Can History be made?

After the epic final day where this Matlock side under my leadership was able to pull off a miracle by winning the national league while still being semi-pro. We were able to break a record by recording our and my highest league finish with a total of 114 points. Over 46 games we won 36 drew 6 and only lost 4 with a goal difference of 81. Hats off to Southend who finished in 2nd and to South Shields who pushed us all the way.

Speaking about Southend, the final game of the season is a Wembley game against our rivals this season. But as we prepare for that game, there are a matter of some awards.

Liam Brady won the Vanarama National League Player of the Season. In 46 games he was able to score 23 goals.

After getting 17 votes from my other managers, I was able to pick up the Manager of the Year award. I join Names such as Phil Parkinson, Justin Edinburgh, and Danny Cowley. Apart from Mr Edinburgh others went on to manage in the football league with bigger clubs and become household names in the EFL.

Now the day has arrived, and the Wembley pitch looks amazing for our 1st visit here, I had to speak to the players and tell them it’s not every day you play here so remember this. 27,024 packed both ends as the ref blew to kick the game off.

The 1st 15 minutes was all Southend, pushing us back, and had a couple of chances, but on the 18th-minute mark, an inswinging corner caused problems at the back and fell to Dynel Simeu who took a shot and saw the ball in the back of the net, Southend was one nil up.

That stayed like that until halftime, when I asked the question to the team in the dressing room, “How much do you want to make history”, Everyone stood up and showed the passion I wanted from the go.

We came close a couple of times, but it wasn’t until the 84th minute that Latty-Fairweather broke down the left, crossed the ball, and found super-sub John Young to nod home a goal to bring us back in the game.

Time for a Penalty shoot-out.

WE DONE IT, DOUBLE WINNERS!!!, I can’t put into words how this feels.

Season Review

Words can’t express how good this season was but I do feel this team is a family, they are there for each other, but the big question is can they do it in the EFL next season. Turning pro and new ground on the way the future looks bright, but with that clubs will be looking at the players and myself, I have already knocked back a meeting for the Bolton job, who are an EFL league 1 side.

But it’s time for some rest and then back to pre-season work.

#GladsAllOver