Hero Takes A Fall

With Northampton Town parting ways with playing legend Ian Sampson as their manager, Nobes looks at how it worked out for others who made a similar transition at their club.

Club legend Ian Sampson had been in charge at Sixfields for just 16 months

"It's not about Sammo the legend," remarked Northampton chairman David Cardoza when explaining the difficulty of the decision to remove boss Ian Sampson from his position last week.

The Cobblers have experienced a disappointing campaign in League Two. Although expected to challenge for the top seven, new boss Gary Johnson finds his side lying well off the pace in 16th, a full 12 points off the play offs.

Sampson spent a decade serving Town as a player, making the second most appearances in a claret shirt. He then joined the club's coaching staff before replacing Stuart Gray in the top job in September 2010.

He oversaw an encouraging second half of the campaign, eventually steering Northampton to 11th, but has been unable to build on that momentum this term.

Despite a memorable League Cup victory on penalties over Liverpool, it's the bread and butter which has let Town down. Events at Anfield couldn't disguise underachievement at Sixfields.

Not that Sampson is the first, and he won't be the last, to have a go managing the club he represented with distinction as a player. Here's my look at how it turned out for a few others:


Roberto Martinez (Swansea City)

The Spaniard only spent four seasons as a player in South Wales, but became a fans' favourite for his cultured displays in midfield as captain of the Swans.

He helped guide them away from relegation to the Conference in 2003 before playing an important role in their promotion to League One in 2005.

He was controversially released by boss Kenny Jackett at the end of the next season - a move which upset many City fans.

Less than a year later he had returned to the Liberty to replace Jackett as manager and took them to the League One title in his first full season playing a brand of attractive passing football.

Consolidated them in the Championship before leaving for Wigan - arguably laying the foundations for Swansea's current push for the Premier League.


Bryan Gunn (Norwich City)

A Scot by birth, Gunn is an adopted son of Norfolk after spending more than a decade between the sticks as Norwich keeper.

He was twice voted player of the season during his time at Carrow Road, and was part of the side which, in 1993, finish 3rd in the Premier League - the club's highest ever finish.

A member of the Norwich team who upset Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup during the '90s as well as the Canaries' Hall of Fame. There's even a club at the ground named after him.

Initially was a goalkeeping coach at City before stepping up to replace Glenn Roeder as boss in January 2009. However, he was unable to stop Norwich sliding into League One at the end of the season.

He retained his post only to be removed after the first game of the new season, a 7-1 thrashing at home to Colchester.


Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)

Howe joined his local club as a youngster and spent the majority of his playing career with Bournemouth before leaving for Portsmouth in 2002.

However, he suffered an injury-hit time at Fratton Park and eventually re-joined the Cherries, initially on loan, before fans helped raise money to re-sign him permanently.

He progressed to the role of reserve team boss before taking over as caretaker manager from Jimmy Quinn with the club staring relegation to the Conference in the face.

The Football League's youngest boss engineered a great escape, despite an 18-point deduction. Then, last term, not even a transfer embargo could prevent him leading the Cherries to promotion to the third tier.

Before leaving to take over at Championship Burnley in January, Howe had taken Bournemouth into contention for back-to-back promotions.


John Askey (Macclesfield Town)

When Askey first joined the Silkmen, they were plying their trade in to the Northern Premier League. However, he helped them win the title in 1987 and gain promotion to the Conference.

During his time at the Moss Rose as a player, Macc twice won the Conference title and also secured the FA Trophy before finally reaching the Football League in 1997.

Twelve months later, Askey had again played a major role in Sammy McIlroy's side's elevation to League One as they secured successive promotions.

By the time of his final game for the club in 2003 he was assistant to boss David Moss, and stepped up to replace Moss a few months later - overseeing an improvement in results for the struggling Silkmen.

As they began to struggle again though he stepped down to assist the experienced Brian Horton as Macclesfield avoided the drop and then qualified for the play offs in 2005. Now in charge of the Town Youth Team.


Steve Tilson (Southend United)

As a player with Southend in the '90s, Tilson was part of the Shrimpers side who secured back-to-back promotions into the Championship.

After retiring as a player he joined the club's Centre of Excellence before being named caretaker manager of the first team in 2003 after the departure of Steve Wignall.

Tilson helped keep United in League Two and guided them to consecutive Football League Trophy finals, although they ended up on the losing side on both occasions.

However, in his first full season he took Southend to promotion via the play offs and a year later they had repeated his feat as a player - winning back-to-back promotions as League One winners.

He couldn't keep them in the Championship though, and eventually left the club after financial problems condemned them to relegation to League Two last season. Now at Lincoln.


Stuart McCall (Bradford City)

The Yorkshireman began his career at Bradford and during his first spell at the club was part of their third tier title winning side in 1985.

He returned to the Bantams in 1998 and captained them as they secured a place in the top flight of English football for the first time in 77 years.

They stayed there for a couple of years and, after retiring and spending time assisting Neil Warnock at Sheffield United, McCall returned to Valley Parade for a third time in 2007.

On this occasion it was as manager, with the club newly relegated to the basement division. Despite lofty expectations, he failed to guide them to the play offs in his first two seasons.

Persuaded to stay on by supporters, he eventually resigned midway through his third campaign - again with the Bantams struggling to make the top seven. Now managing at Motherwell.


Jim Gannon (Stockport County)

As player with Stockport, Gannon spent a decade helping the Hatters to two Football League Trophy finals as well as a couple of promotions.

Hugely popular with the Edgeley Park faithful, after retirement and a move into management in Ireland, the club turned to him to aid their battle against relegation to the Conference in 2005.

He helped them escape the drop on the final day of the season and then transformed them into a young side playing good football which, two years later, won promotion via the play offs.

However, County's financial turmoil saw him unable to take the club much further, and they only narrowly avoided the drop back to the basement division.

He was made redundant by cost-cutting County at the conclusion of the 2008/9 season. Now at Port Vale, but is constantly linked with a return to the Stockport job.


Mick Harford (Luton Town)

Often voted the best ever player for the Bedfordshire club, Harford spent six years with Luton during the 1980s.

During his time with the Hatters, he helped Ray Harford's men win the 1988 League Cup and preserve their top flight status. He also appeared for the England senior side.

He spent a short spell at Derby before returning to Kenilworth Road again, almost scoring the goals to keep Town amongst the country's elite. However, he left after relegation.

Harford was assistant to Joe Kinnear in 2001, helping Luton win promotion from League Two before leaving a couple of years later. He returned as manager himself in 2008, with the cash-strapped Hatters facing relegation back to the basement division.

Docked 30 points, he was at the helm as Luton crashed into the Conference in 2009, but did secure them the Football League Trophy. He left the club early on last term after a poor start to the campaign.


Ronnie Moore (Rotherham United)

Now in his second spell as manager of the Millers, Moore has a long and successful connection with the South Yorkshire club.

He first went to the club as a player in the '80s. His goalscoring exploits over three years made him a terrace favourite and saw him recently voted United's greatest ever player.

In 1997, he returned to Millmoor as manager and guided the club to successive promotions to the Championship where, despite a comparatively small budget, he kept them for four seasons.

Eventually, with relegation looking likely, he departed in 2005. However, he returned to Rotherham last season to replace Mark Robins.

Moore took the Millers to the play off final where they were beaten by Dagenham. They are once again in contention for promotion from League Two this term.


Brian Tinnion (Bristol City)

Despite being a man of the North East, 450 appearances over 12 years as a player at Ashton Gate means Bristol is the city most associated with Tinnion.

He was part of the Robins side who fluctuated between the second and third tiers during the '90s - winning promotion in 1998 but suffering relegation in 1995 and 1999.

Working with the club's youth system, Tinnion was already being groomed for the top job before becoming a player coach under Danny Wilson as City once again fought for promotion from League One.

He replaced Wilson as manager after successive play off failures, but in his first year at the helm Tinnion was unable to even guide the Robins into the top six.

A poor start to the next season saw him resign from his post following a 7-1 thrashing at Swansea left City in the relegation zone.

Big Match Review - Rotherham 0 Barnet 0

Rotherham United 0-0 Barnet

Saturday March 5, Don Valley Stadium, (Att:3,566)

Struggling Barnet picked up a precious point in their battle against the drop as they frustrated a promotion-hunting Rotherham side who ended the contest with ten men.

The Millers dominated proceedings in the first period, with Adam Le Fondre being the first to test Bees keeper Jake Cole before Tom Newey also saw an effort saved.

Jason Taylor then saw another shot stopped by the Barnet custodian as Ronnie Moore's men continued to press for a goal before the break.

After the interval, the South Yorkshire outfit continued to test their opponents , but struggled to make the breakthrough.

That frustration to score boiled over on 70 minutes when Newey saw red after an altercation with the visitors' Izale McLeod.

With a numerical advantage, the Londoners pushed forwards late on in search of an unlikely winner and went close when United keeper Andy Warrington did well to tip a long range effort from Jordan Parkes over.

Warrington was again called on upon to ensure Rotherham earned a point - tipping over Sam Deering's drive to deny the Bees.

A point apiece sees Rotherham remain just outside the automatic promotion places in 4th. Just goal difference is keeping struggling Barnet from bottom spot though.

Big Match Preview - Rotherham vs. Barnet

Rotherham United vs. Barnet

Saturday March 5, 15:00, Don Valley Stadium

Two sides with differing attitudes towards remaining in League Two next year meet in South Yorkshire this weekend as Rotherham United play host to Barnet.

The visitors come into the game with their place in the Football League under serious threat while the Millers are hoping to make up for play off final disappointment last season by winning promotion this.

In short, it's been a disastrous season for Barnet, with the London outfit coming into the game sitting in the bottom two and a couple of points behind a Burton side who have five games in hand on them.

The appointment of former Gillingham boss Mark Stimson during the summer proved an unmitigated disaster with the Bees collecting just 19 points from his 22 games at the helm.

His sacking on New Year's Day saw the man in charge of the club's youth development, Paul Fairclough, return to his post as manager on a temporary basis.

The Bees have enjoyed a slight upturn in fortunes under his stead, collecting two wins, five draws, and four defeats from his 11 matches in charge. However, it's more three point hauls they require to survive.

Fortunately, one of those victories was a 3-1 success at Bradford, their only win from 16 matches on the road. Last weekend's beating of Lincoln was their first victory in nine matches however.

With a strike force containing Izale McLeod and Steve Kabba though, both of whom have seven goals to their name this term, Barnet have the necessary firepower to cause any League Two defence problems.

The experienced Paul Fairclough has a fight for survival on his hands at Barnet

Opponents Rotherham are flying high at the top end of the division - currently sitting 4th in the standings after Tuesday's evening 1-1 against Torquay.

Their form at their temporary home of the Don Valley Stadium has been sound too, with just two losses being incurred at the hands of Wycombe and Southend.

Nine team have been seen off to collect maximum spoils though. Barnet will hope not to go the same way as Lincoln, Cheltenham, Chesterfield, Oxford, Aldershot, Port Vale, Stockport, Accrington, and Crewe before them.

Given too many stalemates on home soil cost them a place in the top three last term, boss Ronnie Moore will be keen to ensure there is no repeat this time around with no slips up in a game they should win.

Without question the man who Moore will be looking to to elevate United into the third tier is top scorer Adam Le Fondre. The Millers marksmen has already got 21 goals this term and is their key goal threat.

Striker Ryan Taylor has also enjoyed a profitable campaign in front of goal with nine strikes, and midfielder Marcus Marshall has also been a creative threat for Rotherham.

It almost seems too obvious given the two sides' respective league positions, as well as Rotherham's strong home form and Barnet's travel sickness, to go for a Millers victory.

However, I'm nothing if not predictable, so without sticking my neck out much at all, this is a game Rotherham really should be winning if they're serious about promotion.

Nobes' Prediction: Rotherham United 2 Barnet 1

Tired Of Hanging Around

With Leeds and Norwich in the Championship, Bournemouth in League One, and League Two Oxford all vying for back-to-back promotions, Nobes looks back on other sides who've done the same in recent years - and what happened next.

Up from League One last year, Leeds and Norwich are fighting for successive promotions

Promotion for one, or both, of Leeds and Norwich at the end of this season would cap an incredible turnaround in fortunes at both Elland and Carrow Roads in the past two years.

The pair both won promotion from League One last term and have continued their momentum this term in challenging at the top end of the Championship. Successive elevations aren't out of the question.

League One Bournemouth, too, are also gunning for successive promotions after their against-all-odds promotion last season. Oxford, after their exile in the Conference, have also returned stronger and are mounting a play off push.

While continued success may sound like a dream scenario though, is there an argument for rising too far too soon? Here's my look at some of the other sides who've won back-to-back promotions and how they fared afterwards.


Watford 1997-1999

Graham Taylor, in his second spell in charge at Vicarage Road, guided the Hornets to the third tier title in 1997/8.

Twelve months later, and they had completed a return to the top flight for the first time in more than a decade - beating Bolton in the play off final.

However, after their quick ascent, they found themselves well short in the Premier League. Watford finished bottom, a full 12 points adrift of safety.

Relegated back down to the Championship, it took them another six years before they returned to the top tier for another single year.


Rotherham United 1999-2001

The Millers made it two promotions on the spin during the first managerial spell of current boss Ronnie Moore.

They finished runners-up in both the basement division and then, to everyone's surprise, in the third tier, too, as they returned to the Championship for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Despite small crowds and limited resources, there they remained for four seasons before tumbling back down the ladder due to financial problems.


Brighton & Hove Albion 2000-2002

Not since the mid-1980s during Oxford's rise up the footballing ladder had a team won successive championships.

That changed at the beginning of the new Millennium when Brighton went from the basement division to the Championship - winning both divisions along the way.

Firstly, Micky Adams took Albion to the 1999/2000 League Two title and then, when he left mid-way through the next campaign to join Leicester, replacement Peter Taylor kept the Seagulls on course for consecutive titles and promotions.

Their sudden rise, allied with cramped facilities at the Withdean, ensured Brighton were instantly relegated - although they did manage to bounce back at the first time of asking under Mark McGhee's stewardship.

Currently top of League One - dreaming of a return to the Championship ready for playing in their brand new ground at Falmer.


Doncaster Rovers 2002-2004

Rovers spent five years in the Conference after falling out of the Football League in 1998.

However, they became the first ever Conference play off winners in 2003.

In unknown waters, people predicted the second team to come up to struggle, but Donny shocked everyone by romping away with the League Two crown.

Dave Penney's side comfortably held their own in the third tier before winning promotion to their current position in the Championship in 2008 under his successor, Sean O'Driscoll.


Hull City 2003-2005

The year Doncaster won the basement division title, many people's favourites had been big spending Hull City.

With the experienced Peter Taylor at the helm, and playing in the brand new KC Stadium, the Tigers had to settle for second spot and promotion though.

Twelve months later, and they had made it successive promotions - as runners-up in League One to Luton. Taylor ensured City stabilised in the second tier before Phil Brown led them into the top flight in 2008 for the first time in their history.

They hung around for a couple of seasons before falling back down last May.


Southend United 2004-2006

After years of mid-table mediocrity in League Two, local lad Steve Tilson engineered a dramatic turnaround in fortunes at Southend.

The Shrimpers were victorious in the 2005 play-off final against Lincoln to gain elevation into League One.

There, they shocked everyone by winning the title - pipping local rivals Colchester to boot - and gain a return to the Championship for the first time in a decade.

They only lasted a year there, and although they went close to returning, off-field financial troubles saw them relegated back down to League Two for this season.


Carlisle United 2004-2006

The masters of avoiding relegation from the Football League finally paid the price for previous close-calls in 2003 when a disastrous start cost the Cumbrians their League Two place.

They bounced back at the first time of asking - Paul Simpson's men beating Stevenage in the play off final.

United then followed in Doncaster's footsteps by winning the League Two title the very next season.

Now firmly consolidated in the third tier of English football - as well as performing their usual JPT heroics.


Peterborough United 2007-2009

Ambitious owner Darragh MacAnthony fuelled back-to-back promotions in the Fens as Posh made it from League Two to the Championship.

Darren Ferguson led the Cambridgeshire side to runners-up positions behind Milton Keynes and then Leicester in successive seasons to return United to the second tier for the first time since 1994.

However, Posh struggled badly last term, culminating in Ferguson getting the boot and three other managers failing to stave off relegation.

Now back in League One and back under Ferguson's control.


Exeter City 2007-2009

The Devon side were the first victims of two-up two-down between the Football League and Conference in 2003.

They remained there for five years, losing out in the 2007 play off final to Morecambe before 12 months later returning to Wembley and beating Cambridge to win promotion.

Paul Tisdale's Grecians then finished as runners-up in League Two behind Brentford as they secured a return to the third tier for the first time in 15 years.

They battled against the drop last term, eventually ensuring survival on the final day to secure another year in League One.


What do we learn from a look in the history books? Certainly for Norwich and Leeds, winning successive promotions into the Premier League is rare. Watford found the step-up too big, but then they are a much smaller club.

They would find it hard, like all promoted sides in the top flight do, but would stand a better chance than most of staying up.

For Bournemouth, clubs of similar stature like Peterborough and Rotherham have found the going tough after their rapid ascent into the Championship. With their financial limitations, the Cherries probably would too.

Oxford have cause to be optimistic though. Plenty of promoted Conference clubs have gone straight through the basement division and none of them have been relegated immediately.

With their resources, they should feel confident that a second successive promotion can be the platform for establishing themselves back in the third tier.

Wherever I Lay My Hat

Nobes on three League Two teams - Chesterfield, Morecambe, and Rotherham - and the impact of the places they call their home ground.

Chesterfield moved into the b2net stadium over the summer

There's no place like it, so goes the old saying, anyway. In football terms, your form there can make or break a season - the difference between success and failure.

And, if you're a Gillingham fan, it's the only place you've seen your side win a league game at in the past 18 months. It's difficult to downplay the importance of home matches.

Which is why the current trend of clubs moving to new purpose built stadia - a topic I discussed towards the end of last season - throws up the fascinating scenario of a 'bedding in' period.

After all, a new stadium doesn't just affect off the field issues - bringing the all-important incremental revenue that a seven-day facility offers a lower league club.

It also provides the team, players, and coaching staff with the kind of facility they should enjoy playing in. A facility which should make all of their lives more comfortable and easier. Anything to inspire them to perform better when they cross that white line.

Inspire it can, too - as a quick glance at the League Two table can tell you. Despite Saturday's 2-1 loss to Burton, Chesterfield sit proudly top of the division largely thanks to an imperious home record.

While the Brewers may have left the new b2net stadium with maximum spoils last weekend, the home side have pocketed seven wins and a draw from their other eight games there.

The Derbyshire club really have made themselves at home - crucially continuing the fine home record at former ground Saltergate which saw them finish just a couple of points shy of last term's top seven.

In truth, that was a third season of underachievement from a squad which should have made the play offs at least.

Indeed, the Spireites are currently experiencing somewhat of a prolonged spell in the fourth tier of the English game, having spent 11 out of 12 years in League One between 1995 and 2007.

This is a club who feel they belong at a higher level and, with the aid of a new ground, hope to finally get things right on the pitch to return to it.

It certainly seems to have captured the attention of the Chesterfield public - with attendances massively increased as the town seem to reflect the mood - that this new stadium is the start of better things for their club.

Contrast their mood though, with that of League Two rivals Morecambe. The Lancashire outfit also moved grounds in the summer - from the antiquated Christie Park to sparkling new Globe Arena.

Morecambe have struggled to find their form at the Globe Arena

It appeared to come at just the right time for the Shrimps, too. A couple of years of consolidating in the Football League following promotion in 2007 had been followed by an outstanding 4th placed finish.

Although Sammy McIlroy's side were eventually unsuccessful in their promotion attempt, the future appeared bright for the men from the Bay. Morecambe were a club moving forwards both on and off the pitch.

However, much of their success had been built on a solid home record belying the resort famous for its shifting quicksands. Only Champions Notts County and runners-up Bournemouth had better home form than the Shrimps last season.

Just three sides managed to leave with all the spoils. However, after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Lincoln, two away teams have already won at the Globe in the nine league games played to date.

The loss to the Imps leaves Morecambe sitting just a couple of points above the relegation zone. True while they've been slow starters in previous seasons and recovered, they could always rely on their home form to see them through.

Not any more. Unlike with Chesterfield, Morecambe's relocation has so far not transferred to an improvement on the field of play.

Perhaps that's because, like so many smaller clubs in a division, an old-fashioned and dilapidated ground can actually be used in their favour.

Christie Park, although full of character, was a tight ground. The home fans were close to the pitch, the dressing room facilities not the best, and the pitch unreliable.

In short, it was not the easiest of away grounds for teams to visit. By moving, Morecambe may have increased their options off the pitch, but have surrendered an advantage on it.

At the Globe Arena, visiting teams are afforded brand new facilities and a good, big pitch on which to play.

Unlike at Christie Park, where the home players would know about any kinks in the pitch they could use to their advantage, or where the ball might bounce higher or run faster, they are still getting used to their new surroundings.

Morecambe's home might have their name on the entrance, but they've yet to find their slippers.

Rotherham are in their third season at the Don Valley Stadium

Imagine then, the difficulties of a third League Two outfit, Rotherham, to get to grips with their surroundings.

Ground-sharing isn't a new concept, the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and famously Bristol Rovers at Bath's Twerton Park have found themselves playing outside their home town because of ground issues.

Like Albion though - who thankfully finally move to their impressive new ground at Falmer next year - Rotherham are currently trying to make an athletics stadium their home.

Disputes with landlords at their traditional Millmoor ground forced the Yorkshire club to use Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium as their temporary home.

The vast, often wind-swept, arena is hardly conducive to hosting football - with large parts of the 25,000 seating uncovered and difficult to make a noise from.

The typical problem of an athletics track surrounding the playing area also detaches fans from the action.

Despite their impressive league performances in the two seasons they've been playing in the Steel City, the Millers haven't won as many games as they have won in their temporary home.

Last season was a case in point - United were the only one of the top seven teams in League Two to win more games away from home than on their own patch.

While fans will rightly point to the team and tactics of manager Ronnie Moore perhaps lending themselves better to playing away, it's hard to imagine that playing at the Don Valley actually helps the Millers.

News earlier this year then that the club revealed plans for a new 12,000 capacity stadium to be built in Rotherham in the next couple of years can only be seen as a massive boost to United's future.

Of course, they'll be hoping any settling in period to their new home will be significantly more like near neighbours Chesterfield's rather than that of Morecambe's.

That's because even in these days where packed midfields and lone strikers seem to lend themselves to life on the road, good home form makes life so much easier. Just ask a Gillingham fan.

Old Heads Still have Moore to give

Ahead of the League Two play-off final, Nobes looks at two older managers who keep going strong.

Dagenham boss John Still has vast experience in the Football and Non Leagues

Football is more fashionable than ever however, football, like fashion, has its trends. Whether it's for certain formations or certain players or for a certain type of manager.

Recently, it's the up-and-coming young managers which have become the 'in-thing' for club chairmen to pursue. You can understand why too - they've been successful.

Promotions in the Football League this season have been achieved by Messrs Di Matteo, Lambert, Grayson, Hill, and Howe - all young managers.

However, the final curtain of the 2009/10 campaign on Sunday is being brought down by two of the older statesmen who've graced technical areas up and down the country this term.

The Dagenham & Redbridge boss, John Still, is 60, and his Rotherham counterpart, Ronnie Moore, is only two years his junior.

Of the permanent managers in the Football League this term, only QPR boss Neil Warnock is older.

It's that experience and years working in the game which have served both managers, in their differing circumstances, so well. It is also part of the reason why they've led their respective clubs to the brink of League One.

Dagenham's success this season has been against all the odds. The East London outfit have one of the smallest budgets in the division and attract some of the smallest crowds.

If football, as so many believe, is determined by wealth and resources, then the Daggers shouldn't be at Wembley this weekend. They have punched above their weight and then some.

Much of the credit for that achievement must go to Still. In a managerial career spanning 30 years, he has cultivated an understanding and knowledge of the Non League circuit working at places like Dartford and Maidstone United.

He expanded his knowledge of the Football League during his time at Peterborough and Barnet. It's been the club he considers as 'his' which have really reaped the benefits of his years of experience though.

Still took Dagenham to the Conference title in 2007, and last season they missed out on the play-offs by a single point. This term they've gone one better.

Using his Non League contacts, he's managed his small budget to construct a side of young, hungry players determined to show that they can cut it in the Football League.

No side works harder, no team has forwards that run more tirelessly, no side has a better team spirit. If Dagenham are a family club, then the players are part of that family - and Still the father.

The decision of top scorer Paul Benson to turn down the advances of big-spending Shrewsbury last summer to stay at Victoria Road was testament to the positive atmosphere around the club.

It's also a sign that the Daggers can survive and prosper at this level through bringing through and nurturing young players from Non League and selling them on for a profit.

Critics can, and will, point to an unattractive long-ball style - but it is an example of the pragmatism which accompanies Still's experience.

Dagenham are not an attractive side to watch but, on their budget, they would struggle to be sign the footballers who could play a fluid and competitive style of play.

Now, the wise old head of Still has led his young team to within 90 minutes of the third tier of English football - and in doing so demolished Morecambe 7-2 over two legs in the play-off semis.

Ronnie Moore could secure his third promotion as Rotherham boss

His rival in the opposite dugout at the national stadium will also be hoping to count on his many years as a manager to help his side over the finishing line though.

Like Still, he has also worked in the Non Leagues - his first job coming at Southport, close to his native Merseyside, in the mid '90s.

However, it wasn't long before he moved to take over as manager of Rotherham, where he enjoyed a successful three seasons as a prolific striker.

His achievement in taking the Millers to successive promotions and into the Championship between 1999 and 2001 confirmed his status as a hero amongst the fans.

On a tight budget he also helped them survive in the second tier and enjoy, against the odds, four successive seasons amongst some of the big guns of English football.

When he returned to the club to replace Mark Robins in September, he also showed wisdom in not changing a winning formula too much. It would have tempting to have put his own stamp on the team - but he has resisted the urge.

No doubts he will also have the good grace, should they go up, to pay tribute to the work that his predecessor - and former player - did before moving across South Yorkshire to Barnsley.

Moore's experience in dealing with tight promotion races and relegation contests has also been important in what was a uniquely close contest for the top seven places in League Two this term.

Indeed, as the Millers hit a rocky patch in the last couple of months and even looked like slipping out of the play-off places, the manager kept his cool and was steadfast in the confidence he had in his team.

That confidence was repaid as Rotherham showed a clinical touch and rock-solid defence in their play-off semi final with Aldershot.

They rose their game for the big occasion as their opponents floundered - winning both matches without conceding.

It would also be fair to say that his bitter experience at Tranmere last term - finishing just outside the play-offs only to be sacked - has acted as motivation not to miss out on a chance for promotion this time.

Whoever emerges with another promotion to add to his CV after Sunday's match though, Still and Moore have shown that experienced managers still have a lot to offer.

League Two Play Off Final: Preview

League Two Play Off Final

Dagenham & Rebridge vs. Rotherham United

Sunday May 30, 15:00, Wembley

Hands up who predicted these two would contest the League Two play-off final all the way back in August? No, I didn't think so.

That's the beauty of the unpredictable nature of football, I suppose. However, here it is - rank outsiders Dagenham against a Rotherham side most people expected to be already promoted. One will be playing in League One next term.

I'd be lying if I said I was a complete neutral on this one. The Daggers are old rivals of the Skyrockets. I can't pretend that I'd be over the moon to see a club no bigger than us competing in the third tier next year.

However, it'd be churlish of me not to recognise what an immense job the wily old John Still has pulled off this season with Dagenham. They came so close to the top seven last season that you felt they'd missed their chance. Not so.

Having said that, you think his greatest concern in training this week would have been whether the Wembley roof will be closed on Sunday. Daggers play the kind of route one game that would make even Sam Allardyce blush.

In some ways, I think it's kind of appropriate. They're from the unfashionable East End of London. This is Steptoe and Son in footballing terms. Jellied Eels replace the half time oranges and the players get into the zone pre-match with a chorus of 'Knees Up Mother Brown.'

Indeed, if Del Boy and Rodney were playing football then you'd fully expect them to be running around like headless chickens waiting to see where the ball would bounce after being launched into space from the back. That's the Dagenham way.

To be fair, it's been the majority of League Two that's been left to look like plonkers though - particularly Morecambe who were thrashed 6-0 in the first leg the semi final.

They've already massively overachieved on their resources and crowds to get here. A squad of young, hungry Non League gems and a smattering of League experience has taken them to the brink of games against Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday next term.

Ironically, their only other play-off campaign - in 2003's Conference - started with a semi final against Morecambe and ended with defeat to a South Yorkshire side - Doncaster - in the final.

Rotherham did the double over Dagenham & Redbridge during the regular season

This time, it's Rotherham United who will provide the Yorkshire opposition. For the Millers, this is their chance to make up for slipping out of the automatic promotion race they expected to triumph in.

It's been a strange campaign for Rotherham. It began with Mark Robins at the helm and expectations high after recovering so well from starting on -17 points the previous campaign.

Those expectations looked likely to be fulfilled after a good start but Robins was poached by neighbours Barnsley. So, United turned to the past for their future.

Back came the popular Ronnie Moore - who took them into the Championship in 2001. To a certain extent though, he's struggled to reach the same heights in his second coming.

However, after they came off the rails towards the end of the regular season, they firmly got back on track in the play-off semis against Aldershot. Clinical and efficient, they won both legs without conceding.

That gives them confidence ahead of what is really a game they will be expected to win. Millers fans should comfortably outnumber their Dagenham counterparts, and Rotherham did the double over Dagenham this year.

For those hoping that one side will be able to provide them with some entertaining football, then they're in for a disappointment. Moore's teams have always put substance before style.

They don't quite reach the same levels - quite literally - as Dagenham's long-ball style, but those celebrating come full time can expect a sore neck as well as a sore head the following morning.

Who will be celebrating though? You get the feeling that one team will just be happy to be there, whereas the other know they simply have to win.

There's also a trend of sides punching above their weight playing a long-ball style in League Two but finding the final a game too far. It's happened to Lincoln, Grimsby, and Shrewsbury in recent years.

All which doesn't bode well for the Daggers. Rotherham also seemed to raise their game against Aldershot and perhaps just have the experience to take this one.

Nobes' Prediction: Dagenham & Redbridge 0 Rotherham United 2

League Two Play Offs: Ties Preview

Having previewed all the four teams competing in the League Two play-offs, Nobes takes a closer look at the two ties.





Morecambe vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

First leg: Sunday May 16, 13:30, Victoria Road
Second leg: Thursday May 20, 19:45, Christie Park


Form (last six games):

Morecambe: WWWLLW
Dagenham & Redbridge: WWLWWD

Previous meetings:

Morecambe 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge, April 24, Christie Park
Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Morecambe, September 26, Victoria Road

The tie:

This tie pits together two clubs promoted together from the Conference just three years ago.

Morecambe and Dagenham have massively overachieved given their resources and will be happy just to be competing in the play-offs.

Both sides enjoyed decent run-ins, albeit Dagenham faced easier opposition than the Shrimps.

Crucially, Morecambe beat Dagenham in the run-in at home, which looks ominous for the second leg.

Given their home advantage in the return leg and the promotion experience of boss Sammy McIlroy, the Lancashire side hold most of the aces.

Prediction: Morecambe





Rotherham United vs. Aldershot Town

First leg: May 15, 18:00, Recreation Ground
Second leg: May 19, 19:45, Don Valley Stadium

Form (last six games):

Rotherham United: LDWDWL
Aldershot Town: LWWDLD

Previous meetings:

Aldershot Town 3-0 Rotherham United, April 5, Recreation Ground
Rotherham United 0-0 Aldershot Town, October 31, Don Valley Stadium

The tie:

Rotherham fans would have hoped for automatic promotion this season. So it's without a doubt that the Millers come into the play-offs under the greatest pressure.

They also enter the end of season lottery in the poorest form of the four sides. Ronnie Moore's side have stumbled over the finishing line and will need to up their game.

Opponents Aldershot have had an inconsistent end to the season, but always remain very difficult to handle at home.

If anything, they'll probably be happy to have the first leg at the Recreation Ground.

If they can catch Rotherham cold and take a lead to South Yorkshire in the second leg, then Kevin Dillon's side can cap off a fine season with an appearance at Wembley.

Prediction: Aldershot Town

League Two Play Offs: Teams Preview

The League Two play-offs start this weekend.

It's largely a contest between the surprise packages of the season with Morecambe facing Dagenham while Aldershot pit their wits against one of the pre-season favourites, Rotherham.

Only one will join Notts County, Bournemouth, and Rochdale in League One next season though. Nobes looks at the teams involved.


Final top of the table:
............................................P....GD.....PTS
1. Notts County.....................46.....65......93
2. Bournemouth.....................46.....17......83
3. Rochdale...........................46.....34......82
--------------------------------------------------------
4. Morecambe........................46......9.......73
5. Rotherham United...............46......3.......73
6. Aldershot Town..................46.....13......72
7. Dagenham & Redbridge........46......11.....72
--------------------------------------------------------
8. Chesterfield.......................46......-1......70





Morecambe






Story of the season:

Pre-season dark horses for the top seven, Morecambe won one of their first 11 matches.

However, a run of seven straight wins in the autumn propelled them into the play-off places.

They remained in the hunt for a top seven spot and seven wins in their last nine matches secured them top spot in the play-off positions.

Manager:

The experienced Sammy McIlroy has established Morecambe as serious members of the Football League since winning promotion with them in 2007.

The Northern Irishman won promotion from the basement division with Macclesfield in 1998 - after bringing them into the Football League twelve months earlier.

Likes his teams to play good football, but Morecambe are well capable of dealing with the physical side of League Two as well.

Strength:

Christie Park has been a fortress for the Shrimps this term. They have lost just three times at home this season - fewer than any of their play-off rivals.

They're unbeaten in their last nine at home - winning eight of them - including against play-off opponents Dagenham.

The second leg will also be their final ever game at their home before moving to their new stadium in August.

Weakness:

Morecambe's away form is the weakest of the four sides - losing 10 of their 23 games, conceding 40 goals along the way.

Although there will be a carnival atmosphere for the second leg too, the pressure will be even greater as Morecambe try and give their home a good send-off.

Key players:

The acquisition of Phil Jevons, on-loan from Huddersfield, has proved inspired by McIlroy. The former Bristol City man has notced 19 goals this term.

Midfielder Stewart Drummond [left] is an experienced campaigner who is an important creative influence from the centre of the park.

Centre half and long-serving captain Jim Bentley is typical of a strong and combative defence which will be tested by Dagenham's aerial style.



Play-off history:

During their time in the Conference, Morecambe reached the play-offs on three occasions.

They made the inaugural play-offs in 2003 under Jim Harvey where they lost out to Dagenham over two legs in the semi finals.

In 2006, Sammy McIlroy's side lost in the semi finals again, this time to eventual winners Hereford.

However, twelve months later they were victorious. After seeing off York in the semis, they came from behind to beat Exeter 2-1 at Wembley and secure promotion to the Football League.

League One pedigree:

This is only Morecambe's third season in the Football League. Their previous two have ended in very creditable 11th placed finishes. Prior to that, they spent 11 seasons in the Conference.






Rotherham United





Story of the season:

Topped the table early on under Mark Robins, but saw their manager leave to take over at Barnsley. His replacement was former boss Ronnie Moore.

They suffered a dip in form in the autumn but remained solidly in the race for the top three into the spring.

However, a run of just two wins in their final nine matches saw them finish well off the automatic promotion pace in 5th.

Manager:

Ronnie Moore spent eight years with the Millers until leaving in 2005, but returned for a second spell earlier this term.

The experienced Liverpudlian masterminded their original rise from the basement division to the Championship ten years ago.

Operates with a direct, uncompromising style of play.

Strength:

Just 18 goals conceded at their Don Valley Stadium home gives the Millers a strong defensive base in the all important second leg.

With 11 victories, no side in League Two won more matches away from home than Rotherham this term.

Weakness:

Their adopted Don Valley home has not been the happiest of surroundings. Ten home wins is the fewest of all the top seven sides.

A solid defensive record is also tempered by the fact they only managed 29 goals in their 23 home matches - again the fewest goals in the top seven.

They also enter the play-offs in the poorest form of the four sides.

Key players:

With 25 goals, Adam Le Fondre [left] is one of the division's top scorers this season. He will carry the burden of scoring the goals to win Rotherham promotion.

Left sided midfielder Kevin Ellison has experience of the play-offs with Lincoln and is a danger going forwards - as well as chipping in with goals himself.

Vastly experienced keeper Andy Warrington has had another good season and has promotion and play-off experience with Doncaster.



Play-off history:

Rotherham's only previous appearance in the play-offs came during Moore's first spell as manager in 1999.

There they lost out to Leyton Orient in the League Two semi finals on penalties.

League One pedigree:

The Millers were in the third tier for most of the '90s but spent three years in League Two after relegation in 1997.

They won promotion to the Championship in 2001 - where they stayed for four seasons - and were demoted to League Two in 2007.




Aldershot Town






Story of the season:

Started the season promisingly under Gary Waddock - who was promptly poached by Wycombe.

Kevin Dillon was brought in as his successor and maintained the club's challenge for a place in the play-offs.

A run of just one win in seven saw them slip to 12th in February, but eight wins in their last 14 matches secured them 6th place.

Manager:

Formerly assistant to to Steve Coppell at Reading, the Shots job is Kevin Dillon's first as a manager.

The 50-year-old has continued from where Gary Waddock left off, only slightly tinkering with the side's natural attacking instinct.

Has experience of the play-offs last season from his time with the Royals.

Strength:

They are a side with the potential, when they click, to blow sides away - emphasised by them having the biggest goal difference of the play-off teams

Aldershot are also a side who have been developing and growing over the last three years since winning the Conference and being promoted.

They face the side with the highest expectations, which must also work in their favour.

Weakness:

Can they go any further? Aldershot have already exceeded expectations, how much more can they give?

Dillon is still a managerial novice and the play-offs are a different kettle of fish than the normal season.

They also took four points off Rotherham in the regular season - without conceding a goal. Will this mean their opponents are due a win and are out for revenge?

Key players:

The powerful Marvin Morgan [left] is the Shots top scorer this season with 16 and will be a handful for defenders in the play-offs.

Pacy left sided man Dean Morgan and is an important creative influence in the Aldershot midfield.

Midfielder Scott Donnelly has had another impressive campaign and has been a useful source of goals - netting 14 this season.



Play-off history:

Under Terry Brown, Aldershot competed in the Conference play-offs in 2004. There, they saw off Hereford in the semi finals before losing on a penalty shoot-out to Shrewsbury in the final.

The original Aldershot were winners of the basement division play-offs in 1987 against Wolves.

League One pedigree:

The Shots were formed in 1992 after the original Aldershot went out of business. Since then they've climbed their way back up the Non League pyramid, finally achieving promotion back to the Football League in 2008.

Their predecessors spent the majority of their time in the basement division, briefly having a few years in the third tier in the '70s and one season in the late '80s.





Dagenham & Redbridge






Story of the season:

Four wins in their opening five took them to the top early on, and they remained in the top seven throughout the first half of the season.

A run of five losses in their first seven matches of 2010 seemed to dent their play-off hopes.

However, four wins in their last five saw them move into 7th and secure the final play-off berth.

Manager:

John Still has been in charge at Victoria Road for six years and took the club into the Football League in 2007.

The hugely experienced coach has used his Non League contacts well to develop a competitive team on a shoestring budget.

His young team narrowly missed out on last season's play-offs but their direct style has once again confounded more illustrious opponents this term.

Strength:

A close-knit group of young players who have forged a strong team spirit with a great work ethic.

They might not be the easiest on the eye, but their long-ball style is effective and puts teams under great pressure.

That's particularly true at home, where they've won 15 games - more than any of their play-off rivals.

They go into the end of season lottery as big underdogs, ready to spring another surprise.

Weakness:

After coming so close last year, the fact they've managed to go one step further this is particularly impressive. How much more can they give though?

Their away form has also been very poor, just five wins on the road - and they must play the second leg away.

Their 1-0 loss at Morecambe just a few weeks ago could be an ominous sign ahead of the two meeting in the play-offs.

Key players:

Striker Paul Benson turned down a summer move to Shrewsbury and his goals have once again been key to the Daggers - with 18 this term.

Goalkeeper Tony Roberts [left] has been with the club for ten seasons and the 40-year-old is still an important figure at the back.

Danny Green was one of Still's Non League summer signings - from Bishop's Stortford - and has scored 13 goals from midfield in his debut League season.


Play-off history:

The Daggers only play-off appearance was in 2003 when they competed in the very first Conference play-offs.

Ironically, their opponents on that occasion were also Morecambe. They saw off the Shrimps in the semis before losing 3-2 in the final to Doncaster on an extra time golden goal.

League One pedigree:

Dagenham were only promoted to the Football League in 2007. After finishing 20th in their debut campaign, they ended up 8th last term and have now gone one better.

Formed by a merger of a series of clubs, they competed for promotion from the Conference on several occasions in the last decade.


And we'll take a closer look at the two ties later in the week.