The impossible has become possible, Blyth Spartans, who, 4 years ago were in the 6th tier of the English football pyramid are now just one promotion away from the Premier League.
A final day victory against Yeovil Town ensured a 4th successive promotion for the north-eastern club. On what was one of the most dramatic climaxes to the football league for many years, the top 6 were separated by 3 points and all were in with a shout for automatic promotion. But at 16:45 Reading were champions, Sheffield Wednesday could only manage a 0-0 at home to Charlton and were thus leap-frogged by Blyth.
Blyth could've made the final day less of a lottery but two disastrous home defeats to firstly Notts County and then a 4-1 drubbing by Bristol Rovers almost negated a fantastic run-in (10 wins in 12).
The squad was rotated heavily, with over 40 players getting a game, however there were some disappointing performances: club captain Rory Fallon spent almost two months away in international duty with New Zealand for the OFC Nations Cup, however he ended up scoring more for his country in 7 games than the 2 goals he managed for his club in 25 appearances, he will be surplus to requirements as Blyth take yet another step up in class. I also wanted the trio of attacking players brought in on loan in January to put in some good performances, which they undoubtedly did, however wingers Alessandro Simoni and Stefano Terraciano and striker Mikel Sanz were inconsistent. I have them all on loan until the beginning of July, so I will try to extend their deals and they will provide Blyth with some Championship quality.
Special mentions go to Player of the Year for a second successive season Stephen Folan and young striker Jimmy Murphy. Folan was a rock at the back and although his technical attributes aren't great he came away with 7 goals and a league average rating of 7.30.
Murphy was promoted from the reserves in January after Fallon's poor form and departure for New Zealand. Murphy was an instant hit and ended the season with a staggering average rating of 7.53. If he'd started the season maybe promotion would've been easier.
Finally a pat on the back for me, as I was awarded Manager of the Year! Bring on next season!!
1 comments:
Well done mate, great season, and young Murphy was a revelation. Hopefully you can keep hold of him as you will surely need him in the Championship. Looking forward to your pre season :)
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