...and April has been a month plentiful in promises of promotions and relegations in the lower leagues, that will come into play the weekend of the 3rd May.
My hometown club, controversial Milton Keynes Dons, have clinched promotion to League One. A 3-2 victory at Edgely Park over an in-form Stockport sealed it, and victory away at Bradford gave them the title. I've fallen in love with the club over the last few years. The determination to succeed and make professional football happen in Milton Keynes, my town. I was there when the club only had 50 fans in the away end at Yeovil and Swansea, and I've listened to all the jibes about Franchising.
MK Dons deserve this success. It's a double in fact, after The Dons won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley in March. A fantastic season. The club is on the way up and within ten years I fully expect them to be in the top end of the championship at least. Words truly cannot describe the pride I'm experiencing now. It's working. That said, I cannot help but feel for the fans left behind in South London. Here's hoping that AFC Wimbledon can gain league status and fill the void left behind by the Wimbledon saga.
Second place in League Two has gone to Peterborough United, who have also sealed promotion, and the Posh haven't exactly done it quietly either. Overseas property tycoon Darragh MacAnthony's funding has propelled them to the top three of League Two. Through the fact that his company sponsors the club (and he can plough his funding into the club via that avenue), their turnover is classed as a ridiculously large amount and they can avoid the League Two wage cap coming into play.
They've splashed ridiculously large amounts on players like George Boyd and Aaron McLean from the non-league scene. Fair play to them though, they look set to make several more times from selling these players than they spent buying them, and they've helped smaller clubs out with a bit of cash in the process. The approach has worked though. McLean is top scorer in the league and Posh have been a scary attacking force.
The third automatic spot has gone to Hereford United. I love it and hate it at the same time. At the end of the day, their attendances has been poor throughout. That said, at the same time, they've managed the club superbly, to win promotion on a shoestring budget amongst the company of Milton Keynes, Posh and Darlington to name but a few speak volumes. Teams that average several thousands week in week out like Bradford City have had indifferent seasons in comparison.
Some may dub Hereford as "Championship Loan Rangers" but when push comes to shove, if a team doesn't have funds and struggles to break a couple of thousand fans then they need to get a decent player staff somehow. Full marks to Graham Turner.
League One is the destination these three teams. Come may, their fellow teams will be decided. Colchester and Scunthorpe will be there, and look set to be joined by one of either Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday or Leicester. Whilst "Col U" and "Scunny" may be at a fair level the team that goes down with them will be at a ridiculous level considering their fanbase.
Congratulations to Milton Keynes Dons, Peterborough and Hereford United on their respective seasons. League One will be a more interesting place next season with these teams in it. I for one can't wait.
My top five for today is...
Top five Premiership divas.
5- Aliaksandr Hleb
Absolutely horrendous behavior against Reading two weeks ago. Seemed to think he was above Reading's Greame Murty. Had an unbearable look of arrogance as he wound Murty up.
4- Didier Drogba
I like Drogba, he's a talent. However his attitude against Tottenham in the league cup, and his actions when he clashed with Michael Ballack yesterday were absolutely shocking.
3- Robbie Keane
Again, I like him, he a bit of a talisman for Spurs, but boy does he act like a ponce on the pitch. Falling over like he has legs made of paper.
2- Ashley Cole
I have no sympathy whatsoever for a player that can be bought out by the highest bidder and show no loyalty.
1- Manchester United. In General.
"We don't want Malcolm Glazer, we won't renew our season tickets."
...2 years later...
"We won the league! We won the league! United 'til I die!"
(Don't get me started on the fans that have never seen them play.)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment