Moving On Up

With Dean Holdsworth swapping Conference side Newport County for League Two Aldershot Town, Nobes looks back at other managers who have made the leap from Non League to Football League.

Dean Holdsworth managed Newport to Conference South glory last season

Good things come to those who wait, so say a famous Irish stout company, anyway. However, it's even better when you don't have to wait. Instead, you can simply grab the first opportunity that comes your way.

That's the scenario Dean Holdsworth faced, when the 42-year-old boss of Conference high-flyers Newport County was approached to fill the vacant post at League Two Aldershot Town after Kevin Dillon's dismissal.

As soon as the Hampshire club came calling, Holdsworth was, appropriately enough, off like a shot. Swapping one phoenix club for another as he looks to establish himself in the 92 club.

He's not the first Non League boss to be in charge of a Football League club without having earned it via promotion though. Here's a look back at some of the others and how they fared or are faring.


Mark Yates

Yates served his apprenticeship in the Conference with Kidderminster Harriers - making steady progress towards the top five over two and a half seasons.

He was given his opportunity in the Football League with former club Cheltenham last term with the Robins struggling towards the foot of League Two.

Steered them to safety and, this term, has the Gloucestershire outfit competing for a place in the play offs.

Verdict: So far, so good.


Mark Cooper

His first job came at Tamworth where, although overseeing their relegation from the Conference, he took the Lambs on a memorable FA Cup run.

Achieved success at Kettering, winning the Conference North title and established them back in the Conference.

The Kettles also enjoyed two fine runs in the FA Cup.

After being linked with various League Two jobs, he was a surprise choice to fill the job at Championship Peterborough.

However, poor results and an ugly style of football saw him last just three months.

Now back in the Conference rebuilding his career with Darlington.

Verdict: Posh were the wrong club for Cooper to take the plunge with. He could still do a job in the lower reaches of the Football League some time.


Martin Allen

With Barnet challenging in the Conference's top five in 2004, Allen got the call from League One strugglers Brentford to help them avoid the drop.

He did just that, and then took them to successive play off finishes, albeit both times the Bees fell short and failed to gain promotion.

His next job came at League Two Milton Keynes, when he again came up short in the play offs.

A short spell at Leicester followed before returning to League One for Cheltenham's battle against the drop in 2008.

This time he failed to win it though and a poor start to last season cost him his job. He's still searching for employment.

Verdict: Downhill since leaving Brentford. His route one style of football aside, at the right club he could do well in the Football League.


Lee Sinnott

Farsley Celtic were in Non League obscurity before Sinnott took them to three promotions in four seasons to help them into the Conference Premier.

In 2007, he was offered a break in the Football League with Port Vale, who were struggling against relegation in League One.

He couldn't prevent Vale from slipping into League Two and he had departed after a few weeks of the next season - less than a year after taking the helm.

Returned to management in the Non Leagues at Northern Premier League side Bradford Park Avenue but was dismissed after failing to challenge for promotion despite a heavy spending spree.

Verdict: Lee Who? Short Football League tenure never likely to be repeated.


Mark Stimson

Stimson was hot property in 2007 after a spectacular start to management.

He had taken Grays Athletic to promotion to the Conference before successive FA Trophy wins and a place in the end of season play offs.

Failing to win promotion with the Essex outfit, he moved to Stevenage where he made it three FA Trophy successes on the bounce.

His penchant for an attractive, attacking based game also won him admirers.

However, when he made the leap up to League One Gillingham he found the going tough. The Gills were relegated - although he led them straight back up again via the play offs 12 months later.

A failure to win a single away win last season saw Gillingham relegated back down again though, and Stimson sacked.

He moved to Barnet over the summer, but left them at the start of the year with the London side rooted in League Two's drop zone.

Verdict: Once a rising star, but two relegations and a torrid time at Barnet have ensured the star has faded. A Non League return surely beckons.


Russell Slade

Gained fame by guiding cash-strapped Scarborough to the FA Cup fourth round where they faced Chelsea.

It earned him a crack in the Football League with Grimsby.

He took the Lincolnshire club to the League Two play off final in 2006, but they ended up on the losing side.

He then moved to League One Yeovil, who he also took to the play off final, only to lose once again.

Departed Huish Park in 2009 and joined Brighton - engineering a miraculous escape from the League One drop.

Was fired last season only to turn up at Leyton Orient, where he remains today after orchestrating another great escape from relegation to League Two last term.

Verdict: Made a niche for himself in the League as a fine fire fighter with an ability to work on a small budget.


Nigel Clough

The son of the legendary Brian spent a decade at the helm of Staffordshire side Burton Albion.

He guided them into the Conference Premier, establishing them as a top five side.

He left them in 2009 top of the table and in pole position to win promotion to the Football League - which they did.

However, he couldn't turn down the advances of Championship side Derby County, where he helped keep the Rams in the division before achieving a mid table finish last term.

With Derby occupying a top half place for the majority of this season, he is making slow progress towards their goal of promotion.

Verdict: Needs to keep progressing or the patience he has been afforded by Derby will begin to run out.

Big Match Review - Dover 2 Aldershot 0

Dover Athletic 2-0 Aldershot Town

Saturday November 27, Crabble Ground, (Att: 4,123)

An Adam Birchall brace earned Dover the shock of the FA Cup Second Round over Aldershot Town as the Non League outfit secured a place in the Third Round draw.

A bumper crowd at the Crabble saw kick off delayed, but when play did eventually begin it was the home side who started the stronger.

Indeed, they had a goal ruled out in the first ten minutes when defender Olly Schulz was deemed to be in an offside position when heading in Harry Baker's free kick.

Birchall then had a shot down the throat of Jamie Young saved before the Shots responded with a Luke Guttridge effort from distance sailing over the bar.

The hosts took the lead on 54 minutes when Town failed to deal with a long ball forward and, when the ball broke to him, Birchall unleashed a low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

The goal inspired Athletic, as they went in search of a second - Birchall forcing Young to turn an effort round the post and then having a volley saved by the keeper.

Kevin Dillon's visitors struggled to create many opportunities, although Jermaine McGlashan went close from a deep cross but saw his effort blocked by Dover keeper Ross Flitney.

Instead, it was the Kent side who wrapped up victory in the last minute of normal time. Danny Hylton's handball in the box from a Baker cross allowing Birchall to send Young the wrong way from the penalty spot.

It sealed a memorable afternoon for Martin Hayes's side whose memorable cup run continues at the expense of a second League Two team.

Big Match Preview

Dover Athletic vs. Aldershot Town

Saturday November 27, 15:00, Crabble Ground

Conference South outfit Dover Athletic will be in search of another League Two scalp this weekend as Aldershot Town make the short trip to Kent in the FA Cup second round.

Athletic were 2-0 winners at Gillingham in the last round and the Shots will be wary of falling victim to another shock with a possible tie against the big boys in the next round potentially just 90 minutes away.

Dover's run to this stage has seen them see off the likes of Erith Town, Cambridge City, and Farnborough before their stunning success at the Priestfield earlier in the month.

It was a particularly spicy encounter, not just because of county pride being at stake, but the Whites were able to gain revenge on former bosses Andy Hessenthaler and Ian Hendon - the managerial team at the Gills.

The win included a stunning long range strike from Adam Birchall to open the scoring and - with 19 goals in all competitions so far this term - he will be again be a key man.

League experience comes from the likes of ex-Barnet man Nicky Nicolau and powerful striker Ben Hunt, who had a spell on the books of Bristol Rovers.

In the Conference South, Dover currently sit just outside the play off positions in 6th - largely due to an excellent away record with six wins from seven.

Manager Martin Hayes may well wish this game was being played on the road, too, therefore, with Dover already suffering home defeats to Eastleigh, Dartford, and Chelmsford.

Dover shocked Gillingham in their grudge match in the previous round

Visitors Aldershot come into this game in mixed form, although Tuesday evening's 2-1 win at Burton moved Town up to 12th in League Two - and six points clear of the relegation zone.

After reaching the play offs last term though, it's been a more difficult time for boss Kevin Dillon in his first full season in charge at the Recreation Ground.

The Shots have particularly struggled for goals, registering just 16 in their 18 matches - only Lincoln have scored fewer.

Their record on the road is, unsurprisingly, patchy with wins being achieved at Oxford and Torquay prior to their Pirelli Stadium victory. However, defeats have been suffered away to Port Vale, Crewe, and Macclesfield.

They also saw off League One side Brentford in a replay to face Dover - the first time the phoenix club had ever beaten a team from a higher tier of English football.

Outstanding performers for the Shots include striker Marvin Morgan - a powerful and pacy striker who's found the back of the net five times - and former Sheffield Wednesday wide man Wade Small - who bagged a brace against Burton.

This could be a difficult encounter for the League team who are unpredictable at the best of times, and struggled for any kind of consistency.

However, Dover have also been poor on home soil and may well find taking a second scalp a step too far. A replay wouldn't be a surprise though.

Nobes' Prediction: Dover Athletic 1 Aldershot Town 1

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.

The Rise of Phoenixes

After the demise of Chester City and Farsley Celtic last week, Nobes reflects upon the success of the group of phoenix clubs that offer hope for the future.

Phoenix club AFC Wimbledon's rise up the pyramid has been driven by their fans

The summer of 2007 was unlike any other I've experienced as a football fan.

There's a saying in the game that, even when your team is struggling and perhaps on course to get relegated, that "there's always next season."

Three summers ago, I wasn't sure there was going to be.

My team, Boston United, had just been relegated from the Football League and had entered into a CVA - Company Voluntary Arrangement - or effectively administration.

We were heavily in debt - to both football creditors and Revenues and Customs - and the existence of the club was in severe doubt.

It was around that time that, in conversations with other lower league supporters, they suggested that the only future was for Pilgrims fans to form a phoenix club - AFC Boston or the like - and start afresh with a new club.

Some made the suggestion in sympathy, others did so gloatingly, holding past sins of employees against the club's fans. Who was in each party has not been forgotten by us United fans.

However, we were lucky. We found buyers who saved the club and are now beginning to turn our fortunes around on and off the pitch. Others, in the past, and in the last week, have not been so fortunate.

The sad demise of Chester City and Farsley Celtic last Wednesday were not unexpected events - both clubs have had serious problems on and off the pitch in recent months.

It didn't make the final confirmation of the death of their clubs any easier to digest though. One Chester fan commented that it really began to hit home when City were discussed in the past tense on the club's Wikipedia entry.

Sadly, they aren't the first fans to see their club suffer this fate. I also doubt they will be the last. However, they can at least draw some comfort and inspiration from those who have gone before them.

Indeed, the Non Leagues are becoming commonplace with the re-incarnation, or phoenix teams, of former Football League and Conference clubs.

One of the most famous of them all are AFC Wimbledon. Established in the aftermath of the original Wimbledon's move to Milton Keynes and the creation of the MK Dons, the new Crazy Gang are a model phoenix side.

Since 2002, Wimbledon have been promoted four times in seven seasons and have risen from the depths of the Non League game to the Conference Premier.

Their current challenge for the play-offs suggests a return to the Football League is not too far off. It would complete a rise every bit as meteoric as the original club's during the 1980s.

Aldershot supporters saw their Football League status return to their town after 16 years

Aldershot Town are another successful example of the re-birth of the club. The original Aldershot FC were members of the basement tier when they went out of business in 1992.

Town began their life five levels below, but have now worked their way back to the same division their ancestor used to reside at. Promotion in 2008 was an emotional moment for all involved at the Hampshire club.

This season too, Newport County's runaway success at the top of the Conference South means the Welsh side's new incarnation are back at the level the original club was when it went bust.

It's those kinds of fairy tales which now serve to inspire many phoenix clubs across the Non Leagues. Scarborough and Halifax Town, two sides relegated from the Football League around the Millennium have both since gone to the wall.

However, now under the guise of Scarborough Athletic and FC Halifax Town the pair are steadily making their way up the divisions.

Another great success story has been AFC Telford United. The Shropshire outfit were formed after the original Conference side Telford went bust in 2004.

The Bucks have won two promotions and narrowly missed out on a return to the top level of the Non League game in the last two seasons.

Interest in the 'new' Telford United has seen them attract gates that, despite the club being at a lower level, surpass those of the original side.

It is evidence that a strong support and dedicated fans can help resurrect a town or city's footballing presence and that phoenix clubs can go on to have a future just as bright as their forefather.

It is that hope which fans of Chester and Farsley must hold on to and cultivate over the coming months as they set about forming new clubs of their own. This is not the end, just a new beginning.

Against All Odds

Paul Peschisolido's Burton are surprise challengers for the League Two play-offs

It's all too easy, especially within the media, to focus on the negative. It's no different in football where those who underachieve, the fallen giant, and the surprise struggler always tend to make the headlines.

As means of explanation the one factor often ignored in certain sides underachieving is simply that other teams are doing the exact opposite - punching above their weight.

Could it simply be that said surprise struggler is not doing so well not because of anything they're doing wrong, but that other smaller, less fancier teams are maximising their resources better.

However, in a game that is fast becoming more predictable at all levels because of the influence of money, it's refreshing to still see that sides are showing it takes more than the size of your budget to succeed.

This season, that particular achievement is no more evident that in League Two. The clutch of clubs lying just outside the play-off places include the unfashionable names of Accrington Stanley, Burton, Aldershot, and Morecambe.

For all four sides to be in a position where a top seven spot is perfectly attainable is a tribute to their respective managers and players, all of who have confounded the critics to challenge.

The quartet all attract attendances in the bottom third of their division - regularly getting crowds worse than struggling sides like Grimsby, Cheltenham, and Lincoln.

Therefore, with matchday revenue often being the largest source of income for lower division sides, it is a sign of just how much these sides are overachieving.

For Stanley, their challenge has been even more remarkable. The Lancashire club came perilously close to going out of business earlier in the season due to financial problems.

Their success is testament to the solid foundations laid by long-serving boss John Coleman. He has forged a close-knit group of hard-working professionals playing good football who have also enjoyed success in cup competitions this season.

It is almost unthinkable to envisage a side attracting 2,000 fans to home matches to be playing in the third tier of English football next season. However, it is also a distinct possibility.

As is Burton Albion achieving back-to-back promotions. Some pundits expected the Brewers to be the first side to suffer instant relegation back to the Conference following promotion last season.

The stuttering way they had finished the previous campaign, allied with the appointment of the rookie Paul Peschisolido as manager didn't seem to bode well for the Staffordshire outfit.

However, their committment to playing attractive, attacking football has won them as many points as it has admirers. For a side who were promoted without any momentum, their challenge has been a surprise success story.

Another side who finished last season poorly were Aldershot Town. The Shots were another side expected to struggle in their second season back in League Two.

Their impressive start was unexpected, so to sustain it despite losing influential manager Gary Waddock to Wycombe in the autumn is credit to the players at the Recreation Ground.

Like Burton, they too endeavour to play the game the right way and entertain their supporters.

Indeed, not only is the myth of succeeding without money being challenged, but those who believe the basement division is no more than the 'kick and rush' style are seriously misguided.

The Hampshire side are now under the management of Kevin Dillon, and the former assistant to Steve Coppell at Reading has maintained Town's solid home form to keep them in top seven contention.

Morecambe have once again impressed under Sammy McIlroy's tutelage

Perhaps the highest praise that can be offered to the final member of the four teams - Morecambe - is that not many people are surprised to see them punching above their weight to challenge.

The Shrimps are only in their third season in the Football League, yet have already shown that, despite not having huge riches, it is a step-up in status they are entirely comfortable with.

The vastly experienced Sammy McIlroy has worked smartly in the permanent transfer and loan market to build a strong side capable of playing good football but also in dealing with the physical nature of the division.

The progressive Lancashire club plan to move into a new stadium next term - a sign that League Two is not the height of their ambition.

The current side taking to the Christie Park pitch might realise those dreams come the end of the season.

Such success also helps fuel the dreams and hopes of other smaller clubs. After all, the four clubs were in Non League football just a few seasons ago.

Not does does it suggest that the gap between League Two and the Conference is narrowing, but that other sides can have a similar impact in the future.

It is the kind of inspiration promotion challengers such as Kettering and Stevenage - clubs who have never played in the Football League before - can draw upon.

In fact, whether any of the four overachievers make the top seven this season or not, it is the kind of upsetting of the apple cart that keeps the dream alive for all fans outside the top flight. Money does indeed talk, but not always the loudest.

Nobes.

Big Match Review - Aldershot 1 Chesterfield 0

League Two

Aldershot Town 1-0 Chesterfield

Saturday December 5, Recreation Ground, (Att: 2,977)

Anthony Charles's second half goal was enough for Aldershot to claim their third successive win and leapfrog their opponents into 6th in the League Two table.

However, it was a harsh scoreline on the visitors who dominated large spells of the game and could consider themselves unfortunate not to return to Derbyshire with anything to show for their efforts.

The Spireites started the brighter of the two sides and could have taken the lead but Jack Lester's header struck an upright and Shots keeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz produced a fine save to deny Ian Morris.

However, they were made to pay for their missed chances when the hosts broke the deadlock midway through the second half though. Charles rising highest to nod Scott Donnelly's corner past Lee.

Chesterfield responded and were unfortunate not to level when a ball through to David Perkins ended with the midfielder's shot coming back off a post and bouncing away to safety.

However, it was the home side who took the points to remain unbeaten since Kevin Dillon's appointment as manager.

Big Match Preview

League Two

Aldershot Town vs. Chesterfield

Saturday December 5, 15:00, Recreation Ground

There's a top-seven clash in League Two this weekend as Chesterfield make the long trip south to take on an Aldershot side who moved into the play-off places in midweek.

A thumping 5-2 victory at fellow high-flyers Dagenham saw the Shots move 7th in the table under new boss Kevin Dillon. The former Reading number two, in his first manager's job, replaced Gary Waddock last month after the latter's move to Wycombe.

And the Hampshire outfit have yet to taste defeat in five games under the 49-year-old, and face a replay against Tranmere for the right to play Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup.

It's been their form at the Recreation Ground which has been the bedrock of their success since returning to the Football League in 2008, and Town have suffered just a single loss on home soil so far this term.

They've also found the back of the net 21 times in their nine home matches, which is the same total of goals notched up by hotshot strikers Marvin Morgan and Louie Soares, and midfielder Scott Donnelly.

It adds up to a difficult proposition for the visitors who, despite being unbeaten at home this season, have lost six out of their nine away trips this term.

That inconsistency on the road is the reason why, ahead of Wednesday evening's game against Crewe, the Derbyshire club find themselves out of the automatic promotion positions.

Chesterfield boss John Sherdian is eyeing automatic promotion this season

Impressive wins at promotion rivals Rochdale and Bournemouth have been soured by defeats against the likes of Hereford, Bury, and Bradford - much to the frustration of boss John Sheridan.

The ex-Oldham supremo took over at Saltergate during the summer after, despite a more than competitive squad, a couple of disappointing seasons under former player Lee Richardson.

It's a team still full of attacking riches though, with Jack Lester one of the most dangerous strikers in the league, ably supported by former Sheffield Wednesday man Drew Talbot, with eight goals to his name this season.

With two sides rich in striking power, defences may well come under tough inspection on Saturday. The Spireites are inconsistent on the road, but they have the ability to win anywhere in League Two.

It's a risky one, but they may well be able to cause a surprise at an Aldershot side suffering an 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' performance and return home with all three points.

Nobes' Prediction: Aldershot Town 1 Chesterfield 2

Taking a Shot on Number Twos

As former Reading assistant manager Kevin Dillon takes over as Aldershot Town's new boss, Nobes takes a look at previous examples of number twos stepping up to be in sole charge.

Should they remain in a coaching capacity or can some of them make the transition?

Aldershot's appointment of former Reading assistant Kevin Dillon as Gary Waddock's replacement is the latest in a long line of number twos stepping up to be managers.

Some have been more successful than others, finding the transition from coach to top dog a seamless one.

Others have struggled when the responsibility falls firmly on their shoulders and returned to just being the right hand man.

Years spent working with top English managers like Alan Pardew and Steve Coppell should serve 49-year-old Dillon well as he takes over at the Recreation Ground.

However, it's no guarantee for success, and keeping the Hampshire club punching above their weight will be no mean feat. This new Shot is one in the dark.

What about those who have been down Dillon's path in the past though? One of the most high profile number twos who tried his hand at management was Chris Hutchings.

Assistant to Paul Jewell at both Bradford and Wigan when the respective clubs won promotion to the Premier League, Hutchings took over from his mentor at both clubs when Jewell left.

However, on each occasion he struggled to replicate Jewell's success and found himself out of work within a few months of taking charge. Now he's in League One as boss of Walsall - and has done a reasonable job in the Black Country.

Another Premier League assistant who tried his hand at management was Peter Grant. Like Dillon, Grant assisted Alan Pardew, this time at West Ham and helped the club to promotion and the FA Cup final during his time at Upton Park.

However, when he dropped down to the Championship as manager of Norwich he struggled to get the Canaries competing anywhere near the top end of the division and was sacked after a year. He's now assistant to Tony Mowbray at Celtic.

Hutchings (left) was assistant to Jewell (right) but failed when replacing him

On the other hand, Preston fans only have good words about their former Premier League assistant who took a chance on being number one at Deepdale. Alan Irvine left Everton to save North End from the drop before taking them to the play-offs the following season.

He continues to get the best out of a side with limited resources, as well as playing some good football. Being assistant to another Lilywhites managerial legend in David Moyes did him no harm at all.

And he's not the only one whose made a success after making the step-up. Kenny Jackett was Graham Taylor's deputy when the Hornets achieved back-to-back promotions to the Premier League in 1999.

He was later assistant to Ian Holloway at QPR, helping the Hoops out of League One before being recommended to Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins by Holloway to fill the managerial vacancy in South Wales.

Jackett won promotion in his first season with the Swans and almost took them into the Championship the following year, only losing in the play-off final. Last season he fell at the same hurdle at new club Millwall, who he continues to have challenging for promotion.

Some question marks still surround others who have made the transition. Kevin Blackwell was the long-time sidekick to Neil Warnock before leaving for Leeds where he eventually took control.

There he saw the club lose the Championship play-off final and a few months later he was sacked. His spell at Luton was dogged by financial problems and at current club Sheffield United, like at Leeds, he lost in the Championship play-off final in May.

Does he have the capability to take a side to promotion and shed an image of being a long-ball merchant?

Another former assistant to Warnock, Stuart McCall, is taking his first steps in management at former club Bradford City. However, despite a substantial budget and the largest crowds in League Two, he has twice failed to take the club even into the top seven.

In the same division, John Trewick is attempting to step out of the shadow of Graham Turner at Hereford. After five years of being the assistant at Edgar Street, Trewick has taken over as manager but the Bulls are currently languishing towards the wrong end of the table.

Stepping out of the shadow: Trewick is in sole charge of Hereford now

Lest we forget though that all the three Football League divisions are currently topped by teams managed by former number twos. Chris Hughton was only in temporary control at Newcastle before impressing enough to be given the job permanently.

Simon Grayson's Leeds are running away with League One, but he was only assistant to Colin Hendry at Blackpool before taking over from the Scot and going on to win promotion and establish the Seasiders in the second tier.

And Eddie Howe assisted both Kevin Bond and Jimmy Quinn at Bournemouth before being given the job himself. A miraculous escape last season and a promotion push this has proved his managerial credentials.

Dillon must prove he too can make the transition from coach to manager - this is his chance. He's been given his shot.