A sit down with Josh Staunton
It is fair to say Josh Staunton has written himself very much into the hearts of Yeovil Town fans this year. Despite relegation from the fifth tier, Staunton has impressed as captain of The Glovers with his battling and courageous displays on the field, and his honest and engaging manner off it. We made the…
An alternative summer rebuild for Torquay United
Towards the end of the season, I announced that I was going to be releasing a recruitment plan on how Torquay United should approach the summer in the event that they were relegated from the National League. There are a couple factors that have since effected the release of that – not relegation; that was…
Recruiting for Rochdale ahead of the 2023-24 Campaign
Rochdale prepare for life in the National League, after relegation from League Two under the interim pupillage of Jim McNulty. The step down into the fifth tier has been one that is notoriously difficult for sides that do not have the wealth of non-league experience under their belts, with Scunthorpe United suffering back-to-back relegations with…
Top 10 Under-the-Radar Performers in the National League
Jack Senior (FC Halifax Town)I start this list with FC Halifax Town skipper Jack Senior. Having lost revered figure Pete Wild in the summer, long-time assistant Chris Millington stepped into the role as first-team boss. After a tough start, it needed strong leadership on and off the field to turn the season around, and on…
Match Report – 2023 FA Trophy Final: FC Halifax Town 1-0 Gateshead
The curtain came down on the National League season yesterday in the capital, as Gateshead took on FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy final. And, it was Chris Millington’s men that emerged as the winners thanks to a solitary goal from Jamie Cooke, with The Shaymen running out 1-0 victors to lift the trophy…
Off The Line Blog National League South Team of the Season
Jack Bycroft Taunton Town were promoted to the National League South last summer, and did so with Will Buse keeping the fort in goal for The Peacocks. There were slight concerns that they may struggle to replace the youngster in goal heading into this season – yeah, alright; good one. They’ve not only replaced him,…
Off The Line Blog National League North Team of the Season
Harry TyrerIn my opinion, this is one of the easiest selections in the team. Chester finished the campaign with the best defensive record in the division, conceding only 41 goals, and that despite having an inexperienced, youthful team in the main. One key component of their success has been the form of Everton loanee Harry…
Off The Line Blog National League Team of the Season
Nathan Ashmore Boreham Wood finished the campaign with the best defensive record in the division, and so it is only right that there is a defensively-minded Wood player included in this team. Femi Ilesanmi was close, but he just misses out; instead, we have opted for Mr Reliable in the National League, a player that…
National League Play-Off Final Review
What a final. Notts County and Chesterfield took to the Wembley turf on Saturday afternoon in the National League play-off final, and the game certainly lived up to the big billing. An early goal, a late goal, a comeback, a penalty shootout and a spectacle that will live long in the memory as one of…
Championship Play-Offs Preview
Luton Town They go all the way Granted, this season is in many ways very different to the last, but The Hatters come into the play-offs with a record to put straight after going out in the semi-finals last season. They bowed out to Huddersfield Town in the semi-finals, and so they will certainly have…
League Two Play-Offs Preview
Stockport County They will go all the way The play-offs are not always plain-sailing; that is fair to say. And, often the team that goes all the way and is able to achieve promotion is the one which is most readily able to problem solve and answer what is thrown at them. In that regard,…
League One Play-Offs Preview
The curtain has been drawn down on the regular season in the EFL; it is now time for the play-offs to take centre stage. League One is the first to get under way, with Peterborough United playing hosts to Sheffield Wednesday in the first-leg of the semi-finals; Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley are set to go…
League One Relegated XI
Connor Ripley (Morecambe)Often, when a side is relegated, one person who can regularly come up smelling of the proverbial roses and hold their shoulders high is the goalkeeper, and in this case that is again true. Connor Ripley has proven himself to be a more than capable goalkeeper at League One level, an imposing player…
How do Heed challenge for the top 7 next season?
It’s fair to say it’s been a strong second-half to the season for Gateshead. In the first-half of the season, The Heed found themselves in the midst of a relegation battle and fearing a return to the National League North at the first time of asking. And yet, their form in the second-half of the…
What do Argyle need to recruit in the summer?
Plymouth Argyle are back in the Championship. With their win over Burton Albion last weekend, they sealed a return to the second tier and promotion from League One. The Pilgrims have a lot of work to do in the summer to ensure that they are capable of be competitive in the Championship next season, and…
How do Hartlepool United rebuild following relegation?
So, after being promoted from the National League two seasons ago at Ashton Gate, Hartlepool United have had stay of execution in the Football League ended and they are on their way back to the fifth tier. They enter the National League with experienced boss John Askey at the helm, and the former York City…
Best Under-23 XI in the National League this season
Collin Andeng-Ndi (Southend United)Some – and indeed many – Blues fans felt that injury to Steve Arnold in the early rungs of the season would put pay to their efforts this term. And yet, it is credit to the strength of Andeng-Ndi’s campaign that they went from strength-to-strength in Arnold’s absence. The youngster was thrust…
2022-23 League Two Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, please follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf01AAGq9UGM3RO54gcj5xRUQYZdUT6S68oRrXJkjdmeMwnaA/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 League One Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, please follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbYZK2uQxN9l1qZJgpTkA6QN_o46N07NsFWgvQp4QSoqosnw/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 Championship Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, please follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQHAjD3nrO361ZJ0xFtAviPFuIo0fPu2NFcUSFr6ZtKmqiFw/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 Non League Step 4 Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5ZpJleNXhuc_bY90QmZYEiox9iMANFBlSqgR8wG7KeHlgeA/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 Non League Step 3 Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnYDJU45P7MaNLPQidv64zGkcb9Ys2uD1-aCVPOtOZlkqJLA/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 National League South Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcV-TzSc3GaO2hEByHc1_f3u4V23kEUyJIY67XXx5hkX65xA/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 National League North Awards Voting
To vote for these Awards, follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe49ubsWGDpCa-yrtx8Pog6g_jvKDcsSsvapBbhQJiBrR5F7g/viewform?usp=sf_link
2022-23 National League Awards Voting
To vote for the Awards, follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSel3oYjaRqZZjw4-mxiC1mnfDIhuq1Wb5QWGoSiN4aCo4-PxQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Who will finish in the National League North play-offs?
With a week left to go in the season, the division could not be any tighter in the National League. Only four points separates Brackley Town (4th) and Darlington (13th) – the race for the play-offs is well and truly on, and is all set for a grand stand finish. There is only one round…
Saddlers searching for a saviour – but where will their search lead?
Once again, Walsall are on the lookout for a new boss. After a terrible record of just 1 win in 20 league games, The Saddlers have decided to dispense of Mike Flynn and search for his successor. It continues the Managerial Merry-go-Round that has become now the norm for the West Midlands outfit, and they…
A Valiant effort – but who do Port Vale plump for next?
After a nose dive in form that had seen The Valiants win no games in their last seven and drop to within only a couple of points from the League One drop zone, the Vale hierarchy to dispense of boss Darren Clarke. I have to say that I was rather shocked that they made the…
YEOVIL TOWN 2022-23: SEASON REPORT
So, the curtain has been drawn to a close at Huish Park for Yeovil Town. This season, I have been fortunate enough to watch on and observe The Glovers in 12 of their 23 home games, as well as watch them on the road when they played Torquay United at Plainmoor. As such, I thought…
A Royal Appointment – but who should get the Reading hotseat?
With Reading in the midst of a relegation battle, The Royals have decided to dispense of boss Paul Ince. Ince departed with five games to go, leaving them sitting 22nd in the Championship table following a points deduction and downturn in form that has yielded just no win in his last eight games in charge.…
REPORT: Yeovil Town 0-3 Oldham Athletic
Yeovil Town, who returned to Huish Park for the first time since having their relegation to the National League South in midweek in defeat to Wrexham, looked to restore some pride in their final home fixture of the season. But, they faced a rampant Oldham Athletic side who ran out convincing 3-0 winners to make…
Who will be relegated in the National League?
It is the business end of the season in the National League; promotion and relegation are on the line. And, as ever, it is tense right until the very end. Wrexham look to have put one hand on the title with their win over Notts County on Bank Holiday Monday, to provide some clarity in…
Who should Blackpool appoint as their new boss?
After a long and arduous campaign at Bloomfield Road, it looks as if The Seasiders are on their way back to League One after just two campaigns in the second tier. They do so under the interim management of former player Stephen Dobbie, who has stepped into the role following the sacking of Mick McCarthy,…
Why Randell back could propel Plymouth to promotion
Going into the final few games of the season, Plymouth Argyle have been handed a boost with the news that Adam Randell is back available for The Pilgrims ahead of their Devon derby against Exeter City. It comes as a real plus for boss Steven Schumacher, after he has seen his side lose twice in…
Wrexham show why they are worthy champions
The dust has settled after a cracker on BT Sport on Easter Monday, with Wrexham returning to the top of the table with a 3-2 victory over Notts County. It did not come without its fair share of drama – as expected – at The Racecourse Ground, with The Red Dragons having to come from…
REPORT: Yeovil Town 0-1 Dorking Wanderers
Yeovil Town took on Dorking Wanderers on Bank Holiday Monday with what seemed like a final chance to get some much-needed points on the board in their fight against relegation; and, they failed.Marc White’s men came away with all three points and they saw out a win which all but ensures their own safety in…
BIG GAME PREVIEW: Wrexham vs Notts County
It’s the game we have all been waiting for. Wrexham and Notts County have been locked in a battle for top spot all season, with very little to separate either side, and as they meet at The Racecourse Ground on Monday, there is once again nothing to separate them aside from purely goal difference. They…
Vanarama National League MD#42 – Weekend Preview
Aldershot Town vs Yeovil TownThe Shots did not have a game last Saturday, but there was no shortage of action for Town as they made a managerial change, with Ross McNeilly moved back to his role with the academy and former King’s Lynn Town boss Tommy Widdrington being appointed as their new boss. He will…
Why Widdrington is a wise choice for The Shots
After defeat to FC Halifax Town last time out put The Shots further into relegation worries, Aldershot Town have decided to part company with Ross McNeilly. McNeilly returns to the academy – taking up the role as Head of Academy, as he was prior to his promotion into the managerial hot seat – while The…
10 things that I learnt from the 2023 Papa Johns Trophy Final
Dempsey on a missionRight from the first whistle, former Gillingham man Kyle Dempsey was on a mission; seemingly, setting the tone. I always rated Dempsey as a tidy midfielder, but I was honestly blown away at just how good he was on the afternoon. He was like a little Yorkshire terrier in the middle of…
REPORT: Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 MK Dons
Match Summary MK Dons started the game well, playing on the front foot, and they took a deserved lead. Josh McEachran won the ball back in midfield, and spread the play wide to Tennai Watson. Watson advanced towards the Wanderers penalty area and delivered a low cross. His initial cross was blocked, before he crossed…
A shortlist for replacing Jim Bentley
With just eight games left to go in the season, Rochdale have decided to dispense of boss Jim Bentley. While the timing – and indeed delay – in axing the former Morecambe boss will perhaps come as a surprise, it is fair to say that his appointment has not worked out for Dale. During his…
7 players Dagenham and Redbridge should sign in the summer
Ben Strevens has already done a bit of trimming to his squad ahead of the summer, with the departure of Dean Rance on a free, and Junior Morias being sold to Notts County. Strevens opted not to add to his squad prior to the National League transfer deadline last Thursday, putting trust in the players…
What Bromley need to do to win the National League title next year
Recently, I watched Bromley at Huish Park, with The Ravens running out 1-0 winners as they kept their slim chances of a play-off spot alive and kicking. It does, however, look as if Bromley will have to settle for a finish just outside the play-offs, as their ascent for the top seven has fallen just…
Final League Two Promotion + Relegation Predictions
Promotion 1st – Leyton Orient Orient may have had a little wobble in recent weeks, with four straight draws, but I still think that Richie Wellens’ men are still very much the team to beat. And, although their lead at the top of League Two is being cut down by the week, I am still…
Final League One Promotion + Relegation Predictions
Promotion 1st – Plymouth Argyle Plymouth Argyle moved to the summit of League One on the weekend, and while boss Steven Schumacher will be hoping his side can stay there, I have every reason and confidence to believe they will. Of the sides in top six, I feel that The Pilgrims are the most fluid…
Final Championship Promotion + Relegation Predictions
Promotion 1st – Burnley Perhaps the easiest selection to make as part of these predictions. Burnley have been the team to beat right from the very off, the runaway leaders in the Championship, and unless there is some sort of collapse between now and the end of the season, I – and perhaps all Championship…
REPORT: Yeovil Town 0-1 Bromley
On Non-League Day, I made the trip to watch Yeovil Town host Bromley. The hosts are in a relegation battle, and went into the game looking to end their 11-game winless run in the National League. Bromley, meanwhile, headed to Huish Park knowing that a win could push them right back into play-off contention. And,…
Rating the business done on Deadline Day in the National League
Charlie Wakefield to WokingThe award for perhaps the least surprising move on Deadline Day is winger Charlie Wakefield departing Yeovil Town on loan for Woking. Wakefield played under Sarll at Huish Park, and he becomes the latest in a long list of players that rekindle the relationship with their former gaffer by making the switch…
Reflections: England C 1-0 Wales C
On Tuesday evening, I made the long trip up to Altrincham to watch England C team take on Mark Jones’ Welsh C side at Moss Lane. After the disappointment of a 4-0 defeat in Caernarfon last year, Paul Fairclough’s men looking to take their revenge and reclaim the trophy. And, in front of a crowd…
Possible signings in the National League before the deadline
Evan Khouri (loan – Grimsby Town) Barnet will go into the business end of the season with optimism that they can indeed be promoted from the National League. If they are indeed to get promoted, I think they need to add to their squad in one or two areas. One where they are perhaps a…
OTLB Observations #4 – Ticket Troubles
Earlier this week, tickets went on sale – and then shortly went off sale – for the much-anticipated, title clash between Wrexham and Notts County, taking place at The Racecourse Ground later this season.Many fans from both sides were left disappointed that they were unable to get a ticket for the game, especially those who…
Top 7 Games in the EFL this weekend: Weekend Preview
Swansea City vs Bristol City After yet another defeat during midweek, boss Russell Martin was given a vote of confidence by the City hierarchy, with his position at the helm seemingly safe. Martin himself said that he would not have stuck around at the club if he had any doubts, and so he will want…
Vanarama National League MD#39 – Weekend Preview
Bromley vs WrexhamBromley had their game against FC Halifax Town called off during the week. That means that Andy Woodman’s side will come into the game against Wrexham this weekend without Reice Charles-Cook to call upon after his sending-off against York City; Sam Long – on loan from Lincoln City – is in contention to…
Stones reaching for the stars under Stuart
On Saturday, Wealdstone managed to edge ever closer to the play-off places with an away win against lowly Torquay United. Striker Micah Obiero scored in the final few minutes to earn them all three points, a result that leaves them sitting just three points outside the play-offs behind 7th-placed Boreham Wood. Obiero has been one…
9 games to go – who will win the National League title?
The race for the title in the National League is hotting up, and we are at the business end with only nine games to go. Wrexham hold the upper hand at the moment, holding a 4-point lead over Notts County after The Magpies recently dropped points against Dagenham and Redbridge and Bromley. But, as we…
OTLB Observations #3 – Playing Your Cards Right
After the disappointment of losing right at the death to Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night, Woking bounced back with a win yesterday afternoon, running out 2-0 winners against Maidenhead United at The Laithwaite Community Stadium. The win consolidates The Cards’ spot in third place in the National League, with Sarll’s men now six points ahead…
Top 7 games in the EFL this weekend: Weekend Preview
Queens Park Rangers vs WatfordIt has been a tough start to life as Rangers boss for new man Gareth Ainsworth, with The Hoops having failed to register a league win since the former Chairboys boss was appointed in the role. Last time out, Rangers fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham United,…
Vanarama National League MD#37 + FA Trophy Quarter-Finals
National League Chesterfield vs Yeovil TownAfter winning 2-1 on the road last time out against Gateshead to end their run of defeats, The Spireites made it back-to-back wins in the league with victory over play-off chasing Southend United. Defender Lawrence Maguire continued his return to the side with a goal, while recent signing Ryan Colclough…
Topalloj, Rutherford + Hobson – my England C team selection
Paul Fairclough picked his team for the upcoming internationals as England C take on a Welsh contingent in Altrincham – now is time for me to pick my side. I have opted to stick with some of the restrictions that Fairclough put in place for his selection, namely; I have, however, decided against sticking to…
England C Squad Reaction
On Sunday morning, the England C team was announced. The squad – made up of initially 25 players – consists of a single player from each of the National League premier sides, including a sole representative from below Step 1 (goalkeeper Harrison Male from Worthing). This season, boss Paul Fairclough and his staff opted to…
REPORT: Yeovil Town 1-0 Eastleigh
Yesterday, I was in attendance for the National League fixture between relegation-threatened Yeovil Town and play-off challengers Eastleigh. However, it was the side sitting on the outskirts of the drop zone that came off the happier of the two, as Mark Cooper’s men got a key three points on the board against the 10-men Spitfires.…
OTLB Observations #2 – You’ve just been Devonshired
Earlier in the week, I predicted that Wrexham would drop points in a potential “banana skin tie” against Maidenhead United.Thus, even despite the dramatic fashion in which The Magpies indeed made sure of the point, it came as no surprise to me that United were able to hold the league leaders to a draw.At the…
Vanarama National League MD#36 – Weekend Preview
Southend United vs BarnetThe Blues received the news during midweek that their HMRC date was successful, meaning that the club lives to fight another day. Kevin Maher has acted to address the goalkeeper position, with Stoke City youngster Blondy Nna Noukeu extending his deal after his loan had expired. Last time out, The Blues managed…
REPORT: Yeovil Town 1-1 Altrincham
Teams Yeovil Town: Smith (GK), Williams, Reckord, D’Ath, Fisher, Owers, Law, Palmer-Houlden, Cooper, Bevan, Agbaje Altrincham: Byrne (GK), Jones, Marriott, Barnes, Lundstram, Hulme, Osborne, Jones, Oyedele, Linney, Sinclair SummaryBoth teams came out of the blocks well, but it was the home side that made the brighter start of the two with Edwin Agbaje involved early-on,…
Strevens prime candidate for Daggers
Last week, prior to their game live on BT Sport against Notts County, Dagenham and Redbridge announced the departure of boss Daryl McMahon. The former Ebbsfleet United brought to an end his 3-year stint with the club, and departs having failed to get The Daggers into the play-offs during his time in charge. They are…
Why Lemonheigh-Evans is the jewel in the crown for Notts County
Last week, Notts County added to their squad with the signing of midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans. The Welshman spent the last couple of seasons with Torquay United, starring on their way to the play-off final in the 2020-21 campaign. However, after joining Stockport County in the summer and subsequently struggling for minutes in League Two, Lemonheigh-Evans…
OTLB Observations #1 – Mentality Monsters
Today sees the first of a new series on our page called OTLB Observations. Every Sunday, we will do a feature piece on a chosen topic from the EFL or National League over the past week. And, it seems fitting that the topic for our debut piece is Southend United. The Blues returned to winning…
Top 7 Games in the EFL this weekend: Weekend Preview
Sheffield United vs WatfordBoss Paul Heckingbottom has vouched that his side will “scrap and fight” for promotion. As things stand, they still sit in the top two in the table, however after recent results, their lead has been cut down to only four points with a game in hand. Indeed, they have only won once…
Vanarama National League MD#35 – Weekend Preview
Altrincham vs Solihull MoorsAltrincham may well have lost Ryan Colclough and Chris Conn-Clarke during the January window, but you would have been fooled into thinking that they were not a miss, as The Robins have since been impressive in the league. Tyrese Sinclair has started well after joining from Rochdale, slamming home last time out,…
Beech best of the bunch for Hartlepool United
Yesterday, Hartlepool United sacked boss Keith Curle. The club sit 22nd in the division, and face the serious risk of relegation out of the Football League only a year after they were promoted into it via the play-offs. The decision to dispense of the former Northampton Town boss comes after pressure from the supporters and…
Why Colchester United should appoint Adam Hinshelwood
In many ways, I am disappointed that Matt Bloomfield has indeed moved on at the first time of asking. I can see exactly why he has moved on at the opportunity that has been presented to him, taking over a club that he can without a doubt call his own. He made 488 appearances for…
National League Transfer Table
Aldershot TownIN: Henry Ochieng (free transfer), Morgan Roberts (loan), Tyler Frost (free transfer), Haji Mnoga (loan), Jake Hutchinson (loan), Oliver Pendlebury (free transfer)OUT: Inih Effiong (transfer), Francis Amartey (loan), Karoy Anderson (loan return), Peter Abimbola (loan return), Ody Alfa (loan return), Frank Vincent (loan return)VerdictGiven the form Inih Effiong was in, it perhaps came as…
REPORT: Yeovil Town 1-4 Notts County
I was at Huish Park yesterday to watch table-toppers Notts County face off against relegation-threatened Yeovil Town. A valiant display from The Glovers was ultimately rewarded with no points to show for it, as a late collapse from the hosts saw the visitors go back to Nottingham with all three points. Game Synopsis It didn’t…
Who will finish 6th and 7th in the National League?
Southend United Case For There is a lot to be side for collective spirit and a case of fight. And, in the case of The Blues, I feel that there is a lot of it. They have staff behind the scenes and at the helm that are working with a real passion for the club,…
Sky Bet League Two Transfer Table
The last two days, I have put up my Transfer Table for the Championship and League One, ranking all sides on the strength of their January business. And, today sees the turn of League Two, in my opinion the most difficult of the three to pick purely for the fact that so many sides had…
Sky Bet League One Transfer Table
The battle at both ends of the League One table makes for an intriguing end to the season, and as such the January window took on even greater importance. There were so big movers in the window, with some deals giving sides a real sense of positivity heading into the second-half of the campaign, while…
Sky Bet Championship Transfer Table
The January window slammed shut just over a week ago. As a result, teams are now unable to add to their side other than simply free transfers or emergency loans, and squads are locked in for the second-half of the campaign. Some sides were busy in January, while some – it is fair to say…
1 player every National League side should sign before 23rd March
Joel Rollinson (Hungerford Town – transfer) The Shots appointed former Hungerford Town man Luke Campion as Head Scout earlier this month, and so it is perhaps no surprise to see a Bulpit Lane boy as the player Town should add. Ross McNeilly’s success has been built on young, exciting, energetic players with real promise that…
Sky Bet League Two MD#30 – Weekend Preview
Selected Fixtures Northampton Town vs WalsallNorthampton come into this weekends game off the back of a 2-0 victory away at Barrow. After a fairly even first-half the Cobblers asserted their dominance with goals from Ben Fox and Shaun McWilliams helping them to all three points. Jon Brady’s men should have extra motivation as well with…
Sky Bet League One MD#30 – Weekend Preview
Selected Fixtures Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle Sheffield Wednesday go into this tie sitting three points behind league leaders and visitors Plymouth Argyle, knowing a win will take them top of league one. Having been beaten 2-1 away at Argyle on October 4th, the owls are 21 games unbeaten over 90 minutes and have the…
Scunthorpe United: A Blueprint for Rebuilding
Just over a week ago, Scunthorpe United announced that former Ilkeston Town club chairman David Hilton had completed a takeover of Scunthorpe United, ending the much overdue reign of Peter Swann in charge of the football club. His first pledges were that he would clear the outstanding debt with the HMRC to be able to…
Sky Bet League Two TOTS – So Far
Lawrence VigourouxWhile Orient have been outstanding this term in an attacking sense, they have been similarly strong defensively – surprisingly so – and that is in part down to the form of Chilean goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. The South American has been in inspired form for Richie Wellens’ side and has shown his importance to this…
Sky Bet League One TOTS – So Far
Michael Cooper (Plymouth Argyle)The age old debate in League One is who is the best goalkeeper in the division, with each of the top sides – Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town – all claiming stakes to the standout stopper. However, I think that the standout choice this term has been Argyle man Michael Cooper,…
Sky Bet Championship TOTS – So Far
Viktor Johansson (Rotherham United)The Millers are by no means the fiercest of outfits defensively, having conceded 40 goals in the league so far this term – with only three sides having conceded more this season – they do have at their disposal a player in Viktor Johansson has been statistically the best goalkeeper in the…
Combined XI – Weston-super-Mare, Truro City + Chesham United
The race for the title in the Southern League is hotting up, with Truro City, Chesham United and current leaders Weston-super-Mare all in the mix. All three sides are littered with quality, and indeed players that have played at a higher level, and so we thought that we would pick our Combined XI made up…
Combined XI – Ebbsfleet United, Dartford + Havant and Waterlooville
So far this season, there are three main contenders for the title in the National League South; last season’s beaten play-off finalists Ebbsfleet United, Havant and Waterlooville under experienced campaigner Paul Doswell, and previous promotion-winner Dartford. The three sides are likely to be battling it out right until the end for the National League South…
Combined XI – Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday + Ipswich Town
Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town have been the three standout sides in League One so far this term. Each are blessed with a strong squad, and so it going us thinking: what would be a Combined XI look like? We have deliberated long and hard about a best eleven made up of players…
Oldham Athletic Best XI
Oldham Athletic have a whopping 35 players contracted to their books. Boss David Unsworth can certainly have no complaints in not having the tools for the job at hand – ensuring National League survival – but as of yet the former Everton youth coach has been unable to get the best out of the players…
Alternative National League ‘Big 3’ XI
Tom Williams picked his Combined XI made up of only Notts County, Wrexham and Chesterfield players, with some big selection decisions and the omission of a handful of quality players, as is the strength and star quality of the three squads and the players at their disposal. I was going to name my Combined XI,…
National League XI – excluding Wrexham, Notts County + Chesterfield
At the end of last week – in advance of the scheduled BT Sport fixture between Chesterfield and Notts County – Magpies fan Tom Williams put together his Combined XI made up of only Notts County, Wrexham and Chesterfield players.I have taken inspiration from that piece and instead have produced a Combined National League XI…
Appleton exits, Micky’s Muckers and a Wish for Waburton
After an underwhelming first-half of the season, Blackpool have made the decision to dispense of Michael Appleton.Despite injury problems restricting selection somewhat, tactical deficiencies with substitution selection and failure to win around a Blackpool crowd seemingly unhappy with his appointment right from the off, continued struggles in the first-half of the campaign which have shown…
Who will win the FA Trophy?
On Monday, the draw was made for the 5th round of the FA Trophy. The top three sides in the National League – Notts County, Wrexham and Chesterfield – all out of the competition already, with The Magpies losing to Maidstone United on penalties on Sunday, and Wrexham bowing out against Altrincham on Friday night.Woking…
Great work by Galinson’s as Gills gear up for success
It is fair to say that the first-half of the season has not been a positive one for Gillingham. Despite knocking out Premier League outfit Brentford in the cup, Neil Harris’ side sit bottom of the division having scored the lowest number of goals inside the top five divisions of English football, and more than…
Sky Bet League Two MD#27 – Weekend Preview
AFC Wimbledon vs Bradford CityAFC Wimbledon drew last weekend 0-0 against Crewe in a rather uneventful game which saw neither side exert dominance. The Dons have had a busy week on the back of that with forward Ali Al-Hamadi signing permanently from Wycombe having made 13 first team appearances for the Chairboys. They have also…
Sky Bet League One MD#27 – Weekend Preview
Accrington Stanley vs Bristol RoversAccrington drew 1-1 with National League side Boreham Wood last weekend and are facing a replay next week. Having picked up 16 points from their opening 11 games, Stanley have only won one of their last 12 league games and having lost eight of them games they haven fallen massively into…
Sky Bet Championship MD#27 – Weekend Preview
Bristol City vs Birmingham CityDespite faltering league form that has seen The Robins fail to win in their last four league games, Nigel Pearson’s men were able to make sure that they are in the hat for the next round of the FA Cup with a home draw against Swansea City. The focus, however, will…
Artell is the A-Star Appointment for Swindon Town
Yesterday, Swindon Town announced that Head Coach Scott Lindsey and assistant Jamie Day had both departed the club to take up the vacant managerial position with fellow League Two outfit Crawley Town. The Robins are now on the look out for their new boss, with the club sitting in 8th place and still well-placed to…
An Irish revolution in the EFL
There is an Irish revolution taking place in the EFL. In recent years, we have seen players come across into the English football pyramid after impressing in the Irish leagues, with Gavin Whyte and Luke McNally the standout successes of that for Oxford United. And, more recently we have witnessed a concerted effort from EFL…
Part 2: Players from Step 3 and below worth of a January move
Charlie Dowd (Nuneaton Borough)When Part 1 of this feature went up last week, it was no surprise to see many point out that youngster Charlie Dowd was a noticeable omission from that list. He was, only for the fact that the list consisted of ten players, as he was someone well in our thoughts and…
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Off The Line 