The magic of the trophy...

Well, it's been a while. But here we go again. Here's to some consistency.

Back in June the FA announced a revamp of the English League Trophy (formerly the Johnstone's Paint Trophy), or the 'Tinpot Trophy' to many football league team supporters. Academy teams were to feature for the first time, expanding the competition from 48 to 64 clubs a gateway to higher attendances, increased prize money, opportunities for young talent to shine through, and a platform to restructure the Football League in the future.

The FA thought they were on to a winner.

Well, the reception was somewhat muted from clubs, with many big academy sides (Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea) declining to take part. League clubs cited issues such as extra travel expenses as the competition is no longer regionalised, the inclusion of academy sides and the 'make the rules up as you go along' attitude to the new competition format.

As for fans, these plans went down like a lead balloon. Nobody wants to watch West Ham's kids take on a League 2 side on a wintry Tuesday night, in a cup that doesn't really matter, not even West Ham fans. Just imagine the final between Stoke Academy and Swansea Academy in front of a few thousand at Wembley. Embarrassing. Fans were also wary of the fact the restructuring of the EFL Trophy was the first step towards League 3 - the inclusion of B Teams in the official English League system - something the vast majority of fans are against. Triggering plans for blanket boycotts of these matches, despite the FA expecting attendances to rise.

Six months on and we've reached the Quarter Final stages. And low and behold the concept has failed miserably. One academy team remains, illustrating that the 'promising talent' that the FA suggested hasn't materialised, highlighted massively by League 2 relegation candidate Cheltenham's 5-1 thrashing of Premier League champions Leicester City's academy side.

Even less surprisingly following the mass coverage of the #BTeamBoycott on Twitter and the general acknowledgement from football league fans that this new concept has been horrifically executed has led to record low attendances for competitive matches at grounds around the country, with over two-thirds of fixtures being witnessed by less than a thousand spectators, with just 392 lucky souls seeing Fleetwood take on Blackburn Rovers academy - a one-goal thriller.

Portsmouth take on Reading Academy at an eerily quiet Fratton Park

When even football league teams are taking the proverbial by breaking FA rules and fielding under strength teams, and in Bradford's case playing a full strength team and then substituting their first team goalkeeper Colin Doyle after he had a 'poor 45 seconds' the FA have to ultimately admit defeat.

Don't get me wrong, as a Wycombe fan I definitely wouldn't sniff at another day at Wembley and some silverware to boot. But the dire performance of the EFL Trophy deserves a wry smile and a little 'we told you so' from League One and Two supporters.

Twitter @DLster

Wycombe Wanderers - back to winning ways?

Without a shadow of a doubt, Wycombe Wanderers have been on a whirlwind journey over the past few seasons, surviving relegation to the conference by the skin of their teeth on the last day of the season, followed by Wembley heartbreak with the club being only seconds away from what would have been a well deserved promotion to League One. However, last season was somewhat of an anti-climax, high expectations going into the season, a chance to push on from the disappointment of a sickening play-off defeat. Ultimately, a lack of consistency was evident and any opportunity of promotion slowly ebbed away at the turn of the year.

The lack of consistency that was clearly visible was down to a number of factors. Not as the Chairboys manager Gareth Ainsworth suggested because Wycombe Wanderers is a small club, with a small squad and a lack of material and immaterial resources, this simply isn’t an argument, as after all Accrington Stanley, possibly the smallest club in the English professional leagues had an exceptionally strong season. Rather, poor results were down to loan signings not really paying off (they were pivotal in the previous season), a lack of tactical awareness at times, injuries to key players and probably the most significant of all – a distinct lack of goals (45 all season, only Yeovil and Newport scored less) – defensively the squad was sound, but if you don’t score goals, you don’t win matches, it is as simple as that.

The rationale behind a recognisable lack of goals was most probably the lack of an attacking mindset the team seem to have, it was as if the team knew to an extent how to go about scoring a goal, with brief spells of brilliant high tempo passing football on offer in nearly every fixture, which would nearly always lead to a goal or a significant chance, however, on the most part, aimless balls forward to strikers was the order of the day at Adams Park. Clearly, this wasn’t the right way to go about scoring goals, especially with the Chairboys’ regular strike partnership of Paul Hayes and Garry Thompson somewhat past their prime, yes, they work hard and when build-up is done in the right way they picked up goals, but more often than not they were out-paced by younger sprightlier opposition defences. Other younger attacking options such as Gozie Ugwu (Yeovil’s top scorer in 2014/15) and Rowan Liburd (11 goals for Reading U21s), who looked to offer a lot more panache up front had little or no impact when it came to scoring goals, mustering only two between them all season.

Paul Hayes celebrates his goal against Plymouth Argyle in the 2014/15 Playoff Semi Final

Reflecting on a dismal goalscoring season it is clear that Gareth Ainsworth has identified these concerns and has already opened up his black book of contacts in order to rectify this situation as he looks to construct a side capable of reaching the heights of League One which had slipped further and further from their grasps last season.

Prior to today, three signings had been made by Ainsworth, all of which looked to reignite the dwindling flame that the Wanderers strike force had become. The first signing – to whom I wrote about previously was Dayle Southwell from Boston United. Clearly, from Liburd’s performances and other self proclaimed academy wonder-kids in the past that have graced the hallow turf at Adams Park in the light and dark blue, Premier League academy players aren’t always the players to go for at League Two level, for the primary reason that most academy players won’t be able to adapt to a more aggressive game played by more seasoned and experienced professionals. Instead, bringing in a player like Southwell who was prolific at Boston (54 goals in two seasons), who has experience at playing at the uglier end of the footballing spectrum, and who also evidently has an eye for goal could well be much more beneficial when making the step up to League Two.

The second and third signings were both wingers, and both of which are likely to add an extra dimension to the attack. Paris Cowan-Hall – who returns to the Chairboys from disappointing spell at Millwall where ultimately a broken ankle saw any chance of becoming a seasoned player at The New Den impossible. Prior to leaving Wycombe for Millwall, Cowan-Hall impressed management and fans, with his footballing mind, blistering pace and flair, seeing him find the net on ten occasions, and also racked up multiple assists whilst at Wycombe. He is joined by Myles Weston. Weston, whom has played at a higher level at the likes of Brentford, Southend and Gillingham, as well as having 4 international caps for Antigua and Barbuda is another dangerous attacking player who in Ainsworth’s mind is a player who without a doubt will ‘bring pace, creativity and a goal threat’ to proceedings. Hopefully, once the season begins the link up play will improve and more crossing opportunities will emerge to assist the newest Wycombe Wanderers signing, iconic cult hero – Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Akinfenwa with manager Gareth Ainsworth

The question is, is the man known as ‘The Beast’ all he’s hyped up to be? Or have Wycombe Wanderers purely signed him to become the new face of the club’s main sponsors Beechdean Ice Cream?

Personally, as a fan, for the club it is a great coup, especially knowing that many other clubs, with much greater financial backing were pursuing his signature. Despite the fact Akinfenwa is coming to the end of his career aged 34, the stats don’t lie, 71 goals for Northampton, 21 at Gillingham and 19 goals at AFC Wimbledon. The fact he was released by AFC Wimbledon following their promotion to League One should be overlooked, regardless, it is clear that the strength of an ox and the eye for goal that he possesses has been a reason why he has been so successful wherever he has played – especially at League Two level, where most defences, including when he’s played against the Wanderers in the past just don’t have the capacity to deal with player built like Akinfenwa is. Combine this with the new impetus that the Chairboys will soon have on the wings in Cowan-Hall and Weston, there could be great scope for many more goal scoring opportunities than in the previous domestic campaign.

Even if Akinfenwa doesn’t slot into the Ainsworth’s starting XI, he could prove to be a great option if the team was searching for a goal, and also to give relative old-timers Hayes and Thompson some respite if fixtures got too congested.

Off the field, I feel as if ‘The Beast’ will also be beneficial to the rest of the squad and the whole club. In the dressing room, a big character such as Akinfenwa, along with all of his playing experience could really be beneficial to younger players coming through the ranks, and his leadership qualities and enthusiasm could see the team really pushing for promotion again. From a business point of view, Akinfenwa is also a very clever signing, following his unveiling as a Wycombe player earlier today, fans and social media went into relative meltdown, purely based on this, I’d expect ticket and merchandise sales to definitely increase, which can only be a good thing for a small team, with big aspirations.

Time will tell, Akinfenwa is expected to make his Wycombe Wanderers debut in a pre-season friendly against Le Havre on Tuesday 12th July.

Follow me on Twitter: @DLster

Passion, Loyalty and Culture: The Humble Away Day.

As a young, naive prepubescent child, I discovered football, back in the 'good old days' where the BBC would show live matches. However, what hadn't occurred to my semi developed self, was that there was anything to football other than the corporate machine that is the Premier League, and giants of the game at the time, such as the Arsenal Invincible squad, and the ruthless Manchester United team Sir Alex Ferguson had put together.
However, as I've grown older, I have discovered just how ignorant, disillusioned and unaware I was of the beauty of the lower league system. With football being so much more than just a Sky Sports subscription or just a tourist attraction funding the extravagant lifestyles of the big names in the sport. Not that I'm criticising this - although personally, I see the Premier League as more of an entertainment empire than anything else, a competition for showcasing wealth of owners, and a platform for world class players to receive sickening pay slips, and the fans - being dehumanised as purely customers. However, we'll leave that for another time! Instead I want to talk about the ever growing popularity of the humble Away Day.
The year is 2014, as a Wycombe Wanderers fan, the season had been one to forget. Sitting 23rd coming into the last game of the season definitely isn't where you want to be, poor form, and categorically written off by just about everybody, all Bristol Rovers needed to do was to avoid defeat, the future looked bleak. However, as a fan you stay loyal to your team, even in their darkest hour. So, myself, along with 928 others, made that long, anxious trip down to Plainmoor, Torquay, aware that this could be the last league fixture we played for a long time. On arrival, I felt sick, and I can imagine most others did too, what followed, was miraculous, unexpected a master class even. An early goal, a penalty, a Torquay red card, and a deft dinked goal from McClure was the final nail in the Torquay coffin. News came through, Rovers had lost, it was a great, if not the greatest escape. The passion and loyalty of the fans that day, was the true epitome of the term 'the twelfth man'. Never have I seen such passion from a group of people who had really been put through the mill that season. Truly mind blowing stuff, and a day I shall never forget.
Since that day, be it with Wycombe Wanderers, or my non-league obsession, Aylesbury FC, away days have become a regular occurrence. It's become more than just about the football, when the alarm rings on a Saturday, it's about loyalty, passion, friendships and just the pure intrigue of an unknown ground.
Regardless of distance, form or weather conditions, loyalty shines through. Yes, a home game is often special, the roar of the home crowd and the familiarity of your surroundings makes it an enjoyable experience, seeing the same faces week in week out, but it's purely 90 minutes of football, win, lose or draw. However, the beauty of the away day is the whole experience, it's more than just the football aspect. Take my trip to York for example. On the surface a 1-1 draw against a team soon to be relegated was somewhat dismal, however, take a look deeper and you'll discover so much more. An 8 hour round trip in a clapped out Vauxhall Corsa with friends, listening to ancient mix-tapes from the past. Bumping into fans from other clubs, on their own away trips up and down the country and listening to their stories. On arrival, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, singing chants in the traditional Bootham Cresent terrace, supplementing a traditional half time pie, followed by a local brew in a 'real' pub and taking in the beautiful architecture of York city centre. All of this brings you back to earth, and makes you really appreciate the unseen elements of football that keeps the love of the game so strong, proving football isn't just about seeing your team acquire the three points (although it's always a bonus!)
The same can be said about non-league, no thrills, and definitely nowhere near the glamour of the Premier Divisions. But without the passion and the loyalty to travel to away games, I would have missed out on so many memories - Building a personal relationship with players, fancy dress days to towns I've never heard of before. Silverware, oddities only seen in non-league (including the clichéd 'one man and his dog'). The exuberance of derby day injury time winners, riské chants and the strangest stadiums in the land.

Glamour? Who needs that when you have passion in abundance?

Credit: Marc Keinch

Through the highs and lows, the away day culture has becoming embedded into me. And I can now understand the expanding numbers of so called 'ground-hoppers'.
One such 'ground-hopper' that has recently come to my attention is the man behind 'AwayDays' - Ellis Platten (et al.), a man reflecting the passion and of away day culture and supporter identity - but also bringing us back down to earth, but also uncovering the elements of football, no matter how insignificant they may seem, that make you remember why you're a supporter, and not purely a customer in the clutches of corporate sporting giants, grinding down the relationship between club and supporter i.e. Sky and BT.  His videos also epitomise the fact you can't beat a live match day experience, yes of course watching a match in the comfort of your own living room is enjoyable, but it's nothing on the amplification of senses you get from being there - the sounds, the sites and the smells, along with the wit and jovial banter between himself, friends and other supporters also make me think of the relationship that I have gained and consolidated at the football over the years.
So overall, football is more than soulless atmospheres in newly constructed grounds - yes I'm talking to you MK Dons (sorry, I couldn't resist), or purely the result of the match. It is the loyalty, desire and sometimes even the pure spontaneity to do a 10 hour round trip on a frosty Tuesday night just to watch your team lose. It is the friendships and the comradery of supporters that occurs in terraces up and down the country. It is cultural intrigue of your new surroundings. But the overarching message is footballing devotion prevails over the ever growing corporate hegemony.


Awaydays can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/aysAwayd
Follow me on Twitter: @DLster

A Non-League revolution

Jamie Vardy. The biggest story in the Premier League this season. Record breaker, goal scorer, cult hero. And now Premier League winner, but where did it all begin for the man on top of the world? Non-league football.

From £30-a-week at Stocksbridge Park Steels, to a household name today. Vardy now plays in front of thousands every week, under club owners with millions in pocket change.

However, away from the dizzying heights of the Premier League, a revolution is happening. Non-league football is growing. Fans are rebelling against the corporate machine, the airline-stadium sponsorships, and instead are opting to cheer on their team of local semi-professionals.

Unlike the cut-throat nature of the Premier League and football league, where managers and players are expected to deliver in the volatile pressure cooker, hostile stadium atmospheres are becoming more commonplace when things don’t go right.

Fans are being swayed towards non-league, where they can enjoy a drink in the stand and swap ends at half-time without the need for crowd segregation.

Although the crowds are nowhere near as big as the likes of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, the non-league community have some of the most passionate people you will meet.

There are dedicated fans and volunteers like myself who travels far and wide to watch their team, whenever, wherever, whatever the weather. Win, lose, or draw, we sing, we chant, and we have a laugh. We’re a rabble, but without the intimidating stigma that comes with so-called football league ‘ultras’.

The growing appeal of non-league football is an interesting subject. On the one hand, people want to regain their identity as a football fan, and not just become someone who adds to the trickle of revenue that finds its way into owners' back pockets.

Non-league fans want freedom to stand where they want, even with the away fans, and be part of a greater footballing community, rather than be just a bystander. More importantly than this, we want to build a better future for the English game. As a passionate fan of grassroots football I know I definitely do.

Without people that care, the lower echelons of English football could soon disappear. This is where people power pays dividends. From maintenance and fundraising, to rekindling the ashes of a former powerhouse (Hereford and Darlington come to mind), the love for non-league helps make these changes happen.

James Doe, an advocate for non-league football, wanted to illustrate this passion. He's created a day to enlighten the UK public on the joys of non-league.

Over the past six years, Non- League Day has grown from a small time Facebook event to an annual national campaign which has grabbed the attention of clubs, leagues, the media and most importantly the fans. It was a personal catalyst for my love of non-league football.

This year, the campaign aims to encourages the non-league community, and those who are curious about the game, to come together at the home of the English national team, Wembley Stadium.

On May 22nd, both the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals, where Morpeth take on Hereford and Halifax take on Grimsby, will take place at the national stadium on a day that promises to be a great spectacle as the best non-league teams, at their respective levels, show off their talent at the cauldron of English football.

The best non-league has to offer, on the hallow turf.

The event will be of great significance for non-league football as it gets full exposure for all to see. The day is set to be a celebration, and could be a major platform for the growth of the grassroots game.

Despite the UK government investing more funds into the Chinese game than in English grassroots football, through the love and passion shown by all those involved at this level, the excitement of the game lives on.

Through the Non- League Day initiative, hopefully more people will become interested in a highly affordable game filled with twists, turns and unpredictability. And who knows? You might be there to witness the next Jamie Vardy.

Tickets: https://ticketing.thefa.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @DLster