Archived News from March 2018
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STAGS APPOINT DAVID FLITCROFT AS NEW MANAGER
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Stags appoint League Two promotion winner as new boss
mansfieldtown.net, Thu 1 March 2018 10.45 am Mansfield Town Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of League Two promotion-winner David Flitcroft as its new manager. Mr Flitcroft joins the club after chairman John Radford and chief executive Carolyn Radford agreed a compensation package with former club Swindon Town for his services. The 44-year-old is appointed alongside new assistant manager Ben Futcher, who also joins the club from Swindon. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/march/stags-appoint-league-two-promotion-winner-as-new-boss/ After a 19-year playing career which included long stints with Chester City, Rochdale and Bury, Flitcroft made the step into coaching by accepting a position with Keith Hill's Rochdale. Prior to the start of the 2011/12 season, Flitcroft joined Hill as he departed for Championship side Barnsley, becoming assistant manager at Oakwell. The following season, after Hill departed, Flitcroft was handed the reins on a permanent basis and guided the Tykes to Championship safety on the final day of the 2012/13 campaign. After leaving Oakwell in November 2013, the former Preston North End midfielder was appointed boss of League Two strugglers Bury just nine days later. The Shakers were languishing in 20th when he took over, but Bolton-born Flitcroft transformed their fortunes, securing a comfortable 12th-placed finish in 2013/14. Flitcroft reshaped his Bury squad in the summer for a promotion challenge which ultimately ended in success with a 1-0 final day win over Tranmere Rovers, clinching promotion to League One. The new Stags' boss parted company with Bury in November 2016 and accepted the vacant manager's post at Swindon Town prior to the beginning of the current season. Flitcroft leaves the Robins in seventh position in League Two, three points behind the Stags. Stags' chairman John Radford said: "We have acted swiftly and diligently in appointing our new manager and are delighted to welcome David Flitcroft to Mansfield Town Football Club. "David has a proven track record of success in this division and knows this league well. He has all of the qualities we were looking for and we are greatly looking forward to working with him. "David joins a progressive club which is moving forward in all areas. He will be fully supported by a passionate board of directors, a talented and hard working team of behind-the-scenes staff and a magnificent, vociferous and encouraging fanbase." ------------------- New gaffer wants to make memories with 12 games to go mansfieldtown.net, Thu 1 March 2018 New Mansfield Town manager David Flitcroft is aiming to give the club's supporters a lifelong memory by guiding the Stags to promotion at the end of the season. The 44-year-old was unveiled as the new Stags' boss at a news conference this morning and he takes over the club sitting just two points outside the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion places. And with the Stags in prime position for an automatic promotion push, the new manager is excited by the challenge which lies ahead with 12 Sky Bet League Two games remaining. "I've looked at the support that all the managers have had at the football club and I know I'm going to get that support. With that support, I know we can achieve something special," the gaffer said. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/march/new-gaffer-wants-to-make-memories-with-12-games-to-go/ "This moment's been building. This has not just happened this season. You can see it's been building and the Mansfield fans, they're desperate for it. That's what I'm seeing, that's what I'm feeling. "They've shown respect to the opposition and respect to trying to win a place out of this league and earn a place out of this league. Everybody's fighting to try and get that opportunity and have that opportunity. "That's a pressure and that's why I've come to this football club. I got promoted with Bury in my second season and there's no better feeling. "It's not about a financial reward, it's about a memory reward and that's what I want to try and give the fans, the chairman (John Radford), Carolyn [Radford, chief executive] and our supporters. "I remember a time when we played here when I was Bury manager. We won 4-1 and some of the football played here on the night was excellent and we got applauded off by the Mansfield fans. "This season, we came here and did really well and again, the appreciation when you're walking off the pitch - you've got to go past all the fans - I've not had that as an opposition manager." After chairman John Radford and chief executive Carolyn Radford were granted permission by Swindon Town to speak to Flitcroft, the 'warmth and appreciation' shown by the owners to the new manager made the decision to join the Stags an easy one for the former Rochdale midfielder to make. "When you're at Swindon and you're working at Swindon and you receive a call that you've been headhunted and do you want to come to a club like Mansfield, then it's a case of speaking to the chairman and Carolyn and seeing what the plan was and what the ambition was. "It's the warmth I felt - the warmth, the appreciation, they really made it known that they wanted to take me as the next manager and try and get this club out of this division. "It was just the appreciation and the warmth that I felt and the respect that was shown. I'm delighted to be here and delighted that I'm manager of Mansfield Town." The new gaffer has worked with top scorer Danny Rose and midfielders Jacob Mellis and Paul Digby at previous clubs and is relishing the opportunity of getting on the training ground with a group of 'top technical players'. "When you look at the squad and the depth - I think the depth is really going to be key for the run-in - there's some really top technical players at this football club. "The team scores goals, its structure's good and that's happened over an amount of time. We'll be tweaking that but I've got a situation here where I've come into a club that's thriving on the pitch and off the pitch and you don't really get that opportunity. "I respect that and we'll get to know the players over the next few days. It's important to understand the players and know what makes them tick and what makes them feel good. "I'm just so looking forward to getting on the grass. We're two mad-keen coaches, we love getting on the grass, we love getting on the training ground - that is my office. "That's where I want to do my work, that's where I want to express myself and I can't wait to get started with this group." ---------------------- audio interview: David Flitcroft with BBC Radio Nottingham here -------------------- Supporters’ warmth helped lure Flitcroft to Mansfield Town chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS, Thursday 01 March 2018 David Flitcroft said the warm reception the Mansfield Town supporters gave him and his sides after big wins at the One call Stadium was a big factor in him accepting the job as manager. Flitcroft has twice seen his teams given ovations by home fans after victories at Mansfield - once with Bury and once with Swindon, this season. The 44-year-old has been delighted by how the club have been with him so far. “It was the warmth I felt,” he smiled. “The appreciation and respect shown to me. “They really made it known they wanted to take me as the next manager and try to get this club out the division. So I am delighted to be here. “When you are at Swindon and you receive a call that you’ve been headhunted by a club like Mansfield, it was then a case of speaking to the chairman and Carolyn (Radford) and seeing the plan was and what the ambition was. Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/supporters-warmth-helped-lure-flitcroft-to-mansfield-town-1-9042100 “There were quite a few factors including when we have played here in the past and done well. “I can remember the time when I came here as the Bury manager and we won 4-1. Some of the football we played on the night was excellent and we got applauded off by the Mansfield fans. “This season we came here and did really well and, again, we got the appreciation when you walked off the pitch and have to go go past all the fans - I’ve not had that as an opposition manager. So I felt that warmth. “It’s also the drive, the ambition, the enthusiasm from the chairman, from Carolyn, the position they’ve got, the training ground being built next season - all that. “The place is thriving. You can feel that and I have looked at the support all the managers have had here and I am going to get that support. With that support we can achieve something special.” Flitcroft has brought his regular assistant manager Ben Futcher with him and said: “We are from football families. “Our family is steeped in football history and Ben’s is the same. “We have the same values as the chairman and Carolyn, which is something that really attracted us to the football club. “We live for football. We are football nuts. “He is one of the hardest-working guys I’ve met in football. “He is very loyal and we come as a duo. It was really important we did.” Flitcroft knows he is taking over a talented squad He said: “It’s a fantastic squad that’s been built. All credit to Steve for building it. There’s two players for every position.” Apart from Futcher, Flitcroft said he would otherwise be keeping the backroom staff unchanged. “I think it’s really important,” he said. “The staff here are very good. You can see that by the results they are getting on the pitch. “We love working with staff and developing staff. “The support staff have done an incredible job in keeping players fit and ready. It’s a nearly fully fit squad and an excellent squad. “Of the players, have worked with Jacob Mellis and Paul Digby before. They are a group of players that are known, respected and renowned in this league. Will Atkinson too. I am fortunate to have worked with quite a few of this squad.” ------------------ New boss Flitcroft desperate for Stevenage game to go ahead chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS, Thursday 01 March 2018 Despite only joining the club two days before, new Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft is desperate to see Saturday’s trip to Stevenage beat the weather and go ahead. Coming into a strange club with different players, the ex-Swindon manager could have been forgiven for hoping the game was postponed after a week of snow and sub-zero temperatures. However, Flitcroft was adamant: “I want the game on. Our team is in incredible form. “It’s another three points we can go and get and go and fight hard for. “There’s no better way to start any tenure than games.” Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/new-boss-flitcroft-desperate-for-stevenage-game-to-go-ahead-1-9042449 Stags have 12 games left and a massive month ahead for their promotion hopes. “This month has been building,” said Flitcroft. “You could see that. It’s not just happened. The Mansfield fans are desperate for it - that’s what I am seeing and feeling. “Wanting to earn a place outside this league, everyone is fighting to try to have that opportunity. That’s a pressure and that’s why I’ve come to the football club. “I got promoted with Bury in my second season and there is no better feeling. “It’s not about financial reward. It’s about memory reward. That’s what I want to try to give the fans, the chairman, and Carolyn.” On his expectations for Stevenage, he said: “I am expecting what you always get in League Two - honest and sincerity. You’ve seen results jump around. “I am coming into a fantastic squad here who are on a great roll. We’ll be concentrating on what we do and our strengths. “I will be looking at that over the next two days and preparing the team for if the game is on. “That’s why it’s so important to get a session today somewhere. “I’m looking forward to Saturday. Stevenage is a difficult place but there are many difficult places in League Two. We respect every opponent and every single club we go to. “We’ll make sure the players are ready and prepared if the game is on.” Flitcroft was looking forward to meeting his new players and finding how out to get the best out of them. “When you look at the squad - the depth of it is really going to be key for the run-in,” he said. “There are some top technical players at this football club and the team scores goals. “Its structure is good. That had happened over a period of time. “We will be tweaking that. But we have a situation here that we’re coming into a club that’s thriving on and off the pitch and you don’t often get that opportunity. I respect that.” He added: “I need to find out what makes the players tick. What makes them feel good? How they want to express themselves. The discipline and self-control they’ve got. “I am looking forward to getting on the grass. That is my office. That’s where I want to do my work and express myself. “I can’t wait to get started with this group. It’s an exciting time for me and Ben.” ------------------- Futcher impressed at Stags’ progress since he played there chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS New Mansfield Town assistant manager Ben Futcher is surprised and delighted to see how much the club has progressed since he was there as a player. The 36-year-old former defender had a three-month loan spell from Bury with the Stags in the Conference back in 2011 when he played 13 times and scored one goal. He said: “I had a brief spell on loan here six or seven years ago and I was just saying to the chairman how much it’s changed - how much it’s developed and moved forward “It’s a fantastic place to be. When the gaffer told me about the interest, I said if you get that place rocking it’s a fantastic place to be and play football. “With the squad it’s got, it’s going to be an exciting end to the season.” Futcher continued: “It’s not just on the pitch, it’s off the pitch as well. “There is a training ground getting built, there’s talk of a hotel, it’s fantastic. “We’ve been in this morning and you can see the energy already, trying to get a training session on in five inches of snow! “We’ve been made to feel really, really welcome. “The feeling of warmth and that we are really wanted here is fantastic. We can’t wait to get started.” Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/futcher-impressed-at-stags-progress-since-he-played-there-1-9042460 ---------------- News conference, 10.45am John Radford: "We had to look at the situation we were in. We had a target list and David was the number one target." "I must say thank you to Swindon Town. They've conducted themselves excellently. We agreed terms with them and then got to speak to David from about 4.00pm yesterday." --------------------- Chairman overjoyed to get his man mansfieldtown.net, Thu 1 March 2018 After appointing League Two promotion-winner David Flitcroft as the club's new manager, chairman John Radford has dubbed this a 'brilliant day for Mansfield'. The owner and the club's chief executive Carolyn Radford held a news conference at One Call Stadium this morning to announce the appointment of Flitcroft and his assistant Ben Futcher. And speaking at that news conference, which was held in the 1861 Suite at One Call Stadium, Mr Radford expressed his delight at convincing 44-year-old Flitcroft to swap Swindon Town for One Call Stadium. "I've got to say a big 'thank you' to Swindon for the way that they conducted themselves in all of this. I spoke to their chairman (Lee Power) and we asked for permission to speak to David and he allowed us to do that, then we agreed terms with Swindon," the chairman said. "From about four o'clock yesterday we were allowed to speak to him and it's been manic since then. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/march/chairman-overjoyed-to-get-his-man/ "To get him in time for the next training session was fantastic. We've hardly slept over these last two days - you wouldn't believe the amount of work that goes in to it. "They're in the play-offs and we're in the play-offs but we probably have a better squad than Swindon. We didn't think we'd get him but we managed to convince him to come - it's a brilliant day for Mansfield." The club's owners acted swiftly and diligently in appointing the new manager, who Mr Radford admits was his number one target. "We had to look at the situation that we're in and what our ambition is this season. As Carolyn [Radford, CEO] rightly said, we had a target list and David was our number one target. "We wanted the right man in place as quick as we could, so who else? He was our number one target and I'm so happy to have him on board. "The energy straight away when he walked through the building has been tremendous - you could just feel it." After what has been a hectic 48 hours at One Call Stadium, Mr Radford has urged the club's supporters to show their support to the new manager as we enter the final 12 games of the Sky Bet League Two season. "It's business as usual now. We've now got an excellent manager in place and I think he'll get us over the line with no problems at all. "Like David said, the energy here is so high and the players are all buzzing. I can't say we're definitely going to do it [win promotion] - we've got to respect our opposition - but fingers crossed. "With our support and our fans' support, if we all get behind them, we'll do it and we'll get over the line." --------------------- Stags move quickly to secure David Flitcroft as new boss chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS, Thursday 01 March 2018 Mansfield Town Football Club officially unveiled League Two promotion-winner David Flitcroft as their new manager this morning. After previous boss Steve Evans left suddenly to join Peterborough this week, chairman John Radford and chief executive Carolyn Radford quickly agreed a compensation package with former club Swindon Town for Flitcroft’s services. The 44-year- old is appointed alongside new assistant manager Ben Futcher, who also joins the club from Swindon. Stags’ chairman John Radford said: “We have acted swiftly and diligently in appointing our new manager and are delighted to welcome David Flitcroft to Mansfield Town Football Club. Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/stags-move-quickly-to-secure-david-flitcroft-as-new-boss-1-9042072 “David has a proven track record of success in this division and knows this league well. He has all of the qualities we were looking for and we are greatly looking forward to working with him. “David joins a progressive club which is moving forward in all areas. “He will be fully supported by a passionate board of directors, a talented and hard working team of behind- the-scenes staff and a magnificent, vociferous and encouraging fanbase.” After a 19-year playing career which included long stints with Chester City, Rochdale and Bury, Flitcroft made the step into coaching by accepting a position with Keith Hill’s Rochdale. Prior to the start of the 2011/12 season, Flitcroft joined Hill as he departed for Championship side Barnsley, becoming assistant manager at Oakwell. The following season, after Hill departed, Flitcroft was handed the reins on a permanent basis and guided the Tykes to Championship safety on the final day of the 2012/13 campaign. After leaving Oakwell in November 2013, the former Preston North End midfielder was appointed boss of League Two strugglers Bury just nine days later. The Shakers were languishing in 20th when he took over, but Bolton-born Flitcroft transformed their fortunes, securing a comfortable 12th placed finish in 2013/14. Flitcroft reshaped his Bury squad in the summer for a promotion challenge which ultimately ended in success with a 1-0 final day win over Tranmere Rovers, clinching promotion to League One. The new Stags’ boss parted company with Bury in November 2016 and accepted the vacant manager’s post at Swindon Town prior to the beginning of he current season. Flitcroft leaves the Robins in seventh position in League Two, three points behind the Stags. ----------------- Radfords delighted to secure No.1 target as new Stags manager chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS, Thursday 01 March 2018 Mansfield Town chairman John Radford was delighted to secure his No.1 target after announcing David Flitcroft as the new Stags manager this morning. The Radfords moved quickly to replace Steve Evans, who quit the club out of the blue on Tuesday, and, although they spoke to several managers on their list, they were delighted their main target was interested. John Radford also paid tribute to League Two promotion rivals Swindon Town for allowing him to speak to Flitcroft and letting him leave the Robins. Radford was left in the mire on Tuesday when Evans suddenly decided to move to Peterborough with just 12 games left and Stags so close to the top three. “We had to look at the situation we were in and our ambition this season,” said Radford. “We had a target list and David was our No.1 target. Read more at: https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/radfords-delighted-to-secure-no-1-target-as-new-stags-manager-1-9041999 “Can I say a big thank you to Swindon for the way they conducted themselves in this. “I spoke to their chairman and asked permission to speak to David and he allowed me to do that. We agreed terms and it’s been manic since then. “We are so close, we wanted the right man in place as quickly as we could - who else? “He has beaten us twice this season already. I am so happy to have him on board. “The energy straight away when he’s walked into this building has been tremendous.” CEO Carolyn Radford said that once Evans had quit, it was important to move fast. “That’s all we could do,” she said. “It’s football and these things happen. We appreciate that. “It was a bit of a shock, but we knew who our target would be. “It was quite a test of mine and John’s relationship over the past few days, working literally solidly together. We have not stopped. “We made contact and interviewed a number of different targets. “Now we are so thrilled we have a young, vibrant, enthusiastic manager who I know is going to take us to the next level where we need to be. We can’t wait to crack on.” -------------- Craig Priest spoke to John and Carolyn Radford for Mansfield Matters podcast, 01 March 2018 Carolyn (about Evans leaving): It was absolutely out of the blue. John: It was a bit of a shock. John: It's been non stop with CVs and people about the job. Carolyn: Lee Power (Swindon chairman) rang me in May about our manager. It's funny how things go round, as this time it was my call to him. We were really thorough in our process, reading through applications, speaking to people on the phone. There was a number of managers and we really thank them for putting themselves forward and we're sorry that they didn't end up with the position. ------------- CEO of Mansfield Town Carolyn Radford said the club wanted a new manager to take charge in time for the game at Stevenage on Saturday (March 3). https://nottstv.com/watch-he-was-top-of-our-list-mansfield-town-unveil-new-manager-david-flitcroft/ She said: “We are the kind of characters that are very quick and very fast moving. “John and I haven’t slept or stopped in about two-and-a-half days but that’s the nature of the industry we’re in. “It’s all results based and it’s one game to the next with every point vital - so for us to get something in place for Saturday is great.” ------------------------------ Stags' chief executive officer Carolyn Radford ... and chairman John Radford met Flitcroft on Wednesday to discuss the 44-year-old joining the Stags from Swindon Town. ... "We're thrilled to have David with us," Mrs Radford said. "He has walked into the building and brought such energy and positivity - he just knows what he wants and we know what he wants, and that's promotion. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/march/carolyn-calls-for-big-crowd/ Mr and Mrs Radford were attracted by Flitcroft's track record during his managerial career having previously won promotion from Sky Bet League Two with Bury in 2015 after just a-year-and-a-half at the Shakers. And with the club poised for a serious tilt at automatic promotion, Mrs Radford believes the appointment of Flitcroft reaffirms the Stags' 'project promotion'. "We had thousands of applications. There were some real quality applicants as well and some tremendous CVs coming through, but I think for us we wanted someone who knew that we were at such a critical point at the moment and that we are still 'project promotion'. "We want to get into League One and there was only one man that could do it for us. "We've literally worked solidly together and we've not stopped. "We've got a vibrant, young enthusiastic manager who I know is going to take us to the next level of where we need to be so John and I are absolutely thrilled and can't wait to just crack on now." ----------------------- Mansfield new assistant manager Ben Futcher scored one goal for Mansfield in his loan spell in 2011, away to Barrow. Here it is (at 2 mins 10 seconds). Video quality is not great. Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldW1sHhnxCU#t=2m10s -------------------- EARLIER BREAKING NEWS: Wed 28 Feb 2018, 5.40pm twitter BBC Wiltshire Sport @BBCWiltsSport BREAKING: BBC Wiltshire understands @Official_STFC manager Dave Flitcroft is leaving for Mansfield, with 11 games to go in the League Two promotion race #stfc ------------------ David Flitcroft: Mansfield set to appoint Swindon manager as boss Wed 28 Feb 2018, bbc.co.uk Swindon Town boss David Flitcroft is set to leave the club to take over at League Two rivals Mansfield, BBC Sport understands. The Stags are looking for a new manager after Steve Evans resigned on Tuesday before being appointed Peterborough boss on Wednesday. Flitcroft, 44, took over at the County Ground in June 2017. Swindon are seventh in League Two, three points and two places behind Mansfield. Flitcroft, who has also had spells with Barnsley and Bury, has won 18 of his 35 league games in charge of the Wiltshire side. Following Evans' departure on Tuesday, Stags chairman John Radford had said: "The process of appointing a new management team which can lead the club to League One is already under way." http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43232695 -------------------- Stags set to unveil new manager mansfieldtown.net Chairman John Radford and chief executive Carolyn Radford have acted swiftly and diligently in their search for a new manager. We are pleased to announce that a new manager will be unveiled at a news conference at One Call Stadium at 10.45am tomorrow. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/february/stags-set-to-unveil-new-manager/ --------------------- David Flitcroft quitting Swindon Town to take Mansfield job - reports Owen Houlihan @OwenHoulihan swindonadvertiser.co.uk DAVID Flitcroft is poised to quit Swindon Town to take up the manager's position at League Two promotion rivals Mansfield, according to reports this evening. Flitcroft was installed as a surprise 1/3 favourite to succeed Steve Evans, who departed the Stags last night and was named as Peterborough United boss today, by two national bookmakers. http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/16055982.Flitcroft_quitting_Town_to_take_Stags_role___reports/ And tonight, BBC Wiltshire reported via social media that Flitcroft was set to depart Wiltshire to take up the post with the Nottinghamshire outfit. There was no confirmation of such a move from either Swindon Town or Mansfield, with sources close to the club telling Adver Sport this evening they were unaware of any imminent Flitcroft departure. Mansfield however, have called a press conference to unveil their new boss tomorrow morning revealing that "chairman John Radford and chief executive Carolyn Radford have acted swiftly and diligently in their search for a new manager.'' Flitcroft arrived at the County Ground in June last year on a two-year contract after previously being in charge of Barnsley and Bury. The 44-year-old has enjoyed a 50 per cent winning record with Swindon from his 42 games in charge. He has also drawn three contests and lost 18. Since the turn of the year, Flitcroft has guided Town to six wins in 11 fixtures, the club currently lying seventh in the table in the final play-off position. They are three points clear of eighth placed Coventry, who have a game in hand, and four points clear of Lincoln, also with a game in hand. Former Leeds, Rotherham and Crawley boss Evans called time on his 15-month tenure at Mansfield, and succeeded Grant McCann at the ABAX Stadium, Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor reportedly having signed long-term deals. --------------------- ASSESSMENT BY SWINDON LOCAL NEWSPAPER SPORTS EDITOR: Adver Sport editor Owen Houlihan reflects on the end of the David Flitcroft tenure at Swindon Town by Owen Houlihan @OwenHoulihan, 02 Mar 2018 http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/16059633.OPINION__A_final_chapter_that_will_never_be_written/ SO before we look at the options as Swindon Town begin the hunt for their 10th manager in the last 10 years, how to assess the eight-month reign of David Flitcroft at the Energy Check County Ground? By any stretch his tenure in Wiltshire was one of quite marked contradictions. Here, on one hand, was a manager who rebuilt a squad from the rubble of last season’s risible League One campaign, bringing together a mix of experienced heads and young tyros and forging a tilt at promotion which, while never entirely convincing, was at least still very much viable heading into the final two months of the season. Yet on the other, a manager whose approach and playing philosophy never quite won over a significant portion, if by no means all, of those red-and-white-clad followers. A manager whose team could look like world-beaters when landing at the various stopping points around League Two, yet contrived to lose seven league matches in front of their own supporters before Christmas. More pertinently, a manager who preached the gospel of players ‘committing to the cause’ set out by himself, yet who upped sticks for the lure of a League Two rival with the club’s promotion push very much at a delicate stage. Those contradictions continued when it came to following the fortunes of his side. Often eloquent, lengthy and obliging answering media questions, he caused bemusement at Adver Towers when, having been at pains to play down the importance and impact of Town’s opening-day trip to Carlisle last August, he subsequently rang a member of the sports team to insist we hadn’t been generous enough with our player ratings after the 2-1 win. Perplexed looks all round too when he chose to harangue the local media over their supposed lack of support offered to his side, each time after they had just won a match. Town subsequently lost both following games. So was he a success, picking a struggling club off the floor after a traumatic previous campaign to at least offer hope of a revival? Or an under-achiever, while possessing with a squad sprinkled with a few elements of potential star quality good enough to be challenging at the very top of the division? The truth is that you will find plenty of Town supporters willing to populate either camp. An infuriating aspect of Flitcroft’s spell in charge is that we will never find out. His reign is like a story with an unfinished ending. Yet like him or not, Flitcroft's departure means Town are now left with the considerable quandary of ensuring that a campaign that still promises an exciting conclusion doesn’t go off the rails with 11 games of the season remaining. Getting veteran player Matt Taylor to take charge while the dust settles seems a sensible interim move. Maybe a weather-enforced postponement of this weekend’s fixture against Yeovil might be no bad thing either, allowing minds to clear and stock to be taken. Chairman Lee Power, having handed Flitcroft considerable clout to make Town’s dream of a League One reality last summer, is now faced with another huge call. ---------------------- |
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