the rise and if they can keep this form going, then they are going to have a special season. We're just over half way through the season in the majority of divisions throughout Non-League, and, today I introduce you to the standout teams across the country, who have produced an incredible run of form.
Meet the most in-form Non-League teams! - Part 1/2 - 23/01/17
Lincoln City
Position : 1st - 58 Points
Form : Played 15/Won 11/Drawn 3/Lost 1 - 36/45 Points
It's only right to start with the side pushing to get out of non-league this season, Lincoln City. It's fair to say that many wouldn't have expected them to be pushing for the title, in the manner that they are this season, having not managed a top-half finish in this division for the past five years. This season didn't start exceptionally well, having dropped 14 points from their first twelve games, form of a side just pushing for a top-half finish. However, since then, they clawed back the 8 point deficit to Forest Green and have looked incredible, not only in the league, but also in the FA Cup. Their incredible run of form has seen them only drop nine points out of their last fifteen outings, which has put them clear at the top, by four points. The only blemish on the record, came against struggling side Guiseley, but this was just one of those days, as proven by their trio of successive wins since. In this period, they've averaged an impressive 2.27 goals per game and only conceded an equally impressive 0.93 goals per game, outlining their strength in all aspects. They showcased how good they are to the world in the FA Cup 3rd Round, dismantling Championship opposition, Ipswich Town, with relative ease. Not only are they the best team in non-league on the pitch, they are also followed by one of the best set of supporters in non-league, bolstering an average attendance of 3933, which is only bettered by Tranmere Rovers. With a squad full of Football League experience as well as numerous quality players, who clearly are happy with the manager's philosophy, I can't see anyone stopping Lincoln City getting back into the Football League this season.
Chesham United
Position : 8th - 49 Points
Form : Played 10/Won 7/Drawn 3/Lost 0 - 24/30 Points
For three consecutive seasons from 2011/12-2013/14, Chesham United were consistently in the playoffs in this division, however, they always seemed to fall short at the final hurdle. A reshuffle in personnel in 2014/15, saw them drop to 12th place, a respectable finish for a consolidation season. Last season, they really put their talent on show, reaching the Second Round of the FA Cup, in which they beat Football League opposition for the first time since the 1979/80 season. Their league form suffered due to the run though, as they ended up finishing in 11th place. They didn't start the season too well, finding consistency to be non-existent, as they found themselves with only 25 points after 16 games. However, that's a tally which they've nearly doubled since, finding 24 points from their previous 10 league outings. They've stepped up their game to the next level in recent times, averaging an incredible 2.6 goals per game, whilst maintaining strong at back, only conceding 0.8 goals per game. They currently have three games in hand on league leaders Leamington, and winning all these, would see them just 3 points off the top, aswell as giving themselves a nice buffer in their hunt for the playoffs. If they can keep this form up, especially in games against the teams around them in the league, there's every chance that, in their 10th successive season under management team Andy Leese and Jon Meakes, they can finally get promoted into the Conference South.
Blyth Spartans
Position : 1st - 56 Points
Form : Played 15/Won 11/Drawn 3/Lost 1 - 36/45 Points
Blyth Spartans, one of non-leagues most recognisable teams, are well on their way to getting back in the Conference North for the first time since the 2011/12 season, in which they suffered relegation for the first time in their 117 year history. Two great FA Cup runs in the 70's was how they put their name out there, and, just to remind people that they can still produce a giantkilling, they managed two Third Round appearances in 2008/09 and 2014/15. Last year, they reached a phenomenal tally of 99 points, but were pipped to the title by Darlington, before falling short against Workington in the playoff semi final. Similar to Chesham, they didn't have the best start to the season, only picking up 20 points from their opening 12 games, however, since then they've only suffered defeat once, in a run that's seen them leapfrog teams like Whitby and Stafford, to sit top by 6 points. Led by former Newcastle and Ipswich striker Alun Armstrong, they look like an unstoppable force, scoring 2.27 goals per game and conceding just 0.73 in this run. The financial help of their recent FA Cup runs has been crucial, allowing them to attract better quality players, aswell as managing to get loanees from Newcastle in particular, their strength in depth is very impressive. There isn't many teams that can compete with Blyth Spartans in this division, they're known for always being one of the top teams at this level, and, this year is proving to be no different.
Part Two will be up at the usual time tomorrow, featuring a side who's won 11 consecutive league games and the only unbeaten side in the top 6 steps of non-league football.
Who will pull off 'The Great Escape' this year? - 17/01/17
Seeing your team win a title is no doubt the greatest feeling in football, but those who have witnessed their side manage to stay up at the end of the season despite all odds being against them will tell you that the relief and joy you feel in that moment comes very close, unless you're a Sunderland fan, then you'd probably take a secure mid-table finish for once. Today, I give my thoughts on whether I think these five struggling clubs in England can manage to come back and stay up, or whether they're not capable of making the comeback.
Division: Championship
Position : 24th
Record: W4/D4/L18
Points from Safety: 9
Since returning to the Championship after a nine year absence back in 2014/15, Rotherham have struggled in their first two years in the second tier, finishing a place above the relegation zone in successive seasons. Their fans would have gone into this year hoping for 'third time lucky' as they say, however, they've suffered the opposite. With just 20 of the 46 games remaining, they sit bottom of the Championship, nine points from survival, and with their leaky defence, which has conceded over 2 goals a game, a return to League One looks likely. Up the other end they struggle just as much, as they've only found the net 27 times in 26 games. Rotherham's form is really poor, picking up only 9 points in their last 10 games, which is surprisingly an improvement on the prior 16 games. They definitely need to invest in this window if they're to stay up this year. They need someone with experience to come in and organise this back four and someone up top that can score goals, as only Danny Ward has managed 4 or more league goals this season (currently on 9). They do have talent in this side, players like: Forde, Ward, Adeyemi, Kelly and Odemwingie are all quality on their day, but none of these are playing well enough consistently. Ultimately, I think they'll go down this year, the core of the squad just isn't strong enough and a clearout of some deadweight at the club is needed and I think a young manager who has a new, fresh idea for the club could benefit them massively in the future.
Division: EFL League One
Position: 24th
Record: W4/D9/L13
Points From Safety: 4
I think many football fans would agree that it's sad to see what's happening to Coventry, a Premier League side until their relegation in 2000/2001, they now find themselves following up their 8th place finish last season by sitting bottom of League One with 20 games to go. Off the pitch, it's a nightmare, protests against the owners at an all time high, but little being done about it. To put it bluntly, Coventry fans are unfortunately the latest to find out that if you're not in the Premier League, the FA quite frankly couldn't care less what happens. On the pitch, performances have been shocking, managing 2 points from the last 10 games, surprisingly those points came against Peterborough and Bolton, showing that this team can be a threat on their day. Loanees like Adam Armstrong and Ryan Kent helped them massively last year but, they haven't brought in quality to replace these players and their paying the price for it. Despite not conceding too many, with respect to their league position, goals have been in short supply and they really need to bring in someone to lead the line. Other than Bigirimana, Lameiras and Reilly, quality is in short supply in this massive squad. They could really do with offloading a fair few in this squad and bring in players that are going to benefit the team, Omar Bogle for example. They've got a decent manager in Russell Slade who has good experience at this level, and, if given time, he will more than like turn this average squad into a well disciplined, decent outfit. I think they've got enough about them to stay up, what's important for them though, is getting a league win as soon as possible, to give the players some belief in each other and confidence in their own ability. If things don't get sorted, they'll end up finding themselves in the same position in the years to come and the luck of surviving will eventually run out.
Division: EFL League Two
Position: 24th
Record: W4/D6/L15
Points from Safety: 6
Having got promoted to League Two back in 2012/13, Newport's first two years gave the impression they were making all the right moves, achieving 14th place and 9th place finishes respectively. However, last season instead of making continued progress and pushing for playoffs, they took a massive step backwards and only just survived. This year has been another step back for the Welsh club and after picking up 4 points from their last 10, a chance of survival looks bleak right now. Their problem is their defence, average just under 2 goals a game and despite scoring in 8 of the last 10, they always seem to fail to hang on when in a leading position or with a point on the line. They aren't a club that's financially powerful, so the likelihood is, that unless they can make money off some fringe players, there won't be a lot of players coming into the club. They do have a lot of pace and decent attacking players, but they need to find a system to start benefiting them, right now, they play like a team with no philosophy and at this level, you get punished for it, League Two has been and always will be an unforgiving division, anyone can beat anyone. They desperately need an experienced centre-back to come in and organise them, him leading from the back would be key to solving their defensive issues. The only positives for them is that Notts County are in equally bad form and that they're not battling with Barnet, but with Cheltenham starting to pick up a few wins, it's important for them to start replicating results like their one last time out. The next month is crucial for them, if they haven't won by then, I think it'll be too much for them, however, with the competitive nature of this league, you can never write a team off.
Club: MargateDivision: National League South
Position: 22nd
Record: W5/D1/L19
Points from Safety: 7
Margate's return to the National League South has not been plain sailing in any way having only just survived, as they achieved a 19th place finish last year. Any chance of returning to the Conference is out of the question though, as this season they're massively struggling with their small squad. They have the worst form of any team on this list, having suffered 10 consecutive league defeats. The problem for manager Nikki Bull, is that the problem in his side isn't just in one area, not only are they scoring less than a goal a game, they are also conceding over 2 a game, that is not a recipe for success by any means. With 17 games left, the only positive they really have is that the transfer window is always open, it's a long shot for Bull but at this point, I think they have to look around for some young and experienced players and integrate them into the team quickly. At this level now, there seems to be a split between the top 8 or so that are quite well off financially and unfortunately for Margate, it means they are put into situations like this. I can't see them managing to retain their place in this division this year, they're losing games to the teams around them and it's those sides that you have to be picking up points against, whilst snatching the odd point here and there off the top teams if you're going to survive and simply put, this squad isn't capable of that.
Division: National League North
Position: 22nd
Record: W1/D5/L18
Points from Safety: 17
Altrincham's three year stay in the conference came to an end last year with them finishing in 22nd place, missing out on the survival by 5 points, however fans would have been expecting a much better return in the National League North than they've had to endure. Their only win of the season came on October 8th against the side in 21st, Stalybridge Celtic. Again, the problem lies in all areas, less than a goal scored per game and almost 3 goals conceded per game, they're all over the place. Within the last 10 games, they've managed to do better than Margate at least, having managed to pick up 1 point. The only thing Matt Doughty can do, similarly to Nikki Bull, is just try to find players on the fringe of other teams at Step 6 or those impressing at Step 7. They bolster quite a big squad but that clearly isn't translating into success, however, with it being Doughty's first month in charge, his philosophy may be trusted more by the players and they finally may pick up 3 points again. There is surely no chance Altrincham manage to pull this off, especially with how hard the National League has become nowadays, but if they do, this may just be the greatest escape of all time.
Cheltenham Town vs Grimsby Town Preview - 01/04/16
Tonight, two of the heavyweights in the National League collide as league leaders Cheltenham
Town welcome 3rd place Grimsby to Whaddon Road. Both head into this game in identical form picking up a decent 17 points from their last 10 games. With 3 games in hand on the hosts, Grimsby aren't out of the title race by any means, but they will certainly need a win tonight to give them any chance of turning around their fourteen point deficit. Cheltenham were the victors at Blundell Park when these sides met earlier this season courtesy of a Aaron Downes header.
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| Cheltenham Town are potentially 5 games away from being only the 6th side to get promoted back to the Football League at the first attempt. |
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| 27 year old Irishman Padraig Amond is the league's top scorer with 26 league goals so far this season, 15 more than fellow striker Omar Bogle. |
Non-League Day 2015 - 09/10/15
Non-League Day, the day where the glamour of the Premier League and the higher leagues in the English football pyramid is set aside and people everywhere are brought to the attention of what their local club has to offer. That day is Saturday 10th October 2015, tomorrow!
About Non-League Day
Why should you go support your local team?
What else can YOU do?
For more information about Non-League Day and to use a Match Finder to find a game in your area, click on the link below.
http://www.nonleagueday.co.uk/map.html
My Opinion
I think the idea of Non-League Day is brilliant and it is crucial to the football calendar and to many non-league clubs. I highly recommend that you go to watch your local club tomorrow if you don't already and you may be pleasantly surprised by what you see. There are FA Cup qualifying rounds tomorrow as well as league games so it would be worth checking to see if your local team is still in the competition and it would be well worth watching them on the journey to see if they can get to the First Round. Having watched my local team in the Conference and now this season in the Midland Premier League, I can tell you that in both of these leagues, although the quality is not what you'd see in the Premier League on television, Non-League football is very entertaining to watch as the majority of games are unpredictable as anyone can beat anyone. The passion of the players is also evident in these lower leagues as they are not on ridiculous money per week and most of them are part-time players and are playing because they love the game and it's admirable to watch how hard these players try to win at times and it really gets a crowd behind him and the atmosphere at
Non-League games can be phenomenal. I'll be watching my local team tomorrow, the question is, will you be watching yours?
Sacked in September! 17/09/15
When a manager gets sacked so early on in the season, the question is always asked whether the manager should be given more time. With four managerial departures already by the 17th September, I give my verdict on whether I feel the decisions were rash or justified.
Dave Robertson (Peterborough United) - September 6th
Clubs : Peterborough United 2015
Appointed : 21st February 2015
Sacked : 6th September 2015
2014/15 results : 6 Wins
4 Draws
4 Losses
22/42 points
2015/16 results : 2 Wins
1 Draw
6 Losses
4/18 points
Becoming manager of Peterborough United was Dave Robertson's first venture into management and he started off brightly. He became only the second ever Peterborough manager to win all 3 of his opening games having beaten Bradford, Sheffield United and Leyton Orient before adding a 4th successive win at Doncaster. He helped Peterborough to a 9th place finish, just 6 points off the playoffs after he achieved a 43% win rate to round off his maiden term in management. He was rewarded for his job last season by being given a 3 year contract to stay at the club. He had a good start to the season picking up 2 wins in 3 games in all competitions however, those were his last wins as he drew 1 and lost 3 league games as well as 2 cup games therefore causing to board to terminate his contract. After scoring 9 goals in 9 games, it's clear to see that attacking wise there was potential but having let in 16 in as many showed the problem was the defending. Overall, because it's his first job in management and the first full-time job he had in football, I think it was a rash decision from the board and that he should have been given more time. Robertson and Monk for Swansea are similar in a way however Swansea gave Monk time even when results didn't come and now they are seeing their side have good success in the Premier League. I know Robertson wasn't a club legend like Monk however, for a new manager it takes time to get their philosophy across to the team so to sack a manager who is still finding their feet in the league however, with results not coming in and maybe due to pressure from fans, the board chose to sack him. I know teams can start the season bad on occasions but having only been 6 games in, there was plenty of time for him to turn it around with 40 games still to be played and even though their caretaker manager started with a win, there is no guarantee that sacking Robertson was the right decision and I believe that he surely should have been given more time.
Paul Dickov (Doncaster Rovers) - 8th September
Clubs : Oldham Athletic 2010-13
Doncaster Rovers 2013-15
Appointed : 20th May 2013
Sacked : 8th September 2015
2013/14 results : 11 Wins
11 Draws
24 Losses
44 points
2014/15 results : 16 Wins
13 Draws
17 Losses
61 points
2015/16 results : 3 Wins
3 Draws
3 Losses
6/18 points
This is an odd sacking in my opinion from the Doncaster board. The 2013/14 season saw Paul Dickov fail to keep his side in the Championship as they were relegated on the final day on goal difference yet the board trusted that he was the one to take them back up. After guiding them to a 13th place finish last year, you'd have thought that if Doncaster were going to sack him it would have happened then, right? Wrong. They kept Dickov in charge and after picking up 3 wins, draws and losses in all competitions with 1 win 3 draws and 2 losses coming in the league alone seeing them pick up 1/3 of the points available. For him to get sacked after that seems a little strange to me in all honesty. You could say it's because of the 3 goals which they scored in the league in 9 games however, they did only concede 5 goals therefore showing that their defence is good, however they just needed work on the attacking side of the game. I think that if they gave Dickov a bit more time then the goals would come. All it takes is for one striker to hit form and get 20-30 goals and it could win them games and if the defence stays as solid as they have been so far then Doncaster could have had a good season and thought for the playoffs and it's for this reason that I believe that the board have made the wrong decision. In an illustrious career which saw him score 101 goals in 421 games as a striker, Dickov clearly knows what it takes to score and if given more time, he could have worked with the strikers to help them find their feet in front of goal. Overall, if you're going to stick with a manager who gets the club relegated and has a mid-table finish, then why sack him after an average start to the season? Maybe they were hoping to see their side go up this year however, all it takes is some good form in the upcoming months and Doncaster could have rose up to the top end of the league so that's why I find the decision to sack Dickov to be odd.
Darren Kelly (Oldham Athletic) - 12th September
Clubs : Oldham Athletic 2015
Appointed : 4th May 2015
Sacked : 12th September 2015
2015/16 results : 1 Win
4 Draws
4 Losses
7/18 points
After looking at the results at first glance you'd think that the decision to sack Darren Kelly was quite justified however, when you look deeper and see that they are only 4 points off the playoffs, it does make you question why he was sacked. They lost to Middlesbrough and Shrewsbury in the League Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy respectively and although they would clearly be disappointed to exit the cups early on, surely getting 1 win 4 draws and 2 losses in the league makes up for that, clearly not. Despite an 11.1% win rate, you have to remember that this is the 36 year old's first managerial job and as they were willing to give him a chance at managing them, it does make you think why they would sack him after only 9 games. His side have clearly showed a resilience to lose in managing to pick up 4 draws however, you could argue that they should have held on to the 1-0 leads they had at home to Shrewsbury and away to Bury. With no win since August 15th and 2 losses on the bounce with 2 goals scored and 7 conceded have seemed to put the nail in the coffin for the new manager. Overall I can't understand why Darren Kelly has been sacked, it could be a lack of wins, the number of goals conceded in the last two games or the early departure in the cup competitions. I believe that this decision is as rash as they get, as in my opinion, if you're willing to take the chance on giving someone their first job in management then it is my belief that you should give them enough time to get their philosophy across to their players and the Oldham board have not done this. Hopefully Darren gets more of an opportunity at another club and maybe he'll join the final team which we discuss. League One Chairman's seem ruthless this year with 3 of the 4 manager's sacked all come from the third-tier of the English game so if your club is struggling in this league so far then expect a managerial change to be on the horizon.
Neil Aspin (Halifax Town) - 17th September
Clubs : Harrogate Town 2005-09
Halifax Town 2009-15
Appointed : 28th April 2009
Sacked : 17th September 2015
2009/10 results : W-30 D-10 L-2 Pts-100
2010/11 results : W-30 D-8 L-4 Pts-98
2011/12 results : W-21 D-11 L-10 Pts-74
2012/13 results : W-21 D-12 L-9 Pts-75
2013/14 results : W-22 D-11 L-13 Pts-77
2014/15 results : W-17 D-15 L-14 Pts-66
2015/16 results : W-1 D-2 L-7 Pts-5/30
Loyalty is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Neil Aspin. He showed it in both club and management as despite being linked with clubs as a player and jobs as a manager, he stuck by his morals and stayed with who he was with. Three promotions in four years including two league titles in his first two years saw Aspin become a fan favourite at Halifax. He was also the man in charge for all but one of the Shaymen's 30 game unbeaten run at the Shay between 18th April 2009 to the 13th November 2010 including 24 wins, an incredible record. Success continued in 2013/14 as the Shaymen recorded a 5th place finish therefore qualifying them for the playoffs in their first season back in the highly competitive Conference. Unfortunately playoff winners Cambridge broke Halifax hearts as they suffered defeat in the semi-finals. It looked as though the 2014/15 season was going to be even better for Halifax as they were comfortably in the playoff positions for the majority of the season however, 1 win in the last 15 games of the season saw Halifax finish 9th as a lack of firepower was the catalyst for a good season in contrast with the great season which they were hoping for. As a part-time club, it's hard to attract bigger players when you reach the Conference and with the departure of Lee Gregory to Millwall, you have to admit that the fact they were near the top for 1/3 of the season was an achievement in itself however, as a football fan, we can all understand the fans disappointment. The poor form at the end of last season unfortunately continued over to this year's campaign and with only 1 win in 10 games and 5 points from 30 which sees Halifax lie in 23rd place out of the 24 teams. With this form, changes had to be made and I agree with the decision to let Aspin go. He's been fantastic for Halifax and the Aspin era will live on in fan's memories however sometimes a team needs a new philosophy and I believe that bringing in a new manager is what's right for the club so overall I believe that unlike the decisions made by the League One club's Chairman's, Halifax's decision was well justified.
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