That Was 2011: The Year Dreams Came True...
Introduction
From Seaside thumping’s, embarrassing own goals and horrific injury’s to Briscoe belters, banishing demons and Wembley Way – 2011 has been one hell of a year for Mansfield Town FC and its supporters. Whilst we’re used to strange testing years, this one is not full of political blood boiling tales, it’s a year crammed with stories filled with pride, joy, glory and inevitably heartbreak. 2011 was the year dreams DID come true, no matter what the history books say. On this special page I take a look back at the calendar year through the eyes of a broadcast, speaking truly through the heart of a supporter – I will share some of my story’s and highlights from the past year as I aim to remember this magical year forever, I hope that you do too.
Enjoy – Craig.
Words: Craig Priest. Photos: James Williamson, Dan Westwell, Craig Priest Google!
Enjoy – Craig.
Words: Craig Priest. Photos: James Williamson, Dan Westwell, Craig Priest Google!
January: Rotten Fish
After ending 2010 in emphatic style, netting 10 goals over two games and making history as we finally ended our FA Trophy round one hoodoo, it’s fair to say confidence and optimism was high as the New Year dawned. However 2011 kicked off in the worst manor possible as we let Grimsby romp to a 7-2 victory at Blundell Park. Despite the day starting with good news as Adam Smith and Danny Mitchley penned new contracts the 518 travelling fans witnessed one of the worst Mansfield performances ever. Before the game there was joyful singing at every turn from the Stags faithful, no matter how bad the hangover from the night before – it’s funny looking back how 90 minutes can change everything, as after the game there was more anger than on Christmas day when you unwrap a 27th pair of sports socks a size too small. Strangely I remember the trip to Grimsby not for the hammering or Louis Briscoe’s truly outstanding strike, but for the girl in McDonalds – glamorous! On route to the ground for a cheeky New Years McDonalds to help soak up the previous nights ‘orange juice’ whilst others ordered the food, I popped to the loo. Upon opening the gent’s door, I saw a beautiful girl stood doing her hair in the mirror, rather embarrassed she asked if she'd walked into the wrong loo, being a gentleman I kindly pointed her in the right direction, trying not to laugh! One more ‘orange juice’ pre-match I may have used my silky charms and got her number, alas no – I was too busy hoping for a Stags victory, should have known better really!
Away from Grimsby and my failed chat up attempts, January was a busy month eagerly watching the comings and goings, after David Holdsworth’s rein there were more of the latter than the former as we bid goodbye to Simon Grand, Kevin Pilkington, Peter Vincenti, Steve Cook, Gary Mills, Chris Smith, Rob Duffy, Ryan Williams and Matt Somner. Duncan Russell did make additions to the squad, with David Grof and Louis Moult joining on loan deals from Notts County and Stoke City respectively, Defender Dan Spence also signed a contract until the end of the season.
On the pitch results were in different; in addition to the defeat at Grimsby we also lost to Altringham (H), Fleetwood (H), and Wrexham (H) we took a point from Darlington in a 0-0 draw whilst we took maximum points from Eastbourne (A) and Histon (H). We progressed to round three of the FA Trophy also, beating Newport (H) 4-2.
Away from Grimsby and my failed chat up attempts, January was a busy month eagerly watching the comings and goings, after David Holdsworth’s rein there were more of the latter than the former as we bid goodbye to Simon Grand, Kevin Pilkington, Peter Vincenti, Steve Cook, Gary Mills, Chris Smith, Rob Duffy, Ryan Williams and Matt Somner. Duncan Russell did make additions to the squad, with David Grof and Louis Moult joining on loan deals from Notts County and Stoke City respectively, Defender Dan Spence also signed a contract until the end of the season.
On the pitch results were in different; in addition to the defeat at Grimsby we also lost to Altringham (H), Fleetwood (H), and Wrexham (H) we took a point from Darlington in a 0-0 draw whilst we took maximum points from Eastbourne (A) and Histon (H). We progressed to round three of the FA Trophy also, beating Newport (H) 4-2.
February: Friendships and Rivalries
At the end of the season after about a week without football (or for those in a relationship, one shopping trip!) we all begin to guess who we’ll play in a pre-season friendly – one team ALWAYS on the list is Alfreton, we’ll February saw the friendliness end and a new ‘rivalry’ begin as we drew Alfreton in the 3rd round of the FA Trophy after they sensationally fought off Cambridge in a 6-3 extra time thriller. The third round tie was set for field mill and on a very heavy, cut up, battle ground-like pitch we drew 1-1 sealing a replay three days later. Visiting Alfreton that night felt strange, rather than take the supporters coach our carriage to the game was the service bus! Rather than the hot afternoon temperature I was used too when travelling to Alfreton, it was cold and dark – it just didn’t feel right. The atmosphere behind the goal was brilliant though, in past visits we’ve been allowed to roam freely around the ground and it killed the atmosphere. Despite being 1-0 down at the break goals from Paul Connor and Keigan Parker sealed Mansfield’s place in the quarter finals. Connors two in two games against Alfreton acted as celebration after the front man sealed a new deal with the club.
In league form we failed to replicate our trophy victory but did take an unbeaten stance, a thrilling 3-3 draw live on TV at home to Newport was matched with an inspired substitution at Barrow, Adam Smith weaving his way around the home back line bagging two beautiful goals to rescue a point from the jaws of defeat. In transfer movement Louis Moult extended his loan stay whilst Keigan Parker, Luke Medley and Mark Preece all made loan moves.
February was a big month for me too as I sealed a move back into radio, taking on the voluntary role of Sports Editor/ Chief Football Reporter at Takeover Radio. Those who travelled to Alfreton may have noticed some young ginger haired nutter seemingly talking to himself; it was me, practising for my first live game a few weeks later! Luckily nobody called the men in white coats and I soon made the move from terrace to press box, so thank you!
In league form we failed to replicate our trophy victory but did take an unbeaten stance, a thrilling 3-3 draw live on TV at home to Newport was matched with an inspired substitution at Barrow, Adam Smith weaving his way around the home back line bagging two beautiful goals to rescue a point from the jaws of defeat. In transfer movement Louis Moult extended his loan stay whilst Keigan Parker, Luke Medley and Mark Preece all made loan moves.
February was a big month for me too as I sealed a move back into radio, taking on the voluntary role of Sports Editor/ Chief Football Reporter at Takeover Radio. Those who travelled to Alfreton may have noticed some young ginger haired nutter seemingly talking to himself; it was me, practising for my first live game a few weeks later! Luckily nobody called the men in white coats and I soon made the move from terrace to press box, so thank you!
March: Cough Sweets, Penalties and Belief
David Grof: Instrumental
Potentially the biggest month of the entire year in terms of stories, joy and belief with so moments to remember, even an X-Factor look back video would struggle to pick the best bits or find the right backing track.
The month kicked off in trophy action as we headed for the Scholars Ground, Chasetown for our quarter final tie. Bunged up with flu and ready to make my Takeover debut the evenings events are a total blur bar for the nonstop noise from the away end which was packed with Stags fans after the ticket allocation was quickly sold. A few faces may have missed the trip after the original game was postponed due to bad weather however three days later (the scheduled replay date) plenty of Stags fans crept in to support the boys. Mansfield led twice curtsey of a thunderbolts from Paul Connor and Louis Briscoe, however the hosts fought bravely back and earned a replay a week later in the final minute as Stags keeper David Grof failed to keep out a cross. After fitting in a league trip to Tamworth where Grof kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory, the Stags avoided another slip by coasting past Chasetown 3-1 in the replay at Field Mill.
The result saw the fixture calendar switched around hastily and our proposed home game to Bath City was replaced with a home tie with Luton in the semi-final first leg of the FA Trophy. Our away trip to Histon the following Saturday was also put back a few days to accommodate the second leg – the planning was a nightmare and I had post-it notes with different contact details on everywhere, reaffirming I’m the most organised person on the planet! It was all worth it though.
The first leg was switched to a Sunday lunchtime kick off and looking back, I will always use the game as prove that underdogs do prevail. Nobody and I mean nobody; truly believed Mansfield could beat Luton who were then favourites to take the Trophy. A large section of our supporters will even admit to writing off our chances, yet on that magical Sunday something happened which saw every single Stags fan inside Field Mill believe, it’s that belief which I personally think saw us gain the vital advantage.
I lay claim to my fellow Staggies new found belief following this Facebook status, “Massive game today, but have no fear, begin to believe, take every given opportunity and the “underdog” will be victorious. Our dream is close & now we have to protect it, make sure our opponents don’t take it from us. Be proud, be loud, stay strong, keep singing our songs and follow the dream. Don’t Give Up” – Maybe not!
The support was magical, the noise electric, the nerves channelled into support and with David Grof in fine form between the sticks we sensed victory. Danny Mitchley for me then wrote himself into Mansfield folk law, a well timed run from the pass of Gary Silk saw the young striker convert underneath Kevin Pilkington to send Stags into the second leg six days later with a 1-0 lead.
Between the first leg and the second leg, we had to slot in a trip to York City in the league, despite leading 1-0 at the break thanks to a Tom Naylor header, York overturned the deficit and ran out 2-1 winners in a game that matter little for league points, but matter massively for avoiding injuries and suspensions, proved by the fact Duncan Russell made six changes from the Trophy side.
The second leg was so stressful for me, travelling on the coach I nearly missed kick off as I raced round the worst placed ground ever made trying to find the press entrance at 2.50PM! Being past from pillow to post I eventually stumbled into the stand in mass panic to arrive and take my seat with two minutes to spare. Luckily my pre-match panic was washed away by so many nervous but happy faces, in all honesty I’d give anything to be sat here telling stories of how I laughed, cried, sang and danced with my friends behind the goal at the full time whistle rather than have to watch on from the press box painfully trying to hide my loyalties as I was surrounded by the Luton faithful.
Many will know that come the end of the 90 minutes with the game locked 1-1 on aggregate after Lloyd Owusu’s early strike in the second half; I could no longer contain my loyalties! In fact looking back, it was way before the 90 minute mark my Amber and Blue burst out – the sending off of Claude Gnapka on 84 minutes was the boiling point as I danced in celebration. I repeated the feat four minutes later as Alex Lawless received a straight red for an elbow on Kyle Nix, the entire Luton crowd behind me immediately ordered Craig Priest voodoo dolls. Extra time was a blur, I remember outstanding saves from Grof, lion hearted defending from young Tom Naylor, wasted shots from Adam Smith and one hell of a scream PENALTY! Luke Graham handballs, Louis Briscoe runs up SAVED! Briscoe on the rebound..... YYYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS! The milliseconds between Pilkington’s save and Briscoe smashing home the rebound seemed like years, the silence was chilling but the outcome so warm. Behind me, Luton fans began to order Louis Briscoe voodoo dolls and began to furiously stab there Craig Priest doll – the abuse coming from behind me towards myself, Gareth my co-commentator and the other Mansfield press that celebrated the goal was vile and well below the belt. In those days I could hear the crowd too as all I had was a microphone, I had to stop myself retaliating and at the final whistle took revenge, screaming ‘Mansfield Town are going to Wembley’ over and over, and once off air – I began singing along with the brilliant away support ‘Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be will be’ I longed to be in the stand with the friends I hold so dear, but looking back I got to see something majestic, no not Duncan Russell’s awesome put down of the Luton Looney, but a collective bunch of proud Mansfield supporters who’d just been gifted a trip to Wembley and the chance to see a dream come true – I wouldn’t swap that for anything, because looking around seeing an array of Luton fans go home fuming would never have warmed my heart as much as watching my friends and in a way, family, celebrate in such a manor. Whilst waiting for the players and manager for a post match interview, I saw the stand empty and proud Stags head home – I relived those final moments and the joy, and yes I cried.
The buzz from the trophy then propelled us onto a come from behind victory against Histon midweek, Louis Briscoe again the hero as he bagged all three goals in a 3-2 victory, making up for his first half penalty miss when the game was locked at 0-0. What a strange game that was, and sadly it’s another fixture that won’t be remembered as Luton away will always rightly shine.
Joy was soon followed by tiredness defeat at home to Kidderminster was followed by defeat at champions elect Crawley, a game where we could only name three substitutes prompted assistant manager Paul Hall to come out of retirement and register as player-coach.
The month kicked off in trophy action as we headed for the Scholars Ground, Chasetown for our quarter final tie. Bunged up with flu and ready to make my Takeover debut the evenings events are a total blur bar for the nonstop noise from the away end which was packed with Stags fans after the ticket allocation was quickly sold. A few faces may have missed the trip after the original game was postponed due to bad weather however three days later (the scheduled replay date) plenty of Stags fans crept in to support the boys. Mansfield led twice curtsey of a thunderbolts from Paul Connor and Louis Briscoe, however the hosts fought bravely back and earned a replay a week later in the final minute as Stags keeper David Grof failed to keep out a cross. After fitting in a league trip to Tamworth where Grof kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory, the Stags avoided another slip by coasting past Chasetown 3-1 in the replay at Field Mill.
The result saw the fixture calendar switched around hastily and our proposed home game to Bath City was replaced with a home tie with Luton in the semi-final first leg of the FA Trophy. Our away trip to Histon the following Saturday was also put back a few days to accommodate the second leg – the planning was a nightmare and I had post-it notes with different contact details on everywhere, reaffirming I’m the most organised person on the planet! It was all worth it though.
The first leg was switched to a Sunday lunchtime kick off and looking back, I will always use the game as prove that underdogs do prevail. Nobody and I mean nobody; truly believed Mansfield could beat Luton who were then favourites to take the Trophy. A large section of our supporters will even admit to writing off our chances, yet on that magical Sunday something happened which saw every single Stags fan inside Field Mill believe, it’s that belief which I personally think saw us gain the vital advantage.
I lay claim to my fellow Staggies new found belief following this Facebook status, “Massive game today, but have no fear, begin to believe, take every given opportunity and the “underdog” will be victorious. Our dream is close & now we have to protect it, make sure our opponents don’t take it from us. Be proud, be loud, stay strong, keep singing our songs and follow the dream. Don’t Give Up” – Maybe not!
The support was magical, the noise electric, the nerves channelled into support and with David Grof in fine form between the sticks we sensed victory. Danny Mitchley for me then wrote himself into Mansfield folk law, a well timed run from the pass of Gary Silk saw the young striker convert underneath Kevin Pilkington to send Stags into the second leg six days later with a 1-0 lead.
Between the first leg and the second leg, we had to slot in a trip to York City in the league, despite leading 1-0 at the break thanks to a Tom Naylor header, York overturned the deficit and ran out 2-1 winners in a game that matter little for league points, but matter massively for avoiding injuries and suspensions, proved by the fact Duncan Russell made six changes from the Trophy side.
The second leg was so stressful for me, travelling on the coach I nearly missed kick off as I raced round the worst placed ground ever made trying to find the press entrance at 2.50PM! Being past from pillow to post I eventually stumbled into the stand in mass panic to arrive and take my seat with two minutes to spare. Luckily my pre-match panic was washed away by so many nervous but happy faces, in all honesty I’d give anything to be sat here telling stories of how I laughed, cried, sang and danced with my friends behind the goal at the full time whistle rather than have to watch on from the press box painfully trying to hide my loyalties as I was surrounded by the Luton faithful.
Many will know that come the end of the 90 minutes with the game locked 1-1 on aggregate after Lloyd Owusu’s early strike in the second half; I could no longer contain my loyalties! In fact looking back, it was way before the 90 minute mark my Amber and Blue burst out – the sending off of Claude Gnapka on 84 minutes was the boiling point as I danced in celebration. I repeated the feat four minutes later as Alex Lawless received a straight red for an elbow on Kyle Nix, the entire Luton crowd behind me immediately ordered Craig Priest voodoo dolls. Extra time was a blur, I remember outstanding saves from Grof, lion hearted defending from young Tom Naylor, wasted shots from Adam Smith and one hell of a scream PENALTY! Luke Graham handballs, Louis Briscoe runs up SAVED! Briscoe on the rebound..... YYYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS! The milliseconds between Pilkington’s save and Briscoe smashing home the rebound seemed like years, the silence was chilling but the outcome so warm. Behind me, Luton fans began to order Louis Briscoe voodoo dolls and began to furiously stab there Craig Priest doll – the abuse coming from behind me towards myself, Gareth my co-commentator and the other Mansfield press that celebrated the goal was vile and well below the belt. In those days I could hear the crowd too as all I had was a microphone, I had to stop myself retaliating and at the final whistle took revenge, screaming ‘Mansfield Town are going to Wembley’ over and over, and once off air – I began singing along with the brilliant away support ‘Que Sera Sera, Whatever will be will be’ I longed to be in the stand with the friends I hold so dear, but looking back I got to see something majestic, no not Duncan Russell’s awesome put down of the Luton Looney, but a collective bunch of proud Mansfield supporters who’d just been gifted a trip to Wembley and the chance to see a dream come true – I wouldn’t swap that for anything, because looking around seeing an array of Luton fans go home fuming would never have warmed my heart as much as watching my friends and in a way, family, celebrate in such a manor. Whilst waiting for the players and manager for a post match interview, I saw the stand empty and proud Stags head home – I relived those final moments and the joy, and yes I cried.
The buzz from the trophy then propelled us onto a come from behind victory against Histon midweek, Louis Briscoe again the hero as he bagged all three goals in a 3-2 victory, making up for his first half penalty miss when the game was locked at 0-0. What a strange game that was, and sadly it’s another fixture that won’t be remembered as Luton away will always rightly shine.
Joy was soon followed by tiredness defeat at home to Kidderminster was followed by defeat at champions elect Crawley, a game where we could only name three substitutes prompted assistant manager Paul Hall to come out of retirement and register as player-coach.
April: Paul Anthony Hall
Interviewing Paul Hall at Wembley!
With all our trophy escapades, our league schedule had suffered and as the final month of the league season dawned, we still had a mammoth ten fixtures to slot in – including a bumper four home games in seven days.
Youngster Conor Higginson returned early from his loan spell with Glapwell to debut in a 2-1 victory at home to Rushden & Diamonds, birthday boy Louis Briscoe was the 90th minute hero. Higginson then grabbed his first Mansfield goal days later in a 2-2 draw against Southport at Field Mill. The following game is one every Mansfield fans wants to forget but unfortunately numerous football bloopers DVD’s will always be there to remind us, all I’ll say is Tyrone Thompson Own Goal: Hayes & Yeading 4-0 Mansfield.
The fixtures came thick and fast and none will be remembered bar one, the final home game of the season to Gateshead and the inspired substitution of Paul Anthony Hall. With Wembley just two weeks away, Field Mill filled up more than usual to wish the boys luck for the voyage to Wembley. 2-0 down at the break it looked like the bubble had well and truly burst and that we’d arrive at Wembley deflated and lacklustre, however Halls introduction on 70 minutes sparked the comeback and THREE pitch invasions – bloody madness! Skipper Murray bagged what seemed like a consolation on 75 minutes before a international touch from Hall set Murray for his second and the equaliser with 11 minutes left. A point would have done it with Field Mill atmosphere finally rocking, however the seasons hero Louis Briscoe popped up in injury time to seal the points, no sooner had the second pitch invasion cleared celebrating Briscoe’s goal, the full time whistle blew sealing the points and sparking invasion number three – Paul Anthony Hall, what a guy.
Nine gone, one more to go – a trip to Bath City to end another mediocre season in the Blue Square Bet Premier, what Mansfield needed was victory to further boost the Wembley confidence, what they got was a beating as Bath celebrated their first season back in the BSBP with a 2-0 victory. With the big Wembley cup final around the corner there was very little commitment from Mansfield against Bath, nobody wanted to make that extra stretch for a ball, nobody wanted to make that bursting run, nobody wanted to make that crunching challenge... well there was one, hats off to Stevie Istead who ALWAYS battled in a Stags shirt – in true script writing style, he was sent off with just 15 minutes gone for what appeared to be just a yellow card offence meaning he missed Wembley. Mansfield didn’t cope with having 10 men, and despite the introduction of Hall in the second half upfront defeat was always on the cards. The Stags did leave Bath with something to giggle about though, Hall’s infamous dive for a penalty. Paul Anthony Hall, what a guy.
I must say, it may seem like I’m being sarcastic whilst writing about Paul, I’m not – I have the privilege of working closely with Hally and have interviewed him on numerous occasions including on press day at Wembley prior to the Bath game, he is genuinely one of the nicest, funniest guys in football – I hope that one day I get the chance to work with him again.
Youngster Conor Higginson returned early from his loan spell with Glapwell to debut in a 2-1 victory at home to Rushden & Diamonds, birthday boy Louis Briscoe was the 90th minute hero. Higginson then grabbed his first Mansfield goal days later in a 2-2 draw against Southport at Field Mill. The following game is one every Mansfield fans wants to forget but unfortunately numerous football bloopers DVD’s will always be there to remind us, all I’ll say is Tyrone Thompson Own Goal: Hayes & Yeading 4-0 Mansfield.
The fixtures came thick and fast and none will be remembered bar one, the final home game of the season to Gateshead and the inspired substitution of Paul Anthony Hall. With Wembley just two weeks away, Field Mill filled up more than usual to wish the boys luck for the voyage to Wembley. 2-0 down at the break it looked like the bubble had well and truly burst and that we’d arrive at Wembley deflated and lacklustre, however Halls introduction on 70 minutes sparked the comeback and THREE pitch invasions – bloody madness! Skipper Murray bagged what seemed like a consolation on 75 minutes before a international touch from Hall set Murray for his second and the equaliser with 11 minutes left. A point would have done it with Field Mill atmosphere finally rocking, however the seasons hero Louis Briscoe popped up in injury time to seal the points, no sooner had the second pitch invasion cleared celebrating Briscoe’s goal, the full time whistle blew sealing the points and sparking invasion number three – Paul Anthony Hall, what a guy.
Nine gone, one more to go – a trip to Bath City to end another mediocre season in the Blue Square Bet Premier, what Mansfield needed was victory to further boost the Wembley confidence, what they got was a beating as Bath celebrated their first season back in the BSBP with a 2-0 victory. With the big Wembley cup final around the corner there was very little commitment from Mansfield against Bath, nobody wanted to make that extra stretch for a ball, nobody wanted to make that bursting run, nobody wanted to make that crunching challenge... well there was one, hats off to Stevie Istead who ALWAYS battled in a Stags shirt – in true script writing style, he was sent off with just 15 minutes gone for what appeared to be just a yellow card offence meaning he missed Wembley. Mansfield didn’t cope with having 10 men, and despite the introduction of Hall in the second half upfront defeat was always on the cards. The Stags did leave Bath with something to giggle about though, Hall’s infamous dive for a penalty. Paul Anthony Hall, what a guy.
I must say, it may seem like I’m being sarcastic whilst writing about Paul, I’m not – I have the privilege of working closely with Hally and have interviewed him on numerous occasions including on press day at Wembley prior to the Bath game, he is genuinely one of the nicest, funniest guys in football – I hope that one day I get the chance to work with him again.
May: More than just a game
Heartbreak
May will always be a month we fondly remember as we graced Wembley for only the second time in our history. For many including myself, our trip To Wembley on Saturday 7th May was a first. Yes I’d been to the press day the previous week and had a brilliant time, but nothing will ever match that feeling of pride and joy when the Stags flooded Wembley.
During the week I presented five warm up shows entitled ‘Countdown to Wembley’ with some brilliant people, the week flew by and the preparation and I will always treasure the enjoyment of producing and presenting those shows, so many stories from each night adding to the book of Wembley memories. As Saturday drew closer along with others I put on a three hour show, at the end of which myself and studio guests had a sing along – It was at that point with the song in full swing that I realised the following day I was going to achieve a dream – for that I’m extremely grateful to my Mansfield Town for fighting and believing to get us all there, because I knew that it would not only be me to have a story to tell forever and a day, there would be 15,000 others. Imagine that, 15,000 different stories about Mansfield Town FC and Wembley Stadium – Magical.
After presenting five shows over that week, I headed home tired feeling like I could sleep for weeks but in all honesty, slept barley two hours – I was, like everyone else, a child on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa. At 3AM I sat up in bed, surrounded by darkness remembering all the bad times that had painfully taunted us over the past few years. From relegation, ground lockouts and potential name changes, to rubbish managers, mediocre players and awful football – each vision laughed like a school bully. Visions of what could be then flooded my mind along with all the positives our day could bring. Evil fought good and finally, as the alarm buzzed, good prevailed as it finally, was Wembley Morning, our time had come.
I’ve told parts of my story over and over again, I’ll continue too and when I’m older will bore my children with them, constantly! I remember early in the morning standing in just my boxers (steady ladies!) staring at my suit hanging next to my replica shirt – I felt pain as I picked up my suit to dress for my big day, what nobody knows until now is that as I stood there, I held my replica shirt in my hand and sobbed into it, thinking of all good times I’d had with friends I’d met supporting Mansfield Town, the pain of not being on the coach, in the pub, in the ground with them all was the worse pain I’ve ever felt. Some will read my Wembley story and draw the conclusion I was on an ego trip – that’s bollocks.
I remember being in the car driving towards Wembley doing a live link, as we went round a roundabout the Wembley arch became visible in the distance all three of us were momentarily silent in pure awe of the Stadium, our silence was broken by the sound of the sat-navs Speedo bells! Brilliant. I remember standing at the foot of Wembley way again doing a live link walking up Wembley Way towards the ground with Stags fans following me – the view from the top of a sea of amber and blue was magical.
I remember lots of things about that day – my point is that in years to come some may look back on May and just see a loss – I urge you to look past that and remember the little things and those tiny stories which pain a magical picture. It’s the little things that make the big difference in the end.
Wembley was the last match in charge for Duncan Russell as five days after the final; it was revealed his contract would not be renewed. Many names were flung into the hat but eventually it was Paul Cox who was appointed as our new manager, he faced a huge task to rebuild a broken side and help heal the broken hearts of its supporters. The first job was to spring clean the playing staff, we said goodbye too Paul Stonehouse, Mark Preece, Kyle Nix, Tyrone Thompson Steve Foster, Kevin Sandwith, Dan Spence, Ben Turner, Ashley Cain, Stevie Istead, Luke Medley, Niall O’Rafferty, Neil Collett and Danny Mitchley – the latter duo remained at the club however as they’d already agreed new deals prior to Wembley. Moving the other way from Cox’s former side Eastwood Town were Midfielders Lee Stevenson and Lindon Meikle.
During the week I presented five warm up shows entitled ‘Countdown to Wembley’ with some brilliant people, the week flew by and the preparation and I will always treasure the enjoyment of producing and presenting those shows, so many stories from each night adding to the book of Wembley memories. As Saturday drew closer along with others I put on a three hour show, at the end of which myself and studio guests had a sing along – It was at that point with the song in full swing that I realised the following day I was going to achieve a dream – for that I’m extremely grateful to my Mansfield Town for fighting and believing to get us all there, because I knew that it would not only be me to have a story to tell forever and a day, there would be 15,000 others. Imagine that, 15,000 different stories about Mansfield Town FC and Wembley Stadium – Magical.
After presenting five shows over that week, I headed home tired feeling like I could sleep for weeks but in all honesty, slept barley two hours – I was, like everyone else, a child on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa. At 3AM I sat up in bed, surrounded by darkness remembering all the bad times that had painfully taunted us over the past few years. From relegation, ground lockouts and potential name changes, to rubbish managers, mediocre players and awful football – each vision laughed like a school bully. Visions of what could be then flooded my mind along with all the positives our day could bring. Evil fought good and finally, as the alarm buzzed, good prevailed as it finally, was Wembley Morning, our time had come.
I’ve told parts of my story over and over again, I’ll continue too and when I’m older will bore my children with them, constantly! I remember early in the morning standing in just my boxers (steady ladies!) staring at my suit hanging next to my replica shirt – I felt pain as I picked up my suit to dress for my big day, what nobody knows until now is that as I stood there, I held my replica shirt in my hand and sobbed into it, thinking of all good times I’d had with friends I’d met supporting Mansfield Town, the pain of not being on the coach, in the pub, in the ground with them all was the worse pain I’ve ever felt. Some will read my Wembley story and draw the conclusion I was on an ego trip – that’s bollocks.
I remember being in the car driving towards Wembley doing a live link, as we went round a roundabout the Wembley arch became visible in the distance all three of us were momentarily silent in pure awe of the Stadium, our silence was broken by the sound of the sat-navs Speedo bells! Brilliant. I remember standing at the foot of Wembley way again doing a live link walking up Wembley Way towards the ground with Stags fans following me – the view from the top of a sea of amber and blue was magical.
I remember lots of things about that day – my point is that in years to come some may look back on May and just see a loss – I urge you to look past that and remember the little things and those tiny stories which pain a magical picture. It’s the little things that make the big difference in the end.
Wembley was the last match in charge for Duncan Russell as five days after the final; it was revealed his contract would not be renewed. Many names were flung into the hat but eventually it was Paul Cox who was appointed as our new manager, he faced a huge task to rebuild a broken side and help heal the broken hearts of its supporters. The first job was to spring clean the playing staff, we said goodbye too Paul Stonehouse, Mark Preece, Kyle Nix, Tyrone Thompson Steve Foster, Kevin Sandwith, Dan Spence, Ben Turner, Ashley Cain, Stevie Istead, Luke Medley, Niall O’Rafferty, Neil Collett and Danny Mitchley – the latter duo remained at the club however as they’d already agreed new deals prior to Wembley. Moving the other way from Cox’s former side Eastwood Town were Midfielders Lee Stevenson and Lindon Meikle.
June: Arrivals
Statistically the most frustrating and boring month of the year with the absence of the beautiful game all we could do was sit in anticipation of new faces. Paul Cox cleared out Paul Hall and Steve Bonnigton from the back room staff and added Micky Moore and Scout Paul Ogden to it. On the players front Paul Bolland, Matt Bell, Anthony Howell, Ross Dyer, Jon Worthington, Andy Todd, Ritchie Sutton and Luke O’Neill all signed on the dotted line becoming part of the Mansfield Town family.
July: Friendly
Hednesford, the home of the infamous headphones incident
Months without football always seem like decades, I never thought I’d be excited about a friendly with Rainworth MW! And the first team didn’t even feature, it was trialists and a few youth teamers – a game of football is a game of football, no matter who plays! Having secured a deal to provide commentary on all the pre-season fixtures I was delighted to get my hands on some new kit and welcome on board Scott as co-commentator, I’m not so delighted that some of the friendly banter was all aimed at me however – I curse the day my headphones fell off at Hednesford!
On the pitch Paul Cox continued to put his side together welcoming Goalkeeper Shane Redmond, defenders John Thompson, Martin Riley and Joe Kendrick on permanent deals as well as striker Matt Green who joined on loan from Oxford United. The new look Stags took a while to get out of the starting blocks being beaten by Nuneaton, Notts County and Doncaster Rovers however Louis Briscoe’s solo strike at FC Halifax marked our first victory under Paul Cox. The boys then followed this with victories over Hednesford and Boston with the latter game creating another memorable moment of the year.
I’m sure many people took up the option of a weekend in Skegness that weekend with a detour to the football, looking back – I wish I was one of them, as result aside, the day was an utter nightmare. According to the Sat-Nav, the trip should have taken roughly 1 hour 20 minutes, as it happens it took us 2 hours 30minutes! Being sat in a slow line of crawling traffic was frustrating, it brought back memories of Newport last season, when we arrived at the ground with 2minutes to spare. This time, we arrived with 34 minutes to spare before kickoff; however I was late having been due on air at 2PM.
After roaming randomly around the Boston car park, we stumbled across the media ticket collection point and endured another frustrating wait as Barbra & Jean chatted about which coffee was better, instant or machine made? My lip was being bitten so hard I could have pierced it, trying desperately not to shout out ‘who cares, drink tea – now give me my f*****g tickets!’ Eventually the debate was solved and it was time for hurdle number two – the turnstile. After attempting to tear our tickets in half perfectly, the turnstile operator finally let us through and we headed for were press boxes are normally situated – the half way line, however after a quick look around the ground, we noticed the press box was situated else were – behind the goal, how the bloody hell did we get over there?! A quick run over the corner of the pitch into the other stand, didn’t seem to please the Boston squad as we temporally disrupted their warm up! Eventually we arrived in the press box and set up in record speed (2 minutes 43 seconds!), made a rough guess at the team news and as a scheduled song took over; I slumped back in my seat, wondering what other surprises the afternoon would bring!
As it happened the afternoon was a pleasant one with Stags taking home a 4-1 victory, the month then ended with two more friendly’s left to play before the curtain raiser against Bath City – Confidence seemed high.
On the pitch Paul Cox continued to put his side together welcoming Goalkeeper Shane Redmond, defenders John Thompson, Martin Riley and Joe Kendrick on permanent deals as well as striker Matt Green who joined on loan from Oxford United. The new look Stags took a while to get out of the starting blocks being beaten by Nuneaton, Notts County and Doncaster Rovers however Louis Briscoe’s solo strike at FC Halifax marked our first victory under Paul Cox. The boys then followed this with victories over Hednesford and Boston with the latter game creating another memorable moment of the year.
I’m sure many people took up the option of a weekend in Skegness that weekend with a detour to the football, looking back – I wish I was one of them, as result aside, the day was an utter nightmare. According to the Sat-Nav, the trip should have taken roughly 1 hour 20 minutes, as it happens it took us 2 hours 30minutes! Being sat in a slow line of crawling traffic was frustrating, it brought back memories of Newport last season, when we arrived at the ground with 2minutes to spare. This time, we arrived with 34 minutes to spare before kickoff; however I was late having been due on air at 2PM.
After roaming randomly around the Boston car park, we stumbled across the media ticket collection point and endured another frustrating wait as Barbra & Jean chatted about which coffee was better, instant or machine made? My lip was being bitten so hard I could have pierced it, trying desperately not to shout out ‘who cares, drink tea – now give me my f*****g tickets!’ Eventually the debate was solved and it was time for hurdle number two – the turnstile. After attempting to tear our tickets in half perfectly, the turnstile operator finally let us through and we headed for were press boxes are normally situated – the half way line, however after a quick look around the ground, we noticed the press box was situated else were – behind the goal, how the bloody hell did we get over there?! A quick run over the corner of the pitch into the other stand, didn’t seem to please the Boston squad as we temporally disrupted their warm up! Eventually we arrived in the press box and set up in record speed (2 minutes 43 seconds!), made a rough guess at the team news and as a scheduled song took over; I slumped back in my seat, wondering what other surprises the afternoon would bring!
As it happened the afternoon was a pleasant one with Stags taking home a 4-1 victory, the month then ended with two more friendly’s left to play before the curtain raiser against Bath City – Confidence seemed high.
August: Set Back
Paul Connor nets the first goal of the new season
Define the term ‘Friendly Fixture’ and I guarantee there will be nothing about one player sending three opponents into A&E. Friendly’s are usually a nice affair, supporters mingle in together and chat pleasantly about the contrasting clubs and the footballing world. This was pretty much the picture at Ilkeston’s New Manor Ground on an August Wednesday evening; however the actions of one man proved a bitter blow to Mansfield’s season. Gary Rickets first injured Ritchie Sutton before clattering Martin Riley – both nasty injuries but ones that will at some point be picked up. The third was freak and horrific as Rickets clattered Mansfield’s star defender John Thompson into the pitch side advertising hoardings at some pace, with the Irish centre half smashing his nose and also encoring a nasty head wound. Thompson was treated pitch side for a good 5 minutes although play did not resume whilst the former Notts County skipper received treatment, Paul Cox then withdrew Mansfield from the pitch refusing to complete the friendly for fears of players safety amongst other reasons. The evenings actions were well documented in the non-league world of football with Martin Riley tweeting from A&E his version of events helping to spread the word. My blog post on the evenings incidents received a massive number of hits as everybody researched the story – a case of right & wrong.
Thompson fortunately did eventually recover and go on to make his Mansfield debut, however there will always be fears that one knock could trigger the injury to repeat and every time Thompson steps onto a pitch, the physiological implications could trigger at any point. The injury to Thompson left supporters shocked, the other injuries to Sutton and Riley left Mansfield short defensively, with Cox adding trialist Nick Wood to the set up on a short term deal before adding Ben Futcher on loan from Bury after defeat at Gateshead when the season got underway.
Victory at Chasetown followed to wrap up an eventful pre-season, a lack of power or press facilities that day saw me resort to desperate measures to provide coverage, a few tables and chairs from the bar we’re placed in the open along with a very long extension cable which trailed everywhere – health and safety would have been pulling the hair out if it rained!
The season’s opener at home to Bath City saw a 1-1 draw before defeat at Gateshead saw the arrival of Ben Futcher following Tom Naylor’s dismissal and failed appeal. Draws against Braintree and Luton followed before eventually getting to winning ways, brushing aside Kettering before narrowly edging past newly relegated Stockport 1-0 on bank holiday Monday.
Another memorable moment occurred at newly promoted Braintree, after managing to gain entry to the ground at some protest, don’t get me started I’ll just rant – I discovered a lack of power points, with the two available already taken. Whilst we could commentate without mains power to a poor standard, I decided I would not be beaten and so frustrated went in search of mains power. Using my expert detective skills, I discovered a power point in the nearby turnstile booth – which the kind turnstile operator agreed to let us use! Remember the cable from Chasetown? It soon made another appearance, running from the turnstile booth, up over the top of the porter-loo’s roofs, carefully through some trees and up, into the stand to the concrete plinth behind our seats, with the other wires to power laptops, mixers etc being ran underneath my seat – the look on supporters faces as we wired up this fairground like press box was brilliant. Craig 1-0 Haters.
Thompson fortunately did eventually recover and go on to make his Mansfield debut, however there will always be fears that one knock could trigger the injury to repeat and every time Thompson steps onto a pitch, the physiological implications could trigger at any point. The injury to Thompson left supporters shocked, the other injuries to Sutton and Riley left Mansfield short defensively, with Cox adding trialist Nick Wood to the set up on a short term deal before adding Ben Futcher on loan from Bury after defeat at Gateshead when the season got underway.
Victory at Chasetown followed to wrap up an eventful pre-season, a lack of power or press facilities that day saw me resort to desperate measures to provide coverage, a few tables and chairs from the bar we’re placed in the open along with a very long extension cable which trailed everywhere – health and safety would have been pulling the hair out if it rained!
The season’s opener at home to Bath City saw a 1-1 draw before defeat at Gateshead saw the arrival of Ben Futcher following Tom Naylor’s dismissal and failed appeal. Draws against Braintree and Luton followed before eventually getting to winning ways, brushing aside Kettering before narrowly edging past newly relegated Stockport 1-0 on bank holiday Monday.
Another memorable moment occurred at newly promoted Braintree, after managing to gain entry to the ground at some protest, don’t get me started I’ll just rant – I discovered a lack of power points, with the two available already taken. Whilst we could commentate without mains power to a poor standard, I decided I would not be beaten and so frustrated went in search of mains power. Using my expert detective skills, I discovered a power point in the nearby turnstile booth – which the kind turnstile operator agreed to let us use! Remember the cable from Chasetown? It soon made another appearance, running from the turnstile booth, up over the top of the porter-loo’s roofs, carefully through some trees and up, into the stand to the concrete plinth behind our seats, with the other wires to power laptops, mixers etc being ran underneath my seat – the look on supporters faces as we wired up this fairground like press box was brilliant. Craig 1-0 Haters.
September: Banishing Demons
Myself and Scott stealing the FA Trophy back
Despite the day out at Wembley back in May being magical, we still lost and that still hurt – as we headed for Darlington for the first meeting since Wembley there was only one thing on my mind – Revenge! Not in an evil bank raid way, just a win would do! Although in fairness as myself and Scott made our way to the press seating at Darlington, a bank raid could have taken place and stealing the crown jewels, well the FA Trophy, would have been easily as the keys to the cabinet we’re stupidly left in the keyhole! I must remember to order a bank robbers outfit for the next visit. Matt Green’s brace saw us take all three points home and banish those trophy taunts!
The next demon to be banished was a conference TV Win, Newport County were the opponents as they were back in February for the Premier Sports live game – they were on the wrong end of a 5-0 thrashing as Mansfield turned on the class to extend their unbeaten run further. A draw at home to AFC Telford was followed by defeat at home to Kidderminster, however a final demon was banished as we ended the month on a high – finally winning over the welsh border, beating league leaders Wrexham away from Field Mill for the first time since 1986 in a truly outstanding fixture matched with a tremendous Stags performance.
The next demon to be banished was a conference TV Win, Newport County were the opponents as they were back in February for the Premier Sports live game – they were on the wrong end of a 5-0 thrashing as Mansfield turned on the class to extend their unbeaten run further. A draw at home to AFC Telford was followed by defeat at home to Kidderminster, however a final demon was banished as we ended the month on a high – finally winning over the welsh border, beating league leaders Wrexham away from Field Mill for the first time since 1986 in a truly outstanding fixture matched with a tremendous Stags performance.
October: Indifferent
Ross Dyer in action at Forest Green
A blistering hot October afternoon saw Ross Dyer score a wonder goal against his former employers Forest Green Rovers after just 17 seconds. However an red card for Anthony Howell saw the Stags reduced to 10 men and subsequently draw 1-1. A come from behind victory over Grimsby then followed with Luke O’Neill bagging a sensational free kick at Field Mill to seal a 2-1 victory. However the magic couldn’t be repeated a week later as Southport cantered to a 3-1 victory at Field Mill.
In transfer news a fee was agreed for the services of Matt Green with striker Louis Moult joining on a second loan spell of the year from Stoke City. Danny Mitchley, Adam Smith and Lee Stevenson all departed on various loan deals to gain match fitness whilst results continued to be indifferent for Paul Cox’s side. In derby league action, a draw at troubled Lincoln was followed with a pluck 3-2 victory at home to Alfreton in a game that saw a penalty and two red cards as the game finished 11 vs 9 in Mansfield’s favour. The winning goal caused another memorable moment, with Scott alongside me in the Field Mill press box for the derby day game – the banter was flowing. Before the game we decided that should Mansfield win, Scott should sing a rendition of ‘Amber and Blue’ after we spoke about his exploits in the week playing in a friendly with the first team. The song was forgotten during the game and as we listened for the attendance late on, Andy Todd scored a dramatic late winner causing us to scream in celebration and then laugh – uncontrollably!
In the FA Cup, Ross Dyer earned Stags a replay against Fleetwood after levelling the game in the second half.
In transfer news a fee was agreed for the services of Matt Green with striker Louis Moult joining on a second loan spell of the year from Stoke City. Danny Mitchley, Adam Smith and Lee Stevenson all departed on various loan deals to gain match fitness whilst results continued to be indifferent for Paul Cox’s side. In derby league action, a draw at troubled Lincoln was followed with a pluck 3-2 victory at home to Alfreton in a game that saw a penalty and two red cards as the game finished 11 vs 9 in Mansfield’s favour. The winning goal caused another memorable moment, with Scott alongside me in the Field Mill press box for the derby day game – the banter was flowing. Before the game we decided that should Mansfield win, Scott should sing a rendition of ‘Amber and Blue’ after we spoke about his exploits in the week playing in a friendly with the first team. The song was forgotten during the game and as we listened for the attendance late on, Andy Todd scored a dramatic late winner causing us to scream in celebration and then laugh – uncontrollably!
In the FA Cup, Ross Dyer earned Stags a replay against Fleetwood after levelling the game in the second half.
November: In sickness and in health
John Thompson makes his debut at AFC Telford
An outbreak of food poisoning caused 90% of the press and a big chunk of the Stags playing squad to miss the midweek replay trip to Fleetwood. I was the only member of the press not to eat the half time sandwiches and I was fine – what more proof do you need? An accident on the motorway caused a delay to the rapidly ill team coach as well as our car, add to that a lighting failure eight miles from the ground and you get one hell of a night! Driving those last few miles to the stadium in the pitch black with just flash lights was very scary. My dad who drove missed the first half to get the car fixed; in all honesty I wished I’d have stayed with him too as Stags crashed to a 5-0 defeat under the leadership of Micky Moore after Paul Cox was too unwell to travel. Youth team striker Adam Somes made his first team debut in the second half, perhaps the only positive of the entire evening.
A defeat at home to Cambridge was followed with three consecutive draws, away at AFC Telford & Bath and at home to Gateshead – John Thompson made his Stags debut in the former, marking the first clean sheet in 14 games. The loan window was used to full affect, Lee Stevenson returned from his loan spell to mix in with new team mates Kieron Freeman, John Dempster, Nialle Rodney, Aman Verma and Marcus Kelly. Nick Hegarty was also handed a contract as cover until Boxing Day whilst skipper Adam Murray penned a new contract until 2013.
After months of speculation, Tom Naylor bid farewell as he made the move to Championship side Derby County on an initial loan deal which will be made permanent in January.
A defeat at home to Cambridge was followed with three consecutive draws, away at AFC Telford & Bath and at home to Gateshead – John Thompson made his Stags debut in the former, marking the first clean sheet in 14 games. The loan window was used to full affect, Lee Stevenson returned from his loan spell to mix in with new team mates Kieron Freeman, John Dempster, Nialle Rodney, Aman Verma and Marcus Kelly. Nick Hegarty was also handed a contract as cover until Boxing Day whilst skipper Adam Murray penned a new contract until 2013.
After months of speculation, Tom Naylor bid farewell as he made the move to Championship side Derby County on an initial loan deal which will be made permanent in January.
December: Win, Loose, Draw
Matt Green grabs a late Christmas present on Boxing Day
And so we reach the final month of the season which of course is fresh in the memory. To kick off Matt Green found his feet again after only getting 1 goal in six outings. He bagged another brace as we swept aside Braintree at Field Mill 4-1. The game also marked the launch of ‘Twitter Commentary’ following the sad demise of Takeover who suffered a staffing issue to take our beloved Mansfield Matters show off air. We returned providing commentary on this very website for the midweek trip to Grimsby which saw Alan Marriott put on an inspired display in a goalless draw.
Next stop it was Droyslden, via another Friendly with Eastwood, in the FA Trophy. Our dreams of another Wembley final were smashed as the Blue Square Bet North side ran out 2-1 winners at the Butcher’s Arms Ground. As the only outlet providing full commentary on the fixture, myself and Scott were joined by over 1,500 listeners for the tie – if you were one of them, thank you.
Late agony then followed at Southport as Ritchie Sutton was strangely dismissed for a second bookable offence, despite holding onto a 1-1 score line, a late penalty and bad defending from Stags saw the hosts run out 3-1 winners.
To finish, it was a Boxing Day point at home to York City in a fixture that saw Matt Green grab his 15th of the season. The teams meet again on New Year’s Day, you can join me and Scott Rogers from 2.50PM for full match commentary just by clicking here. (Obviously don’t do this if your reading this during the game, send us a text instead!)
December also saw movement in the playing staff, Nick Hegarty moved to Australia after his contract expired on Boxing Day, Louis Moult Returned to Stoke City whilst Paul Connor opted to move into part time football with Gainsborough Trinity.
Next stop it was Droyslden, via another Friendly with Eastwood, in the FA Trophy. Our dreams of another Wembley final were smashed as the Blue Square Bet North side ran out 2-1 winners at the Butcher’s Arms Ground. As the only outlet providing full commentary on the fixture, myself and Scott were joined by over 1,500 listeners for the tie – if you were one of them, thank you.
Late agony then followed at Southport as Ritchie Sutton was strangely dismissed for a second bookable offence, despite holding onto a 1-1 score line, a late penalty and bad defending from Stags saw the hosts run out 3-1 winners.
To finish, it was a Boxing Day point at home to York City in a fixture that saw Matt Green grab his 15th of the season. The teams meet again on New Year’s Day, you can join me and Scott Rogers from 2.50PM for full match commentary just by clicking here. (Obviously don’t do this if your reading this during the game, send us a text instead!)
December also saw movement in the playing staff, Nick Hegarty moved to Australia after his contract expired on Boxing Day, Louis Moult Returned to Stoke City whilst Paul Connor opted to move into part time football with Gainsborough Trinity.
The Award Ceremony!
As with the end of every end of year review I write, it’s time to dish out some awards, some serious (although there are no medals!) and some not so.
Place of nightmares: Braintree
National Anthem
|
Goal of the Season:
In terms of importance Danny Mitchley and Louis Briscoe’s respective strikes against Luton top the list, however in terms of pure technique either Louis Briscoe’s effort at Grimsby on New Year’s Day or at home to Newport. For laughs though, the award goes to Andy Todd for his late winner at home to Alfreton! Best Ground Visited: Wembley, Wembley, Wembley and Wembley! There’s no contest really! Worst Ground Visited: Without a doubt Braintree, for the fact I was made so unwelcome and for the fact I could have electrocuted anyone in those portable toilets with the amount of volts running overhead! Luton comes a close second, for the man threatening me and for the way it’s situated – I felt like a Scooby Doo cartoon running round those endless corridors! Best Game Of The Year: Luton away in the FA Trophy, for the sheer pride and emotion bursting from the seams of the Stags fans. Luton at home is a joint winner as it will forever be a prime example that the underdog can win. Worst Game Of The Year: Hayes & Yeading United 4-0 Stags – Cheers Tyrone. Less Said the better. |
Hello Wembley!
Captain Fantastic: Adam Murray
|
Player of 2011:
A tough one to give this, Louis Briscoe and Matt Green for their goals, Alan Marriott for being Alan Marriott or David Grof for his inspired displays against Luton? Paul Hall takes it! Not really, the joint winners are Briscoe, Green, Marriott, Grof, Naylor and captain fantastic, Adam Murray.
Best Moment of the year:
Louis Briscoe smashing in the rebound is certainly up there; however I don’t think you can look past standing at the top of Wembley Way watching Stags fans of all ages flock into the national stadium. The national anthem was spine tingling as well.
Worst Moment of the year:
Loosing at Wembley and crying in the Wembley press box – too come so close to achieving a dream and then to see it fade away in the last minute was as we know, heartbreaking. The horrific injury to John Thompson has to be on the list too however personally neither can take the award. The worst Moment of the year was not getting that Girls number in McDonalds back in January.... Only joking, loosing at Wembley is the winner.
Comedy Moment of the year:
Thanks to you listeners and my esteemed co-commentator Scott Rogers, there are so many comedy moments! I’ll get some stick if I don’t say Hednesford Headphones, so there you go – my headphones falling off at Hednesford takes the title. Yippee.
A tough one to give this, Louis Briscoe and Matt Green for their goals, Alan Marriott for being Alan Marriott or David Grof for his inspired displays against Luton? Paul Hall takes it! Not really, the joint winners are Briscoe, Green, Marriott, Grof, Naylor and captain fantastic, Adam Murray.
Best Moment of the year:
Louis Briscoe smashing in the rebound is certainly up there; however I don’t think you can look past standing at the top of Wembley Way watching Stags fans of all ages flock into the national stadium. The national anthem was spine tingling as well.
Worst Moment of the year:
Loosing at Wembley and crying in the Wembley press box – too come so close to achieving a dream and then to see it fade away in the last minute was as we know, heartbreaking. The horrific injury to John Thompson has to be on the list too however personally neither can take the award. The worst Moment of the year was not getting that Girls number in McDonalds back in January.... Only joking, loosing at Wembley is the winner.
Comedy Moment of the year:
Thanks to you listeners and my esteemed co-commentator Scott Rogers, there are so many comedy moments! I’ll get some stick if I don’t say Hednesford Headphones, so there you go – my headphones falling off at Hednesford takes the title. Yippee.