02/03 season

[whead]

Ha, remember that Darlington away match, drove there on my own from Exeter on a Tuesday night; after that I really thought we were going up.

I honestly don't remember that Morrell spinning jump celebration at all

[whead]

Originally Posted by davewilli

The promotion season were excellent times but don't forget we did have 2 relegations under Denis.

A bit harsh!

The first one he took over when we were 23rd and adrift.

The second we went down by 8 points having had a 10 point deduction because of Alex Hamilton being a thieving scumbag.

[petered]

Convinced Trundle had glue on his boots such was his ball control.
As for Carlos, could watch him play all day long. Seemed to glide rather than run.
Not really big on stats but I bet our scored to chances created was pretty good that season. Did Morrell miss at all?

[davewilli]

Originally Posted by whead

A bit harsh!

The first one he took over when we were 23rd and adrift.

The second we went down by 8 points having had a 10 point deduction because of Alex Hamilton being a thieving scumbag.

Denis was the right man at the time, igh profile and experienced at working with struggling teams and we were in decline but he did inherit some quality players from Flynn, just bringing a bit of balance, memories are fading but the good times seem to stick, it's not so easy to remember the struggles and defeats, just easier to blank them out, especially with no reminders on social media.

[podders]

Originally Posted by whead

A bit harsh!

The first one he took over when we were 23rd and adrift.

The second we went down by 8 points having had a 10 point deduction because of Alex Hamilton being a thieving scumbag.

If you look at the excellent red passion archives you'll see that Smith took over after 10 games and we where 3 points from safety. He should have kept us up, though if he hadn't we wouldn't have had the promotion season.

[red under the bed]

Originally Posted by dixienormous

I'll never forget travelling to Oxford around this time, possibly a season before this. It was one hell of a game at their old Manor ground.(What a crazy ground that was) We beat them 4-3, brilliant game and there was a picture of me and a few mates climbing the fences at the end in the evening leader.

Anyway, it was the game Steve Roberts broke his leg. Horrible that was, very similar to Wayne's break at Ssilly billyhorpe, I also witnessed.

Great days though. Soon to return.

I was at the 4-3 game at Manor Ground with my lad and a couple of mates...great game....Didn't we have that fella Basham upfront ?

[Dougie Davies]

What a season that was! That Shrewsbury away game is still one of my favourite away games. Scenes as Lee Jones scores the winner and effectively sent them down and us up.

[Colonel D]

Originally Posted by Funny_Old_Game

https://youtu.be/gQpg6vpaVh4

Some footage from 02/03 season I’ve noticed.

Football taught by Denis Smith.

Some of the stuff Trundle was doing on the pitch was mind-boggling when you watch it back, could fashion a chance from nothing. Barely believable that we once had players of this quality, not to mention Ferguson and Carlos Edwards.

One for sparky. Essential viewing.

Watched it start to finish and it was interesting that, whereas we scored goals all through the season it was only in the second half of the season , when we tightened up our defence that we went on that long unbeaten run.
We played 3-5-2 , same as now , but apart from better finishers it highlights how we need a bit of class in midfield if we are to progress.
Carlos Edwards and Darren Ferguson were a class apart , but the goalkeepers we used were nothing special.
We also had a manager and assistant who knew what they were doing.

[northwalian dragon]

Loved watching that. We came out ready to take the game to the opposition every time. A lot of late goals in there too. Not settling for the draw, not being cautious when ahead. Great football with a team that had a bit between the teeth. I also don't remember Morrells twirl celebration or Hector Sam taking his shirt off after every goal

Thanks to Rob for putting it together and uploading it too! The documentary crew should get in touch with him

[Alan Attack]

Lots of players who were better than 4th tier.

It's funny how it just clicked for Morrell having spent the previous seasons playing mostly from the bench, notching in the odd goal here and there. He bangs in 30+ goals which is a huge springboard for the rest of his career.