July 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: NOTTS COUNTY

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Notts County, who finished 19th in Division Two last season, and just avoided relegation...

A GUIDE TO NOTTS COUNTY...

Notts County will be looking to push for a play-off place this season, although with limited funds, a mid-table finish would probably be their most realistic ambition for the end of the campaign. The Magpies finished 19th in Division Two last season with 50 points, 6 points ahead of Bournemouth, who were occupied the final relegation place.

Notts County were placed into administration in June 2002, The Magpies one of a number of clubs who were hit badly by the collapse of the ITV Digital deal. However, The Magpies were boosted by the news that Nottingham-based company Aaron Scargill signed a record sponsorship deal with the club, which sees their ground re-named, and also the company’s logo appear on both the home and away shirts.

In addition, the club also tried to make their own money (just as FLAG did when Luton went into administration during the 1998-99 season). One of the fund raising activities that they undertook was to allow supporters to bid in an auction so that they could be registered as a player with The Magpies for this season. The lucky winner also got their own squad number, as well as being able to appear in the squad photo for this season. So…the winner? One David Bayliss (no relation to Luton’s very own defender David Bayliss!), who has been assigned the squad number ‘55’ for this season – although I don’t think he’ll play much – he’s 14-odd stone at 5 ft 10” and 54 years-old!


The Magpies are managed by ex-Mansfield Town boss Billy Dearden (pictured). Dearden was appointed manager of Notts County on January 7 2002, a day after resigning from his post at Mansfield Town to take up the position at Meadow Lane. He replaced Gary Brazil as Magpies manager with his predecessor continuing at the Club as coach and Director of Youth Football.

Dearden started his playing career at Oldham Athletic part-time and in 1964, at the age of 21, he began playing full-time. He left Oldham in 1966 and went to Crewe Alexandra and during that time the club gained promotion from the Fourth to the Third Division.

18 months later, he signed for Chester City, but his big break came in 1970 when he signed for Sheffield United and played there for 6 years. In 1976, due to bad knee injuries, he left The Blades and went back to Chester. In his time at Bramall Lane Bill, Dearden played over 160 games and scored 70 goals.

He continued at Chester City for 12 months but when Arthur Cox left to go to Chesterfield, Dearden followed him and became player/coach at Saltergate before being appointed Assistant Manager in 1981. He stayed at Chesterfield until 1983, when he left to join Mansfield Town, where he was later offered the post of First-Team Coach. In the time he was at Mansfield, the Stags gained promotion and also won the Freight Rover Cup. He left the club in 1994 and went to take a position at Port Vale as Assistant Manager to John Rudge.

In June 1999, he was invited to return to Field Mill and was offered the job as Mansfield Town Manager, which he duly accepted, replacing Steve Parkin who went on to manage Rochdale, then Barnsley.
The Stags remained in a healthy position in Division Three without challenging for promotion until the 2001-02 season when Dearden led the team to third place prior to his departure, giving them an excellent chance, with half the season remaining to jump to Division Two.

Having left to join Notts County though, Dearden's priority changed from attempting to take his team into Division Two to keeping his new team in it. The Magpies occupied 21st position in the table on his arrival and seemed destined for a relegation battle in 2002 giving the new manager the immediate aim of securing their Second Division future – and he did that.

The summer has yet to see the arrivals of any new players to Meadow Lane, although Dearden has had a transfer embargo that was placed upon the club lifted. The problem for the Notts County manager is that there is no money available to strengthen the squad, so Dearden will have to scour the free transfer market should he wish to make any signings.

The club nearly lost the services of highly rated Dutch midfielder Marcel Cas this summer. He had been targeted by Oldham Athletic manager Iain Dowie, but the move for Cas fell through as he couldn’t agree terms with the Boundary Park-based outfit, so he remains at Meadow Lane. Instead, Dearden can comfort himself in the fact that none of last season’s squad have left The Magpies, and he goes into the campaign with a fairly strong squad to choose from. Confidence will be pretty high, despite the club’s poor League placing last season, and if Notts County can play the attractive football they are capable of, and can push for a promotion place, then the supporters could come flocking back to their impressive stadium – and a full Meadow Lane is a daunting enough prospect for any club to visit!

The Magpies can also look forward to a local derby with Mansfield Town this season after the Stags were promoted from Division Three along with the Hatters last season. It promises to be a fiery encounter as well – as if derby matches were not fiery enough, Dearden’s decision to leave Field Mill for Meadow Lane is sure to add to the tension!

Dearden finds himself with two very talented strikers on his books in the shape of Danny Allsopp and Mark Stallard, and if they can continue to gel, then The Magpies boss will arguably have one of the best strike partnerships in Division Two this season.


Australian Allsopp (pictured) joined The Magpies for £300,000 in December 2000 and Allsopp’s 1st full season at Notts County was a highly impressive one, ending as the clubs top goal scorer and firing the club to safety. He began the season being the regular partner to Mark Stallard, and opened his account with a neat finish at Port Vale. He netted a hat-trick soon after at Mansfield in the League Cup, and was top of the scoring charts by Christmas, showing good form and having a good scoring record. He then hit a dry spell, looking low on confidence and not scoring for 12 games, and the team on the whole then seemed to struggle. On a cold night in Feburary, he netted the leveller in a 1-1 draw with Colchester, and that turned out to be the turning point in his, and Notts' season. The following game he scored a hat-trick against Tranmere, and netted doubles against Bournemouth and Bury soon after. He ended up with a highly impressive 29 goals, and to net that many in a team that was so close to relegation makes that tally even more impressive. He is also the clubs regular penalty taker, and has yet to miss and will be looking to continue his excellent scoring record into the new season.


However, for Mark Stallard (pictured), after such a fantastic 2000-2001 season where he netted 23 goals for Notts County, last season proved to be a huge disappointment for the Magpies forward. He netted just 5 goals, his last being at the end of September at Oldham.
He started the season off well, linking up well with Allsopp once more, and by the end of September, Notts were mid-table and he had 5 goals and was showing good form, including a 92nd minute winner against Peterborough. However, Stallard picked up a groin injury, where he didn’t train in the week and then before long the injury began to take its toll. He was rested during December and returned for Billy Dearden's 1st game at Cambridge and starred in a 2-0 win. The injury continued to cause concern for him and he ended up having a hernia operation to cure the problem. He returned for the final 15 minutes of the season, looking sharper and more like his former self.
Is a huge favourite with the fans, and with Stallard missing during Notts' poor run during the winter, it shows how important he is to the team. Whilst he missed almost all "The Great Escape", he will have to battle hard to claim his place in the team, as the emergence of Paul Heffernan will keep him on his toes.


Another key play for The Magpies is defender Nicholas Fenton (pictured). Fenton joined The Magpies for £150,000 from Manchester City in November 2000, and he started last season as Notts' regular right-back, despite the fact that his preferred position is centre-half.

He continued as right-back until the end of February when Billy Dearden moved him to centre-half, and he proved to be a revelation, playing a huge part in guiding Notts County to safety. He was playing with newfound confidence, and playing like a man possessed and gave some strong performances. In fact, during 1 period Notts, didn't leak a goal for 4 matches. He also likes to get forward, netting 3 goals, all headers in defeats against Chesterfield & Port Vale and in a draw at home to Brighton.

Fenton is an enthusiastic character, and gives 100% and is fully committed to the cause.

He is likely to be a regular back in his centre-half position for the season ahead, and is considered a key member of the squad.

Notts County are a club that are, like many others at the current time, undergoing difficulties, but they will be hoping that they can at least consolidate their place in Division Two this season, although they will harbour hopes of reaching the play-off places.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Notts County the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

25/1

That makes Notts County the joint tenth favourites to win the Division along with Tranmer Rovers and Blackpool.

TRANSFERS

The Notts County transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
None

PLAYERS OUT
None

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Tuesday, July 30, 2002

HEARTS BIDDING TO SIGN VALOIS

Scottish Premier Division Hearts are bidding to sign Luton's out-of-contract French winger Jean-Louis Valois. Valois, who joined the Hatters last season from French side Lille, has refused to pen a new deal with Luton, forcing Joe Kinnear to brand him a "Silly boy".

Valois impressed Hearts manager Craig Levin during a 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Falkirk, and the Jambos boss said, "Hopefully we can get at least one new player in before Saturday and I will be trying to sign Valois. I know we are in the ball park to sign him."

Should Valois move to Tynecastle, it is likely to upset a good few Hatters fans who don't want the talented French winger to leave Kenilworth Road.
Story date: Tuesday, July 30, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: NORTHAMPTON TOWN

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Northampton Town, who were nearly relegated from Division Two last season...

A GUIDE TO NORTHAMPTON TOWN...

Northampton Town have been very active in the transfer market so far this summer, and have signed some very good players, a couple of which could arguably have done a job for Luton this season.

The Cobblers finished 20th in Division Two last season, just 5 points ahead of relegated Bournemouth, but with their new signings now in place to go alongside a good nucleus of players that were already at The Sixfields Stadium, Northampton could find themselves among the play-off places come the end of the season.


The Cobblers are managed by Kevan Broadhurst (pictured), who had a brief period in charge of Luton’s reserve team under Lil Fuccillo during the 2000-01 season. However, he was replaced by Brian Stein when Joe Kinnear arrived, and he left Kenilworth Road and eventually became the Northampton boss.

He was officially appointed as the manager of Northampton Town on October 25 2001, less than a month after Kevin Wilson's dismissal. His appointment as Cobblers' boss is the first time he has been in full-time in charge of a League club, although he has been in temporary charge before, following Ian Atkins departure in 1999.
At the age of 16 he started out at Birmingham City as an apprentice before signing for the club and playing 163 games in an 8-year career as a defender at St. Andrews.

His career was tragically cut short when he was badly injured in a derby game between Birmingham and their arch rivals Aston Villa. Despite recovering from the injury, he could not continue as a professional and his career ended while in his mid-20s, something regarded by Blues fans as a tragic waste of a young talent.
Since moving into coaching, Broadhurst has already taken joint charge of Northampton, with Kevin Wilson, and was named as Wilson's assistant when the former Chelsea player was confirmed as the manager at the end of October 1999.

Broadhurst has signed some very good players this summer. In have come ex-Arsenal and QPR goalkeeper Lee Harper from Walsall on a free transfer, defender Greg Lincoln, an ex-Arsenal trainee, and midfielders Paul Harsley, Paul Trollope and Paul Rickers from Halifax Town, Fulham and Oldham respectively. All of the arrivals have been snapped-up without costing a penny, so it’s the usual scenario for Northampton – except for Darryn Stamp, the ex-Scunthorpe striker who signed for a £30,000 tribunal-set fee from Scarborough.

Harper had the opportunity to remain at The Bescot Stadium, but he opted instead to join Northampton, where he looks all but guaranteed to be the first-choice goalkeeper this season, with Keith Welch still yet to pen a new deal with The Cobblers.

Lincoln impressed Broadhurst during a trial period at The Sixfields Stadium, and the ex-Arsenal trainee could be the surprise package amongst Northampton’s squad this season. For Harsley, by far the best player at doomed Halifax last season, Northampton provide Second Division football rather than the Conference football that he would have undeservedly been playing this season had he remained at The Shay. Harsley got into double-figures last season for Halifax, a superb tally for a midfield player, and he easily looked their best player on the two occasions that they faced the Hatters.

The signing of Trollope signifies quite a coup by Broadhurst, the midfielder agreeing to a move to The Sixfields Stadium as Broadhurst had guaranteed him the captaincy. Trollope, who has 6 caps for Wales, is predominantly a left-sided midfielder, and he has also played for Torquay United and Derby County. He ended last season on-loan at Coventry City, where he made 6 appearances, and he will certainly be a key figure for The Cobblers this season.

Rickers had been with The Latics for a number of years, and he saw the opportunity to join Northampton as a good move, a fresh challenge proving to be the catalyst for the move. Meanwhile, Stamp had impressed Broadhurst last season, and his performances for struggling Conference side Scarborough persuaded The Cobblers boss to splash out £30,000 to take him to The Sixfields Stadium.

Northampton have two very dangerous strikers on their books, and together they can form a deadly partnership. In the shape of Marco Gabbiadini and Jamie Forrester, they arguably have two of the best strikers in the lower Divisions.


Gabbiadini (pictured) is a proven goal scorer, who has represented England at both B level and under-21 level, as well as representing the Football League. Gabbiadini started his career with York City as a 17 year-old in 1985, having previously been an apprentice and he went on to score 18 goals before Sunderland recognised his talents and paid £80,000 in 1987 to take him to Roker Park where he helped them to win the Division Three title in his first season. He scored 87 goals during his four seasons stay before Crystal Palace splashed out £1.8million in October 1991 to secure his services. However, he only stayed at Selhurst Park for four months before Derby County paid £1million to take him to the Baseball Ground, and he spent 5 and a half seasons with the Rams, scoring 68 goals before joining Panionios of Greece on a free transfer in the summer of 1997 via loan spells at Birmingham City at Oxford United.

Gabbiadini spent less than six months in Greece before signing for Stoke City on Christmas Eve. A change in management saw him spend just two months with the Potters before signing for York City until the end of the 1997-98 season. Darlington secured his signature in time for the 1998-99 campaign, where he finished as the leading scorer in Division Three with 24 League goals. He followed this up with the same total again in 1999-00 season, finishing as leading scorer and being selected in the PFA team of the season, which sparked interest from local rivals Rushden & Diamonds - who had a £300,000 bid refused prior to the transfer deadline. The Cobblers signed Gabbiadini during the summer of 2000 despite interest from Doncaster Rovers, Notts County, Reading and, in fact, the Hatters.

He opened his goal scoring account for Northampton in a 1-0 Worthington Cup first leg victory over Fulham, which was screened live on Sky Sports and opened his League account in a 1-0 away win against Millwall at the New Den in September 2001. Gabbiadini weighed in with some vital goals as The Cobblers fought off relegation last season and his presence and power always causes defenders problems.
Forrester is a quick thinking, lively striker who displays brilliant skills and loves to run at defenders. He is a former England Schoolboy and Youth International, winning the UEFA Under-18 Youth Cup in 1993, playing alongside the likes of Nicky Butt, Sol Campbell, Robbie Fowler, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. Started his career in England at the age of 17, when he was signed from French club Auxerre for £60,000 along with his teammate Kevin Sharp. He found his opportunities limited at Elland Road, where he only figured in 11 games, scoring two goals during his three-year stay, and he eventually signed permanently for Grimsby Town following a loan spell. Spent only 18 months at Blundell Park where he played nearly 50 games, scoring 9 goals before joining Scunthorpe United prior to the transfer deadline in March 1997.

Forrester helped The Iron win promotion in the 1998-99 season via the play-offs, scoring 17 goals in the process, which won him a place in the PFA Division Three select team. Exercised his option under Bosman during the summer of 1999 and elected to try his luck abroad with FC Utrecht in Holland. However, he struggled to settle and joined Walsall in December 1999. Following limited opportunities at The Bescot Stadium, Forrester agreed to sign for The Cobblers on loan until the end of 1999-00 season and he helped the club achieve promotion by scoring 6 times in 10 games. He cecame the club's record signing when a £150,000 fee was agreed with FC Utrecht to bring him to Sixfields on a permanent basis. Forrester has started to repay the club with 43 goals in 100 starts in his first 2 years with The Cobblers.


Another key man for Northampton is midfielder Paul McGregor (pictured). McGregor made a name for himself as youngster at Nottingham Forest, where he came through the ranks. After brief spells at Carlisle and Preston, he moved under the Bosman ruling to Plymouth where he had 2 successful years, including 16 goals in a season and a Player of the Year award. He scored 5 times in his first season at Sixfields playing on the right hand side of midfield or as an out-and-out striker.

McGregor is a skilful player who proves a handful for opponents defences as he is always likely to do the unusual. He is as likely to be in attack as on the right wing and can also operate in midfield. He joined The Cobblers in a Bosman ruling move on a 2-year contract during the summer of 2000-01.

Only a small club, and with limited funds, Northampton Town are a tidy little club with a neat and compact ground, and a good set of players. The only concern for boss Kevin Broadhurst will be the small squad that The Cobblers boast (just 17 senior professionals at the time of writing), but if they can keep the majority of their side injury-free, then they could definitely be pushing for a play-off place come the end of the season.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Northampton Town the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

40/1

That makes Northampton the joint twelth favourites to win the Division along with Swindon, Cheltenham and Port Vale.

TRANSFERS

The Northampton Town transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
Darryn Stamp (Scarborough - £30,000)
Paul Rickers (Oldham Athletic - Bosman Free Transfer)
Paul Harsley (Halifax Town - Bosman Free Transfer)
Paul Trollope (Fulham - Free Transfer)
Lee Harper (Walsall - Bosman Free Transfer)
Greg Lincoln (Arsenal - Free Transfer)

PLAYERS OUT
None

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Monday, July 29, 2002

GRIFFITHS RETURNS TO ACTION WITH A GOAL

Luton striker Carl Griffiths, who has been plagued by injury problems, returned to action on Saturday as the Hatters' reserve side beat Harrow Borough 3-0 in a pre-season friendly.

Griffiths played for 45 minutes of the game against the non-league side, who are managed by Ed Stein, brother of Luton's reserve team boss Brian Stein.

The ex-Leyton Orient striker has been sidelined for some 10 months, and he showed every sign that he will be back challenging for a first-team place before long.

The Hatters fielded a very young side, mainly comprising of youth team players, but also feature five triallists throughout the match, two of which started, and three of which came on as substitutes, with Charlton Athletic striker Charlie MacDonald featuring in attack and Olayinka Rusi playing at left-back. In addition, Colywn Bay's Karl Furlong was also used as a substitue, as too was Anthony Maddocks and Vangelis.

Luton won the match 3-0 with goals from triallist Charlie MacDonald, who had loan spells with both Torquay United and Colchester United last season, Carl Griffiths and triallist Karl Furlong after 36, 45 and 72 minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, it seems that contract-rebel Jean-Louis Valois may earn a deal with Scottish Premier Division Hearts after all. The French winger, who has not signed a new contract with the Hatters, played in Hearts' 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with St.Johnstone this weekend, as the ex-Lille star produced a man-of-the-match winning performance to woo the Jambos' fans.
Story date: Sunday, July 28, 2002

LUTON CLAIM ROCHDALE VICTORY TO FINISH THIRD IN TOURNAMENT

Luton claimed a 4-2 victory over Third Division Rochdale to finish 3rd in the Isle of Man Pre-Season Tournament in Douglas.

For a full match report, please click HERE.
Story date: Friday, July 26, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: MANSFIELD TOWN

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Mansfield Town, who came up from Division Three with the Hatters last season...

A GUIDE TO MANSFIELD TOWN...

Mansfield Town are a neat and tidy little outfit and the Stags will be hoping that a good set of young players together with a couple of new signings from manager Stuart Watkiss will see them consolidate their place in Division Two this season at the very least, after they grabbed the last automatic promotion spot last season to come up from Division Three with Plymouth Argyle and the Hatters.


Mansfield are managed by Stuart Watkiss (pictured), who was appointed manager of Mansfield Town on January 9 2002 following Billy Dearden's move to Notts County.

Watkiss had been Dearden's assistant since the summer of the previous year having moved through the ranks at Field Mill. He arrived at Mansfield in July 1996, signing on a free transfer from Hereford, and played until May 1999 when he was put in charge of the club's youth team.

Watkiss’ playing career began with his hometown club, Wolves, when he was signed from the youth team in 1984. After making just two appearances for the senior side at Molinuex, the central defender was taken on a non-contract basis by Crewe. He failed to make an impact at Gresty Road, however, and moved into non-league football.
He returned to the professional ranks in 1993, with Walsall, who signed him from Midlands Alliance side Rushall Olympic. After making 60 appearances for The Saddlers, Watkiss moved on to Hereford and, five months later, to Mansfield.

After taking over as manager Field Mill in January, Watkiss’ immediate aim was to keep up the good work his predecessor had done at the club. With The Stags in a strong position, in the top three of Division Three, the new boss was hopeful that he could achieve promotion in his first few months at the helm.

Despite strong competition from Cheltenham Town, who looked as though they might snatch the third promotion spot behind Plymouth and the Hatters, Mansfield secured their place in Division Two with a 2-0 win over Carlisle on the final day of the season as Cheltenham lost to the Third Division champions.

Watkiss admitted after that match that much of the credit for Mansfield's success had to go to their former manager.
He said: "Myself and Neil Richardson (assistant manager) will take all the plaudits but there are a lot of other people who deserve credit for this, not least Bill Dearden, and I was delighted to see he kept Notts County up as well.

"These fans have been starved of success for a long time and to see their faces at the final whistle made all the highs and lows of the season worthwhile."

Watkiss has been busy in the transfer market this summer. He has snapped-up Walsall defender Dion Scott and Telford United defender Neil Moore on free transfers, as he attempts to shore-up The Stags’ defence for the forthcoming campaign. In addition, he allowed veteran midfielder Scott Sellars and veteran striker David Kelly to leave Field Mill, handing both players free transfers.


Mansfield did, however, endure a massive loss this summer with the departure of highly rated and free-scoring Chris Greenacre (pictured). Greenacre was the Stags’ biggest goal threat and arguably star player. He had joined the Stags on a month's loan from Manchester City at the beginning of November 1999, with a view to a more permanent deal. He had played at Field Mill before and scored whilst on loan for Scarborough.

Greenacre made his debut for Manchester City during the 1996-97 season during the reign of Frank Clark, but failed to gain a regular place in the side and was loaned out on four occasions. He made a stunning start to his Stags career, scoring 4 goals in his first 4 games and towards the end of his three-month loan period, negotiations to bring him to the Stags on a permanent basis were successfully concluded when he signed a two-and-a-half year contract. He began the 2000-01 campaign with a spectacular effort, striking from over 40-yards in an away game at Cheltenham. His great start got even better as he grabbed the first hat-trick of his career in a 5-1 victory over Halifax and managed two more against Halifax in the return fixture. He was the Stags only ever-present during the 2000-01 season, a mark of his outstanding attitude and professionalism. Often attracting the attention of higher division clubs, and once rumoured to be a target of Luton manager Joe Kinnear, he scored 21 goals in all competitions during the 2000-01 season, and then bagged last 28 goals last season to clinch promotion for Mansfield. However, he left Field Mill this summer under freedom of contract and moved to First Division Stoke City on a Bosman free transfer, the Stags not even having the consolation of receiving any money for their talented striker.


A key played for the Stags is defender Stuart Reddington (pictured). Lincoln born Reddington joined Mansfield for £20,000 from Chelsea in early July 2001 after a loan spell at the end of the previous season. Reddington played 9 times on loan and established himself at the centre of the Stags defence with several commanding performances. He never appeared in the Chelsea first-team after joining them from Lincoln United, but did feature 16 times for Swedish side Kalmar FF whilst on loan a couple of seasons ago, scoring 4 times. Reddington had to battle for his place during the promotion season of 2001-02 but during the season produced several dominant displays. He is highly regarded by boss Stuart Watkiss and will be an important member of the 1st team squad this season.


Another pivotal member of Mansfield’s side is midfielder Michael Sisson (pictured), who is a product of Mansfield’s youth system and he has attracted the attention of several scouts from higher division clubs. An outstanding prospect, he scored his first ever senior goal in a 4-0 win over Shrewsbury Town last season and he then went on to become one of the most important players in the Stags line-up, and scoring again in the 1-0 win at York in early January 2000. He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in an away match at Exeter during the 2000-01 season, which ruled him out for the entire season, but he completed several reserve games during his comeback but suffered a further setback and needed more surgery, putting him out until October 2002. However, when he does return, he should be a key figure once more on Mansfield’s midfield.


Young midfielder Lee Williamson (pictured) will play a key role for The Stags this season. Williamson succeeded Alistair Asher as the Jack Retter Trophy winner at the end of the 1999-00 season, an award given to the outstanding Youth Team player of the year. He managed four first-team appearances as a substitute towards the end of that season. He made his full debut in a cup replay at Peterborough during the 2000-01 season and then made his League debut in the following match at Darlington. However, it was the promotion season of the last campaign which saw Williamson make his big breakthrough, starting every match up to Christmas time and forming a terrific central midfield partnership will Craig Disley. Only 20, he is perhaps the most exciting of the outstanding crop of young players at Field Mill today, his importance to the side underlined recently when at just 19 he became the club's second youngest post war captain after injury to Les Robinson.

Mansfield will be pushing hard for a play-off place this season, although they would probably be happy to simply consolidate their position in Division Two come the end of the season. And, if they can keep hold of their young stars, they could well achieve their goal come the end of the campaign.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Mansfield Town the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

50/1

That makes Mansfield the joint second to least favourites to win the Division along with Peterborough United.

TRANSFERS

The Mansfield Town transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
Dion Scott (Walsall - Free Transfer)
Neil Moore (Telford United - Bosman Free Transfer)

PLAYERS OUT
Chris Greenacre (Stoke City - Bosman Free Transfer)
David Kelly (Released)
Scott Sellars (Released)

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Friday, July 26, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Huddersfield Town, who reached the play-off semi-finals of Division Two last season...

A GUIDE TO HUDDERSFIELD TOWN...

Huddersfield Town have undergone somewhat of a change this summer, despite finishing last season in 6th position in Division Two, and reaching the play-offs – where they lost to Brentford over two-legs in the semi-final.

So, condemned to another season of Second Division football, the Terriers moved quickly to make sure that they went one better this season – and that involved them sacking their manager and bringing in a new boss. Lou Macari was fired as Huddersfield Town manager in June 2002, not even knowing he had been relieved of his duties for a brief period as he was away on holiday.

On sacking Macari, the Terriers released a statement that read "After much deliberation by the Board it has been agreed that Lou Macari be given notice that his contract with Huddersfield Town Association Football Club be terminated with immediate effect in accordance with the provision of that contract.

"It has also been decided not renew the contract of Joe Jordan, which expired on May 31 2002.

"The Board, however, wish to place on record their appreciation for the coaching staffs' efforts during a difficult transitional period.
"The directors hope to have a new management team in place as soon as possible and will keep supporters fully informed of developments."

Macari had taken over at Huddersfield in October 2000, but could not prevent The Terriers from suffering relegation to Division Two, and then he just failed to gain them promotion back to Division One at the first attempt.

The Terriers were then linked with a number of candidates as possible replacement for Macari, with ex-Huddersfield striker Ronnie Jepson, now the reserve team coach at Burnley, the first name on everybody’s lips, while Bradford’s Stuart McCall and Hartlepool manager Chris Turner were also linked with the post. However, it was a surprising name that was chosen – a man that hadn’t been rumoured to have been targeted – Mick Wadsworth.


Wadsworth (pictured) was named as Huddersfield’s new manager on July 1st 2002, and he will be hoping he can go one better than Macari this season and guide the club back into the First Division.
On appointing Wadsworth, the club released a statement which read, "The chairman and three directors are in complete agreement over the choice of the new manager.

"We have spent considerable time discussing the appointment and doing our home-work and we are confident that we have chosen the right person for the job. The board and the new manager share the same progressive ideas about Huddersfield Town’s future.

"Unfortunately, we had to be secretive about who we were interviewing for the position. We believed this to be both fair on the applicants, and necessary to avoid fabricated stories and speculation that could have hindered negotiations."

Mick Wadsworth's achievements in football are an inspiration to all those who believe that a vast or successful league playing career is not necessarily essential as preparation for a career in management and coaching.

Although Mick's career as a player was a long and happy one, the man named Oldham Athletic manager on 7 November 2001 completed just 19 games for Scunthorpe United in the mid-1970s before returning to non-league football.

After a career as player and, later, player-coach with Frickley Athletic, Mick distinguished himself to the extent that he spent a further six years from 1985 to 1991 as an FA Regional coach in the North-West region. After this, he was a technical co-ordinator on the FA's Excellence Programme.

He held these positions while also taking on a role as the coach of the England non-league team for two years before a five-year stint as the England Youth team coach. This led to further honour as he progressed to a coaching role with the England under-21 team between 1991 and 1993.

Also, from 1988 to 1992, he was an official match observer for England set up under Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor. It was Bobby Robson who gave Mick the chance to work at Italia 90 as a member of the England coaching staff.

Following the tournament, Robson became the manager at PSV Eindhoven in Holland. Wadsworth was prevented from taking up the invitation from Robson to coach at the Eredivisie club because he did not possess the required Dutch coaching qualifications.

From August 1993 to July 1996, Mick managed Carlisle United, where his achievements with the team included the 1995 Football League Division Three championship and the development of several talented young players. The same season also saw Carlisle in the final of the Auto Windscreens Shield final at Wembley. All that stood between Mick's Carlisle team and glory was a Golden Goal from Birmingham's Paul Tait.

Despite the defeat, the achievements of that season won the Yorkshireman the 1995 Football League Divisional Manager of the Year. He was also the runner-up in the LMA Manager of the Year awards for the entire league.

Among the players Mick guided through to the first team at Brunton Park were Rory Delap and Matt Jansen, both of whom went on to become established FA Barclaycard Premiership first-teamers. These two players alone were sold for a total of £1.8m.

A brief spell at Norwich City followed, where he was assistant manager between January and June 1996. He then managed the Division Three side Scarborough from August 1996 to January 1999. From there, he took over as the manager of Colchester United, where his guidance prevented the club from being relegated.

He also introduced Lomano-Tresor Lua Lua into the team. The stunning ability of the striker saw another example of Wadsworth's ability to spot a potential star player. Lua Lua was sold to Newcastle in 2000 for £2.25m. He had cost the club nothing.

Wadsworth's next post was as the assistant manager at Crystal Palace but, soon after he took the role alongside Steve Coppell at Selhurst Park, an old promise was fulfilled in the form of an offer Mick could not refuse.

He said: "I remember going to Sardinia with Bobby Robson during the 1990 World Cup. He said to me 'I'm going to PSV Eindhoven. Are you coming?'

"I'd have swum there, but at the time I didn't have the necessary Dutch qualifications. But we stayed in touch throughout his time around Europe and he always said if he ever came back to England then he'd take me with him. Ten years later he was true to his word."
Bobby Robson, back from a spell in Europe that lasted almost ten years, asked him to become head coach at Newcastle after making it clear that he would not forget Mick's abilities at the time he had left for Holland in 1990.

Wadsworth accepted the invitation and within the first season of taking over at St.James' Park he helped Robson to reduce the size of the Newcastle United squad and, subsequently, the wage bill. His coaching skills provided the backdrop for the revival in fortunes of the Tyneside club.

He was at Newcastle until the summer of 2001 when another development in Wadsworth's career resulted in another move. He was asked by Stuart Gray to become the assistant manager at Southampton. Bobby Robson was reluctant to let Mick go to the Hampshire club but, despite that, the challenge was too great for him to resist.
The new position allowed Mick to be reunited with Rory Delap, who was brought in for £4m from Derby County but a testing start to the season at Southampton saw Delap injured and a dismissal of the management duo that many people inside and outside the game thought was extremely harsh. He and Gray had only been in the job for just over three months.

Appointed at Oldham in November 2001, perhaps somewhat ironically, as successor to Andy Ritchie - another manager seemingly dismissed far too soon - Wadsworth was given the opportunity to resume his managerial career in the North West with a club aiming to return to Division One.

Given overall control of footballing matters at Boundary Park, with the emphasis on first team affairs, he was also responsible for keeping a close eye on the development of the young players in Oldham's Youth Development scheme.

Despite a good record with the Latics - losing just 9 of his 36 games in charge - Wadsworth was sacked at the end of May, and replaced by Iain Dowie, but now finds himself back in the managerial hot seat with Huddersfield.

The other big news at the highly impressive Sir Alfred McAlpine Stadium this summer has been the departure of two highly rated young strikers - Leon Knight and Delroy Facey. Knight had been on a season-long loan from Chelsea, and had looked all-set to sign for another year’s loan with the Terriers, but he opted instead to join First Division Sheffield Wednesday on another season-long loan deal. Wadsworth didn’t even have an opportunity to persuade Knight that he should stay with the Terriers – the youngster moved before Wadsworth had even been appointed! The 19-year-old goes to Hillsborough after impressing The Owls with his pace and skill for the Terriers, leading the side with 17 goals last season.

Huddersfield’s chairman David Taylor expressed his disappointment at not being able to lure Knight back to Huddersfield next season, after a solid campaign that saw the club reach the promotion play-offs.
Taylor said: "I am very disappointed. I have been chasing Leon for the past four weeks but it became increasingly apparent that he would to go to a First Division club.

"We've always said that it was our aim to gain promotion and I believe that if we had then Leon would still be with us.

"It became evident that Chelsea were looking at First Division clubs for Leon, if not Sheffield Wednesday then another one.

"There has been a change in the regime at Chelsea that has made it difficult to negotiate."

The other young striker that left The Sir Alfred McAlpine Stadium was Delroy Facey, who joined Bolton Wanderers, the opportunity to play in the Premiership too good to turn down for Huddersfield’s home grown talent. The move was subject to The Trotters paying a fee to be decided by a tribunal. The 22-year-old striker had bagged 15 goals for the Terriers since joining the club back in 1996 as a trainee.
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce revealed he decided to sign the youngster after the player rejected Huddersfield’s latest contract offer to stay in Yorkshire, saying, “Delroy has come to the end of his contract with Huddersfield, and has decided not to re-sign for them. We've moved in for him. We are going to negotiate with Huddersfield in terms of a fee which would be suitable for both parties.

"Delroy is very fast and strong and will always cause problems to our opponents' defence," concluded Allardyce.

As was the case with Knight, Wadsworth had no chance to even persuade Facey to stay, as the striker moved before Wadsworth arrived.
Wadsworth was quick to replace the two strikers though, snapping up young Southampton forward Scott McDonald just 5 days into his new job. The Australian ace has signed on loan for three months, with the option of extending the deal further.

Wadsworth is a big fan of the 19-year-old and admitted he has been watching him for some time, saying, "McDonald is a player that I have been looking at for a while. I was working with him over the summer. He's got great pace, he's strong and he's a good finisher.

"His first-team chances were limited at Southampton and this is a very good chance for him. I'm filling gaps at the moment. There is a hole up front with both Delroy Facey and Leon Knight leaving and I think that he can fill it."

McDonald wasn’t, however, Wadsworth’s first signing as Huddersfield manager, as he signed his Saints colleague, goalkeeper Scott Bevan, on a one-year loan deal. Behind Paul Jones and Neil Moss at St. Mary’s, Bevan has taken the opportunity to link up with Huddersfield and Wadsworth is using his knowledge of his former clubs to bring in some of their players.

Also coming in for Huddersfield is central defender Eddie Youds. Youds arrived at the club on a free transfer after leaving Charlton Athletic. Second Division outfits Blackpool, Tranmere and Wigan were all reportedly chasing the 32-year-old, however the experienced defender signed a one-year deal with the McAlpine Stadium outfit.
The Liverpool-born star began his career with Everton back in 1988, before going on to play for Ipswich Town and Bradford City.
Youds was signed after the loss of long-serving defender Kevin Gray, who joined Second Division rivals Tranmere Rovers on a Bosman free transfer after becoming out-of-contract with Huddersfield.
It has been a pretty busy summer then for Wadsworth – well, so far anyway!

Add to these new acquisitions a squad that took the Terriers to the brink of a return to Division One, and you have a club that could well be challenging for a promotion place this season.


Huddersfield’s most experienced striker this season will be Andy Booth. Booth (pictured) re-joined the club on transfer deadline day 2001 after a five-year spell at Sheffield Wednesday. He began his career as a trainee with Huddersfield and quickly established himself in the first-team. The striker made over 150 appearances for his boyhood idols before earning a £2.7 million move into the Premiership with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Quickly adapted to life in the top flight and earned rave reviews in his first season with the Owls. His spell at Hillsborough was dogged by injury, which restricted his appearance tally. Booth was a popular figure with the McAlpine crowd and was given a rousing reception when he made his ‘second debut’ against Portsmouth.


The Terriers’ play-maker in midfield is the experienced Kenny Irons (pictured). Irons arrived at the McAlpine Stadium during the summer of 1999 for £450,000 from Tranmere Rovers and had built a reputation at Prenton Park as a hardworking midfielder with an eye for goal. He established himself as a first-team regular in his first season at Huddersfield but found opportunities hard to come by under Lou Macari when the midfield combination of Chris Holland and Craig Armstrong kept him on the substitutes bench. Irons made 18 full starts and another 15 from the bench during the 2000-01 season, but last season he established himself as a regular in the heart of the Terriers’ midfield.


Chris Holland (pictured) was signed by former boss Steve Bruce from Birmingham City in a £100,000 deal. He originally started life as a trainee at Preston before moving to Newcastle United in a £1 million deal. He made an immediate impression after his arrival at the McAlpine in February 2000 with a string of impressive displays. A series of niggling injuries during the 2000-01 season kept him on the sidelines for lengthy periods but he returned to play a major part in Huddersfield’s promotion bid last season.

An ambitious club with a magnificent stadium, Huddersfield Town will almost certainly be there or thereabouts come the end of the season – and don’t be surprised if they steal one of the automatic promotion slots.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Huddersfield Town the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

10/1

That makes Huddersfield the third favourites to win Division Two this season behind Cardiff (9/4) and Wigan (6/1).

TRANSFERS

The Huddersfield Town transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
Scott Bevan (Southampton - Season-Long Loan)
Scott McDonald (Southampton - Three-Month Loan)
Eddie Youds (Charlton Athletic - Free Transfer)

PLAYERS OUT
Leon Knight (Chelsea - Loan Return)
Delroy Facey (Bolton Wanderers - Bosman)
Kevin Gray (Tranmere Rovers - Bosman Free Transfer)

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Thursday, July 25, 2002

VALOIS RELEASED BY ROTHERHAM AND HEARTS

French winger Jean-Louis Valois, who has refused to sign a new deal with the Hatters after wanting more money, has failed to earn deals with both Rotherham United and Hearts this week.

Valois, who is out-of-contract, has repeatedly turned down offers of new deals from Luton boss Joe Kinnear, prompting Kinnear to brand him a "Silly boy."

Valois has been on trial with both Rotherham and Hearts, but neither the English First Division side, nor the Scottish Premier Division side wanted to make his stay a permanent one. Valois played on Tuesday night in the Millers' match with Doncaster Rovers at Belle Vue, but Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore said, "Jean obviously has a lot of talent, but again he isn't really the type of player we want.

"He might well play a starring role every now and then but we need someone who is committed to our cause as far as work rate is concerned and he just doesn't fit the bill."

Valois was also set to try his luck with Hearts, but the Scottish side didn't even allow him to play in a friendly match against St. Johnstone, as he was due to. Hearts manager Craig Levein said, "He will not be coming. The figures he was looking for were too high."

It leaves Valois in a precarious position, as he has now lost the opportunities to join Rotherham and Hearts - and it looks very much as if he may have lost on the new deal offered by the Hatters.
Story date: Wednesday, July 24, 2002

LUTON DRAWN AWAY TO WATFORD IN WORTHINGTON CUP!

Sensationally, Luton have been drawn away to our bitter local rivals Watford in the First Round of the Worthington Cup.

The match, which is likely to be played on Tuesday, September 10th 2002, will be at Vicarage Road, and will give Luton supporters the chance to go to Hertfordshire in their thousands and cheer on the Town! C'MON YOU HATTERS!

The full draw is: -

Huddersfield v Darlington
Rotherham v Carlisle
Lincoln City v Stockport
Wrexham v Bradford
Grimsby v Chesterfield
Northampton v Wigan
Mansfield v Derby
Oldham v Notts County
Sheff Utd v York
Preston v Scunthorpe
Hull v Leicester
Hartlepool v Tranmere
Nottm Forest v Kidderminster
Burnley v Blackpool
Bury v Stoke
Port Vale v Crewe
Macclesfield v Barnsley
Sheff Wed v Rochdale
Bristol City v Oxford
Swindon v Wycombe
Walsall v Shrewsbury
Rushden & D'monds v Millwall
Leyton Orient v QPR
Cambridge Utd v Reading
Torquay v Gillingham
Watford v Luton
Bournemouth v Brentford
Bristol Rovers/Boston Utd v Cardiff
Norwich v Cheltenham
Brighton v Exeter
Crystal Palace v Plymouth
Swansea v Wolverhampton
Coventry v Colchester
Portsmouth v Peterborough
Southend v Wimbledon

(ties to be played in the week commencing 9 September)

To post your reaction to this quite breathtaking news, please visit the message board by clicking HERE.
Story date: Wednesday, July 24, 2002

HOWARD AT THE DOUBLE AS LUTON SHOCK BURNLEY

Luton gained back some pride after the defeat to Wrexham on the previous night, as First Division Burnley were beaten 3-1 in the Isle of Man Pre-Season Friendly Tournament.

For a full match report, please click HERE.
Story date: Wednesday, July 24, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: CREWE ALEXANDRA

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Crewe Alexandra, who were relegated from Division One last season...

A GUIDE TO CREWE ALEXANDRA...

Crewe Alexandra were relegated from Division One last season, their fate all but sealed after a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest on the second to last game of the season. Although not mathematically doomed, it meant that they had scored a ridiculous amount of goals on the last day of the campaign at Gresty Road to catch Sheffield Wednesday. Obviously this did not happen, and the Railwaymen were relegated to Division Two – where they had come from during the 1996-97 season when they beat Luton 4-3 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals. They went on to defeat Brentford at Wembley in the play-off final and earned promotion to Division One – where they stayed for the next 5 seasons.


Back now in Division Two, they are managed by of the most experienced bosses in football – Dario Gradi (pictured). Gradi was manager of Crewe way back in June 1983. His prime target was to keep Crewe in the Football League. Having fulfilled that aim, Gradi took the Gresty Road club into the First Division, and was unfortunate to see them relegated to Division Two last season.

Born in Milan, Gradi learned his coaching trade in London with Chelsea before taking up managerial positions at Wimbledon, where he spent four years, and Crystal Palace. At Crewe he has established a renowned Youth Academy where graduates such as Seth Johnson and Dele Adebola have moved on to bigger and brighter things. Gradi also has the knack of improving released or non-league players. He turned David Platt from Manchester City into a regular England International and Robbie Savage into a Welsh International.

Others such as Ashley Ward, Craig Hignett, Geoff Thomas, Danny Murphy and Rob Jones all have Gradi to thank for launching their footballing careers. Thanks to Gradi and his back room staff, Crewe Alexandra now have a Youth Academy that is envied and respected throughout the football world. He is always prepared to give youth a chance and is a shrewd judge of character.

Gradi is the longest serving manager in English football and for his contribution to football was awarded with the MBE in January 1998.
He led Crewe to promotion to Division One via the Play-offs in 1997, but the following season's escape from relegation ranks as one of his greatest achievements. Against the odds, Crewe surprised everyone by avoiding the drop until 2002, and Gradi must take credit for his belief in continuing to play attractive football and producing some of the country's best young players.

The name Dario Gradi has become synonymous with Crewe during his time in South Cheshire and he is sure to continue to serve the best interests of the club. It will not be an enviable task for the man who eventually replaces him.

The summer has yet to see any new arrivals at Gresty Road, although three players have departed – long-serving defender Shaun Smith has moved on to Hull City, and striker John Grant joined Hereford United – both on free transfers. Meanwhile, midfielder Phil Charnock was released and is being chased by Port Vale and Tranmere Rovers.


The Railwaymen include in their squad an ex-Luton defender, and a World Cup regular – Nigerian international Efetober Sodje (pictured), who starred for the Eagles in Japan/South Korea, and also played in their 0-0 draw with England. Sodje had a brief spell with the Hatters when Lennie Lawrence was boss when he was signed on a free transfer prior to the start of the 1999-00 season. However, his stay at Kenilworth Road was only brief, and, with Lawrence publically criticising Sodje on numerous occasions for going to play for Nigeria, he was loaned to Colchester United before signing permanently for the U’s after only a handful of appearances for Luton.
Sodje joined Crewe on the 24th July 2000 on a free transfer. His appearances for Crewe have livened up the crowd with his trend setting bandanna's the next big craze in Crewe.

Since his arrival he has been a firm favourite with fans, and a strong contender for a first-team place, after building an excellent partnership with Steve Foster at the heart of Crewe’s rearguard.
A well-travelled defender who showed a great ability to play First Division Football, even though many people under-estimated him. He has proven to be one of the best buys for Crewe.

A regular for the Railwaymen during his time at Gresty Road, he was linked with a move to Spanish side Numancia this summer, his performances in the World Cup impressing the Spaniards, but he opted to remain faithful to Crewe and stay at Gresty Road to help the club bounce back into Division One at the first attempt.


Crewe’s most highly-rate played, and most lethal marksman is young striker Dean Ashton (pictured). Ashton began the 2000-01 season in the Under-17s and finished it with 8 League goals in just 13 first-team starts for the first-team, a sensational introduction to League football.

Ashton is a strong and athletic forward, who is touted as the next big thing at Crewe. The ability he possesses is due to make him a household name, and he possesses an accurate and powerful shot with either foot and is certainly no slouch in the air. Ashton has already been involved with the England Under-17 and England Under-19 set-ups and great things are expected from this local lad. This summer he is representing England’s U-19 side.

A knee ligament injury sustained in a pre-season game at the start of the 2001-02 season meant he missed several games, but he bounced back and netted 10 goals last season for the Railwaymen.


Ashton is likely to be partnered in attack by another homegrown talent – Rob Hulse (pictured). Hulse impressed a lot of youth team watchers back in 1997-98, and he was offered a three-year contract in the summer 1998, but Hulse suffered a serious back injury and was out of the game for some 18 months. Finally, however, he started to play a few youth/reserve games during the summer and autumn of 1999, and in October of that year, he was loaned to Unibond side Hyde United. On his first game, he scored. In his second game he scored twice. And in his third game, he scored three times! All this at a time when the Crewe first-team were crying out for a big striker. Last season he did, however, come of age and, netting 12 goals and, like Ashton, he has been watched by several higher Division clubs, most notably West Bromwich Albion and Everton.

Crewe Alexandra are likely to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, and with an excellent young side, don’t be too surprised if they steal one of the automatic promotion places.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Crewe Alexandra the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

12/1

That makes Crewe the joint fifth favourites to win Division Two along with our very own Luton.

TRANSFERS

The Crewe Alexandra transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
None

PLAYERS OUT
John Grant (Hereford United - Free Transfer)
Phil Charnock (Released)
Shaun Smith (Hull City - Free Transfer)

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Tuesday, July 23, 2002

LUTON TWICE LET LEAD SLIP AS DRAGONS ARE ON FIRE

Luton twice threw away a lead to lose 3-2 to Division Three Wrexham in the Hatters' opening match of the Isle of Man pre-season tournament. Luton manager Joe Kinnear surprised Luton supporters by announcing a new triallist in the side to face the Welshman, with Belgian left-winger Christophe Kinet, who has just left Millwall, lining-up on the left-hand side of the midfield.

For a full match report, please click HERE.
Story date: Monday, July 22, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: COLCHESTER UNITED

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Colchester United, who finished 15th in Division Two last season...

A GUIDE TO COLCHESTER UNITED...

Colchester United finished 15th in Division Two last season with 57 points, and the U’s from Layer Road will be looking to build upon last season’s lower-half finish and at the very least get closer to the play-off pack than they have in recent seasons.

A very small club, and in stark contrast to some of their Second Division rivals this season, such as Barnsley, Huddersfield and Cardiff, Colchester have a small and compact ground, which means that most of their visitors don’t exactly look forward to making the trip to Layer Road!

It is, however, testimony to the U’s that they have consolidated their place in Division Two for the past few campaigns, and have always remained safe from the threat of relegation come the end of the season.


The U’s are managed by Steve Whitton (pictured). Whitton’s playing career saw him play at the top level with Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town and the U’s, although his greatest days were spent at his boyhood heroes, West Ham United.

Injury forced him out of the game early in 1998 and led him to concentrate on coaching as assistant to Steve Wignall at Colchester. In his time as assistant manager, Whitton helped guide the U's to two Wembley appearances, including the 1998 Play-Off Final, where they gained promotion to Division Two.

In January 1999, Whitton took over as caretaker-manager before the arrival of Mick Wadsworth, reverting back to assistant manager following Wadsworth’s appointment. However, Wadsworth resigned just weeks into the start of the 1999-00 season and Whitton took permanent charge of the club.


Colchester’s main goal scoring threat is striker Scott McGleish (pictured). Born in Barnet, McGleish is a lively striker who has done the rounds of the lower Divisions, playing for Barnet, Cambridge, Peterborough and Leyton Orient before arriving at Colchester United. Although Barnet paid £70,000 for his services and he totalled nearly 40 senior goals for the Bees in his time at Underhill, boss at the time Tony Cottee allowed him to leave and Steve Whitton snapped him up for Colchester in January 2001.

A slow start to his second U's career was ended with a four-goal burst at the end of that season, and he carried on that good form in the 2001-02 campaign. Having scored twelve goals by Christmas, McGleish will have been disappointed to have only notched 15 by the end of the season, but his all-round effort and hard work means he is a firm fans' favourite.

Likely to partner McGleish this season in attack is Adrian Coote. Signed by the U's for a club record fee of £60,000 in December 2001, Coote is hoping to continue the goal scoring record that saw him finish top of the scoring charts in the Avon Combination for Norwich City last season. Having left the club where he started as a schoolboy, the challenge now for him is to earn a first-team place at Layer Road, and the Northern Ireland international striker is likely to compete with Kevin Rapley for the chance to partner McGleish.


Another key man for Colchester is veteran midfielder Mick Stockwell (pictured). Having made more than 600 first-team appearances with Ipswich Town, Stockwell has rattled up over one hundred League and cup starts for their East Anglian neighbours Colchester since signing in the summer of 2000. An ever-present in both of his seasons with Colchester United thus far, he grabbed the U's player of the year for 2000-01, and has scored an impressive 23 goals for the club in his short time at Layer Road, including a brace in Colchester’s 3-0 win over Luton at Layer Road in the 2000-01 season.

The summer has yet to see the arrivals of any new faces, but the U’s have lost the services of Australian central defender Con Blatsis, who left Layer Road to pursue his career in Hong Kong. Blatsis had been a revelation at Layer Road after joining the club on a free transfer at the tail end of last season following his release by Derby County. His loss is a big blow to Colchester boss Steve Whitton, who had signed him as a replacement for defender, and skipper, Simon Clark, who also left to move to Hong Kong. Blatsis had only signed a deal until the end of the campaign, and he has now taken the opportunity to move on under freedom of contract, having turned down Colchester’s offer of a new contract.

Like many other managers this summer, Whitton has trialled a lot of players, even looking abroad at a Trinidad & Tobago international defender, but he has yet to find anyone who he believes will strengthen the U’s squad.

However, Whitton has been boosted by the news that defenders Ross Johnson and Alan White have both signed new deals to remain at Layer Road.


White (pictured) is an ex-Luton defender, who was signed by former Hatters manager Lennie Lawrence during his time at Kenilworth Road. White was snapped-up by Lawrence during an injury crisis from Middlesborough for £40,000 in 1997, but he didn’t enjoy the happiest of times with Luton, as the Hatters either struggled at the wrong end of Division Two, or were left in mid-table obscurity. A mistake in a 0-4 home defeat to Watford in a local derby saw him lose the support of many Luton supporters, who simply couldn’t swallow the harsh defeat to their bitter rivals. However, it was an injury-hit Hatters side that played, and it was Watford’s first win over Luton for some 10 years!

White joined Colchester in the summer of 1999-00 for his second spell at Layer Road, following a month’s loan midway through the previous season. He made nearly 100 first-team appearances in all competitions at Luton. Having arrived permanently at Layer Road, White established himself as a firm fans' favourite and his performances were acknowledged with two Player of the Month votes in January and February of the 2000-01 season. He signed a new one-year deal with the U’s this summer.

Colchester are highly unlikely to be competing for a promotion place this season, but a neat little outfit, never-say-never in football – they could make the play-offs if they can play the sort of football they are capable of on a regular basis.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Colchester United the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

100/1

That makes Colchester the joint least favourites to win Division Two along with Chesterfield.

TRANSFERS

The Colchester United transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
None

PLAYERS OUT
Con Blatsis (Released)

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Monday, July 22, 2002

KINNEAR SLAMS 'SILLY BOY' VALOIS

Luton manager Joe Kinnear has slammed French midfielder Jean-Louis Valois over his refusal to accept the Hatters' offer of a new contract.

28 year-old Valois, who joined Luton from Lille in September last year, is out-of-contract and was offered a new two-year contract by Kinnear. However, Valois refused the offer and then went and trained with First Division Rotherham United, but the Millers released Valois without even playing him in a friendly match!

Kinnear said, "He's training at Rotherham I've heard. I haven't given up on signing him, but he's a silly boy because he's trying to put a gun to my head and the club.

"I think we were very good to him financially last year. We gave him a great package. The same package was offered to him again this season, but he and his agent started acting the fool and started putting up the ante, wanted more money, wanted this, wanted that, wanted extra and the whole package was enormous. Why he should want all that would be a concern to me and we couldn't reach those terms.

"Had he stayed on the same terms as last year, he would still get a good deal. There's no way in a million years Rotherham could even get to a quarter of what we paid him last year. It's an aggravating situation really."

The latest news on Valois is that he is set to arrive today (Monday) in Scotland for a trial with Premier Division Hearts, although this has yet to be confirmed. At the moment, it sadly looks very much as if Valois' Luton career is over.

Meanwhile, Kinnear has allowed triallist Clemens Mayr, a Belgian forward, to leave Kenilworth Road. Mayr scored in the Hatters' 1-0 pre-season friendly win at Aylesbury, but Kinnear has decided not to pursue the forward. Kinnear said, "He's a youngster who Munich 1860 were looking to loan out for a year, he did OK but he wouldn't be any stronger than what we would want in our youth team, so I've let him go."

Kinnear has also invited Norwich's Darel Russell, Clyde's Alan McLoughlan and Portsmouth's Jamie Vincent to trial with Luton this pre-season, why he is also looking to sign 33 year-old Wimbledon goalkeeper Paul Heald on a free transfer after Mark Ovendale was ruled out for 5 months with a hip injury, which will require an operation.

Kinnear had looked set to sign Polish triallist goalkeeper Alexander Klak, but Kinnear has let him go and he has now gone to Belgium in the search for a new club.

Other triallists at Kenilworth Road this week are left-winger Mamados Coulibalis and Belgian striker Gunther Thiebault, who has just left Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus. He was recommended to Kinnear by ex-Liverpool and Tottenham striker Ronny Rosenthal, his agent. Thiebault and Coulibalis both played in the reserves' 3-1 pre-season friendly win at Bedford Town on Saturday, while Chelsea's Anthony Boot also played as a triallist, and he scored twice. Other triallists to feature in that game were Chelsea's Pat Baldwin and Charlton's Kevin George, both youngsters available on free transfers.

Kinnear is certainly trying to bring in more new faces to Kenilworth Road, and expect a couple more triallists to figure in the Isle of Man pre-season tournament which kicks-off for the Hatters against Wrexham tonight (Monday).
Story date: Monday, July 22, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: CHELTENHAM TOWN

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Cheltenham Town, who cam up from Division Three with the Hatters last season...

A GUIDE TO CHELTENHAM TOWN...

Cheltenham will not be fancied by most people to be challenging for honours this season, but a neat and tidy little outfit, they could well cause some shocks during the forthcoming campaign. Having only come into the Football League three seasons ago after winning the Conference, they have established themselves well, and just three years after entering the Football League, they now find themselves as a Division Two club.

The Robins were promoted last season from Division Three after finishing 4th in the Division, and winning the play-offs after defeating Rushden & Diamonds 3-1 at the Millennium Stadium in Wales. Cheltenham could, in fact, have secured automatic promotion on the last day of the season, but they were beaten 2-0 at Plymouth and Mansfield were automatically promoted instead. But, Cheltenham got their reward eventually!

The Robins have, however, endured a massive loss this summer with the departure of manager Steve Cotterill, who joined First Division Stoke City. The former Wimbledon and Bournemouth striker decided to turn his hand to management in 1995-96, guiding League of Ireland outfit Sligo Rovers to a highest-ever third place and thereby guaranteeing European qualification. He resigned during the 1996-97 season in order to return to England and rejoined Southern League Cheltenham Town, as a player, in December 1996. He was soon back in management though, as caretaker player-manager in January 1997, following the sacking of Chris Robinson. Cotterill succeeded in turning around a faltering promotion campaign by guiding the Robins to the runners-up position behind Gresley Rovers, which was sufficient to secure promotion due to Gresley's Moat Street ground being some way short of the standard demanded by the Conference.

Cotterill committed himself to the manager's job in the summer of 1997 and led Cheltenham to two glorious seasons in the Conference. The Robins ended 1997-98 as Conference runners-up, won the FA Trophy with a 1-0 success over Southport at Wembley, and also equalled a club-best FA Cup run by reaching the third round. The following season, Cotterill's Cheltenham went one better by winning the Conference and gaining promotion to the Football League, bringing professional football to the town for the first time. For good measure, Cotterill was also named Conference Manager of the Year in both 1997-98 and 1998-99, and non-League Manager of the Year in 1997/8. He further enhanced his reputation by taking the Robins to eighth position in their first season in the Third Division, only missing out on a play-off spot on the last day of the season.

Cotterill's success at Cheltenham had not gone unnoticed by other clubs. He was short-listed for the job at Oxford United in January 1998 and since then he had been linked with several further vacancies, most notably Swindon Town in October 1998. He also turned down the chance to become assistant to Lawrie Sanchez at Wycombe Wanderers in February 1999.

Several further links emerged over the ensuing months, including vacancies at Bristol City, Reading and Gillingham, but Oxford United provided the biggest threat. The U's made two firm offers but, after a few days thought, Cotterill decided to remain with his hometown club. Having been the key factor behind a complete turn-around in fortunes at Whaddon Road over the past five seasons, it seemed only a matter of time before Cotterill moved to a bigger club – and it did eventually happen. After securing promotion to Division Two, Cotterill couldn’t resist the opportunity to manage a big club like Stoke, and he left Whaddon Road to join the newly-promoted Potteries club.


His replacement as boss of the Robins was Graham Allner (pictured). Former Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City manager Allner spent fifteen years with Kidderminster prior to joining Cheltenham three years ago to assist Cotterill. However, he now finds himself as the main man in charge at Whaddon Road as he leads the club into their first-ever Second Division campaign.


Cheltenham’s main goal scoring threat and arguably star player is veteran striker Tony Naylor (pictured). Naylor began his career in non-League football with Macclesfield Town before joining Northern Premier League club Droylsden in the search for first team football.
In 1989-90, he helped the Bloods overcome a 7-point deduction to win promotion from the First Division of the NPL. He wasn't around to celebrate though, having joined Crewe Alexandra in March 1990 for a £20,000 fee.

Naylor's introduction to professional football was gradual. He didn't see much action during Crewe's relegation from the old Third Division in 1990-91, and didn't register a League goal until the following season.

But once he had found the net, the goals soon started to flow. He ended 1991-92 averaging a goal every other game, helping the Railwaymen into the play-offs.

He maintained his ratio into the following campaign. Crewe again reached the play-offs, but lost on penalties to York City in the final.

Crewe eventually won promotion in 1993-94 and a fee of £150,000 took him to Port Vale in July 1994. His scoring ratio dipped a little in the First Division, but Naylor rarely fell below one goal in every three games with Vale.

In 1995-96, he made another appeared at Wembley, this time as a second half substitute in the final of the Anglo-Italian Cup. Vale lost 5-2 to Genoa.

After two near-misses, the Potteries club were relegated from the First Division in 1999-00. It looked as though Naylor's goals were beginning to dry up at this point - he was transfer-listed in 1998-99 after suffering a series of injuries and began to see more time on the substitutes' bench the following season.

As Vale returned to the Second Division in 2000-01, Naylor responded in the best possible manner by striking 20 goals - equalling his best in his seven years at Vale Park. These goals played an important part in Vale's LVD Vans Trophy run, where they beat Brentford 2-1 in the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Naylor was unable to agree a new contract with Vale at the end of the season. He was subsequently linked with Wycombe Wanderers, Northampton Town and Macclesfield Town, before finally signing for Cheltenham Town in August 2001.

Naylor made a huge impact at Whaddon Road last season, netting 18 goals in all competitions, 12 of them coming in the League as the Robins gained promotion.


Another key player is Australian midfielder Lee Howells (pictured), who joined the club from Brisbane United for £1,000 in November 1991 and is a huge favourite with the Whaddon Road crowd. Although initially turning out for the Robins at full-back, Howells didn't take long to establish himself as an important figure in midfield, capable of playing in either the central or wide roles. At his best, he was probably the most influential player in the team, with his creative displays a pleasure to watch.

Two hernia injuries wrote-off much of the 1995-96 season, but Howells went on to help Cheltenham to considerable success over the next five years.


The Robins now also have their first-ever international player. Michael Duff (pictured) initially trained with Darlington and Nottingham Forest as a schoolboy, before playing for the youth team at Swindon Town.

Without an offer from Swindon, Duff linked-up with Hellenic League side Carterton Town in the summer of 1995. He was still young enough to join the Cheltenham Town youth trainee scheme a few months later on the recommendation of Carterton manager, and later to be the Robins' chief scout, Derek Bragg.

Duff made his Cheltenham debut against Dorchester Town in September 1996 and was loaned to Cirencester Town a few months later to gain further experience. He soon forced his way back into the Robins' side and was a regular during the promotion run-in, which secured Cheltenham's return to the Conference after a five year spell in the Southern League.

Duff made enormous progress in the Conference, deservedly attracting interest from Football League scouts. In 1997-98, he helped the club to the runners-up spot in the Conference and appeared at Wembley in the FA Trophy final, which the Robins won 1-0 against Southport.
The following year, Cheltenham went one better by winning the Conference and thereby gaining promotion to the Football League. Although Duff has scored only a handful of goals for the Robins, none will prove to be as memorable as his 97th minute winner at home to Yeovil Town in April 1999 - it was this goal that secured the Conference championship.

Duff's consistency at right-back gained further recognition in his selection for the 1998-99 Conference Team of the Year.

Sadly, injury kept him out of the early stages of the 1999-00 season, Cheltenham's first in the Football League. He didn't make his League debut until October and found it difficult to retain the right-back slot in face of competition from Neil Howarth. As a result, the then manager Steve Cotterill gave him a run on the right side of midfield and many of his appearances over the next two seasons were in this role. Duff has now blossomed into one of the most highly-rate right-sided players in the lower Nationwide Leagues, and last season he was called up to the Northern Ireland squad, becoming the first Cheltenham Town player ever to earn international recognition.
The summer has yet to see any new arrivals at Whaddon Road, although two players have left the club, goalkeeper Carl Muggleton joining Chesterfield and forward Neil Grayson signing for Forest Green Rovers, both on free transfers.

Cheltenham are definitely a club heading in the right direction, so don’t be surprised if you see them in or around the play-offs come the end of the season, although consolidating their place in Divison Two will go down as a successful season for the Robins.


BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Cheltenham Town the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

40/1

That makes Cheltenham Town the joint 12th favourites to win Divison Two this season along with Port Vale, Swindon Town and Northampton Town.

TRANSFERS

The Cheltenham Town transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
None

PLAYERS OUT
Neil Grayson (Forest Green Rovers - Free Transfer)
Carl Muggleton (Chesterfield - Free Transfer)

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Sunday, July 21, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: CHESTERFIELD

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Chesterfield, who finished 18th in Division Two last season...

A GUIDE TO CHESTERFIELD...

Chesterfield finished 18th in Division Two last season with 52 points, 3 points behind Peterborough United, who finished a place above the Spireites. It was a reasonably successful first season back in Division Two for the club after they had gained promotion from Division Three in the previous campaign after coming 3rd in the League’s basement Division.

The club had been in all sorts of problems during that season, the 2000-01 campaign, amid allegations of financial irregularities, but the Spireites still achieved promotion despite having League points docked as a punishment by the Football League.


Chesterfield are managed by Dave Rushbury (pictured), who was surprisingly handed the job after Nicky Law resigned to take up the post as manager of First Division Bradford City in December 2001. Rushbury had been the caretaker manager of Chesterfield following Law’s departure, and an appointing Rushbury, Spireites chairman Ian Yeowart said, “We feel Dave is in the best position to take the club forward at the present time.”

Rushbury did decent job with the Saltergate-based side as he guided them to safety. He made two new signings as well as he completed a double-raid on Second Division rivals Oldham Athletic for midfielder Mark Innes and striker Mark Allot, as veteran Chesterfield striker David Reeves moved in the opposite direction as part of the deal. Rushbury also moved quickly to replace star striker Luke Beckett, who moved to Stockport County, by snapping up Stockport’s Glynn Hurst in exchange for the forward.


Allott (pictured) initially joined Chesterfield on loan and scored 2 goals in 10 appearances while on loan at Saltergate, having already scored 4 goals for Oldham last season. Impressing Rushbury sufficiently enough to be awarded a permanent move, there are high hopes that Allott can combine with Glynn Hurst and Jamie Burt to score the goals that will at least consolidate Chesterfield’s place in Division Two, and possibly push on for a play-off place.

Middleton born Allott signed professionally for Latics in October 1995 after serving his apprenticeship at Boundary Park. Allott made over 150 appearances for the Latics and is an excellent holding player and ball winner with no little skill on the ball.


The club will rely heavily this season upon defender Steve Blatherwick (pictured). Blatherwick will want to forget last season in which he made only 4 appearances after suffering from injury. Blatherwick’s career began in the Premiership with Nottingham Forest and his first appearance at Saltergate was, in fact, for Forest when they were beaten in Chesterfield’s epic FA Cup run in 1997.

Later that year Blatherwick joined Burnley for £200,000, and he signed Chesterfield for £50,000 in 1998 after an initial loan period. He is highly influential when fit, his staunch defending and mazy up field runs have endeared him to the Spireites fans and they voted him Player of the Year in the 2000-01 season. And, he was in the PFA Divisional side after some magnificent performances when the Spireites were promoted to Division Two. Chesterfield boss Dave Rushbury will be hoping Blatherwick returns to fitness and can stay fit for the season ahead.


The Spireites also have an ex-Hatter amongst their squad. Midfielder Keith Rowland (pictured). Rowland made 12 appearances for Luton during the 2000-01 relegation season, scoring 2 goals, and he was given a free transfer by his club, Queens Park Rangers at the end of that season, at which point he joined Chesterfield.

Ex-Northern Ireland International Rowland, a left-sided midfielder, signed a two-year contract for the Spireites after a successful trial period in the summer of 2001. However, Rowland missed most of last season with injury after rupturing his achilles tendon in September. He did, though, return to first-team action towards the end of the season.

Rowland has over 20 caps for his country and more than 200 League appearances to his name during the last 10 years. He has also represented AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers.

The summer has seen a few changes at Saltergate as Rushbury builds a squad that he believes will be capable of taking the club forward. Out have gone ex-Luton goalkeeper Nathan Abbey, who had been a big hit with the Spireites supporters, and also skipper Ian Breckin, who joined Wigan Athletic for £150,000, a big loss for Rushbury. The club also lost the services of long-serving defender Jamie Hewitt, who scored when the Spireites reached the FA Cup semi-final against Middlesborough in 1997 – he retired. Meanwhile, ex-Northampton midfielder Sean Parrish also left, joining Third Division Kidderminster Harriers on a free transfer.

Abbey was out-of-contract, and had refused to sign a new deal. On releasing Abbey, Rushbury said, “Nathan Abbey was not willing to agree the new contract on offer and, as we are keeping a tight rein on wages, the matter couldn’t have progressed any further. The club have decided to release Nathan so he has the chance to get himself fixed up elsewhere.” Abbey had won the Player of the Year award with Chesterfield, but the 23 year-old ex-Hatter has still yet to find himself a new club.

However, Rushbury has moved to bring in reinforcements. In have come Cheltenham goalkeeper Carl Muggleton on a free transfer as Abbey’s replacement, while Torquay winger Chris Brandon was also signed. In addition, Nottingham Forest defender Kevin Dawson was snapped up – again on a free transfer. 21 year-old Dawson had been unable to break through to Forest’s side, but Rushbury was nevertheless delighted with the capture, saying, “I am delighted that we have been able to sign Kevin, as he comes from Forest with a good pedigree.”

A small club, and certainly not one of the front runners to win Division Two this season, Chesterfield will be looking to at least secure a place in Division Two again come the end of the season, but a play-off push wouldn’t be out of their reach.

BETTING ODDS

Bet 365.co.uk give Chesterfield the following odds of winning the Division Two Championship next season: -

100/1

That makes Chesterfield the joint least favourites to win Divison Two this season along with Colchester United.

TRANSFERS

The Chesterfield transfers for the 2002-03 season so far: -

PLAYERS IN
Chris Brandon (Torquay United - Bosman Free Transfer)
Carl Muggleton (Cheltenham Town - Free Transfer)
Kevin Dawson (Nottingham Forest - Free Transfer)

PLAYERS OUT
Ian Breckin (Wigan Athletic - £150,000)
Sean Parrish (Kidderminster Harriers - Bosman Free Transfer)
Nathan Abbey (Released)
Jamie Hewitt (Retired)

Team Preview By: James Garley
Story date: Friday, July 19, 2002

SQUAD NUMBERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2002-03 SEASON

Luton Town have today released the squad numbers for the players for the 2002-03 season.

The changes see Alan Neilson take the number 3 shirt, while Tony Thorpe replaces the departed Stuart Douglas as Luton's number 9. Thorpe's fellow new teammate, Steve Robinson, wears number 11, while Dean Crowe, who wore 34 last season, replaces Matthew Taylor in the number 15 shirt. Croatian midfielder Ahmet Brkovic, number 35 last season, wears 18 this campaign, and Paul Hughes switches from 28 to 21. The final two changes see David Bayliss move from 30 to 22 and Ian Hillier move from 33 to 23.

The full squad list for the 2002-03 season is, so far: -

1. Mark Ovendale
2. Aaron Skelton
3. Alan Neilson
4. Matthew Spring
5. Russell Perrett
6. Marvin Johnson
7. Adrian Forbes
8. Kevin Nicholls
9. Tony Thorpe
10. Carl Griffiths
11. Steve Robinson
12. Chris Coyne
13. -
14. Andrew Fotiadis
15. Dean Crowe
16. Carl Emberson
17. Emmerson Boyce
18. Ahmet Brkovic
19. Steve Howard
20. Peter Holmes
21. Paul Hughes
22. David Bayliss
23. Ian Hillier
32. Lee Mansell
36. Rob Gillman
38. Michael Leary
39. Stephen O'Leary
40. James Osborn
41. Kevin Foley
Story date: Thursday, July 18, 2002

TEAM PREVIEW: CARDIFF CITY

As the 2002-03 season draws closer, we are building-up to the new campaign by previewing each of the 23 other teams in the Second Division. Today we look at Cardiff City, who just missed out on promotion last season...

A GUIDE TO CARDIFF CITY...

Cardiff City are the bookies’ favourites to win the Second Division Championship this season, after the Bluebirds narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One last time around. Losing in the play-off semi-finals to Stoke City, Cardiff had only just failed to gain automatic promotion after finishing the season on 83 points – just a point behind Reading, who finished second, and level on points with Brentford who came third. Cardiff finished fourth.


The Welsh side are managed by ex-Luton boss Lennie Lawrence, who took over the reigns following the sacking as manager of Alan Cork – a former player for Wimbledon during Joe Kinnear’s time as manager of the Dons. Lawrence (pictured) took over as Hatters’ manager during the 1995-96 season, but he couldn’t prevent a struggling Luton team from being relegated to Division Two. He nearly took the club back into Division One at the first attempt, but Luton lost to Crewe Alexandra in the play-off semi-finals, and, after failing to gain promotion in any of the next 3 season, he was sacked by Mike Watson-Challis when he took over as Luton chairman prior to the 2000-01 campaign. Lawrence was quickly back in the hot-seat though, as Grimsby Town appointed him as manager, but after a season-and-a-half at Blundell Park, he was sacked and took over initially as Director of Football at Cardiff and then as manager midway through last season.

He did well at Ninian Park, guiding the Bluebirds from mid-table to the play-off places and within a touching distance of the play-off final. Amazingly, Cardiff threw away a 2-1first-leg lead against Stoke City to lose 0-2 at Ninian Park in the second-leg and lose 3-2 on aggregate.


Much of Cardiff’s success when Lawrence took over the reigns was the signing of striker Andrew Campbell (pictured). Campbell initially joined Cardiff on loan from Middlesborough, and after becoming an instant success at Ninian Park, he completed a permanent £1 million transfer in February 2002. He scored a very impressive 7 goals in just 8 games for the Bluebirds before an ankle injury saw him miss out on the play-off matches. A former England U-21 international, and a product of Middlesborough’s youth academy, he had scored in their 2-0 FA Cup win over Manchester United last season.

Cardiff are back by a very ambitious chairman, Sam Hammam, who was chairman of Wimbledon when Hatters manager Joe Kinnear was with the Dons. Hammam has ploughed a lot of money into Cardiff, and he surprised many people by paying hefty transfer fees last summer when Cardiff had just achieved promotion from Division Three. Hammam gave ex-boss Alan Cork the money to finance the £1 million capture of Stoke midfielder Graham Kavanagh – Cardiff’s first ever £1 million signing. In addition, Manchester City defender Spencer Prior was snapped up for £600,000 and another Stoke player, striker Peter Thorne, was signed for a cool £2 million. Not that