Exeter, the FA Trophy, and everything else in between..

First of all, congratulations to Exeter City. All jokes and rivalries aside, you didnt let your heads drop, and your character and determination was there to see. You threw the kitchen sink at us, and we surrendered. Good luck to you in the Football League - after years of near misses you deserve your chance.

So, after being in control for so long...we managed to blow it. A second trip to Wembley was within our grasp, but after 20 minutes of madness the dream was over.

So what went wrong?

For one, I firmly believe had we not scored, the match would have finished 0-0. We were soaking up Exeter's pressure well, with Exeter's only clear cut chance the clearance off the line in the first half. The goal allowed complacency to creep in, and as a result, the players switched off from their defensive mind set. After the first goal we panicked, and from then on it was a total shambles.

Another issue for me was the substitutions/team selection. The omission of Lee Phillips was baffling - if he's fit enough for the bench, he's fit enough to start the match. Phillips allows us to defend from the front, and without him Exeter were allowed too much time to work the ball.

Secondly, the substitution of Steve Woods. Woods was holding things together at the back with his experience, and when he went off we lost our shape and our organization.

So to collapse like that is bad enough in any match, but to your main rivals at home in a playoff semi? Cant say I've felt that deflated after a match in a long, long time.

Then came Wembley. A chance to salvage something from the season? To be honest, we looked a team desperately short on confidence, naturally..but we went there and gave it a good go. I think Ebbsfleet edged it on the day, but both teams had chances and Ebbsfleet took theirs, taking advantage of yet another error at the back. I felt for Toddy when he made his mistake, so consistent all season, you could tell how much it meant to him at the end as well.

For me though, the highlight of the day had to be Hilly breaking the all time appearance record. What a stage to break the record, and the standing ovation was well observed from both sets of fans. Well done Hilly, you're a dying breed in today's game.

So there we have it. A disappointing end to the campaign, but all things considered, it's been a fantastic season for us. To look at where we were 10 months ago and see where we are now is nothing short of remarkable, and all credit has to go to everyone connected with the club. Everyone's pulling in the right direction now, from the players to the directors, and its good to see, especially after last season's shenanigans.

This season? It's going to be a lot harder, that's for sure. Wrexham and Mansfield should be strong coming from the Football League, and the parachute payments will certainly help them. I also expect Stevenage to do well - Graham Westley may be a shady character, but he knows this league, and Stevenage are geared up for the Football League. Oxford and Rushden should also improve after disappointing finishes last time around, with Rushden in particular spending big.

It will be tough, yes, it's always harder to get out of this league if you dont manage it first time..but I think we've got just as much of a chance as anyone.

As for OUR squad, the rebuilding has already started. The deadwood such as Mullings, Bedeau and Hockley has already been shipped out, and in an attempt to freshen things up, Lee Phillips has been sold to Rushden for 17.5k.

Coming in, the exciting Nicky Wroe, who will add guile and creativity to a somewhat predictable midfield. Tyrone Thompson and Matt Green will give us pace and goals, and Wayne Carlisle is the genuine winger we've been crying out for. Michael Brough will provide competition in the centre of defence, and with the imminent signing of Shwan Jalal, hopefully the goalkeeping position has finally been sorted for good.

The new signings would indicate a change of tactics for next season, with all the signings comfortable in possession, and technically very sound. I believe we DID become too predictable at times last season, with no plan B in place. Hopefully we'll become a bit more flexible next season, with more emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor. Exeter and Aldershot have shown you can play your way out of this league.

And that's the important thing. The Football League. Promotion has to be the aim now, with things moving forward in all areas at the football club now. The youth set up is back, attendances continue to increase..all well and good, but the Football League has to be the aim.

Let's make it happen.