That’s right, we’re coming up to that halfway stage already, or near enough to do this anyway.
So, it’s time to reflect on the first half of the season in the BSP, and see just how right (or wrong!) I’ve been so far with my pre-season predictions. Feel free to have a giggle at my expense HERE: http://shaunicus.blogspot.com/2008/08/bsp-preview.html (sorry, I cant work out hyperlinks!)
Oh, and I’ve decided to do it in a school report format, just for something a bit different.
‘Citing, aint it? Let’s get on with it then..
1) Burton Albion (A+)
Despite the losses of some key players, and the lack of transfer activity in the summer, the unfancied NCBA (that’s Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion to me and you) are once again ticking over rather nicely and currently sit top of the pile. It shouldn’t be a surprise, they’re a team who don’t live beyond their means, a strong infrastructure, and with a bright young manager in Nigel Clough to boot, promotion looks increasingly likely with the Brewers currently 8 points clear at the top. A model of consistency.
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2) Histon (A+)
Ah, so the humiliation begins. Once again, Histon have shown that hard work and endeavour really can get you so far, and have made a mockery of my mid-table prediction. A team of part-timers with no real stars, but make no mistake, the Stutes are as hard to play against as anyone in the division. The table doesn’t lie, after all.
3) Torquay (A-)
No bias here folks, just pure unadulterated fact. The Gulls recovered magnificently after a poor start, and went on the greatest of all unbeaten runs – 16 games to be exact. Like I said from the start, pissing this tinpot league. Don’t doubt me for a second. Buckle out? Fickle, the lot of them..
4) Kidderminster (A)
A team quietly going about their business, slipping under the radar if you will. After years of disappointment, lack of ambition, and players constantly being moved on, Kiddy fans will be delighted to be involved in the playoff hunt this time around. Ignore them at your peril - I should know..
5) Crawley Town (A-)
It’s always good to see your dark horses do well, isn’t it? Say what you like about Steve Evans (and most people don’t hold back..) but he is a good manager at this level, and he knows this league and market as well as anyone. People won’t like it, but Crawley are a team on course for the playoffs in my opinion. And we won’t be hearing the end of it..
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6) Cambridge United (A-)
With wholesale changes in the summer, and financial troubles behind the scenes, I felt a season of transition was on the cards for the U’s. Oops. The management team of Gary Brabin and Paul Carden have helped Cambridge to hit the ground running and erase all those nasty memories from Wembley. There’s been no playoff hangover here, that’s for sure.
7) Wrexham (B-)
Arrived in the BSP with such big expectations, but have flattered to deceive really. A change in management and some strong recent form suggests they’ll probably reach their potential later in the campaign and peak late on, with the team currently lying just outside the playoff spots. Don’t count them out just yet.
8) Rushden and Diamonds (C+)
Given the money spent at Nene Park this summer, I think more was expected of Garry Hill’s side this season. And rightly so. There’s still time to turn it round, however, and there’s always one team who makes a late surge at the playoffs. That team could well be Rushden, who still have some undoubted quality in their ranks. Let’s just hope the money doesn’t run out.
9) Kettering (A-)
I always felt Kettering would do well this season..but not this well. To be so close to the playoffs at this stage is beyond all expectations for the newly promoted side. Mark Cooper’s side have certainly ruffled a few feathers in the BSP.
10) Stevenage (C-)
The perennial under achievers are at it again. Why must they flatter to deceive, year after year? Bringing back the controversial Graham Westley as manager hasn’t produced an upturn in fortunes for Boro, and with his side eight points away from the playoffs, a strong second half to the season is required if Boro are to make an assault at the playoffs.
11) Weymouth (B+)
A prime example of a club not using problems behind the scenes as an excuse for matters on the pitch. Despite the mounting debts and the loss of the experienced John Hollins as manager, Weymouth are doing just fine, and should have enough about them to avoid a relegation battle.
12) Ebbsfleet United (B)
A team probably where I expected them to be, comfortably sat in mid-table. Another team who probably need more quality and more consistency to mount a playoff challenge. Will Daish be given the support he needs from all 25,000 of the owners to take the Fleet to the next level? Doubts remain over the whole situation.
13) Oxford (D-)
The agony continues for Oxford fans. A season which promised much but has delivered little, with Oxford’s watertight defence from last season going missing and their much-lauded strikeforce mis-firing. With manager Darren Patterson now given the boot and the experienced Jim Smith back at the helm on a temporary basis, Oxford will need to improve to mount a playoff challenge – and fast. Appointing the right man as manager will be crucial.
14) York (C+)
Living proof of hard it really is to escape the BSP. After years in the Football League, relegation eventually caught up with the Minstermen and they’ve found it difficult to make their way back – no more so this time around. With ex Port Vale manager Martin Foyle now in charge, City fans will be looking for an upturn in fortunes.
15) Altrincham (A-)
Altrincham in non-struggling shocker? Who would have thought it? Some would say they don’t deserve to be in the BSP at the expense of others, but I’d say the other clubs are more at fault for some terrible mismanagement off the field. Credit to Altrincham for running their club properly and living within their means, unlike others.
16) Eastbourne Borough (B+)
Comfortably above the relegation zone? Eastbourne will be happy with that. The Sports cite strong team spirit and work ethic as their reasons for success, with a squad that’s been together since their days in the Southern League. Complacency is not an option is Boro are to avoid a relegation battle, however.
17) Barrow (B)
It’s been a season where Barrow may well be more remembered for their cup exploits, but the Bluebirds domestic campaign has been one of considerable success too. The management team of David Bayliss and Darren Sheridan have adapted to life in the BSP well enough, but will be hoping the FA Cup doesn't become a detriment to their league form.
18) Sailsbury (C)
Financial difficulties have hampered the Whites progress somewhat this season, with key players being loaned out to balance the books at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. It looks like a case of too much success too soon for City, and staying up would be an achievement as things stand.
19) Mansfield (E)
The nightmare has continued for Stags fans, with the club embroiled in a second successive relegation battle. With little money to spend and no manager, relegation is not an option for Mansfield, and they’ll be happy to see the back of this season and start fresh. Still, it could be worse, at least they’re not called Harchester United..
20) Woking (D-)
Well, the Kim Grant experiment was always doomed to fail, wasn’t it? Still, Phil Gilchrist has improved the Cards fortunes slightly, and Woking have a fighting chance of staying up.
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21) Grays Athletic (D-)
What was that about dark horses doing well? After a promising end to last season, things certainly haven’t continued in the same vain this time around for the Blues, with players being asked to take a 50% wage-cut certainly not helping matters. However, under the guidance of Wayne Burnett, Grays have shown signs of improvement recently, and only one point keeps them in the drop zone. It’s certainly never dull at Grays, that’s for sure..
22) Forest Green Rovers (E+)
Now, this did surprise me. After years of steady progress, many expected Jim Harvey’s side to push on and mount a playoff challenge - me included. It just hasn’t materialized though, with Rovers deep in the relegation mire as things stand. The losses of key players such as Michael Brough and Stuart Fleetwood in the summer wouldn’t have helped matters, and with these players yet to be replaced, it could be a long season at the New Lawn.
23) Lewes (E)
Yet another club that have let financial difficulties hold them back,with Lewes on the verge of administration. A summer of total upheaval didn’t help the Rooks, with all but one squad member leaving for pastures new after the controversial (and ridiculous) sacking of Steve King. Staying up is a tall order.
24) Northwich Victoria (F)
Another miracle is required for the Vics,who sit bottom of the pile. Last season’s saviour, Dino Maamria, was sacked after a poor start, so it’s up to former Lewes manager Steve King to save Northwich, a man who has more than earned his chance to manage in the BSP. He’s got a mammoth task in hand..
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So, there it is. What a first half to the season it’s been, with plenty of surprises and lots to get fans excited about. And I’m sure there’s more to come..
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