Let's Get Physical

Continuing to impress on their Football League debut, Nobes says it's time unpopular Stevenage boss Graham Westley earned some praise.

Graham Westley is in his second stint as boss of League new boys Stevenage

Graham Westley once remarked that his motto in football was that, "Attitude is more important than ability." It may as well be that "nice guys finish last" though.

The Stevenage boss won few friends during his time managing in the Non Leagues. Indeed, rival Conference fans were probably just as glad to see the back of him as he was them.

The 43-year-old made a name for himself by guiding Farnborough Town - a club where he was both manager and majority shareholder - through to the FA Cup fourth round in 2003.

They drew Arsenal at home, flipped the tie to Highbury, and pocketed £500,000. Or at least Westley did. A few days later he quit the club to join Stevenage, taking with him his assistant, goalkeeping coach, and seven players.

There can rarely have been a more bitter divorce, let alone such a one-sided one when dividing the assets. To make matters worse, a few years later, Farnborough then went out of business.

His first spell at Broadhall Way was then characterised by a physical, direct style of play which carried Boro through to the 2005 play off final. A 1-0 defeat to Carlisle ended their promotion hopes though, and he left the club a year later.

However a couple of years on and, via a short spell at Kettering and a mysterious exit from his job at Rushden, he returned to Hertfordshire to "finish the job he started."

Chairman Phil Wallace's move threatened to alienate supporters unhappy with the return of a man whose style of play they hadn't appreciated and whose comments in the press smacked of arrogance and aloofness.

Football fans are nothing if not fickle though, and three years later Westley has won around the doubters who dismissed his claims that he was a changed man.

On his return he told fans he had learnt from what they had said first time around, and admitted to having made mistakes in the past.

He's even ready to admit his own arrogance, although he argues his controversial remarks are for the good of the club he manages and done for the right reasons.

True, he's still partial to the odd post-match rant, notably earlier this season blaming a home draw against Crewe on the fact that, after their opponents had to borrow Boro's own away kit, they had been forced to "play against their own badge."

Then again, this was the man who, at Farnborough, changed the club's playing kit from yellow to red and white, suggesting that yellow had never been the colour of any successful team.

Stevenage were runaway winners of the Conference Premier title last season

Poor excuses and an ignorance of Brazil apart though, Westley does appear to have grown from his first spell at Stevenage - and the Football League newboys are benefiting from it.

They romped home to the Conference title last season - outmanoeuvring more fancied and wealthier opponents Oxford and Luton in the process. Boro were also FA Trophy winners under his stewardship in 2009.

Their transition into League Two has also been smooth. Although a place in the end of season play offs may just be beyond their reach, finishing in the top half would be a respectable achievement for the Hertfordshire outfit.

When you consider, too, that not since Yeovil in 2004 have the Conference Champions actually finished in the top half of the basement division on their debut, it shows how difficult other sides have found it when initially moving into the League.

They also boast the best defensive record in the division - with just 32 goals conceded in their 34 matches. It's testament to the manager's belief in how strength, physicality, and organisation is at the heart of any success.

Perhaps it's no surprise that they haven't struggled when making the step up to face "the big boys" then.

Although that didn't prevent Westley being riled by comments from Chesterfield boss John Sheridan earlier in the campaign comparing Stevenage to "the English body-building team."

It's true that the Boro side isn't exactly lacking in height and physical presence, but this isn't a team who overstep the mark in how they play. Firm but fair is the name of the game. Yes, they're direct also, but they can play a bit too.

Their beating of Premier League Newcastle United in the FA Cup Third Round - another date with destiny for a club who thrive in avenging history - was another fine achievement in an impressive debut season.

Westley ensured that his charges didn't get too carried away with their Cup odyssey however, winning both of their home matches between the Newcastle upset and their eventual exit at the hands of Reading.

Not that he's one for lowering expectations, having gone on record as saying he could "operate successfully" at League One level.

No wonder then, before an FA Cup tie against Boro last season, that Port Vale captain Tommy Fraser described them as being, "Cocky from the manager down."

However, after their start to life in the Football League, Westley can have much to be proud about. Just don't expect too many people to be congratulating him.

Big Match Review - Stevenage 2 Macclesfield 2

Stevenage 2-2 Macclesfield Town

Saturday August 7, Broadhall Way, (Att: 3,553)

Charlie Griffin's late strike earned Stevenage a deserved share of the spoils against Macclesfield on their Football League debut.

The Hertfordshire outfit had got off to the perfect start with a goal within the first ten minutes. Peter Vicenti got on the end of a deep cross from the right to nod home the ball from close range to send Broadhall Way into raptures.

However, those celebrations were soon cut short as Gary Simpson's side hit back to equalise just five minutes later. Matt Hamshaw's inswinging free kick finding the head of Nat Brown who powered the ball past Chris Day to restore parity.

That goal helped the side from Cheshire grow in confidence, and they then took the lead early in the second period.

A low cross from the right by Emile Sinclair caused trouble in the Boro back line and Tyrone Barnett was on hand to poke the ball across Day and into the far corner.

It appeared as though the home side were going to begin life among the 92 with defeat, but Griffin was to have the final say.

After being released by Robert Sinclair, he showed great composure to side step a challenge and prod the ball home.

It was enough to secure Stevenage their first ever point in the Football League in a draw likely to satisfy both managers.

Big Match Preview

Stevenage vs. Macclesfield Town

Saturday August 7, 15:00, Broadhall Way

Good things come to those who wait, and this weekend Stevenage finally realise their Football League dream as they kick off their inaugural campaign as a member of the 92.

The Hertfordshire outfit won last season's Conference to earn their place in League Two - and banish the memory of being denied a similar promotion in 1996 because of the state of their ground.

Now, Broadhall Way is ready to host Stevenage's first ever game in the Football League as Macclesfield Town make the trip down to the Home Counties.

In many ways, Boro fans couldn't have asked for more appropriate opposition. Macc are the joint-longest serving members of the basement division - beginning their 12th consecutive year at this level.

The Silkmen will also be able to sympathise with the enormity of the occasion - having been denied elevation to the Football League because of their ground in the '90s, too.

However, Saturday will be all about the home team, rather than the visitors from Cheshire, with Stevenage hoping to get their season off to the perfect start.

It's been a largely quiet summer for boss Graham Westley who, perhaps wisely, has opted to stick with the majority of the players who served him so well in winning the Conference last term.

Some additions have been made, including centre halves Luke Foster and Darius Charles, who both have experience at this level. The manager will also look to captain Mark Williams to keep things tight at the back.

At the other end, the likes of experienced targetman Tim Sills will help lead the line alongside the pair of Yemi Odubade and Charlie Griffin - who scored over 30 goals between them last season.

Westley and his skipper Mark Roberts helped Stevenage to last season's title

For opponents Macclesfield, boss Gary Simpson is beginning his first full season as manager after stepping up from assistant in February after the death of Keith Alexander.

The Silkmen usually find themselves towards the wrong end of the division, but will hope to build upon their finishing position of 19th last term.

That confidence of progression is emphasised by relatively little transfer activity at the Moss Rose over the close season with wide man Matt Hamshaw the most notable of a handful of captures.

Simpson will be hoping that continuity will help Town get off to a good start this season.

Macc also boasted one of the best away records in League Two last term - only Champions Notts County and Port Vale lost fewer games on the road in 2009/10.

Despite that away success, it is often having a solid home record which is crucial to a side's season.

That was emphasised by Stevenage suffering just one defeat at Broadhall Way all last term on their way to promotion. They will need be similarly difficult to beat on home soil as they seek to make the transition up to League Two.

With a large crowd behind them, I think they can rise to the occasion and collect all three points on their big day.

Nobes' Prediction: Stevenage 2 Macclesfield Town 1

What if... Stevenage had been promoted in 1996?

In the first of a brand new series, Nobes looks at how different life would have been for Football League debutants Stevenage had they been allowed to come up in 1996.

Stevenage made it into the 92 after winning last season's Conference

They say a year is a long time in football, so 14 of them must feel like a lifetime for fans of Stevenage.

The Hertfordshire club are gearing up to make their debut in the Football League next month after securing the Conference title last season.

However, it was the second time they had won Non League's top flight. Their first success came in 1996 but, due to the condition of their ground, they were refused entry into the 92 club.

What if they hadn't been though? What if Stevenage had been able to their rightful place in the Football League? How different could life have been for that club - and how different a situation would they have gone into compared to the one they face in 2010?

To find out, let me take you back to the summer of '96.

The summer that 'Football Came Home' as England hosted the European Championships. Gazza's magic, cruising past the Dutch, Seaman's Spanish heroics, and more German penalty heartache.

The summer Dolly the Sheep was cloned, the summer when everybody's favourite TV pundit, Alan Shearer, became the world's most expensive footballer when he moved to Newcastle from Blackburn for £15 million.

Damon Hill was Number One in Formula One, and Atlanta was hosting the Olympic games as President Clinton was playing host to a young White House Intern he'd later refer to as 'Miss Lewinsky.'

We said goodbye to the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jon Pertwee, AKA Dr Who, both of whom died in the summer of '96.

In music, the Spice Girls burst into the nation's consciousness, and in the news, the Government had just announced the site for an exciting development to mark the beginning of the 21st century. We came to know it as the Millennium Dome.

For the town of Stevenage, it was the summer they would have been gearing up to experience life in the 92 for the first time.

Back then, their local team still had 'Borough' after their name, and Paul Fairclough's side had comfortably seen off the challenge of Woking to take the Conference title - and earn their place in the Football League.

It was a Football League still adjusting to the new Premier League - which had only recently downsized from 22 to 20 teams. It was also a Football League that looked quite different to the one Stevenage are now entering.

QPR had just been relegated from the top flight - they've never been back since. Also coming down were Manchester City. Unthinkable considering their billions now, but City had just taken the first of two relegations in three years.

Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday, currently both in League One, were still long-standing members of the Premier League. They were joined by Wimbledon, and we all know what happened to them.

The summer of '96 - when Football Came Home and Stevenage missed out

Among the teams in the second tier were Port Vale and Southend - teams who Stevenage will be lining up against in League Two for 2010/11. Also at that level were Luton and Grimsby - both now below Boro in the football pyramid.

As for Nationwide Division Three, which was how Stevenage's new division was branded 14 years ago, it included the likes of Chester and Scarborough - two clubs who have since gone out of existence.

It also featured Wigan Athletic and Fulham - two clubs who have got used to rubbing shoulders with the big boys in the Premier League in the past decade.

Back then, they were still humble members of the basement division - and Stevenage's peers. As were Cardiff, Swansea, and Doncaster - teams who all finished in the top half of last season's Championship.

Not to mention Hull City - who couldn't have believed in 1996 that they'd ever end their top flight duck, let alone be joint top of the professional game for one week in the autumn of 2008.

However, despite numerous clubs punching under their weight, the prospects for Boro doing well were still good. A couple of years later, Conference Champions Macclesfield would clinch back to back promotions.

That's because this was a Football League that didn't impose rules that always favoured the big boys. There was no 60% rule dictating how much you could spend - although some would argue that was probably a bad thing.

The phrase 'emergency loan' hadn't even been dreamt up, let alone put into action.

There was no transfer window that allowed richer clubs to carry bigger squads. If a club needed to recruit a player because of injuries, they could. If they needed to sell a player for money, they had the freedom to.

Fighting it out with richer clubs with bigger budgets will make competing now, in the long run, more difficult than it would have been 14 years ago. Stevenage will be a small fish in a pond that has got bigger.

As for 'incremental revenue' and the need to move to purpose built stadiums - very few had caught onto the moving bug.

Downtrodden, terraced grounds lacking roofs and proper facilities were widespread across the lower leagues. Not so many generic 'Legoland' stadiums had popped up yet.

It was trips to Layer Road, Feethams, Belle Vue, and even Brighton's old Goldstone Ground that travelling fans from the Home Counties would have encountered.

Next season they will make pilgrimages to the New Meadow, the b2net Stadium, the Pirelli Stadium, and the Globe Arena and, barring the colours of the seats, they will struggle to tell them apart.

Doncaster's Belle Vue was the typical basement division ground in 1996

The football was often poor to watch though - sides crammed with as many six footers as possible playing on shocking pitches and preferring to launch it long to the big man.

Now the lower divisions are more progressive. Young coaches with a more positive approach to playing better football with teams of young players who can be sold on to make their club vital money.

Stevenage fans will find their Football League experience more enjoyable to watch now, too.

More comfortable, more safe, and more family friendly than 14 years ago. They will however, because of all those improvements, also find it more expensive.

The profile and coverage of the basement division was also a world away in 1996, too. If you wanted to catch highlights of a game you missed you'd have to wait until the early hours one night in the week to catch a TV show - or you could always video it if you had to get up early.

There was no internet coverage, no club websites, no BBC iPlayer providing quick and easily accessible match action, no Saturday evening programme on the telly to watch, not even a Soccer AM/MW blog to enjoy.

Now, local businesses can sponsor a hoarding, a shirt, shorts, or even the whole stadium and know they will get incredible national and local exposure through the power of the media.

After all, who didn't want to know exactly what or where the enchanting-sounding 'Sparkworld' was when their name was plastered across the front of Torquay's bright yellow shirts?

As Boro will find out with their League Cup tie against Portsmouth - live on SKY TV - the gate is now open to opportunities that only come the way of the 92.

The 2010 Football League Stevenage are entering is a place where money can, and will, be made. However, it is a place where money need to be spent wisely just to survive, let alone progress.

Points deductions for going into administration were an alien concept in '96 - now they are an annual feature of English football. It is a Brave New World that offers financial temptations Stevenage will find both dangerous and exciting.

One day, too, they may find it a more difficult world to remain in. Two-up two-down between the Football League and Conference is a lot more appealing when you're battling to get promoted rather than fighting against relegation.

It has also led to an increased number of former Football League clubs plying their trade in the Conference. Boro will be used to games against big teams bringing large numbers of fans from long distances.

It will probably mean the 2010 Football League is a lot less fresh and not quite as different to the Conference, which is practically League Three, as it would have been 14 years ago.

It's also difficult to dress up games against the likes of Burton, Morecambe, Accrington, and Aldershot as new and particularly exciting, either. They are all opponents who have spent years in the Non League circle.

After 14 years in the making though, Stevenage fans would probably disagree. They certainly won't care.

Stevenage settle a score

After Stevenage Borough finally secure promotion to the Football League, Nobes reports on the end of a long wait for Borough fans.

Joel Byrom celebrates scoring for Stevenage as they clinch the Conference title

Amongst all the joy and jubilation, they'll be another feeling coursing through the Hertfordshire town of Stevenage this summer - justice.

Fourteen years on from winning the Conference but being denied promotion to the Football League, Stevenage Borough have finally reached the promised land.

Their 2-0 win at Kidderminster Harriers at the weekend capped a memorable season for Graham Westley's side - who have the chance to do the 'double' in the FA Trophy final next month.

It's the realisation of a dream for Borough fans, who have seen their side come agonisingly close to promotion in the past, only to see those hopes dashed.

Most notable of those occasions was in 1995/6, when Borough finished eight points clear of Woking to clinch the Conference title.

It was only their second season in Non League's premier division, but, while great progress had been on the pitch, the same couldn't be said off it. Their Broadhall Way ground was deemed unfit for the Football League and the club had to stay down.

It was the third year in a row that fate had befallen the Conference Champions, the same fate happening to Kidderminster and Macclesfield in the two previous seasons.

Perhaps it was appropriate then that Stevenage's elevation was sealed at Aggborough and a club who knew the exact pain the Borough fans had felt.

Of course, Harriers made-up for their denial in 2000 and have since come down again, while the Silkmen have been a Football League side for 13 years.

Now Stevenage have completed the trio of teams to vanquish the bitter recriminations of their promotion denial.

Not that it is any surprise that Borough have finally joined the 92, they have been knocking on the door frequently in the past.

In 2005, Westley - in his first spell at the club - took the Hertfordshire outfit to the play-off final. On that occasion, Carlisle's 1-0 victory saw the Cumbrians promoted at Stevenage's expense.

Last season they again made the play-offs, but threw away a two goal advantage from the first leg to lose to Cambridge in the semi-finals.

This time they have made sure there was no need to enter the end of season lottery again.

Stevenage's rebuilt Broadhall Way is now a ground fit for the Football League

To do so they have had to overturn early pacesetters Oxford - who mid-way through the season led Borough by four points and had a game in hand.

However, as the Oxen began to wobble, the Hertfordshire side capitalised - winning 15 of their 18 league games in 2010 to reign supreme at the top.

For their manager he now has the chance to show he can match his success in the Conference in the Football League. The re-appointment of Westley, an often controversial character, was greeted with a mixed response by Borough fans.

However, the 42-year-old has debunked the theory that managers shouldn't return to former clubs - this season's Conference title following FA Trophy success against York at Wembley last May.

It's a trophy they could retain as they face Barrow on May 8, hoping to add a final glorious finish to this most memorable of seasons.

Until, perhaps, next season that is. Stevenage can look forward with confidence and draw inspiration and hope from previous Conference winners who have established themselves and gone onto challenge in League Two.

Broadhall Way is now a ground built for the Football League and a side with a winning mentality and momentum will look to hit the ground running next term.

This season's basement division has seen the likes of Aldershot, Dagenham, and Morecambe - all promoted in recent years - challenging for the top seven. Westley will be hoping to emulate them.

He will also know his side are now a small fish in a big pond though, and Borough will be up against sides with bigger crowds and budgets.

At least they have the chance to compete though - for 14 years that's all they've ever wanted.