Bromley end 16-match winless run

After three months and 16 matches, Bromley FC claimed an excellent away victory at in form Western-Super- Mare to win for the first time since beating Dartford in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round at the end of October.

The comprehensive 3-0 score line was the least the Kent-based club deserved on an afternoon to remember for boss Mark Goldberg, considering the last time his side visited Somerset they were thumped 7-0 by the same opposition.   

Hakeem Araba’s second minute header gave the visitors the perfect start as Weston-Super-Mare struggled to recover from the early setback. Two second half strikes from debutant Anthony Thomas and fellow newcomer Pierre Joseph-Dubois wrapped up Bromley’s fourth away victory of the campaign and with results going in their favour, the Lilywhites moved out of the Blue Square bet South relegation places.

The timely victory is the perfect ingredient for Bromley as they enter a period of three games against teams in and around the relegation picture. Next Saturday the Lilywhites entertain Havant and Waterlooville at Hayes Lane before another home meeting with struggling Staines Town the Saturday after. A showdown with relegation threatened Thurrock rounds off an important period in Bromley’s quest to avoid the drop.

Welshpool’s newest recruit fails to make “unbelievable” impression

The recent return of one of the greatest central midfield players to grace England’s top division has epitomised the old adage that age is only a number. This time however, 37-year old Paul Scholes is a mere shadow to one man who is renowned for his television antics that entertain Football fans every Saturday afternoon.

At the measly age of 54, former Stoke City and Leeds United midfielder Chris Kamara has come out of his 17-year retirement to appear for Spar mid-Wales League outfit Welshpool Town. The surprisingly reappearance of the Sky Sports Soccer Saturday star, came about after Welshpool were thumped 10-1 by their local rivals which prompted a chaffed response from presenter Jeff Stelling.

Following the humiliating defeat to neighbours Waterloo Rovers, Welshpool manager David Jones e-mailed the witty programme to explain the clubs recent financial disposition. In response Sky arranged for “Kammy”, as he known by the other guests, to dig out his boots and appear in Saturday’s clash with Rhayader in an attempt to make amends.

Despite attracting a crowd of over 500, 10 times the average attendance at Welshpool’s Maes y Dre Recreation Ground, Kamara failed to make an impact as the hosts were soundly beaten 6-1. In spite of the score line, Jones praised the former Bradford man and his contributions throughout the match. He said: “Chris played really well. He's still very fit.”

The Lilywhites were 2-0 down at half time, but rallied and brought themselves back into contention straight after the break. Jones added: “He gave us a team talk before the game and at half-time and he was talking to the lads throughout the match. We got back into it early in the second half, but Rhayader ran away with it in the end.”

When asked whether Kamara would appear again for the Welsh side, Jones responded by denying any chance of a return, leaving the presenter with plenty of time to recover from his first game in nearly two decades.

Wings striker joins Cambridge United

Blue Square bet South club Welling United have confirmed the departure of top-scorer Andy Pugh to Blue Square Premier side Cambridge.

The 22 year-old former Gillingham forward, has caught the eye of several clubs following an excellent start to the campaign with 16 goals in 22 league appearances. The deal was expected to be completed a few weeks ago, but a niggling knee injury prevented any chance of a medical, causing a delay.

The striker has spoken of his delight in securing the move, but has admitted that there was a potential opportunity to make a return to the Football League. Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridge Pugh said: “There were offers to go on trial, but Cambridge was the first concrete offer and after speaking to Jez George (Cambridge United manager) and how keen he was to get me here, his thoughts of me as a player and the style he wants to play, I wanted to be a part of it so I’m glad to be here.”

Pugh was limited to just nine substitute appearances for the Gills before moving to Cambridge’s local rivals Histon on-loan, where ironically, the forward scored his one and only goal against the U’s. Pugh continued: “That was my only goal at the time, that was a tough spell for me I didn’t enjoy it, but the atmosphere that day was really good and for myself to score was pleasing.”

In the summer of 2010, Pugh signed permanently for Welling following his release from Gillingham, after the Kent club were relegated back into League Two. The forward made 50 appearances in his one-and-a-half year stay at Park View Road scoring 28 times and acknowledged that if he was going to leave The Wings, it would need to be for a full-time club. He added: “If I was going to leave Welling it needed to be full-time and obviously a big club like Cambridge has come in and I’m pleased to be here.”

The U’s are currently just outside the Blue Square Premier playoff places and the opportunity to make a swift return to the Football League, is one of the key factors in Pugh’s move to the Abbey Stadium. He continued: “The teams in good shape at the moment, I hope I can add to the squad and it would be nice to get into the playoffs.”

The striker’s troublesome knee injury could force him to miss Saturday’s match with Tamworth and Manager Jez George isn’t ready to throw Pugh straight into the starting line-up. George added: “His injury is fine but he hasn’t trained for three-and-a-half weeks. We’ve got to be sensible. We’ve signed Andy for two-and-a-half years not two-and-a-half-weeks.”

Pugh’s much anticipated debut may be prolonged further, but after a three year absence, the striker is making his first tracks towards a return to the Football League. His step into the fourth tier of the English game is one taken by a few in recent history, he will be accompanied at the Abbey Stadium by former Bromley full-back Harrison Dunk, who signed a two-year deal last summer and has adapted very well since turning full-time. U’s fans will be hoping that Pugh can make a similar transition.

Fleetwood take over as leaders Wrexham slip-up

A brace from midfielder Magno Vieira helped Fleetwood Town to the top of the Blue Square bet Premier table after original leaders Wrexham had fallen to a 1-0 defeat to mid-table Forest Green Rovers.

Along with Vieira’s double, highly regarded striker Jamie Vardy netted his 18^th goal of the season to ensure a comfortable victory for Micky Mellon’s side. The win moves Fleetwood a point clear of promotion rivals Wrexham whose unbeaten run, which stretched back to the end of September, was ended by Matt Taylor’s well-executed finish to give Forest Green a deserved scalp over the bookies favourites for a return to the Football League.

Dean Keates could have salvaged the visitors a point in stoppage time but for the second consecutive week, failed to convert from the penalty spot to send the Dragons back to North Wales empty handed.  

Wrexham player/manager Andy Morrell admitted his side were not at their best but acknowledged the excellent run that had propelled the Dragons to the top of the table. He said: “We’ve been on an incredible run and the lads need to be proud of that, it’s not going to last forever. We could have maybe nicked something when we weren’t at our best but it wasn’t to be.”   

“Criminal” defending enrages Gills boss

A shocked Andy Hessenthaler cut a pensive figure during his post-match press conference following Gillingham’s 4-3 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon. The Gills boss bemoaned his side’s defensive frailties after letting slip a 3-1 lead in the final 20 minutes to fall to their second consecutive league defeat.

“I’m very shocked”, Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent. “To be 3-1 up with 20 minutes to go and lose the game is criminal.” Last week’s defeat to fellow promotion contenders Shrewsbury Town left the former Dover Athletic manager critical of his side’s defending and Saturday’s weaknesses have further indicated Hessenthaler’s potential need for changes. He continued: “That’s two weeks in a row, we just can’t defend. We’re at a stage now where we’ve lost two on the bounce and with 20 games to go, do I need to do something about it defensively? I think I do yes.”

Two debut goals from the on-loan Gavin Tomlin had given the Kent-based club a healthy advantage but the final outcome has left the Gills boss sympathizing with his new recruits. He added: “I felt really sorry for the new boys, Joe (Kuffour), Gavin Tomlin and Danny Kedwell playing against his old club, I’m devastated for them because to put ourselves in that great position at 3-1 and to then throw it away is not acceptable.”

Last season the Priestfield club agonizingly missed out on a playoff place, there is a danger that something similar could happen again and Hessenthaler is hoping to spur his players forward in order to right the wrongs of the previous campaign. He concluded: “It’s got to stop now otherwise the season will just fizzle out again and it will be another season of not achieving anything, we’re here to achieve something.”

Saturday’s defeat has left Gillingham in the familiar position of just outside the playoffs, Hessenthaler’s strong words are sure to evoke a response heading into the business end of the season.

Allen: MK Dons the best footballing side in League One

Notts County boss Martin Allen has labelled Saturday’s opponents the MK Dons as “the best Footballing team” in League One and has recognised the recent developments that the club has made since his departure five years ago.

Despite lingering financial restrictions, Allen led the Dons to the League Two playoffs in 2007 and has publically praised his former employers in developing the younger players. Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham Allen said, “They’ve developed some very good young players, young players that I knew when I was their five years ago.”

Mk Dons were narrowly knocked out of the FA Cup during Tuesday night’s third round replay loss to Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers, and the County boss admits that he couldn’t hide his delighted in witnessing the improvements first hand. He continued, “The other night at QPR, watching them play I had a few writhe smiles to myself because some of that is part of my work.”

Following Allen’s exit, the Dons appointed Paul Ince who successfully guided the club into League One before Karl Robinson took over the reins in 2010. In spite of his relative inexperience, Allen has been impressed with the Dons boss who continues to improve his own reputation as an up and coming young manager. He continued, “ Paul Ince and then Karl Robinson have really taken it on to another level, Karl will go to the top there is no doubt about it.” 

Notts County are without a league victory since November and have fallen away from the playoff contingent, although Allen believes avoiding a second season immersed in a relegation battle is the main objective this season and see’s the playoffs as long term target. Allen added, “The aim this season is to make sure we don’t go through what we went through last year and once we achieve that target then we will see if we can get to the playoffs. All of us would love that long term goal.”

FA Trophy throws up big shock

In Wednesday’s FA Trophy second round replays, Blue Square Premier outfit Lincoln City were dumped out of the competition after losing 3-1 to Ryman Premier Division side Carshalton Athletic.

The original tie at Sincil Bank last Saturday ended goalless, but the Imps were expected to progress against the team 42 places below them in English Football pyramid. But Paul Vines’ hat- trick was enough to see the Colston Avenue club through to round three.

Carshalton are the lowest rank side definitely through to the third round and will face either Newport County or Worksop Town for a place in the last eight. Vines’ superb treble came in a maniac 18 minute spell either side of half-time to give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead. Jake Sheridan’s late strike was mere consolation for Lincoln and their thoughts now turn to domestic issues and trying to avoid a second consecutive relegation.

Following Saturday’s latest postponement between Conference North side Hinckley United and cup favourites Luton Town, Wednesday’s second round tie ended in a stalemate meaning both sides will have to replay once more after three previous postponements. Hatters Goalkeeper Mark Tyler was by far the busier of the two and pulled off some excellent saves to preserve Luton’s cup quest.

The replay will take place on Monday evening at Kenilworth Road. An extra game is something that Luton could potentially have done without as they now face a period of four games in just eight days.

The catastrophic consequences of falling out of the Football League

The word Administration has been at the forefront of English Football far too often in recent history. In the last few years administration has hit many members of the Football League and has had a disastrous effect on the everyday running of Football clubs. But what about the clubs outside of the Football League? Administration can have far more of a significant effect on clubs at the lower end of the Football League pyramid without the reliability of ticket sales and other profitable entities that Football League clubs can rely on.

The recent decline of former Football League members Chester City and Rushden & Diamonds highlights what administration leads to all too often. After relegation from the Football League in 2009, Chester embarked on a downward spiral that led to them being expunged from the Conference Premier and eventually, a year after relegation from League Two, the club had been wound up.

Rushden & Diamonds were considered promotion contenders before their relegation to the non-league’s highest division in 2006. Their problems were highlighted by the sheer lack of ticket sales which would ultimately impact the fortunes of the club. In the first three seasons back in the Conference, attendances had been cut 50% from their last season in the Football League and so began their decent into the abyss. In 2011 the club had been expelled from the Blue Square bet Premier due to their unstable financial position, meaning they could not guarantee being able to complete all their fixtures in the 2011/12 season. In the summer of last year, the club entered administration and went out of business.

Just this week it was announced that former members of the Football League Darlington face liquidation after former chairman Raj Singh, who had previously invested two million pounds in the club,  had withdrawn his funding leaving the Quakers in a perilous financial disposition. The club were relegated from the Football League during the 2009/10 campaign and so began the unenviable task of trying to contrive a return to the Football pyramids third tier. But like so many before, not achieving promotion has left the club with huge debts and the added concern of having a 10,000-seater stadium that can only entice 2,000 every week.

Additionally, the club have announced that they have terminated the contracts of interim manager Craig Liddle and the remaining playing staff. Administrator Harvey Madden expressed his displeasure at terminating the contracts but admits it was the only option. Madden said, “Given the current financial position of the club and, as a consequence of my legal obligations, I have had no alternative but to terminate the contracts of all playing staff and the retained administration staff.”

The administrator also acknowledged that, despite interest, no formal offers to buy the club had been received. He continued, “Every effort is being made to progress this to try to save the club. However, at this stage I have still not received any formal offers and unless a deal is concluded as a matter of urgency, time will have run out for Darlington Football Club.”

We wait and see as to whether Darlington can continue as a Football club, but the response from the administrator outlines the harsh reality of entering administration. Darlington, like Chester and Rushden & Diamonds before them, have surrendered their place in the Football League and are now struggling to stay afloat. It seems, at the moment, that losing your place in the Football League is the least of your problems as it can transpire into something which doesn’t just impact the club short term, but its future as well.

The effect of the winter months on smaller Football League club’s

Defending a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions usually gives you the spirit and desire to play every week. However, when conditions are considered precarious is there a need to endanger both sets of players?

These are the strong views of Barnet boss Lawrie Sanchez after his side ended Accrington Stanley’s unbeaten sequence which stretched back to mid-November. Despite the excellent result, Sanchez believes that the game should have called off before a ball was kicked and deemed the Crown Ground pitch as unplayable. Speaking to BBC London Sanchez said, “There shouldn’t have been a game on, the grounds man for whatever reason decided it wasn’t going to be cold enough to put the covers on.”

The consequence of playing in such conditions aggravates the chance of injury significantly and the former Northern Ireland boss feels alleviating any possibility of serious injury is the main priority. Sanchez continued, “I said to the referee, someone could get hurt out there today. John Coleman (Accrington Stanley manager) obviously wanted to play the game their on a good run of form, 10 games undefeated. But you have got to be careful that nothing dangerous does happen.”

In spite of the difficult conditions, Barnet fully deserved their victory over playoff contenders Stanley and subsequently move five points clear of the relegation places. The Londoners first away success of the year delighted their manager, who was full of praise with his sides efficient display. Sanchez added, “We have played outstandingly well and have controlled the game and won it fairly comfortably. It was probably not our best performance but it was our most professional performance of the season.”

Kuffour signs permanent Gills deal

League Two, promotion chasers Gillingham have pounced to resign striker Jo Kuffour on a permanent deal from Bristol Rovers.

The 30-year old forward, enjoyed a successful three month loan spell with the Gills scoring seven goals in 13 appearances earlier in the campaign and manager Andy Hessenthaler is delighted to recapture the experienced forward. Speaking to the club’s website Hessenthaler said, “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Jo back to the club. He did very well for us in his loan spell and it’s a big boost to be able to bring him back.”

The announcement of Kuffour’s signing came just a few hours after the Kent-based club agreed a deal to sign Dagenham & Redbridge striker Gavin Tomlin on loan for the rest of the season. Tomlin is hoping to rediscover his goal scoring touch at his new club and see’s his move to the Gills as a fresh start. He said, “I wanted to start again fresh from Dagenham, which is a good club. From a goal scoring point of view at Dagenham it’s not been going well for me so I think I need a fresh start.”

The pair are set to be in the squad for Saturday’s clash with Shrewsbury Town and with top scorer Danny Kedwell sidelined for several weeks due to injury, both could make a first start upfront together.  

Hessenthaler’s additions to his injury hit squad could pave the way for unhappy forward Luke Rooney to make his switch to fellow League Two, promotion contenders Swindon Town. But despite the expected departure of Rooney, it is anticipated that the Gills boss will not make any further additions to his squad during the January transfer window.

Euell signing “will give fans a lift” – Brown

After scoring 45 goals in 177 appearances for Wimbledon between 1995-2001, Jason Euell has returned to the Dons on a five week loan deal from League One leaders Charlton Athletic.

Euell, who began his career at Wimbledon, moved to Charlton in the summer of 2001 for a reported 4.75 million and, after spells at promotion chasing Southampton and Blackpool, the striker returned to the Addicks in the summer making 15 appearances and scoring two goals.

League Two strugglers Wimbledon have only scored once in five games in all competitions so the addition of the former Premier League striker is massive boost to their survival hopes. Speaking to the club’s website, Manager Terry Brown spoke of his delight in being able to lure Euell back to the Dons. “Jason will bring with him Premier League quality and experience. Jason will join us for training on Thursday and I know the coaching staff are looking forward to working alongside a true Wimbledon legend.”

Having found first team opportunities limited under former team mate Chris Powell at Charlton, Euell’s arrival is a welcome addition to Brown’s relegation threatened squad. He continued, “Jason also gives us fantastic variety in the positions he plays as he can play anywhere in midfield and anywhere up front.”

During Euell’s six year stint at Wimbledon, the veteran forward made four appearances for England’s under 21’s and Brown insists that fans will quickly remind the striker of their admiration. He added, “I am sure the welcome he receives from the Dons faithful will quickly remind him of the fans' admiration for him and his achievements with Wimbledon in the past.”

With tough trips to Port Vale and Gillingham to come, supporters will hope that Euell can make an instant impact and the Dons boss feels that the signing could act as a catalyst for the rest of the campaign. He concluded, “I know this signing will give the fans a lift but I am also sure it will give our players a great lift.”

Stevenage reaping the rewards gained by sticking by their Manager

The re-appointment of former manager Graham Westley in the summer of 2007 was greeted with uproar by most Stevenage supporters. Westley, during his first stint in charge, had not been able to provide the one thing that all Boro supporters dreamt about and that was a place in the Football League. His three-and-a-half year reign came to a subsequent end when Westley decided to end his tenure leaving Stevenage stuck in the Fourth tier of English Football.

After a two year absence Westley regained control of the Hertfordshire-based club, claiming that he had come to “finish the job he started” – in reference to trying to guide Stevenage into the Football League. Westley’s re-appointment was met with scepticism by a majority of fans, as they questioned, why go back to a man who had failed to deliver in the first place? But his promises to deliver a winning team, kept the supporters just about on board.

How right they were to stick by a manager that would not only lead the club into the Football League, but guide Stevenage to back-to-back promotions.

Westley made a habit of retaining competitive squads and going into the 2009/10 campaign, Stevenage, perhaps for the first time, had assembled a squad capable of pushing for promotion, how it turned out would be start of a revolutionary assault on the Football League.  

Stevenage were promoted as Conference Champions with two games to spare and the previously unfancied Westley had written his name in Stevenage folk law by becoming the first manager to guide the club into the Football League. His two years back at the helm had delivered an astonishing 70 wins in 114 games with two FA Trophy finals and a promotion. The scepticism had been replaced with optimism as the club looked to cement their place in the third tier of English Football.

Along with an FA Cup giant-killing of Newcastle United at Broadfield Way, 2010/11 was another memorable season for Stevenage. The victory over the Premier League side was the first time the club had ever beaten top flight opposition, and although FA Cup runs can have a negative impact on a club’s league form, Stevenage combined both to reach the League Two play-offs and the FA Cup fourth round in an exceptional introduction into the Football League.  

Remarkably, Stevenage overcame Torquay United in the Final to clinch back-to-back promotions under Westley who was now adored by all Boro supporters. The rise into League One is an example of what can be achieved when a club sticks by a manager who originally may not have been considered the best choice. The question is, with Stevenage fans no longer sceptical about the man in charge, can they divert attention away from the bigger club’s?

Clark ‘100% confident’ of no Rhodes deal

Following last Friday’s 6-0 mauling of relegation threatened Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark has expressed his confidence in being able to keep hold of one of the hottest prospects in the Football League.

Terriers Striker Jordan Rhodes took his league goal tally to an astonishing 25 as he bagged five of Huddersfield six, to grab the attention of several Premier League clubs, who were apparently in attendance. Despite the interest, Clark has openly stated that he has the full backing of Owner Dean Hoyle and maintains his desire to keep Rhodes on board Huddersfield’s promotion push. Speaking after last Friday’s match Clark said, “He is absolutely flying, I am 100% confident that he won’t be going anywhere – I trust the Owner.”

Recent conversation between the Chairman and Rhodes suggest that the striker remains firmly committed to the Terriers. Clark continued, “He has told me that he has spoken to Jordan, and he has looked the chairman in the eye and said that he wants to finish off the season with Huddersfield Town, irrespective of what happens.”

Clark, a former Newcastle and Fulham midfielder, feels that Rhodes’ growing reputation bares comparison with some of the biggest names to ever play the game. Clark added, “He is destined to play at the very top level and reap the rewards that come with that. In terms of finishing he is up there with Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.”

Along with the Scottish international Rhodes, Clark has also commented on Huddersfield’s ability to develop players and move them on to bigger club’s. Clark continued, “In the future I am sure that I will feel privileged to have worked with him, just like I do at the moment when I see Anthony Pilkington scoring and creating goals for Norwich. Also, Lee Peltier is doing fantastic things at Leicester City.”

The anticipated departure of Rhodes is certainly one rumour that is set to escalate throughout the January transfer window. Clark’s obvious reluctance to sell his prized asset could be taken out of his hands as the biggest club’s swarm around the young prospect and prepare to do battle for his signature.

Barnet boss pleased with defensive effort

Lawrie Sanchez praised his Barnet side’s defensive solidarity after recording their sixth league win of an improving campaign. Monday’s 2-0 victory over struggling Bristol Rovers turned out to be boss Paul Buckle’s final match in charge of the Pirates as his former side’s inability to break down a resolute Barnet defence dragged them further into the relegation scrap.

Tipped as one of the favourites to endure relegation at the start of the season, Barnet’s mid-season progress has extinguished any lingering thoughts that the Bees are certainties for the drop. The excellent start to the year has left Sanchez delighted with his young defensive unit and indicates that the introduction of youth has made a certain difference. Speaking to BBC London Sanchez said, “Their young lads, that’s probably been the difference the rest of the team is pretty much the same as it was. We needed to sort out the defence and bringing in the young lads has been the difference.”

Three out of Barnet’s back four, during Monday’s victory, were under the age 21 highlighting Sanchez’s appetite to include the younger players, their recent performances have left Sanchez in no doubt that one or two will play at a much higher level. He added, “The performances over the 11 or 12 games since they have been here have been good and we have looked solid. We have defended very well today, I think there is one or two that might go on and play at a much higher level.”

“We deserved better” – Goldberg

Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Tonbridge Angels brought an end to an encouraging Christmas period for Mark Goldberg’s Bromley side, two draws with Tonbridge in the space of five days has reignited the Lilywhites push for survival.

The Lilywhites arguably deserved more than just a point from both matches against Angels, but the performances have drastically improved giving all supporters renewed optimism and for boss Goldberg picking up points is the most important thing. Speaking to the News Shopper Goldberg said, “It was a boost that we got a draw, and with 19 games left, we've just got to keep picking up draws and wins.”

Bromley’s run of nine consecutive defeats in all competitions was halted as they picked up a hard fought point at Dorchester three weeks ago, along with the two points gained over the Angels, the Lilywhites were narrowly beaten at Farnborough to bring a promising end to a dismal 2011. Goldberg continued, “During the last three games, to be fair, I think the Farnborough, Dorchester and Tonbridge games, we deserved better out of them. It's fair to say we've stopped the rot, but now we've just got to start picking up some wins.”

The Kent-based club remain just a point outside of the Blue Square South relegation places but go into Saturday’s first match of 2012 in much better spirits. The character shown to fight back and stop the rot is something which the Lilywhites will need to show in abundance in order to stave off the threat of relegation. 

‘We want to improve the team’ insists County boss

As the New Year approaches, Football managers up and down the country are preparing for one of busiest times of year on the Football calendar. Whether the January window is appreciated or not, clubs will be looking to strengthen their squads and progress in a positive manner into the second half or season.

Despite the high wage bill, Notts County boss Martin Allen has admitted that he would like to strengthen the League One outfit but is aware that to improve the squad he must find the right solutions. Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham Allen said, “It's not so much adding to the squad, we want to improve the team so they've got to be good players.”

Although Allen is keen to add to his playoff chasing side, he has also been reported as saying that in order to balance the books he must consider letting some of the fringe players leave the club. He continued, “We've got three lads out on loan and it's well documented that we've got a high wage bill. We're talking at the moment to Bradford with Ricky Ravenhill, to Port Vale regarding Liam Chilvers and Rotherham regarding Jon Harley.”

Like most Managers, Allen is wary of the financial position of the club but remains positive that the world’s oldest Football League club is still an attractive proposition and can entice the right players. He added, “This club presents a great opportunity, this is a great club to play for, great bunch of lads, great staff, fantastic atmosphere. Good facilities, training ground - the training pitches are superb - the facilities we've got here at Meadow Lane and the way it's all being
improved.”

With the club entering its 150th year of existence, the future has never been brighter and Allen has insisted that the club is on its way back up. “There's only one way this club's going and that's up, so it's a great place for people to come and sign.”