Dedicated to success

First published in The Grecian, 28 October 2008, Exeter City -v- Chesterfield

Everyone I see wearing red, black and white walking around the fair city of Exeter seems to be smiling these days. There must be grumps around too (some of them may be pouncing on Exeweb as I write!), but they are surely few and far between at the moment. Being fans, we can always complain. But we’d be daft to do so right now.

For the Grecians are not only in the play-off zone, they have also beaten perhaps the best two teams in the league away from home (what does that make us?), have clinched a two-year rolling contract with excellent manager Paul Tisdale, and have assembled a group of players with a good balance of skills and a willingness to really dig in together.

What could possibly go wrong? Well, as the old cliché has it, “this is football, son!” Expect the unexpected. Due to the happenstance of deadlines, for instance, I am penning this without knowing the outcome of our game against Barnet on Saturday. My instinct is that we will have picked up at least one point, hopefully three. But as the Grimsby game showed, the teams who appear to be struggling can be very, very hard to beat sometimes – whereas sides like Bury and Port Vale, who you would sensibly quake over, can be taken on convincingly.

The difference is often to do with space on the pitch: its presence against confident teams who know they are doing well and who like to open it up themselves, and its absence against those who close down tight and pack behind the ball in order to save goals and points. I have no disrespect for the latter, by the way. Sheer numbers at the back doesn’t make it an easy or risk-free business defending and marking the opposition out of the game, as those who have come undone trying will tell you. Plus, we’ve all been there ourselves at some point.

But while caution can save your skin, a high level of daring is needed to win. That’s what the Grecians have shown this season, and even when there are setbacks (as there almost certainly will be), this quality – together with the ability to get over those humps – will surely see us good in the end.

If the game against Barnet has gone well, by the way, that will just provide a different kind of challenge against Chesterfield this evening: the one called “no let up, no easing back.” The higher you ascend the football ladder in this country, the less room there is for breathing easily or counting your proverbial chickens. Just when you think you have it clucking in the bag, it can slip from your fingers.

It may well be the case that Exeter City are doing just as well in League Two this term as we were in the Blue Square Premier last year. But that doesn’t mean this division is no tougher, or that we know we will inevitably be fighting for promotion in a few months time – as we always thought we would be in the Conference, to be honest. Nothing can be taken for granted whatsoever.

Which is why I am glad we have Paul Tisdale in charge. He brings an evenness and intelligence to his approach. And as he has made clear, he wants to move on up with the Grecians. Paul’s depth of commitment was shown at Team Bath, and we are seeing the same spirit and professionalism here in Devon. So I hope those who were initially sceptical about him (remember that? Seems an age away, thankfully!) have learned their lesson.

Quality in football doesn’t come with reputation or longevity alone; it is the result of hard work, thoughtfulness, inspiration and dedication. You can have the talent and lack those qualities, and vice versa. That’s something the players will be remembering as they take to the pitch tonight too, I’m sure. ’Mon City!
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Sons in the Premier League

A publishing plot is being hatched between me, Sons View matchday programme editor Graeme Robertson, the Sonstrust and Dumbarton fans... in the shape of a forthcoming book on our ascent to the Scottish Premier League in the 1980s. The details, including information about how to get involved, are here on the official DFC site. Graeme is doing most of the hard work at the moment, but once the copy starts flowing, I'll be a pretty busy bee too. We will be producing the book in time for the Sportsmans' Dinner on 21 March 2009, all being well.
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Diary of a man who disappeared

That's the title of a piece of music by Leos Janacek [obscure factoid of the day]. And it also describes me, as far as regular readers of Only Just Offside are concerned - hi, Alan! Life has overtaken football for me over the past month, but the end is in sight for this shameful state of affairs. Good thing too, as there's plenty of exciting things happening at Mighty Dumbarton, and also in my local area with Exeter City. Watch this space. On second thoughts, you must have better things to do, surely? ;-)
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It's Grimsby up north

First published in The Grecian, 18 October 2008, Exeter City -v- Grimsby Town

So the global economy is in a mess, the polar icecaps are melting and according to some the world is generally going to hell in a hand-basket. But, on the bright side, Exeter City took three points off league leaders Bury in a 1-0 away win last week and sit convincingly in seventh place after ten games. Football helps you get these things in perspective. Well, sort of!

The point is, things are looking good for the Grecians, and if we can stay in the top eight through to the New Year then it is clearly realistic to talk about aiming for a play-off place come April 2009. But there is a good deal of hard work to be done before then, and much of it will take the shape of games like today’s tough home encounter with Grimsby Town.

There’s plenty of past form between theses two sides, of course. No that long ago our former striker Steve Flack turned down a move to the Mariners in order to complete his service with then Conference located Exeter, and to seek his hundred goals. Good old Flacky, we said. Grimsby, who were fighting for promotion from League Two around that time, were less than thrilled by his decision. Sadly, they lost the 2005-6 play-off final at the Millennium Stadium 1-0 to Cheltenham Town. Grecians fans know what that’s like from our first Wembley visit the season before last.

Since then, Grimsby have lost a Football League Trophy to Milton Keynes Dons on 30 March this year (my birthday, as it happens) and ditched their third manager in a row after a depressing spell of 15 consecutive games without a win. Under the experienced Mike Newell, late of Luton Town’s relative glory years, they are now seeking a revival. But it’s not proving easy. Indeed it’s been ten games without a victory this term alone, and the Grimsby still sit a worrying 21st place in the League.

In short, the past few years have been grim for football fans from the Humber Estuary, laced with financial goings on and sadly broken dreams on two big occasions. An away win here at St James’ Park against an up-and-coming Grecians side will therefore be a much sought after prize for the Mariners, and Paul Tisdale and his coaching staff will no doubt have been working hard over the past week to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

But while Exeter are not (and ought not to be) in any sense desperate about winning, it is still extremely important that we try to build on the momentum of our recent form. This has seen not only some superb victories home and away, but some really attractive, flowing football, too.

What a positive message that sends out. Sometimes you have to grind out results when things aren’t going your way or when you’re feeling slightly off the pace. That’s the mark of a side that can go places rather than just tread water. But it isn’t what packs the stands and terraces in the lower leagues. For that everyone wants to see a bit of flair and invention.

The new Exeter – as I think we can justifiably refer to this carefully crafted squad – also want to play football to the best of their ability, with a bit of love and devotion as well as grit and determination. So far, it’s going rather well. The signs are that this is a side that can continue to step up a gear. For that, however, we need consistency and the ability to iron out the blemishes and mistakes which can be the main difference between life at the top and bottom of this league, and (dare to mention it quietly) ascent to the one above.
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Sticking to the task

First published in The Grecian, 04 October 2008, Exeter City -v- Gillingham

It’s a topsy-turvy life in League Two. Victory at home to Accrington, a bit of a mauling away to Bradford, a hard-fought draw against Notts County, and then last Saturday’s fine 4-1 win at Macclesfield. Now we face Gillingham, then high-flying Bury away, who have still not lost a league game. Quite a test.

Overall, things are going pretty well for Exeter City this season. That was the verdict of manager Paul Tisdale, speaking to the media just before the latest victory. His sensibly cautious smile was probably a little wider on Sunday morning – but I’m equally sure the work rate at the Cat and Fiddle training ground will have stepped up a gear in anticipation of the visit of the league leaders.

Even without winger Charlie Daniels, who has opted to go back to Spurs following his month-long loan spell, the Gills are going to be a tough proposition. (By the way... have you heard the one about “what’s difference between Tottenham Hotspur and a triangle?” the answer is that a triangle has three points.)

Levity aside, the next twos matches really will show how Exeter can fare against the best. Have an off day, make too many mistakes or fail with our touch in the box and we will be punished. Even the teams nearer the foot of the table – and leaving aside those trying to claw back massive point deductions – are sides capable of more than they are showing. League Two is tight.

Thankfully, we have a sane steer on the Club from our coach, management and Trust. Twice this past week I have seen press headlines proclaiming “Chaos at St James Park”, and have felt thankful that we in Devon are separated from Newcastle by more than just an apostrophe in the names of our respective grounds!

Top-level football really is a surreal business these days. While the world economy is in turmoil and people are concerned about their homes and security, a few multi-billionaires remain keen to soak up big Premier League sides for fun, with decidedly mixed results.

A comedian recently joked that Goldfinger would now have a new line to throw at Britain’s favourite fictional secret service agent: “So, Meester Bond…” (swarthy accent required), “our people can now buy as many Frank Lampards as we want, and there is nothing your country can do about it!”

Not that there is much laughter resounding around that other St James. With King Kev dethroned, fan-owner Mike Ashley has been desperate to offload a sinking asset while the supporters abuse him, and probably any non-Geordie manager who doesn’t immediately turn things around. Forbearance is a rare commodity around the Tyne.

Not so in the land of the Grecians, I’m glad to say. But it’s useful to remind ourselves that if we take a few knocks in the coming weeks, sticking together becomes even more vital. That’s true for the players, too. And they are showing it.

Here’s how. The day after that Bradford hammering, my internet connection was down and I had to access the wi-fi at a local hostelry. Nope, I’m not making this up! Anyway, there I was, penning a piece for The Grecian, when who should I see opposite me but a few ECFC boys enjoying a night off together – very soberly, I should add, lest a certain Mr Tisdale is reading! I had a quick word with Dean Moxey, and he immediately emphasised his confidence that our strikers would come good, after a couple of difficult games.

Sure enough, Exeter have just scored six goals in two outings. One or two more today would be a welcome addition. If you believe it, the whole team believes it and everyone sticks hard to the task – it can happen. That’s the meaning of unity.
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The agony and ecstasy

First published in Sons View, 4 October 2008, Dumbarton -v- Annan Athletic

After hard fought back-to-back wins against Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath, plus the capture of third place in the table, last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Forfar and fall into fourth – when we could have been second – was undoubtedly a disappointment for Sons fans. The old “two points dropped rather than one gained” scenario bit hard.

Hang on a minute, though. There’s another way of looking at this. Jim and the boys need no reminding that there are weaknesses to be addressed and improvements to be made at the training ground and on the pitch, I’m sure. But compare the early achievements of this squad with what we saw last season, and you sense that even though it’s proving tougher than pre-season hype (those pundits putting you among the favourites to win the league are a curse!), Sons are still on the march forward.

We may not be unstoppable yet, as the Loons painfully reminded us. However, seven points from nine in three matches – including two away – is something we would have crossed our fingers or prayed for in 2007-8. Now we expect rather more. Even the frustration at what we missed at Station Park is therefore a positive indication of distance travelled.

So, if you’ll forgive the terrible pun, this is no time to ‘look back in Angus’. Today, Dumbarton have the opportunity to return to winning ways against new boys Annan Athletic, who themselves want to avoid a dip turning into a slide.

After their great start, the Galabankies are now fully aware that Division Three is no pushover. I’m sure they never thought it would be, but when the shine of the grass is running for you, confidence is understandably high. Now the armchair cynics are out in force, suggesting that Annan, though a determined and skilful outfit, will struggle to make the course.

I’m sure no-one in the Dumbarton camp will be, in President George W. Bush’s immortal phrase, “misunderestimating” our the Dumfries and Galloway opponents this afternoon. We know full well that Annan will be looking for revenge for their CIS Cup exit, and a share of today’s spoils. Sons will have to be Rock-like in denying them and pushing forward to victory.

Good grief, I’m sounding perilously like one of those over-enthusiastic motivational coaches! It must be the ‘bounce’ from Raise the Rock Day last fortnight. Once again, those who put all the hard work in for that grand occasion deserve our plaudits, while Sons played their part with a famous, hair-raising win.

When we lost that fragile 1-0 lead against Cowdenbeath on the precipice of full time, you could read the “same old story” reaction on the home support’s faces. Equally, when Ben Gordon snatched Dumbarton’s winner with the last kick of the game (other than the one the referee allowed from the centre spot before blowing his final whistle), the surge of joy really did Raise the Rock. Well, I’m sure my seat was shaking – though like everybody else I was leaping in the air and screaming like a mad thing at the time. It was a great moment… followed by some good, extended celebrations.

Now when you’ve travelled several hundred miles to be at a game, as I had on 20 September, victory tastes extra sweet, especially when grabbed from the jaws of a draw that would have been like defeat in the circumstances – and when you haven’t physically seen your team win since 2003-4.

For SHS regulars, however, the picture is obviously different, and being an ‘exile’ I fully respect that. Naturally, as a long-term fan, I feel low when Sons lose or don’t play to their potential. But I don’t kid myself that following what’s going on by text is anything like being there, biting your nails with every lost chance.

The ‘far post’ fan experience brings a different perspective, however. It reminds you that precious football moments are there to be cherished, and that we shouldn’t let the harsher realities take them away from us. Much though I too feel like swearing at the first person who tells me “there’s always next Saturday” after some grim failure, they are, of course, right. It’s a game. But it’s still one we’re utterly determined to win!

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Yes, I know....

... I seem to have gone AWOL. It only takes a last minute 2-1 Dumbarton home win over Cowdenbeath and I'm lost for words, huh? Well, not quite. But life has pulled in a few other directions since last Saturday (which was a really great day). Back on the case very soon... And, hey, let's face it. Life can survive without my thoughts on football. Just. ;)
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Sing to keep them winning

First published in Sons View, 20 September 2008, Dumbarton -v- Cowdenbeath

Usually when you read this, I’m hundreds of miles away lost in the wilds of Devon or somewhere equally removed from Castle Road. If I’m at another game, I’ll be checking my mobile phone or the BBC Football online updates to see how the Sons are doing. Then, later, the hunt for match reports and reactions begins.

Being a long distance fan is a strange business. Thankfully, today, I’m sitting not far from you at SHS, all being well. I might even have sold you the programme if Denise Currie puts me into action with the sales patter. So this column is The Near Post for a change.

Today is the second ‘Raise the Rock’ event in a row I’ve managed to get to. Whether and when I can make it to Dumbarton games partly depends on my work and domestic schedule, partly on whether I have any pennies in the coffers, and partly on finding a suitable excuse to get within striking distance of a Sons match!

This time it’s worked out well. And I don’t just mean my own plans. Last Saturday’s 3-1 away win against Albion Rovers was just the boost the team and manager needed. Deep down we all believe this can be the season to get Dumbarton on track to higher and better things, but there’s still problems to overcome, confidence to build, and defining chemistry to be created between squad members old and new.

Being fans, we all have our pet ideas about what should be done, who should play where, what tactical changes are needed, and so forth. But when you’re in the dug out, stopping the shots, moving into midfield or taking to the wing theory melts into air and reality bites.

Progress is clearly being made at Dumbarton. This is a more durable, flexible side than last season’s. We have a well-qualified manager who loves the Club and craves success. If Sons can now take the momentum from that Cliftonhill victory into this afternoon’s encounter with Cowdenbeath (who have made their own intentions very clear in the initial games of the season), then we will get a result and really feel we’re ‘on the way’.

To achieve something creditable on the pitch for ‘Raise the Rock Day’ would be especially fitting. Because this is an occasion designed for family fun, for showing off the facilities here, for encouraging the youngsters, for getting the message across with Your Radio FM, and for persuading more people that coming down to SHS to cheer on Dumbarton on a regular basis is a fine way to spend a Saturday afternoon – and occasionally a Tuesday night!

I’d be here every time if I could. Indeed one of my ambitions is to live within three hours train travel of Dumbarton East, to make that possible. Since my work mainly involves writing, much of it can be web based. Not so for my wife, unfortunately. But she talks about Edinburgh from time-to-time, so you never know…

Back to today’s proceedings, and the quest for some goals and points – which is what will surely persuade those who live a bit nearer than me that SHS is where they should be. When the supporters really get behind a team, it always makes a difference. And Dumbarton has great fans. It’s something those who share their story in the new Sons View ‘Fan of the Week’ column almost always mention. ‘Raise the Rock’ is about getting more of them.

I’m certain the Apache Army will be in good voice. They’ve made a big impact, home and away, showing that although Dumbarton fans are never going to be less than hard bitten (we’d have to be, wouldn’t we?), there’s a deep reservoir of loyalty, dedication, enthusiasm and – dare I say it – optimism, alongside the quips and the cracks.

Nick Hornby summed it up well in Fever Pitch: you’re not a football fan because it always puts a stupid grin on your face. No, you’re hooked because in spite of many setbacks this really can be the Beautiful Game, and it carries with it those moments of unexpected, shared delight that make a few damp afternoons and some less than stellar results worth it after all. And right here, right now? You sing, the boys will try to win. That’s what we want to see.
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Great Grecian expectations

First published in The Grecian, 20 September 2008, Exeter City -v- Notts County

The good news is that Exeter went one up against League Two high-fliers Bradford City in the first half. The bad news is that we then shipped four in the second, outflanked by their lightning paced wingers Joe Colebeck and Omar Daley – who The Observer described as being the football equivalent of his fellow Jamaican, sprint star Usain Bolt.

But that was then and this is now. Today we face different opponents, Notts County, a team with a journeyman pedigree laced with some uplifting moments along the way. Like the Grecians, they are in a lower mid-table position at the moment, coming into this game on the back of a 1-1 away draw at Accrington Stanley – who Exeter topped in a positive home display recently.

The task, then, is to learn the lessons from a heavy defeat, put it behind us, and get down to the game in hand. On paper, City have the players, the organisation, the grit and the flair to do the job and walk away with three points this afternoon. No question. But we are learning that how things look in print and how they work out on the turf is not necessarily the same thing. So real concentration will be needed.

Every game this term is proving tough, and the players and manager need the fans fully behind them. In the Conference, the expectation of Exeter City supporters was always high. It still is in League Two. There’s nothing wrong with that. Ambition is a vital ingredient in negotiating the path to success in football. As someone once said, “If you aim at nothing, you’re pretty sure to hit it!”

However there is a difference now. We’re in a higher league, and make no mistake, it is higher. Over the past few seasons I’ve often heard spectators speculate that many of the teams in what became the Blue Square Premier would flourish in ‘the football league proper’. There was talk of a ‘fifth division’. I always remained sceptical about this.

It’s true that most of the sides promoted from the Conference in recent years have done well. Some have done very well. But let’s not forget that they were often shades above their non-league competitors anyway, they had established or developed pedigrees, and they recognised the vital need to strengthen as they moved up.

There have been also been sides like Chester, who dominated in their promotion season and then struggled. There’s no magic formula, no guarantee. I’d be delighted if, as some were saying before this season began, the Grecians could claim a top eight finish. But I’m not counting on it. That isn’t pessimism, it’s realism. Because as well as expecting too little, you can overstretch by expecting too much.

It’s been wisely said that the best way to avoid disillusionment is not to have too many illusions in the first place. The genuine confidence that produces results (rather than the pride that leads to a fall) starts from a realistic estimate of strengths and weaknesses – not from pipe dreaming.

It’s this kind of feet-on-the-ground approach that enables a well-adjusted football team not to get too carried away by victory or too deflated by results like last week’s against Bradford. That seems to be the spirit around Exeter at the moment, which is why I’m expecting (that word again!) a good display and result this afternoon.

Usually I’d be cheering on from the stands, too. This week, however, I’m up in Scotland lending voice to the team I’ve supported for nearly 40 years, Dumbarton. But my antennae will also be tuned to St James Park (the real one, not the mad-house on the Tyne!) rooting for a Grecians win.

I’m especially sorry to miss the Notts County encounter. Back in 1967 they were the first team I ever saw live, at home to my grandfather’s side, Brentford. The Bees beat them 2-1. I hope that’s an omen.
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Things must be serious

Even if you don't spend your life watching the news (as I do, frankly), you know something is afoot in the world when you go to two pubs and find that Sky Sports News has been displaced by the Financial Report. Now many would say that this happened in the English Premier League years ago. But I'm talking about people being more worried about their mortgages and jobs than the future of the diamond formation in a restructured midfield. It will be interesting to see if the banking crisis hits the billionaire clubs in the near future. If it does, you can guarantee that the disease, whatever form it takes, will be transmitted downwards. The task and gift of lower league football is to build an alternative vision of the game, and how to finance it sustainably. We shouldn't forget that as we scrabble for the next few quid to keep going. [Image: Another McFootball marketing opportunity]
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Looking to the youngsters

So Dumbarton head off to Coatbridge on Saturday to take on Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill Stadium. Only alphabeticisation [and goals scored, as Jack Deighton points out to me] separates the two teams after five games in the Third Division, with both the Sons and the Wee Rangers on six points and no goal difference. Three points for Dumbarton would set us up nicely for the 'Raise the Rock' day on 20 September and the home game against Cowdenbeath.

Getting up for only a game or two a season -- last year was a record four -- I very rarely see the mighty DFC win (the last time was in 2004!). So it would be good to change that. Meanwhile, the Club website is rightly emphasising Sons' Youth Development Initiative. Getting talented youngsters through to first team football is a tough job, but I really do think that such programmes are the way to build loyalty, profile and a future for a small outfit like Dumbarton. Well done to everyone involved.
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Turning the tables

What a fascinating night. A good 2-1 win for Scotland against Iceland, in spite of one or two shakes. Kirk Broadfoot of Rangers (pictured, celebrating his goal) made a good debut and the Scots got exactly the boost they needed. Wales were less fortunate to have a draw snatched from them at the end in Moscow by a commanding Russia. But inevitably the talking point of the evening will be England's 4-1 demolition of Croatia. After an uneasy start it was an impressive display of determination, organisation and (when the confidence was flowing) skill. I still don't think they are anywhere near being top class, but Fabio Capello will make them cunning and hard to beat. He is clearly going for the team solidity and tactical depth they have often lacked.

The fact that this was, in some respects, like a blood and thunder Premier League game helped quite a bit. Croatia were unexpectedly poor, too. The decisive difference was the inspiration of hat-trick hero Theo Walcott -- an intelligent, decent young man (and a fine, pacy footballer too) who has been well nurtured by cautious Arsene Wenger and whose time has now come. At the 2006 World Cup, Sven Goran Eriksson was criticised for taking him at just 17 years old. He no doubt hoped that in training he would show the flashes needed to be trusted as a super sub. It didn't work out. But Capello was well rewarded tonight.
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Once more unto the breach

After failing to salvage a point away against Macedonia in an admittedly tricky beginning to their World Cup qualifying campaign, Scotland very much need a win in Iceland tonight - both to improve their position in the (nascent) table and to gain the confidence boost that a first victory under George Burley will give to both players and manager. That acknowledged, I think defender Gary Caldwell is quite right to say it's far too early to be pressing the panic button.

"To judge it over one game is incredible, to say we are out this early," Caldwell commented. "We know we have got a team that is capable of winning games and qualifying. The reaction is a bit embarrassing to be honest - that people can judge people so early and jump on it as much as they do. They need to take a look at themselves, really, and get behind the country because we are all trying to do something that has not been done for a long time. A little bit of help would come in handy."

For those of us with just terrestrial TV the game won't be shown down here, so instead I will venture to the pub to see England in Croatia. The Croatians have improved since they knocked the English out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers, while Fabio Capello has so far struggled to get much more out of the squad available to him. The boo-boys will be quick to blame a "foreign manager" (undoubtedly one of the finest in the world) if England fail to perform or get a result again. But with your own fans jeering you, a team of players quite a few of whom wouldn't make it into other European sides, and a combination of talents acclimatised to the energy of the Premier League and relying on more technically adroit overseas colleagues (yes, it's still true)... is it that surprising? We'll see.
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In the nick of time

The start to Dumbarton's season has been less than spectacular, but far from disastrous. I remain convinced that some good signings have been made and that Jim Chapman can still galvanise the side into a team. By December, the picture will be clearer. Meanwhile, the transfer window, extended by 24 hours in Scotland, saw Sons make a last minute swoop for young Hamilton Accies striker Paul McLeod looks to have been a good piece of business. The lad is clearly keen to show what he has to offer. Pity that there is no game this weekend. In fact DFC's next home league game is on 20 September against Cowdenbeath on 'Raise the Rock Day'. I'll be there. Meanwhile, good luck to Scotland this afternoon in their first World Cup qualifier...
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Time to show what we're made of

First published in The Grecian, 06 September 2008, Exeter City -v- Accrington Stanley

This afternoon’s game against Accrington Stanley comes on the back of a hard week for Exeter City. We’ve suffered two defeats, have been knocked out of a cup competition at the first hurdle, and have lost one of our brightest young talents in George Friend.

But this is not a time to waver. After four games, the measure of League Two and the demands it will make is becoming clearer. The defences are tighter, the thinking is quicker and the chances are fewer. City have shown that they have playmaking quality, but they need more bite in the final third and sureness in dealing with set plays.

Undoubtedly, we will miss George. Like many, I had hoped he might be with us until the next transfer window. But Mick McCarthy’s statement that he will immediately be competing for a first team place at Wolves (as Jamie Mackie did for another Championship side who shall remain nameless) is testimony to his class.

What we should not forget is that George is a product of City’s fine academy. So while no-one can doubt that, in today’s rapacious football market, quality will always be preyed on by the wealthy and willing, the club’s overall policy of nurturing talent will continue to pay dividends.

What’s more, the proceeds of this sale mean resources for the continued construction of the team. For that is what’s going on. Being ‘back in the League’ is not business as usual. It’s a step into a footballing environment that demands constant change. If you stand still, you move backwards.

At the same time, durability and rigour are also vital. Those were two words that came to mind as I watched Manny Panther against Shrewsbury a few days ago. The outcome of the match was disappointing, with missed chances costing the Grecians’ dear. But there were some strong individual performances and Manny’s appearance as a second half substitute was one of them. He chased, harried, found space, ran at the opposition – and if his shot had been just a little bit lower I doubt that the net would have survived.

When things are difficult you need to build on strengths, and tackle weaknesses without allowing yourself to be defined by them. That applies to the fans as much as the players and the staff. At St James Park in midweek it was therefore encouraging to see (and hear) some youngsters around me keep up a constant barrage of support for City… blissfully undaunted by being in ‘the polite seats’!

It’s fair to say that the Johnstone’s Paint trophy didn’t end up colouring the town red and white on Tuesday. But the 1,523 who came along saw some good football, one or two agonisingly close moments in front of goal, and an Exeter side that was within minutes of taking the game to penalties.

I admit to a small feeling of disappointment that the cup-tie didn’t go the full distance, and not just because it meant we were out. I’ve been to hundreds of football matches in the last forty odd years, but I have never actually witnessed a live penalty shoot-out – other than from the sofa.

Ah well, that spectacle will have to wait. Much more important is three points against Accrington. Stanley have done a small town proud by returning a historic club to the League. That’s something we in Exeter can well appreciate. But their initial seasons back have not been without severe testing, and things are not made easier by the lure of the football giants surrounding them.

This time they made a fighting start. Then after two victories they lost on the bounce in league and cup, like us. Both sides have something to prove. The Grecians’ need to show just that little bit more resolve.
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Ending on an august note

First published in Sons View, 30 August 2008, Dumbarton -v- East Sirlingshire

Okay, I’m about to indulge in some football sentiment about today’s opponents, so before I go any further (and run the risk of an Apache Army search party being set on my trail!), let me make it quite clear that what we want at the end of this afternoon is three more points for Dumbarton and a hatful of goals to our credit.

That said, I wish East Stirlingshire the best of luck this season, apart from when they face the Mighty DFC. For while it’s undoubtedly been tough for Sons supporters in recent years, we haven’t yet endured the ignominy of being dubbed “Britain’s worst football team” – the sub-title of journalist Jeff Connor’s 2005 best-seller on the Shire, Pointless.

Last season, East Stirlingshire saw out their final game at Firs Park with a 3-1 victory over Montrose. This, together with Dumbarton’s away draw against Forfar, meant that they avoided finishing bottom of the Division Three for the first time in six years. The result also meant that they did not trigger the suspended SFL punishment of being made associate rather than full members of the League.

As Shire manager Jim McInally said at the time: “"You can see how much it meant to people at the club when they celebrated as they did. When you think about it, finishing ninth in the league is nothing much to celebrate. It's understandable given what this club has been through, but we have come here to deliver much more.”

That determination spells out just why Dumbarton cannot afford complacency today. Last term, our home record against East Stirlingshire was solid. In December Sons ran out 3-1 winners, ending a lamentable seven games without a victory. It was also the first time that two Dumbarton players had been on the score sheet together for sixteen games.

Then on our last home game of the season, Wee Craigie’s first goal in four years ensured that Dumbarton would avoid the wooden spoon themselves, leaving the Shire rueing the winds swirling round the Rock that day, and needing one last haul (and a further favour from the Sons) to consign Forfar to the foot of the table.

It was far from glorious for DFC, but much better than those grim four days in August 2007 which saw us lose two away games at Firs Park and concede seven goals, first in the League and then in the Challenge Cup.

Those defeats formed part of a stretch when the Shire won six games in a row for the first time since their 1968-9 season. This afternoon Sons have a chance to put yet further distance between August indignity and our current attempts at rejuvenation.

As we know well at Dumbarton, since we are proud to be the first Scottish club to form a supporters’ trust (keep those Sonstrust membership forms coming in, by the way!), fan involvement is crucial to the identity and success of a team. After discussions going back to season 2001-2, East Stirlingshire’s supporters followed our lead in July 2004.

On limited resources, they have now happily secured 10 ‘A’ shares in the club, while trust committee member Tony Ford has been officially registered as a member of the Board of Directors.

Apart from ‘Shire TV’, today’s opponents have one other curious distinction among SFL minnows. They remain massive in Norway. At the time of writing, the ‘Norwayshire’ website and fan club has nearly 6,500 subscribers, making the Shire third only to Manchester United and Liverpool in the country’s popularity stakes. A few of their Nordic hardcore and a television camera even made it over for that Firs Park farewell.

It remains to be seen whether this icy enthusiasm will weather the loss of popular defender Carl Thywissen, who took his leave in July 2008 after four years with the club. It was his appearance in Scotland, together with global publicity around the Connor book, that galvanised the ‘Norwegian Army’.

All of which might well be water off a White-billed diver’s back as far as our own Apache Army are concerned (that’s among the top five bird species to be spotted in Norway, by the way). But they may still be interested in adding the following chant to their repertoire: “Dere er Soldat i forkledning?”

Roughly translated, this means, “Are you the Warriors in disguise?” Answers on a postcard… and enjoy the game.

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Consistency is the key

First published in The Grecian, 30 August 2008, Exeter City -v- Luton Town

What a glorious moment! Finally being able to celebrate Exeter City’s first win in the Football League for five years, following our descent in 2002-3 and re-ascent via Wembley last season. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to be in Bournemouth for the nearest the Grecians get to an away ‘derby’ this term, but I swear I could hear the cheering 87 miles away.

How appropriate, too, that the scorer of the goal that secured this historic victory should be one of our fine younger players, Ryan Harley. The blend of freshness and experience, vitality and solidity, youth and age in the squad promises well for the future.

That said, there are likely to be many ups and downs this season, and it is extremely important that the team and the fans adopt a positive approach to both – taking heart from the good times and seeking to learn from the difficult experiences without allowing them to get us down.

The disappointment at St James’ Park against Shrewsbury a fortnight ago is a good example. Here’s a side which will be ‘there or thereabouts’ in April and May. They’ve already tipped Dagenham off top spot with a win against Aldershot and they epitomise the tough challenges the Grecians will face at home in the coming months.

But we should also recall that Shrewsbury, like ECFC, came down to the Conference and bounced back via a play-off final in 2004. Since then they have proceeded to consolidate their position and have now put themselves in a place where promotion is a realistic possibility. That’s the example the Grecians should be following.

What’s more, we will have our day again against the Shrews as soon as next week in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, which will also provide an opportunity for some more research and development outside the crucible of League Two.

In seeking both to steady the ship and to edge forward, it is clear that Paul Tisdale’s approach is focussing on “one match at a time” as well as forward-thinking. He is not taking anything for granted, and that’s absolutely right when you find yourself in a new league. You can watch your upcoming opponents on video, but there’s no short cut to direct experience.

Indeed, when he was asked in a recent television interview whether he had the answers for League Two’s challenges in 2008-9, Tisdale acutely replied, “I don’t quite know what the questions are yet.” It was evidence of a man who knows that there’s little point strategising in a purely speculative way. In football you have to be prepared to adapt, change, organise and dig in according to what comes at you.

All of which means that it’s difficult at this stage to predict exactly where Exeter City will be at Christmas, which is around the time of year when the shape of what has been tells you a good deal more about what is to come.

In all probability, this season will be a rollercoaster ride, not least emotionally. That’s what makes the game so absorbing and addictive. But the point is to retain a level of consistency whether fortune seems to be smiling or frowning upon you at any given moment. Exeter City and their ambitious manager have, I believe, built up the trust and respect among the fans that is vital to sustaining such an approach.

A cynic once wryly completed Rudyard Kipling’s famous poetic encouragement, “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…” by adding “you simply don’t understand the situation!” It’s a great one-liner, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.
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