From The Ground Up

With Chesterfield set to crown their debut season in the b2net Stadium as League Two champions, Nobes looks at how other clubs did after they move grounds.

John Sheridan' Chesterfield are on course to win the League Two title this season

So serene has Chesterfield's unflagging quest for the League Two title been that it's easy to forget the Derbyshire side and focus instead on the more competitive areas of the basement division.

It's a sign of just how imperious John Sheridan's men have been in a campaign that will surely see them crowned as worthy League Two winners and end their four year spell in the basement division.

Even more impressively, it has been done despite leaving their home of years in Saltergate and having to adjust to the new surroundings of the b2net Stadium.

However, as I reported earlier in the campaign, the move seems to have been the catalyst behind Chesterfield's renaissance for a dream debut season.

Not every club has welcomed a new ground in such a positive manner though. Here's my look on how it worked out for some of the others.


Oxford United 2001/2

The Oxen were relegated to League Two in their last season at the Manor Ground and hopes were high that they'd bounce back at the first attempt.

However, life in their new three-sided Kassam Stadium was difficult - losing their first two games in a campaign where they struggled towards the bottom and changed managers.

United ended the season in 21st - winning as many matches at home as they lost.


Leicester City - 2002/3

Having waved goodbye to Filbert Street by crashing out of the top flight, the financially troubled Foxes moved into the Walkers Stadium hoping for a change in fortunes.

And they got it. With a little help from a very generous CVA arrangement, City bounced back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as runners-up to Portsmouth.

Leicester won 16 games and lost just twice on their own patch as it served as the foundation for an impressive promotion under Micky Adams.

Leicester won promotion in their first season at the Walkers Stadium

Hull City - 2003

Hull made the unusual step of switching from their Boothferry Park home to the KC Stadium midway through an underwhelming 2002/3 season.

However, having got to grips with their new surroundings in the second half of their mid-table campaign, the Tigers made amends in 2003/4.

They finished as runners-up to Doncaster to gain promotion to League One with a record of 16 wins and three defeats at their new home.


Coventry City - 2005/6

The Sky Blues signed off from their Highfield Road ground with a 6-2 win and began life in the Ricoh Arena with a 3-0 victory.

However, while their final year at their old ground saw them flirt with the drop, their inaugural campaign at the Ricoh saw them post their best finish to date during ten years in the Championship.

Micky Adams's side won 12 and lost just four of their home matches that season and ended up in 8th.


Swansea City - 2005/6

Ending their final campaign at the Vetch Field by winning promotion to League One, the Swans set about welcoming in their new Liberty Stadium in the same fashion.

Kenny Jackett's men were amongst the front runners all season, albeit a late dip in form saw them having to settle for a place in the play offs.

No third tier side scored more goals at home that year than the Welsh club, who won 11 and lost just three on their own patch. They went on to be defeated on penalties by Barnsley in the play off final.

It was nearly a second successive promotion for the Swans at their new home

Doncaster Rovers - 2007

Like Hull, Rovers decided to opt for the mid-season switch as they changed grounds from the antiquated Belle Vue to the more modern and plush Keepmoat Stadium.

They ended the 2006/7 season in mid table before winning promotion to the second tier for the first time in half a century 12 months later.

Donny won 14 and lost five in their first full campaign at the Keepmoat, eventually succeeding through the play offs with a Wembley win against Leeds.


Milton Keynes Dons - 2007/8

The forerunners of Chesterfield. The Dons finally vacated the National Hockey Stadium and moved into their own home in 2007.

The new stadium:mk was given a rude awakening when Bury rolled into town and beat the Dons in its first match. Indeed, four other sides won there that year.

However, Paul Ince's men did win 11 on their own patch, and their formidable away record helped propel them to a double of the League Two title and Football League Trophy.


Shrewsbury Town 2007/8

Salop had gone out with a bang at their Gay Meadow home, reaching the play off final at Wembley - where they had lost to Bristol Rovers.

They were confident of building upon that when making the move to the New Meadow, and even opened up their new ground with four successive victories.

However, that bright start soon evaporated and they finished the campaign in a hugely disappointing 18th with nine wins and eight defeats in their new home.

Shrewsbury didn't do as well as expected when moving to the New Meadow

Colchester United - 2008/9

Having punched above their weight in the Championship for two seasons at Layer Road, the Essex outfit began life in their new stadium in League One.

However, a poor start to the season saw it take them seven matches to record a victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

That sluggish opening saw them end the campaign in mid table, with just seven wins and 12 defeats in their new surroundings.


Cardiff City - 2009/10

A disastrous end to the previous season had seen the Bluebirds depart from Ninian Park with a 3-0 loss and agonisingly missing out on the end of season play offs.

They bounced back in fine style though, winning their first two games at their new stadium 4-0 and 3-0.

It was to remain a fortress for them, with 12 wins and five losses in a season which took them to Wembley and a Championship play off final defeat against Blackpool.


Morecambe - 2010/11

Like Chesterfield, the Shrimps also began this season in new surroundings. However, they have found life a lot harder than their League Two rivals.

Finishing 4th in their last season at Christie Park and qualifying for the play offs, they had hoped to continue from where they left off at their new Globe Arena.

To date though they've won six and lost eight at the new stadium and are languishing in 15th. A far cry from last season's home form of 14 wins and three defeats.

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.

Shrimps hope for a fond farewell

As Morecambe prepare for the second leg of their League Two play-off semi final - their last ever match at Christie Park - Nobes looks at how other clubs have waved farewell to their former grounds.

Christie Park has been Morecambe's home since the club was founded in 1920

It was supposed to be a celebration - Morecambe's last hurrah as they waved goodbye to Christie Park. Unfortunately for them, their party has been pooped before it ever had the chance to begin.

A crushing 6-0 defeat to the Dagenham & Redbridge in their League Two play-off first leg means, barring the most sensational comeback, their final game at their home of 90 years this evening is really a non-event.

Any hopes a fitting send off would seal a place at Wembley and a shot at playing in League One were emphatically ended with their capitulation in East London.

It's simply a matter of pride now for the Lancashire club - restoring some after that defeat, and making sure they at least send their fans away knowing they ended on a winning note at Christie Park.

With more clubs choosing to move to new grounds suited for 21st century football, the final game at a ground for a club has become an area of focus for the game's historians.

Fortunately for the Shrimps, history proves that even teams with little to play have been able to raise their game to ensure they win their final match at their ground before moving.

For instance, it was no coincidence that, in their final game at Highfield Road in 2005, Coventry pulled out all the stops to record a 6-2 win - their biggest of the season.

Over 22,000 saw them crush a Derby side who finished 4th that season. In contrast, the Sky Blues ended up just a couple of points above the drop zone.

It's the power of fans who, desperate to see a fitting finale for their beloved home, can inspire a team to raise their game and give it their all - even if there's nothing tangible to play for.

Just a few weeks ago, Chesterfield came from behind to score a stoppage time winner against Bournemouth. It was a 2-1 victory that brought to a close 139 years at their Saltergate home.

It wasn't enough to secure them a spot in the League Two play-offs - something which looked unlikely before the start of play and that scorelines elsewhere confirmed during the game. However, that didn't stop them endeavouring to get three points.

Finishing the season bottom of the Premier League didn't even prevent Leicester from ending their tenure at Filbert Street in 2002 with a 2-1 victory against Tottenham.

They had struggled throughout the campaign - finishing 12 points adrift of safety - and had only won twice at home all season before their final match.

Perhaps the less pressure on a club the better? Take Burton, whose final season at Eton Park saw them only finish mid-table but beat Northwich in their last home match.

Cardiff supporters endured a miserable final game at Ninian Park last season

Southampton, too, had an uncharacteristically comfortable campaign in the top flight in 2000/1 - their last at The Dell - and recorded a fine 3-2 win over Arsenal in the ground's last match.

Compare that though with the high-stakes of Cardiff City last term. Chasing the result which would secure them a play-off place, they were comprehensively defeated 3-0 by Ipswich at Ninian Park.

Never mind, the Welsh club's fans thought - believing a top six place to be certain. They'd have another chance in the home leg of the play-offs to say goodbye to their old ground. They didn't.

They're not the only ones to go out on a low note. Colchester's miserable relegation from the Championship in 2008 was compounded by losing their finale at Layer Road to Stoke.

Darlington waved goodbye to their Feethams Ground in 2003 with a 2-2 draw against Leyton Orient. Oxford's last match at the Manor Ground in 2001 ended all square with Port Vale - the Oxen conceding a last gasp equaliser.

Inevitably, however a side has performed during the season, there is always an expectation, a hope, that they will be able to provide the dream ending every fan hopes for.

Some clubs, as Morecambe had hoped for, played their final matches at their respective grounds with promotion in the balance.

A tense and nervy 0-0 draw in their play-off first leg against Milton Keynes was how Shrewsbury brought the final curtain down on Gay Meadow in 2007.

Shrewsbury also featured in Swansea's last match at the Vetch in 2005 - a 1-0 win for the Welsh side to keep their promotion hopes alive into the final week of the season.

Some clubs have avoided any potential last game at their ground coinciding with an important promotion or relegation match by moving to a new stadium midway through a season.

Doncaster's transition from Belle Vue to the Keepmoat took place in December 2006. Perhaps it helped, with the Yorkshire side managing a 1-0 win over big guns Nottingham Forest in their last game at their old home.

Not that the same principle worked for Hull City who moved from Boothferry Park to the KC Stadium midway through the 2002/3 season. A disappointing 1-0 defeat to Darlington ensured it wasn't a fond farewell.

After their defeat at the weekend, that's all Morecambe can now hope for.

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.

Big Match Review - Morecambe 1 Dagenham 0

League Two

Morecambe 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge

Saturday April 25, Christie Park, (Att: 2,100)

A Darren Moss goal four minutes from time moved Morecambe up to 8th in Leage Two as they earned a crucial win over play-off rivals Dagenham & Redbridge.

The Shrimps had started the better of the two teams, and were unfortunate not to take the lead in the first half when Paul Mullin's volley struck the top of the bar.

With the visitors struggling to make an impact going forwards, Morecambe continued to look for a winner.

Garry Hunter was also denied by the woodwork and, when Stewart Drummond missed a good chance, it appeared Sammy McIlroy's team were going to be denied.

However, with time running out, the Daggers failed to clear a corner and the ball dropped to Moss on the edge of the area to launch a spectacular left-footed volley into the top corner.

It could prove to be a crucial first goal for the club from the defender, as they move level on points with 7th placed Port Vale.

For John Still's men, they must hope they won't fall at the final hurdle for a second successive season.

Big Match Preview

League Two

Morecambe vs. Dagenham & Redbridge

Saturday April 25, 15:00, Christie Park

Two overachievers challenging for the play-offs meet on the Lancashire coast this weekend as 7th placed Dagenham make the trip to Morecambe - who sit 10th.

Just a couple of points separate the two sides - who were promoted together from the Conference in 2007. They're now two of nine teams competing for a place in the top seven.

The Daggers are one of the form sides in the division of late, having secured 15 points from their last eight games. That includes home wins in their last two games against Burton and Barnet.

John Still's team have built their play-off assault on an imperious record at Victoria Road - collecting 44 points from their 22 home matches.

Their away form has been their achilles heel though. Only once in 13 away trips have they return to East London with maximum spoils. A record they will need to improve upon if they're to seal a spot in the top seven.

Striker Paul Benson has again been key to Dagenham's fortunes - scoring 17 goals in all competitions. Midfielder Danny Green, a summer signing from Bishop's Stortford, has also found the back of the net on 13 occasions.

It's a typical story of a club who, despite low crowds and a small budget, have utilised the Non League market to great effect in making themselves competitive in League Two.

After missing out on the play-offs to Shrewsbury by just a point on the final day of last season, Still will be hoping his wheeling and dealing takes them one step further this term.

Dagenham manager John Still has once again got his team punching above their weight

However, in their way stands a Morecambe team who many pundits predicted as the dark horses for this season's top seven.

A couple of months ago, their experienced manager Sammy McIlroy had ruled his side out of the play-off running. However, a run of five wins in six propelled the Shrimps into the top seven.

Since then, they've lost back-to-back games at Bradford and Notts County, so will be hoping to get back to winning ways on home soil against the Daggers.

Saturday's game could also be their penultimate game at their Christie Park home. The Lancashire outfit are moving to the new Globe Arena from next season.

Their record at home has, like their opponents, also been very impressive this term. Just three of their 22 home fixtures have been lost - and they're unbeaten in seven on their own turf.

Key performers in the Morecambe side this season include striking pair Phil Jevons and Paul Mullin - who've scored a combined 30 league goals between them.

In many ways, this fixture should be one that both sides should enjoy. After all, the chance to finish in the top seven would be a bonus for these two, rather than what expectation.

Both have enjoyed good seasons, but it's hard to ignore both sides are stronger at home than they are away. For that reason, Morecambe may well edge a close encounter.

Nobes' Prediction: Morecambe 2 Dagenham & Redbridge 1

Grounds for Moving

With two more clubs - Chesterfield and Morecambe - moving to new grounds for the start of next season, Nobes reflects upon this growing trend and why it's become increasingly necessary.

An aerial shot of the construction of Morecambe's new Globe Arena

It's impossible to ignore the importance of history to football supporters. It's the tales of golden years told by elders to inspire future generations of fans.

It's the memories which they cling on to when the going gets tough and their team sinks to a new low. It's also the hope, the dream, that one day their club will return and recapture those past glories.

However, in the fast-moving and ever-changing world of football, there is increasingly less room for history and sentiment if success is your goal.

Indeed, as more clubs look to move grounds it is their traditional homes - the scenes of many triumphs over the years - which are being consigned to history.

For Chesterfield and Morecambe supporters it is a reality that is dawning ever clearer. The end of the season is fast approaching, and with it, the end of their playing days at their current grounds.

The Derbyshire club's Saltergate ground is believed to be one of the oldest football grounds still in use - that proud statistic will be forgotten as soon as the Spireites move into their new b2net Stadium, however.

And a trip to the Lancashire coast to play Morecambe will take place at the Globe Arena rather than Christie Park from August. Two old, traditional grounds are being put to rest.

Both clubs' moves are being made in the hope it will make them more competitive in the future. Cramped surroundings and a lack of corporate facilities are no longer feasible in the 21st century game.

Chesterfield, currently in the promotion hunt from League Two, hope it will help them re-establish themselves back in the third tier.

The Shrimps believe their new stadium will properly establish them in the Football League and allow them the opportunity to move even higher up the pyramid.

Chesterfield have played their home games at Saltergate since 1871

It's a common story. In recent years, clubs like Shrewsbury, Colchester, and Cardiff have all relocated to new purpose built arenas. All three have allowed the club to attract better players on increased budgets.

Brighton are currently constructing their long-awaited new ground at Falmer, and Peterborough, Bristol City, Southend, and Rotherham are all planning on re-locating in the near future too.

Moving is in fashion, and all in the hope that the incramental revenue a new facility can bring outside of matchdays can help make a club richer and, therefore, stronger.

Does the theory stand tall though?

There are certainly some good examples which prove that a new stadium can be a new dawn for a club.

The rise of Hull City from the depths of League Two to the Premier League in just five years was no coincidence. The move from the outdated Boothferry Park to the 25,000 KC Stadium finally unleashed the potential on the banks of the Humber.

It took a new stadium to finally awake the sleeping giants of English football after a century of underachievement. It is a compelling and inspirational story.

Championship play-off contenders Swansea City hope too that their rise up from the bottom to the top will be concluded at the end of the season.

If so, it would be difficult to downplay the importance that the move from their old Vetchfield ground to the new Liberty Stadium in 2005 has played in that progression up the footballing ladder.

Ground Force: A new stadium at Swansea aided their rise up the divisions

Burton Albion built their Pirelli Stadium in the belief it would help them get into the Football League and establish themselves there. The Brewers success in their debut season in League Two has born true.

Doncaster ended their 50-year exile from the top two tiers of English football in 2008 - aided by the transition to their new Keepmoat Stadium.

It is an ever-growing list of moves that have led to promotion that clubs like Chesterfield and Morecambe aspire to match.

It could also be argued that clubs may have to move not to gain promotion and establish themselves at a higher level, but simply to survive in their current division.

With more Non Leagues teams looking to emulate Burton, how long can League Two teams with old-fashioned grounds continue to raise the revenue to stay in the 92?

It's one of the reasons clubs like Dagenham and Barnet have built new stands at their respectve grounds, and why Hereford are to do a similar development at Edgar Street.

How long before sides like Aldershot, Torquay, and Lincoln consider whether they need to make alterations or even more from their homes if they are to remain in the Football League?

Torquay's Plainmoor ground is charming, but is it still practical?

However, if the dream scenario is the unlocking of untapped potential, then the opposite is being left at a ground expensive to run and drawing crowds not big enough to fill them.

Not only do new grounds all look a little too similar and badly lacking in any charm or character, they can turn out to be souless, silent shells, missing the atmosphere of clubs' former homes.

Few fans would suggest a visit to grounds like Northampton's Sixfields are their favourite away trips of the season.

While the comfort might be greater too at the new stadiums of Cardiff and Swansea, once you've seen one new stadium, you've pretty much seen them all.

There is also the fear that upgrading to a new stadium could leave you with a stadium too big for your needs, unlikely to be ever be filled, and costing you so much in upkeep that they become a millstone.

Just ask Darlington, gearing up to host Non League football next season in their 27,500 arena. It is also a growing concern amongst Wycombe fans, as their club looks to move to a new, far too big, ground.

It is the kind of concerns which will be at the back of the minds of those running Chesterfield and Morecambe, although perhaps not when their new stadiums come into play next term.

The dawn of an exciting new era - they hope.

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 - Morecambe 3 Lincoln 1

League Two

Morecambe 3-1 Lincoln City

Saturday October 31, Christie Park, Att: (1,701)

Morecambe recorded only their second win of the season as Sammy McIlroy's side comfortably saw off the challange of fellow League Two strugglers Lincoln.

The Shrimps began the game with purpose and took the lead within the first 20 minutes. A short corner routine allowed midfielder Stewart Drummond to get on the end of Craig Stanley's cross to head past Rob Burch in the City goal for his third goal of the season.

And the home side were 2-0 up just before the break, this time courtesy of Phil Jevons. The on-loan striker was fouled in the box by Imps defender Moses Swaibu and stepped up to convert the penalty himself.

The points were sealed nine minutes into the second period when Jevons capitalised on poor defending to pull the back back for Paul Mullin to convert the easiest of tap-ins.

Lincoln at least found themselves on the scoresheet with a consolation goal late on. Former Shrimps forward Rene Howe, on loan at Lincoln from Peterborough, finding space in the box to fire high into the net.

However, things were to end on a sour note for Chris Sutton's team when youngster Eric Lichaj was sent off aiming a kick at Morecambe's Laurence Wilson.

A welcome three points for the Lancashire outfit who move up to 20th in League Two and to within a point and place of their troubled opponents.