Thetownend.com

A few games in hands to watch out for over the coming weeks.

Playoff watch: Salford to lose tonight?
Relegation watch: Morecombe to lose tonight?

Which ones to focus on!

I'm still watching the bottom - and will do so until we reach 48 points.
The recent upturn in form is very welcome, and we are more competitive now, but in the current run we've beaten 4 teams who are in the battle to avoid relegation.

The next few games will provide a better indication of where we are - but I think that getting 12 wins from the remaining 16 games (the likely requirement for us to reach the play offs) is unlikely. 

I think we're firmly mid table now. I don't really see the point in watching any other results as both are so unlikely.

Watching Salford and they are utter shite

I’m keeping an eye on Burnley in the old Div 2 currently leading 1-0 :D

Longelo just come on for Salford

Switched it on to watch Salford equalise

Watched the Newport cunty v Morecambe game.   No way we’ll get relegated whilst those two are still in this league.

Still 14th which is good, we could possibly in theory go above Chesterfield into 10th place with a good win on Saturday.

What a turn around that is from the away game at Colchester on 3rd December, almost exactly 2 months ago) when many of us thought we would probably lose our league status for the first time in the clubs history, when we were 4-0 down at HT that was the turning point of the season with just 2 defeats in the 12 league games since.

Have to say I thought we were gone, 3rd bottom having lost at home to the two teams below us.

In fairness, had Kennedy stayed here we probably would have been bottom by now.

As PV says, a remarkable turnaround

I was convinced we were done. Fair play to Holloway

Further to the previous points.... having witnessed that Colchester debacle there was not one shred of a doubt in my mind that we were headed for the national League with no prospects of returning anytime soon.

It was the most horrible feeling and to be where we are now is nothing short of miraculous.

That Colchester game was probably what we needed to be honest.

Since then, 7 wins and 3 draws from 12 games. Averaging 2 ppg.

Carlisle linked with Mark Kennedy.

I take it Stevie G wasn’t interested😁

thought you were joking for a minute, fuck me.

Announce relegation!

Goodness. That would really test the "everyone gets better when they leave Swindon" theory.

One of their fans has said they should appoint Sheridactyl asap.

Would be quite funny, but surely their owners are aware of the backlash. Jon Brady one of the other names doing the rounds on twitter, would be a much better appointment.

Poisoned chalice

Pretty sure we already safe with our current points total. Crewe now played the same amount of games as us and 10 points the gap.

Our next 5 fixtures are massive if we are to pull off a miracle,
Harrogate on poor form, 21st
Chesterfield, fantastic at home, 10th
Walsall on the wobble, 1st

Then the big games against two playoff teams Salford and Doncaster. Season defining fixtures 

I think Carlisle will turn it around, leaving Morecambe and Tranmere to fall through the gap.

It does feel like we're safe, but a bad run of results can turn things quickly. If we can win our next 2, or at least get 4 points, I'd say we were there. I'm still not even considering playoffs to be honest.

It has all tightened up in mid table from Barrow in 18th upwards. Newport after being poor against us are now one of in form teams.

We should be safe but might want to keep a healthy +10 or 12 point gap from the bottom in case anything unusual happens with our ownership. We are 15 point ahead of Morecambe and 17 ahead of Carlisle, I think we are now safe either way.

Win our next 2 games vs Harrogate and Chesterfield and I MAY start thinking about the play offs, but then we have Walsall away and Doncaster and Salford at home which are likely to put an end to our push.

I am not sure Carlisle can escape, much like FGR last season, when you are down nothing goes your way and each loss compounds that feeling.

it's all well and good to fantasise about playoffs but it would take something quite ridiculous.

The team currently sat in 7th (salford) are tracking to end on 73 points.

We'd need to track at 2.4 PPG to reach 74.

For context; Walsall who are top are tracking at 2.0 for the whole season.

I am more annoyed we were not just a tiny bit less shit under Kennedy. Because then it would actually be a realistic possibility.

Remember the game when the oppo had an outfield player in goal and we didn't even shoot until the late equaliser?

At that point I was coinvinced we'd finish rock bottom by some distance under Kennedy.

And then he said "you can't just shoot from anywhere" in the post match, when you demonstrably can and should and that was the thing we'd done to get the equaliser.

Possibly the crossest I've ever been watching a football match as it was just so stupid. We played three at the back the whole game against a team with an outfield player in goal who were just hanging on for dear life.

I'm cross again thinking about it.

Over the last 6 we are at 2.33 ppg. Do people really think we can keep that up for another 15 games?!

We've tougher teams to face too.

I was actually one of the few who was prepared to give Kennedy more time before this game.

But that moment sealed it for me. That was the end.

Exactly. We haven't yet proven we can beat anybody in the top 7 even despite a recent up turn in form.

It's the away games I fear most.

I wouldn't mind being proven wrong, just trying to be realistic

I dont think anyone genuinely thinks we can make the play offs, but it is possible, right until the point that it becomes mathematically impossible.

Even the most enthusiastic fan probably knows deep down inside that we won't make it, but as I have posted before, it has been done by 2 teams in the last 5 years, so its not impossible just very  very improbable.

I think the realistic hope is to finish comfortably in mid table, carrying momentum on to next season.

Key will be whether we can tie Holloway down.

Also can we keep hold of Wright, Kilkenny and Smith without the temptation to sell.

I think Ofoborh, Delaney, Drinan and Ripley and Clarke are more than capable of being part of a successful league 2 team.

Glatzel, Butterworth, McGurk and Sobowale all show glimpses but lack consistency.

I'm no longer sold on Cox. Injuries, lack of pace. Just not sure if he fits. Hall can go too. As can Cain, Khan etc.

I'm pretty sure McGregor gets sold.

I already didnt like him and thought we'd go down but it was that game when I really though to myself, he HAS to go.

Was wondering how we compared v the incredible turnaround teams:

2021-22 - Rovers P31, pts 47 (finished 3rd, pts 80, an additional 2.2 ppg) =  required for POs: 77

What was the other team?

Doncaster last year.

They were 20th with 33 points after 31 games last season, so we're slightly ahead. Not that it means much!

They had 33 points after 31 games, and finished on 71. That's 38 points from the last 15 games at a rate of 2.533 PPG!

For what it's worth, I don't think we'll get anywhere near.

Playoffs were unusually low last year mind, Crawley got in with 70. The top three all got big numbers (92, 88, 86) which reduced the playoff requirements a lot. We were only 16 points off the playoffs in our worst ever season!

I've only just twigged that we have the exact same points as this time last season!

Currently matching our worst finish ever, start planning that statue

Trajectory is complete opposite however. That's the positive

Exactly!

It's pretty much the exact opposite - we are in the middle of our 10 game run that we had at the start of the season last year, question is are we capable and do we have the resources to maintain that run for a longer period, that will determine whether we finish higher than last year.

Think I hope that Holloway will be here next year; he’s put something in place for end of year signings that he wants moving forward; he’s identified which of the youth are ready to be bloodied next year; he knows who he wants to keep, who will be sold and who he wants to let go.

This year will, at best, be mid table safety. I hope that we don’t end up breaking this run and then going on a downward spiral. Carrying forward positivity to next year, with the aim of playoffs/promotion is where I hope we will be.

I also hope that there will be significant change in ownership behind the scenes and we find ourselves in a better position there.

I posted it all here.

So you did. Didn't read back :)

TLDNR? :D

Watching Vale v Notts Co. Should be interesting

Notts by far the better team first half but they do look less threatening sans McGoldrick

Nam score twice in injury time to get a 2-2 at home to Walsall.

Walsall scored after 40 seconds and with a Freckleton like mistake at the back from Stubbs in the second half.

Nam brought Thomas on after about 80 mins and he made one and scored one in the 90th and 94th minutes! Until then Walsall had defended resolutely.

So, after a couple of empty mid weeks for us but not for other teams - only 2 teams (MK & Newport) can over take us if they win their singular game in hand.

So, worst case scenario when everyone catches up is we drop 2 places.

Gillingham in freefall. What a terrible side they are.

Not bad enough to get relegated unfortunately

I'm not giving up hope yet!😀

Unbelievable how shite Dons & Gills have become considering their squads are fairly decent.

Adkins gone from Tranmere.

Not surprised - Tranny are dreadful

Salford lose, Vile only managed a draw at Tranny. Keep believing!🙂

I want Tinport Vale to miss out on the play offs with a last minute penalty over the bar  :)

Carlisle won at Barrow on Thursday.

Watched Notts Co first half. Shadow of a team without McGoldrick.
Walsall continuing on their downward trajectory,so far

And Grimsby on an upward spiral beating Walsall, unbeaten in 7 before today.

Wow. Walsall ripped apart. Could've been 5!

Another set of mid week fixtures in the books.

Don’t sure we’re bothered much anymore either way - as teams catch up we are now sat 15th which how are season has been is probably about where we deserve to be…

Port Vale  :girlgiggle:

TBF that was their first defeat this calendar year.

I see with results yesterday we dropped 2 places back into the bottom half of the table again, our trip to the top half lasted all of 3 days.

But the top 7 didn't get further ahead as was expected.

9 wins and a draw and we are laughing ;)

A draw? Defeatist bastard.

Boooo down with that sort of thing. Wins FTW!

Still only 10 points off tho mate! I'm not giving up yet🙂

Cowley brothers are the form team.

I wont give up until its mathematically impossible for us to reach the play offs! just 9 consecutive wins will do it!

They are absolutely flying at the mo

Even Iandolo got in the EFL L2 team of the week.

No secret that about half the team are former Swindon Town players, can see them winning the playoffs

No coincidence. McGoldrick back, Notts County back!

He's head and shoulders above any other player in L2, as he was last season.  Got to admire him as an older statesman making it look so easy.

He is to Notts County, what Tommy Mooney was for us in 03/04...

….he’s going to miss a penalty in the play offs & go join Nott’m Forest?

Yep ;)

Walsall losing. Again. Although it would be a bad result for us it would make me chuckle if they lost this

What was the most points they were clear by.

I swear at one point they were like 15 points ahead of second place.
Not even gonna finish top 3 at this rate.

Harry's on for Bromley for the second half.

....and scores a beauty

Really pleased for him.

Yeah. It's been a long time to come back

Great goal that.

Skip to 1:20 -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUfeYY_CUPU

He’s still got it👏

"Leaders" Walsall 5 winless games in a row now.

HMS piss the league is slowly sinking.

It's a Keegan-esque bottle job if they manage to miss promotion entirely.

The Walsall fans are not very quietly pretty unconfident on them still gaining promotion. Such a fall from a high perch has rarely been seen before at any level.

Wasn't it 14 points clear in Decemeber IIRC? now just 3 points ahead having played 1 game more than every other team in L2 other than Bromley.

On 24th Jan they were 12 points clear with a game in hand.
Now, if Bradford win their game in hand they'll be on the same points.

They're still 8 points clear of 4th, but all the teams below them have a game in hand.
I think they should just do enough to finish top 3, pretty impressive if they don't!

The ending of Lowe’s loan spell in January has had a big impact on their form - goal scoring particularly.

https://x.com/ntt20pod/status/1881722488608170137?s=46&t=JFJ6WuyoqR937j03pvTFhQ

This podcast saying in Jan they are the best ever League 2 side looks funnier by the day.

With the way the Jan window works now, League Two is almost two different half seasons.

If you look at the table since 1st Jan, it's very different to the first half the season - this is a cool tool for that on some Ipswich website (presumably their Rich Banyard!) https://www.twtd.co.uk/league-tables/competition:league-two/daterange/fromdate:2025-Jan-01/todate:2025-Jun-01/type:home-and-away/

Since Jan 1st, the top five are Bradford, Colchester, Notts County, Wimbledon and then us. Bottom is Franchise (oh please!) and Walsall are 16th (!)

Until Jan 1st, Walsall are 12 points clear of Wimbledon, County, Doncaster and Port Vale. Morecambe bottom, we're 21st.

Bloody hell this ref (Notts Co v Crewe) is fucking atrocious. 2 absolute cast iron pens for County not given.

Fail losing at home to Barrow  :D
I see they have Bromley at home in April, be great to see McKirdy bag the winner, a penalty  ;D

Tonight's results again showing this league is an absolute lottery

Wouldn't say lottery personally, but there's not much difference between teams - just need a little extra something. We are missing it

Yeah but every team I think is missing that something extra. Maybe lottery is the wrong word but everyone is capable of beating anyone is my point

We're just an Eoin Doyle away from being HMS Piss The League :hmmm:

I understand the point you are making about us potentially being one very good player away…

…but Doyle would be pants in this side. Not enough down the wings. Not enough low hard crosses across the box. Not enough creativity.

then we agree!

I was going to bemoan our lack of flair/something different. Then saw we actually have scored as many as most in the top 7, and its goals against that has killed us. But its never as simple as "be better at defending" because that could kill our attack!

We are lacking 1/2 wide strikers with some pace. Been an issue all season amd will continue to be a problem, though I dont advocate ever re signing him but McKirdy would have been the "type" of striker we should have looked at in the window, unpredictable but pacey and a creator of havoc around the box. Also just one person who can deliver good quality crosses for Smith consistantly.

I was just thinking of the stat line of 25 goals in 29 games rather than the specific player. That's even going to turn Morecambe into promotion contenders...

As I stated many times previously (and sometimes shouted down for it by some) if you have a 25 goal striker in your team then you will be challenging for the play offs no matter what, if you get lucky and can find a 15/20 goal striker to play alongside of him then thats champion level almost guaranteed.

Yes not every team in the top 3 has a 25 goal striker but almost every 25 goal striker in the division will be in a top 7 team.

We managed to be 16th last season come January 1st with Kemp and Young both flying along at 30 goal pace... but we are Swindon Town.

47 goals in 26 games - just a shame we'd conceded 50  :D

I am confident even with the leaky defence if Kemp and Young had stayed we would have crept up to the play offs if they actually kept on scoring at the rate they started off at. In the end both got to mid teens and left and so did our season.

Said the same thing before

21/22 McKirdy is exactly what this side needs. I don’t know exactly where we find a 21/22 McKirdy but I do know where we won’t find 21/22 McKirdy & that’s 2025 McKirdy.

Very much this, great at the time, but his time with us has long passed.

With Gunning as manager? Really?!

Didn't we have a season where Simon Cox scored a boat load but we were total shite?

2008-09 when he got 32 goals. Although we got better after Danny Wilson took over from Maurice Malpas.

He got three hat tricks but we only won one of those games (4-3 win at Northampton).

I was at Posh away when he got a brace, that Craig McKail Smith got one of there's. Good player for them.

Yeah that's the one. Reckon there was a 3-3 as well at some point

I think both of the other two were 3-3 draws, away at Scunthorpe & Hartlepool I think

Classic Swindon to get a 30 goal striker and be shite

There are very very occassionally exceptions :)

I recall Paul Rideout banging in a few when we're pretty crap

He did score 20 a season once but never got the 25 league goal target I mentioned. Simon Cox was a definate exception though.

I feel like Fjortoft hit about 25 goals before he got sold on deadline day & we went down…

…but we also had a bloody good League Cup run that year - so expect a good chunk of his 25 were in that competition.

He "only" scored 27 goals in total in the league in 72 games over 2 seasons, but he bagged another 11 in the cups in total.

Nicky Ajose fits into that category too, albeit 15/16 we wasn’t as horrific as 16/17.

Almost, Ajose got 24 league goals.

I think a 20+ goalscorer is probably enough, if complimented by both a 10/15 goalscorer AND of course, an experienced RB.

Or to have a somewhat luxury of combining the likes of Paul Benson, Matt Ritchie and Alan Connell with the everpresent Paul Caddis to complement a team  :cry:

I’ve always thought our best seasons were when we had a good striking pair.
The exception perhaps being PDC’s team, and that was based on a defence that didn’t concede many

And not forgetting a McGurk to provide 15-20 assists & goals.  :)

What does the future hold for the wee man Bambi?

The importance of a good experience RB. Oh and possibly a somewhat relaxed wallet  ;)


Of course WB indeed  :D

I wish I knew tbh. Really don't think he's been able to continue his development very well here and not really been given the chance/run of games or run of sub appearances. I know he brings hot and cold amongst some but I still feel he's a player we will see playing top end of the championship in a large rotated squad.

I do think he has a raw flair and creativity that could make the difference. He's somewhat a luxury player and in a Clem era ''funded'' squad it's likely his face doesn't fit. Which then begs, why on earth did the club sign him in the first place?

Right setup and development, like Derby County for example, He probably makes the correct steps up and utilised in league matches at the right moments and think he tops out at somewhere like top end Championship, never quite a Prem player but a decent enough pro career.

Wrong setup and development, like here at present, he probably floats between League Deux and National League until someone else maybe takes a punt on him where he's not utilised as a regular first teamer that is relied upon but can build minutes as above.

Regards PdC era, I think someone like McGurk would have thrived eventually. Now that sounds crazy because some seem to report that he can't follow instruction. However, under PdC, I think pretty everyone towed the line and they actually ended up fitter than they ever imagined. Scared shitless, but superfit. McGurk probably would have been the version of the Luke Rooney signing that instead of being shit, actually ended up being the creative link. Especially with players like Ferry {who had his own attitude and fitness journey via the school of PdC} around him. However, I'm playing fantasy football now but we can dream of a team of Hoddle's  :-[



I actually also came here hoping to see information about bespoke League Two based timepieces, pocket watches and all manner of chronometer based products. I don't have time for this and have been left somewhat disappointed. Thank god for the Horology thread. Thanks Fuzzy  ;)

Big win for Tranmere tonight at home to Cheltenham. Puts them on 40 points, 9 ahead of Carlisle and 10 of Morecombe. I can't see either of them staying up now.

Not really the place to put this but I saw it earlier so will share it, average home attendances for L1 and L2 this season. We are still 7th highest average despite losing between 1,000 and 2,000 fans this last season or so. Really pretty good when you put us up against L1 as well where we would still be 17th there.

(https://i.postimg.cc/15M2XST8/486486147-1463569271654907-6613991166335814332-n.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JzngBgVP/486688753-1463569321654902-4459502491952702603-n.jpg)

"Pretty good" considering the Morfuni mark and what happened on the pitch up to Christmas.  For me it shows the destruction of the club by the Morfuni era.  Started with proper STFC gates, a clear level above the also rans of L1 and L2, now only really looking down (gate-wise) on entrenched L2 tinpots.

AFC are tinpot.  Bigger gate, well staffed and stocked drinks and food outlets, clean loos, tidy stadium.  We are moving in precisely the opposite direction.

Agree 100%.

The main takeaway for me is how impressive Carlisle's fanbase is.

Even with another meh season and boycotts, ours is pretty good. Change of ownership and we'd be top 3.

100%

Notts creeping ominously back up the table

Yeah, with Walsall becoming Walstall its all up for grabs

Still think Notts are the best side

I think Walsall will drop out of the autos and into the playoffs with Notts getting that third place.

I will absolutely love it, if Walsall are still in League Two next season  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: That will surely be the biggest drop off in recent times!

I think Walsalls performance at the CG was probably the most convincing of teams I’ve seen this season. Not exceptional but a well rounded unit of a team. No one else has really stood out as exceptional like promotion winning teams in the past have (Luton for example) but you’ve been able to see certain cogs in teams that show why they’re up there in a poor division.

Small margins and all hypothetical but a full season of a spine of Ripley, Wright, Delaney, Clarke (in midfield) and Smith is a decent enough base, it’s the cogs around them which I think classes this squad as firmly mid table.

Only if McGoldrick is playing

Totally agree, when any non Swindon fan asks me about the teams we have faced I say that not one apart from the early season Walsall side that I have seen at home have shown being any better than us. The Wimbledon game was a prime example where I was expecting far more from them being where they are in the Division, but they just became another team trying more to stop us playing which probably says more about our improvement.

Looking at the local media round here I think after Tuesday Carlisle fans are pretty much resigned to their fate, be interesting to see how they go with loads of cash in the NL next year, I imagine hoping to be a Wrexham..... but their shambolic management (both on and off the pitch) doesn't suggest that and possibly is a warning to all that money doesn't necessarily mean success....

Fair point.

Given we have shambolic management too (off the pitch), this suggests that even a Clem lottery win wouldn't change anything here.  On the pitch, we must be very grateful indeed for Holloway. 

No doubt about it. 'Football Jesus' was smiling on us, the day that Holloway appeared out of nowhere....we were on our way to oblivion at that point. Maybe we still are but at the very least he got us a stay of execution...

This is some game at Walsall, who seems to be self imploding yet again. So far! Last year's Town tormentor Tolaj  prominently involved

Shame today’s bottle job is at the expense of letting Port Vale top the league.

Fingers crossed for a 4-3 win for Walsall.

I'd be glad to see the back of Port Vale again, just for some respite.

It's just a dire experience going there, much worse than than anything else in L2.

Then hope against hope that we'll be swapping places season after next.

If Walsall manage the great collapse I may put some money on them going down next year, it really would be an enormous blow. Imagine how we'd be if we'd thrown away that lead!

Ffs Walsall

Tranmere 2 up at home to Chesterfield, moves them above Accrington & 7 clear of the relegation places

Just seen someone wearing black boots. Looks weird!

Two late goals for Donaster against 10-man Cheltenham.

10 man Cheltenham.

They tranny win may just kill off Morecambe.

Was convinced Carlisle would get out of it until they appointed Mark Hughes

Tranmere 4 up, helping their poor Goal difference

It is the biggest shitehole in the UK in my opinion

It is quite funny, there was a lot of dick waving from the Walsall fans a couple of months ago. Time to put them away chaps

Just realised it's no longer in their own hands.


 They do have an easy looking run in, but nothing is easy once you lose that winning mentality.

I see (and like) what you did there :D

This Walsall demise has to be one of the biggest drop-offs i can recall! If they fail to go up, it’s gonna be absolutely hilarious!!

Bradford winning. Walsall down to third if stays like that.

Morecambe losing, despite our gift of six points they'll struggle to pull out of that.

Carlisle almost down already but drawing at the moment. Not sure even Jimmy Glass could pull them out of this one.

Carlisle do look dead and buried now, the Walsall demise is laughable.

With the way it’s going they’re gonna drop out of the autos :clap:

(https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExaDE4bHg2MDJveHFhbWhjZHJzYTR6YWtlcHA2NGFzc2dmZnE0YWtrZSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/erwW0QPCDN5QOe0BA1/giphy.gif)

Carlisle 3-2 up.

Thats a turn around!

8 points behind with 5 games left. Gotta expect its too little, too late.

Although they have to play both Morecambe and Accrington.

Last day scenario, Carlisle stay up and town send dongs down.

So unlikely but so utterly fabulous if that happened....

..and help send Gillingham down the week before!

Well last night Notts County managed to lose 3-1 at home to Salford and thats with McGoldrick playing! but they stay in 6th place today no matter how the other results go.

Theres just no stand out teams this season at all even Bradford have only won 3 of their last 6 games and lost 3 of those.

Carlisle one up at Morecambe with Tranmere and Harrogate both losing.

They couldn't, could they?

Walsall 1 down again continuing to shake.

Penny for McKirdy’s thoughts after getting hammered 5-0 at Vale Park. I imagine Vale fans had a bit of fun.

This Walsall collapse is that dreams are made of  ;D

6 point gap in four games is a big ask for Carlisle. They play Port Vale next too. On the plus side its a must win vs Accrington after that.

Walsall are bang in trouble now.

2nd half of the season against the current top 5 we’ve gained 11 out of 15 points… not bad at all!

In other news.
A potential opening of the Stratton Bank on a very rainy matchday beginning to look more likely for next season...

Just looking at whats likely to be coming down and up next season.  Load of old tat.  Another really shit league 2 to look forward to.  Nothing to be afraid of though if we can get a bit of stability.

The fact we've been able to compete with the top teams in the division under Holloway gives me some hope that maybe next season we won't be completely useless.

But you can't put it past Clem & co to do something hilariously shite over the coming months.

A very real worry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d664WshAYNQ

Tranmere's comeback at Accrington yesterday after being 3-0 down, 3 cracking goals for them

Worst result for Carlisle fans that one. They'd have wanted one of them to lose and be the bench mark to catch.

Not sure there are any great surprises here, albeit a good effort from Carlisle in a shit season and with I suspect one of the lower away attendances due to Carlisle being depressing as hell and nowhere near anywhere...
(https://scontent.fman4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/490365415_1081339644010595_4483308300496394724_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=FBpQqJFXMn0Q7kNvwG23STF&_nc_oc=AdkEzTI4OX7m7TSA-xtHGskYCoOtxFpMrfAnIl6-iynVfKX-xbtiSOKvjoLrSXFAc9Q&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fman4-1.fna&_nc_gid=wxTOm_XUI80aV3NAQQIksA&oh=00_AfG27AApN73mMDRP5XiCwEmZvA0G5V3cVPVLYkaPVmkXtQ&oe=68031759)

I find it quite interesting really that so many clubs in so many different places around the country, some with more competition locally and some not manage to attract roughly 6-7k people. I think I'd just expect a bit more variety, you know?

Franchise is artificially high because of the large number of away fans they can accommodate.

I’ve got a list somewhere of the average number of home fans per game, which I will post when I find it.

Same with Vale  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

How does that work, do football supporters have an unquenchable desire to go to an industrial estate on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, our away section is shite but bar Bradford has anyone sold it out this season?

Numb had a fair chunk, more than I've seen them ever bring

It's a bit more than an industrial estate to be fair. It's quite good for shopping... There's a very good Primark there🤔

I fully get what you are saying but for some totally unknown reason many fans love to go there as an away day which utterly baffles me, its a good corporate venue but not great for fans of football. Wierd.

Unless fans love to just travel to the theatre of corporate franchise just to take the piss?

It’s much easier to get to than Swindon from the Northern outposts.
Easy access from the A1 & M1, whereas for Town it’s a bit more difficult

Doncaster will be above Walsall with a win at Salford tonight.

Bradford carrying on where they left off. Diving, dirty niggly shithousing.Should've had 2 yellows already

MC Goldrick. What a player!

Unbelievable player at our level. FT 1-1 decent game, both teams going for the win, what you want to see...

Surely you know that fans love travelling there, in order to obtain an ''I've Been To Franchise'' badge  :girlgiggle:

Port Vale missing a 93rd minute penalty as they go down 3-2 to Carlisle lolz.

Shame we need them to win Monday to keep the dream alive..

 16,595    Bradford City
   9,520    Notts Co
   7,831    Chesterfield
   7,348    AFC Wimbledon
   7,007    Doncaster R
   6,702    Carlisle
   6,540    Swindon
   6,422    Port Vale
   6,072    Franchise
   5,799    Gillingham
   5,502    Grimsby Town
   5,498    Tranmere Rovers
   5,483    Walsall
   4,590    Crewe Alex
   4,360    Colchester Utd
   3,895    Newport County
   3,615    Cheltenham
   3,062    Barrow
   2,806    Morecambe
   2,785    Bromley
   2,447    Fleetwood Town
   2,344    Harrogate Town
   2,174    Salford City
   1,836    Accrington S

Carlisle will be done now. 1-1 draw with Accrington and tranmgere drew 1-1 as well.

It's mathematically possible for them still which is where the hope kills you, but it won't happen now.

It's the padded seats that seal the deal for the trip to Bletchley. The brisk walk is also not unwelcome.

Let’s hope the Gas get relegated to give us at least two atmospheric games next season.

Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale Promoted, the final automatic place between Bradford, Walsall and Notts County, none of whom have any form at the moment.

Better not mention the Stratton Bank

Need Burton to beat 23rd place Cambridge at home today.

Come on Dokes, play a blinder today and get that win.

Next season is already getting exciting :pint:

I’m presuming the Bank won’t be operational next season. Be fun restricting the Gas to 1,000 or so.

Gas had 9,035 today including 1800 Royals seems like their fans had already given up.

Bradford red reported as 2 yellows in the same minute for arguing

Anyone seen it?

Looking like Carlisle are done.
Losing at Cheltenham & Tranmere winning

1.15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rQ28d5sRJY&pp=ygUaQnJhZGZvcmQgc2VuZGluZyBvZmYgdG9kYXnSBwkJhAkBhyohjO8%3D

Hahaha brilliant thanks Jimmy.

Not at good as Dean Gorre but funny

 :D :D

Looks like a trip to Barnet, rather than Morecambe next season

Rovers  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Burton letting in a late goal so its still game on there in L1 relegations battle  >:(

Burton score again!

Burton scoring a winner in 93rd minute..

"probable" winner! - game still playing.

Walsall losing again and are second from bottom over the last 10 games.

Burton with a +14 goal difference over Rovers essentially relegates Bristol Rovers today!

Ollie won’t be in the best mood on the way back this evening!

I remember that Dean Gorre one, seemed to be 2 cards in about 30 seconds.

Goodnight Irene, I'll see you next season  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

I mean - we’ve seen Rovers swing goal differences on the last day before…

The least shit team is gonna win this league. Would have a chuckle if Bradford and Walsall dip out

Just twigged that Connor Ripley has technically won promotion to L1 with Port Vale.

I assume he’s qualify for a medal if they win the league because he’s played 23 times for them this season.

Yep, against Scunthorpe United's youth team.

Dont think they’re going to win any game 15-0 with the squad they’ve got.

That is also dependant on Burtons game tomorrow at home vs 16th place Wigan.

Just a draw will see them mathematically safe.

Well, they wouldn’t need to would they?

I mean whilst highly unlikely anyway (without factoring in their last two games are against 16th place Wigan & already in the play offs Charlton)

Burton could lose both of those 5-0 meaning Rovers would only need to win 5-0 at Blackpool…

Other than the fact that Rovers havent won a game in 9 matches and havent had an away win since 4th January. 

Only 3 away wins all season for Rovers with 16 away defeats.

Blackpool only 4 defeats at home all season and sit in 9th place.

Hugely unlikely but, certainly not impossible, just massively unlikely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxSJFkS9iVM

Let’s not discount Crawley if Burton lost both games 5-0 as they have a slight better goal difference by -2 meaning they would only have to win by 3 goals away at relegated Shrewsbury😁

The absolute funniest outcome here is Rovers winning 15-0 and Crawley winning 13-0

(I know it doesn't work like this DV, it's okay)

It’s a funny old game never say never :D

never!

We need the Gas to get relegated to give us a proper derby, Cheltenham and potentially FGR just don’t cut it😁

Still hoping for York in the POs to give a Batch family Derby.

York looks a lovely city and can see why fans would want to stay up there for a couple of days.

York has been a good option for Harrogate Jimbo.
But a visit to see York City in York would be good.
Not even sure if they still play at Bootham Crescent.

The NL play offs are a proper minefield, but Halifax would be the next choice after York.

In other news, Phil Brown's Kidderminster went from top to third after the final games in NL North.

The Minster Men have been playing here since 2021 Wobbly...

https://yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/lner-community-stadium/

Looks a bit out of the way, but hope that they can make it.
Beers are on Batch if they do.

Keep wobbling Bob always enjoy your pre-match detailed post :pint:

If they go up, hope the York defence will be a shambles.

Yeah, they're great. Thanks for posting them wobbly.

Same. Love reading them...

Walsall and AFC Wimbledon have the upper hand after the first leg of the play-off semis. I fancied Chesterfield to get through against Walsall after sneaking into the play-offs and Walsall's awful form since the New Year. It's going to be hard for them to pull the 2 goals back in the 2nd leg.

I really didn't want Walsall to win but Chesterfield were woeful!

Notts county job made harder by Jatta's moment of madness

Probably his last game for Notts as well. He'll be off to League One, surely.

The fact we couldn't make the playoffs, watching how shite all 4 teams are, makes me really hope that Mark Kennedy is arrested. I dont care what for. He just needs to be in prison.

Quite possibly. If McGoldrick is fit they still have a chance. Looked like he was injured though.

😀
Wimbledon are especially crap but its hard to score against 8 defenders. Works for them I guess though

Just on the first leg PO games in general.
Interesting that there were no home wins.

Would expect the 2nd legs to be more open.
Even Bristol City must think that they are not out of it.

Even Bristol City must think that they are not out of it.

The only ones then.

:Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Well, there's no way Sheffield United would concede five in a playoff game, is there?

They're City fans. How could the sleepiest of sleeping giants ever be out of it?

The under achiever’s, ownership stability, nice stadium, big crowds yet haven’t been in the top division for over 40 years :D

The Plymuff of the West Country.....oh wait.

To be fair, they have only existed for 43 years

Ahh yes, how could I have possibly forgotten the meandering amble amongst the gridded, asbestos infused landscape, that is Milton Keynes.

What's better though? Milton Keynes or Ashton Keynes? Only one way to find out...

In other news, I've heard that Ashton Keynes is where our competent leader wants Town's Elite Football Academy to be based - in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park :eek:

Oldham beat Halifax 4-0 in the first of the National League Play-offs, and will play York in the one of the play-off semi finals.

I hope York come up as they deserve it over the season but I have a feeling Oldham will sneak back into the league.

Southend come from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at Rochdale in the 2nd of the National League play-offs and will play Forest Green in the other play-off semi-final.

I'd like a York Southend final and wouldn't mind either of those in League 2 next season.

York have a bit of money behind them. I'd rather they didn't come up just yet.

Ollie Banks getting a right strop on in Chesterfield v Walsall 2nd leg

If Walsall had played as efficiently as they have over these two legs just once this calendar year they’d have already been promoted.

Imagine if they then bottle it at Wembley.

That would go down as an all timer of bad seasons…

Before the car crash of the last 8 years most of us moaned about being stuck in L1. Some have said its improved since then. Watching the last few games of the season all the legs of the playoffs i see only a minimal improvement in the standard over L2. No reason any decent side who gets promoted from L2 couldn't have a shot again in L1.

With Holloway at the helm,  if we add well to the core - and i think we can, and do better than what we've had, I can't see anything but promotion next season. The league looks the weakest it's been for awhile and it's shite as it is anyway.

Albert Adomah's assist for Walsall's second goal was a thing of abaolute beauty. It reminded me of Jayesimi when he was at his peak for us.

Fuck me,Wimbledon on verge of going to the final! Such a poor side. Persistent fouling and the ref not dealing with it. Wish someone would lay Stevens out!

TBF no team has really impressed me in both games they played against us this season.

Walsall did well in 1 game and looked shit in the return game. Wimbledon poor in both games against us as were Bradford, Port Vale good in 1 and crap in the return game, Chesterfield looked poor in both games, County played decent football but without McGoldrick they are very average.

Its a fucking travesty that Kennedy kept his job as long as he did or we would be in the play offs now if Holloway took over 2 months before I am certain.

Its been possibly the poorest division in terms of quality I have seen in recent years, just a bit of consistancy and anyone can win it.

Wimbledon are a non football team, almost anti footballing team of lumps and bullies, but play to their strengths, County try to play football but are weak and slow at the back and powderpuff in front of goal.

A terrible game of football today.

Back to the future; we've woken up in the late 1980s

All they need is Dennis Wise and Vinny Jones and they will be complete.

According to the Notts County forum, County manager Maynard will be leaving after the game if County don't get to the final.

Can't wait for McGoldrick to tear us a new one home and away again next season

Rumour is hes retiring.

County strikers have been training with Johnny Wilkinson it seems, that must be the 6th shot this half thats not only cleared the crossbar but almost the stand too, and thats just this half.

County are like watching us under Scott Lindsey, they just try and walk the ball into the net all the time.

Without Jatta and McGoldrick they are rubbish in front of goal.

Yep, Wimbledon very poor footballing team play with at least 6 defenders every time theoretically, County without their 2 best players not clever enough to do anything about it

Utterly awful game of football that. Sums the division up totally.

Sums up this division and our shitness that we were so bad we didnt get anywhwre near.

*Our shitness under Kennedy for sure, less so under Holloway TBF.

3 wins for him in 16 games, an 18.8% win rate but a 50% loss rate. He should have been dismissed way earlier.

Saddened for Notts County - Best team I saw all season against us. (But mostly down to one man).

I would have sacked him after Barrow away. That was unforgivable.

I see the away fan capacity at gash is now around 2,500. I want to go there next season, what's the chances we'll get full allocation?

12.30 kick off on police advice🤣

On a Sunday…

Bit late to this, however...

I watched the majority of the league 2 playoffs.

My god, all 4 teams were absolute shite.

Walsall and Wimbledon couldn't string 2 passes together. Not that they needed to, because Chesterfield and Notts County put on a masterclass of sideways and backwards passing.

We have a serious chance next year, IF Holloway is backed.

It's just such a shame that we know he probably won't be.

Yet County were quite impressive when we played them in January. I suppose if they really were that good they would be on the beach celebrating promotion.

But my point - difficult to assess a season on a couple of high pressure games. That said, we took 4 points off Wimbledon (bit fortunate). Hope they go up.

Notts were better than us that day, but I reckon if we'd of played them as little as 6 weeks later we'd of beaten them. Although we'd improved by that point, we were still a team lacking the belief that we could beat sides in the top 7.

We also gave them a bit of a tonking at home under Kennedy, but poor finishing and Mcgoldrick being Mcgoldrick sealed our fate that day.

Oldham flying!

:(

Poor York, finished well clear in 2nd place but Oldham have won their two play off games 4 and 3 nil.

Forest Green or Southend for them in the final.

C'mon Southend...

I see Aguiar and King didnt get a game yesterday and that York have Fagan-Walcott who was a deadline day "No.1 target and very close to signing for us" under Morris played the whole game  for them in defence.

Wasn’t that when we messed the paperwork up or something like that? Oops!

Yeah so the excuse was

Indeed, allegedly!

Saarfend vs. Oldham in the NL playoff final.

 :)
Won on penalties 4-2.
2-2 after extra time.

Glad Southend got through. Don't mind who wins the final.

Forest Green on the doorstep with an unrestricted promotion budget, next season, might have been something to worry about in terms of losing possible Town players, so pleased with the outcome.

I'm just happy not to go back to that shit hole stadium.

Not been to Roots Hall before.

On a nice sunny day you can get a couple of drinks in Leigh on Sea prior to getting the train into Southend for the game. We did that, probably around 10 years ago now.

Good tip.

Tuesday in January it is then!

Roots Hall is much more of a proper stadium than some of the places we've been frequenting in recent years. The away end has a weird canteen-style area with picnic benches. I like it.

I last went to Roots Hall about 30 years ago. When they had a small terrace behind the goal before they built that 2 tier thing (Starmer).  I remember the pitch being around waist high compared to the terrace  :)

I suggest make a day of it and have a few beers in Jaywick pre game, lovely town.

Great ground that but then i prefer all the traditional one's that people call 'shitholes' .

How are you guys feeling about next season , seems like you are signing a few up who did well and Holloway isn't going wild with transfers so maybe a positive sign .

There's plenty of time left for that, don't worry :D

Most deprived area in the UK isnt it?

I think the term "shithole" was made for Jaywick!

Jaywick is miles away from Southend... it's next door to Clacton On Sea... definitely a shit hole though...

It is and it is :) worth a visit in that part of the world to see a 3rd world country in action.

This just triggered a memory  :)

https://youtu.be/5uLPDhCgS8M?si=-lmUfPP-qVmwloQG

Rather simplistic view - but we were pretty much on promotion challenging form from mid December onwards - we appear to be keeping the squad relatively together & whilst loan players complimented our squad we weren’t relying on them so they will be missed but don’t leave huge holes in the team.

I know business end of the season nerves kick in & what not - whilst we had no fear & nothing to lose but seeing the likes of Bradford, Walsall, Wimbledon, Vale, Grimsby; they didn’t really trouble us. All teams we could compete with.

Don’t know much about the teams joining us from L1 or VNL but I certainly don’t see any team to fear right now…

@Grimsbytown84   (all opinion, obvs)

Pros:
- Most of the core that his promotion form look like being kept IF rumours of players taking up offers are true
- : I think Ollie is a good manager, and I have no doubts many Grimsby fans will disagree - perfectly understandable.
- I think for the first time in a while we will hit the ground running with a good blend of youth and experience

Cons
- To me even last years squad lacked a bit of "something else", a wildcard, a match winner.
- I've been here before under Danny Wilson, second season syndrome. Have clubs worked us out now?
- As DV says, last season we git great form but its easier to chase with nothing to lose.  I don't think we will wilt under pressure, but I don't know
- Its Swindon Town. At any given moment the club could do something stupid off the field and implode.

Long way of saying I'm cautiously optimistic.

I don't think he is a bad manager the first year he was with us he did well and recruited a relatively decent team with some really good players .

It was just his mixture of truthful 'spinning a yarn ' and his  own unique way of bending the truth that seemed to be part of his undoing ; with the clubs he manages he's there for the owner rather than because of and like us you have a bit of an iffy one so you have to hope it doesn't end up the imploded mess it did with us .

You looked the best team in the league though you took us to bitw twice so he must be doing something right - I suppose it's whether you can milk that good manager side out of him over longer than 6 months , make it a couple of years and you could be talking upper end league 1 rather than division 4 ; I will certainly be keeping an eye out how its going and get up to our game there next season .

I can certainly see how, when the chips is down, Holloway's 'charm' turns pretty toxic.

It threatened to happen here for a few weeks, but results picked up. Let's hope they stay that way.

Just on the Danny Wilson point - his second season was a playoff final appearance in L1.

Duly noted.

The season after that. Second full season 😁

True! Although I think he might have kept us up, tbh. But then we'd have never had the DiCanio circus... Or maybe we would?!

Biggest mistake Wilson made was signing that crackhead looking prick David Prutton.

Oh, and that bellend Michael Rose.

I think it was a shambles from everyone at the club that season. Not many teams do well after selling their top scorer as well as their captain. Then even less likely after selling your next top scorer in January. From Paynter to Dossevi... Greer to Frampton... shudder.

Pre Power & Clem :D

Not sure I can be bothered watching the L2 play off between Wimbledon and Walsall, watched half of both semi's and my god the standard of football was shocking, it like suffering from toothache and less entertaining.

Would probably prefer Wimbledon to go up as Walsall fans were insufferable in January when they had won the league already, the absolute arrogance was unbearable on the League 2 pages on FB and since they won through to the final they have started again.

Whereas Wimbledon fans are aware they dont have an entertaining side and grind out results so have no heirs and graces.

The real dons for me, they need to be higher up than franchise.

Caveat this with the fact I barely went to any games, but Walsall at the County Ground were very impressive, easily the best team I saw. Clearly something with them went severely wrong as they finished the season in awful form. Wimbledon appeared to be organised but absolutely fell apart when we blitzed them late at the CG.

Couldn't care either way who wins.

Walsall absolutely were the only team to really tear us apart early on but they collapsed like a house of cards when they lost Nathan Lowe to his parent club in January.

Wimbledon looked a bang average L2 side against us, but then so did Walsall when we beat them at their place in March.

I dont care really who wins but the attitude of Walsall fans pissed me off so much and thats why I would prefer the real Dons to win.

Pretty much all of the play off games have been an entertainment vacuum.

What's been notable has been the consistent failure of patient sideways passing when up against a solid defensive setup that has something to hold on to.

Wimbledon & Walsall are both decent away days & readily accessible.
Would favour the former for promotion as their fans are a very decent bunch.

Same here can’t stand Walsall fans, keep trying to force a rivalry with us and it would be funny to see them complete the bottle job second half of the season.

Having lived in the West Midlands and attended games at Walsall, the culture used to be pretty negative.  So, if they go up, there wil be moaning about lack of suitable signings for League One. If they stay down, there will be moaning about another season in the basement.  Either way, there will be moaning.  Wimbledon, on the other hand, will be delighted to be in a higher league than the Dongs if they win, but will look forward to doing the double over the Dongs next season if they lose. 

I can remember there was an outbreak of Smallpox in and around Birmingham in the late 70’s and police chucking Town fans out of Fellows Park for inappropriate chanting😁

Always got the impression that West Midlands Police were very keen on collaring away fans for little or no reason, both inside & outside grounds. The stewards in that area were the same as well.

Head down, mouth shut & good peripheral vision was the the best approach in surviving a visit to their patch throughout the 80's in particular.

Turned out that they weren't the most squeaky clean of police forces.

Spot on Bob, West Midlands Police have always been known to be heavy handed and a few years ago 10 Bristol City fans won an out of court settlement against them.

https://thefsa.org.uk/news/bristol-city-fans-significant-victory-over-police-misuse-of-power/

Which in my experience is the exact opposite of the Met police who used to ignore most stuff at games and just leave fans to it.

I am going to watch the 1st half and see how it goes, lots of empty seats around.

Its time the EFL used a smaller stadium like Villa Park or Arsenal etc for the play off finals in league 2 and the National league.

Im down in that London on a day off next Saturday so decided to go to see Oldham V Southend.  Should be fun.  Nice to see games and not give a shit who wins.

It is sometimes, is that the reduced ticket game due to the underground closures?

Each team limited to about 24k isnt it?

Not a great game so far but Wimbledon deservedly winning 1-0 at HT. but should really be a couple of goals up but for 1 decent save and some very poor finishing. Wimbledon controlling the game so far.

Both sides look nervous but hopefully that late goal will open the game up as an event.

An acquaintance, who was all of 4ft 11in tall, was arrested at Villa Park by the West Midlands Old Bill and found guilty of "Inciting a Riot".  Still makes me giggle, today.  Not being able to knock a skin off a rice pudding was no defence, apparently.

Was it a very "small" riot? :D

Wallslol

Walsall the biggest bottle jobs in EFL history  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

A pretty shit game with both teams offering very little

This.

Walsall....joke of a club!

Think they have a decent few out of contract this summer as well unless I’m making that up.

Could be a rough summer

Can't think of a bigger bottling than that.

Newcastle in the "love it" Keegan seaon blew 12 points I think.

Their welcome to give us 3600 tickets again next season if promotion is on the cards :D

Walsall would have been promoted but for Bradford's deflected winner that dribbled over the line in the 96th minute against Fleetwood.  Now, they lose the playoff final.  Summer transfer dealings should be interesting.

Wimbledon another poster boy team for not needing a huge amount of outstanding quality to make it out of this league. Just enough organisation, physical battling and experience.

Ajax blew a 9 point lead with 7 to go to gift PSV the title this season, pretty catastrophic goof that one.

Exactly this, just like Stevenage did under Evans 2 years ago.

Ouch

Man Utd the beneficiaries of that one, but had their own bottle job the year the bookies paid out on Utd early in the new year, only for Arsenal to win something like 12 on the trot to overtake them.

Not to mention Stevie G’s don’t let this slip season, albeit they were not 10+ points clear, still funny though.

Shit game.

Jamille Matt my word. Didn’t win a single thing all day. We don’t realise how lucky we are to have Harry Smith.

We’d have won those playoffs.

The only player on the pitch that showed an ounce of quality was Jake Reeves when he rarely got on the ball.

Concur it was a shit game & one January to April Swindon would have won…but…it’s also a bit harsh / unrealistic to judge the entire quality of both teams based on one (…or maybe 3 if you include the semi’s) winner takes all, usually cagey play off games.

I mean our ‘performance’ against PNE is probably up there as an all time absolute play off horror show but that team wasn’t completely shite because of that one game…

Odds are out now,  we’re 9/2 to be promoted, 16/1 to go up as champions.
Not over generous are they ?.   :) :)

I get that.

But my opinion wasn't just solely based on that one game.

I've watched Walsall 4-5 times since the turn of the year. and they've been horrific virtually every time. We've played Wimbledon twice this season and picked up 4 points.

Those teams are not better than us. They deservedly finished above us, due to Kennedy, but as of today, I think we are better than both.

Done mine. All the ‘S’s!

Overall I think Wimbledon were a very solid, well organised unit with a fantastic defence and I'd rank them ahead of us quite easily.

Having said that though, they struggled with Harry Smith and I think had we snuck into the playoffs we'd have won them.

Agreed re: Smith.

Our smaller more mobile front 2 were OK, but it took Smith coming out of defence to win the home game.

For me, Wimbledon are not a good side and currently not as good as us. I can only think of maybe 2 of their players who would improve us, Reeves and Lewis.
However they are obviously effective

Neufville is good. Other than that I agree. I wouldn't swap many of their lot for ours. I know it sounds stupid as they've just been promoted. But I am dead serious.

They will probably take most of them up with them. Looking at Walsall they seem to have a lot of their first team tied up for next season. Although looking at the way the wheels fell off when Lowe went I'm not sure that necessarily makes them promotion challengers!

I agree, we were looking at Neufville in the Summer but chose to not sign him.

I would say that late season Swindon would have comfortably beaten both those sides in the play offs, They have no outstanding players at all, I would take Adomah from Walsall but hes old now and seemed to be their best attacking outlet.

Walsall are an odd one.

First half of the season, Conor Barrett was the best fullback in the league. Second half of the season he's been useless and even lost his place towards the end.

Charlie Lakin also was great and also lost his place as Sadler frantically searched for a plan B.

Allen and Williams at the back would make a very strong case to start for us.

I was dying for us to sign Lakin in the summer. He would have been the perfect Kemp replacement.

I'd also say late Swindon would beat Harrogate, Morecambe and Bromley.

Its a stupid league where anyone could beat anyone and when you think you've got it sussed, you learn otherwise.

Last 6 home : Town 12th
Last 6 away: Town 3rd

I mean wtf!

True that.

Franchise have just signed Mendez-Laing..

That's quite a statement.

So was Jonathan Leko and they still sucked.

And let’s not forget that Crowley was the best midfielder in the league up until they signed him

It’s funny but when we played Notts County he played well, but was able to because of the space created by McGoldrick, who was clearly their best player.

Guys I’m aware there’s no guarantees with marquee signings

However, the bar has been set. It’ll be interesting to see how we compete with that (on paper)

That abomination of a club always throw loads of money at it

Must be nice going into a season with real expectation though, regardless of what they stand for.

Our success just seems to be stumbled upon.

Paul Warne, on paper at least, looks like a good bit of managerial business for them. I always expect them to do well, next season will be no different, even though they stank last season. Think they have a fair bit of money behind them with foreign investment, if I'm not mistaken?

I think my point is MK have looked like one of the best teams in the division on paper for the last few years and have been dreadful on grass. Long may it continue!

Always be that way with this lot always hand to mouth existence

The physiological impact of playing in such a big stadium in front of as little as 5k fans all spread must have an huge affect on their performances

AND long may that continue!!

Well hes not retiring but he is leaving County.

https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/31/statement--david-mcgoldrick/

Allegedly off to Franchise.

They have the financial backing that most clubs at this level don't. Massive drop in quality from County to MKD if it does happen.

Wierd that County don't even have a manager yet and still let him leave without making him a good offer.

One last payday.

No denying he was utter quality last year when fit. But he'll be 38 before Christmas, we'll see if he can cheat time for another season.

I honestly assumed he was County through and through

Probably got an agent in his ear wanting more for themselves.

Is the Conference Final on TV anywhere?

Southend already 1-0 up

It’s on DAZN

The attendance is a new National League promotion final record - 52,115 - eclipsing the 47.029 from 10 years ago and slightly bigger than the league 2 play off final which was 50,947

Prefer Sarfend to come up as Oldham squad must of cost a few quid.  So I expect they have the bigger budget of the two.  Plus an easier away trip

FFS Southend.

2-3

It's only right.  We've lost Carlisle and Morecambe.  Glad to have Oldham back (hopefully).  #needournortherngames

Ah well. Would have preferred Southend but it is what it is.

Tuesday night in February away at Oldham, something to look forward to.

Ice Station Zebra back on the schedule!

Fun fact: Boundary Park is less than 40 miles further from Swindon than Roots Hall.

And 40c colder

And 160 metres above sea level.

Wanted Southend to win for logistical reasons but at least it's nice to see a 'proper' football league club get back in the league ... obviously Southend are as well but I mean as opposed to the Vegans, or a Sutton Utd, Solihull Moors, AFC Fylde etc....they've done really well to get back so quickly...

Amazing that we were in the premier league together.

I find it crazy that they found their way out of the football league before we did !!

Also that’s Oldhams first promotion in 34 years.

Not sure how that happened! Also we have the Sheridan connection 😁

Thats shocking that the last promotion they had was to the Premier League 2 years before we played them in our 1st ever game in the Premier at the County Ground on that Wednesday evening 18th August 93.

I can still see Gorman falling to his knees when the goal went in that beat us with the last kick (header) of the game.

(https://i.postimg.cc/BvmFhJP1/Untitled.png)

Oldham had a bump in crowds recently and seem to be spending a bit of money too so another team that will undoubtedly outspend us this summer.

As will a lot of teams

But money isn't important. Look at Carlisle.

:fishing:

most teams

How’s the new pitch coming along as haven’t seen any photos🤔

4 days ago on twitter(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250602/25c62649cd7d1ab916a93b697977965a.jpg)

I'd be ok with it even if we didn't sign anyone else before August to be honest(barring injuries of course). Squad already looks good enough to get up,one way or another

Need a centre back and a striker at least.

We can go to August OK - I assume you mean late signings will be OK rather than no signings at all.

League does look weaker.

Are you assuming that those we offered contracts to all sign.
If not I’m not sure having Redman Evans as our GK would make me believe we have a squad capable of promotion.

We're certainly more advanced than we would be at this stage of the season usually. If contracts are signed, you could field:

Ripley, McGregor Kirkman, Delaney, Wright, Clarke, Ofoborh, Kilkenny, Nichols, Smith, Drinan

Your bench would be Bycroft, Minturn, Sobowale, Butterworth, Glatzel, Ameen, Brown, Oldaker...

It's not bad at all. We certainly need quality more than quantity, albeit not everyone on that list will be a Town player on 1st August.

McKirdy signs for Crawley

Yes

Fair enough. Not a bad move.

Good luck Harry, except of course against The Town.

Cheers Batch😁