Interesting post. I guess it stands to reason that the refereeing standard is even worse one level down, but that is a very scary thought. Physicality, work ethic and organisation are three traits we conspicuously lack, so we could “do a Chesterfield” ourselves next season - although I’m pretty sure that won’t extend to rehiring John Sheridan.
Chesterfield should be in the Championship don't you know? Instead they are 4th from bottom of the conference, staring regional football in the face.
There is a lot to be learnt from the fall of chesterfield. Their owner has pumped in millions and continues to do so by appointing and sacking managers, back room staff and plaayers on a bi-annual basis.
Not sure all spireites have grasped how low they have sunk yet. The fans have just silently watched it happen and done nothing to stop the trend. They need stabilization before they can think about getting back up, like Orient did/are doing. Not likely to be next season either I shouldn't think.
The only reason Cambridge got out of the conference was because of Richard Money. He signed free transfers of sufficient standard. One of them, Tom Champion was an absolute diamond, he couldnt pass the ball ten yards, but was incredibly mobile, fast, and could tackle, read the game etc. He was a defensive midfielder. Thats what the conference is like, you will have too FIGHT.
Having football league standard players is a start, but if they dont roll up their sleeeves, they will be useless. Quality will win you the league, even one quality player makes a big difference. You wont sign quality if your in the conference, unless you pay over the odds. Getting kicked at Dorchester or wherever is not attractive. Hanging on to your quality players may work. Maybe not.
As someone has said, the refereeing is awful, the football dire. Muscle plus ability will get you out. Shirkers need not apply.
I would agree with what he says about Physicality, work ethic and organisation. It's crude, but it's about points at the end of the day. Our promotion from that league was based on the physicality of our spine, spearheaded by Matt Green. The ball spent a lot of time in the air in 12/13.
I didn’t mention Scarborough in the original post because they were relegated in 1999, before my starting point of 2002/3 season. So it’s now 20 seasons since they were in the League.
It’s good to hear that they are making progress again, although I believe that, as with Rushden and Darlington, it’s not strictly speaking the same club.