Tommy Widdrington
Encyclopedia
Thomas "Tommy" Widdrington (born 1 October 1971) is an English
former footballer, turned football manager, who is the manager of Southern Football League
side Hemel Hempstead Town
. A midfielder
, he racked up 372 appearances in the Football League
in a 15 year career, before spending 5 years in non-league football.
His career began at Southampton
in 1990, where he spent the first six years of his career. In 1996 he moved to Grimsby Town
, and in 1999 moved on to Port Vale
for a two year spell. In 2001 he transferred to Hartlepool United
, and moved on again after another two years, signing with Macclesfield Town
. In 2005 his career in the Football League ended back at Port Vale. He then spent 2005 to 2010 at non-league Salisbury City
. As a player he enjoyed promotion four times with three different clubs, and lifted the Football League Trophy
twice.
Player-manager at Salisbury City
for the 2009–10 season, he returned to the Football League at Southend United
, as assistant manager but left the position in December 2010. He was appointed Hemel Hempstead Town manager in October 2011.
, Widdrington started his career as a Southampton
trainee
and signed a professional contract with the First Division
club in May 1990. He enjoyed a short loan spell at Third Division
Wigan Athletic
at the start of the 1991–92 season. He made his "Saints" debut at Everton
on 1 March 1992.
A tough, no-nonsense midfield player, he survived some frantic managerial changes to carve out a respectable Premier League career over a four year period for Southampton. He was combative and energetic, comfortable in most areas of the pitch. However he didn't become a regular player until the 1994–95 season
, when he made 28 league appearances without scoring as the "Saints" finished tenth in the league. He made a further 21 appearances in the 1995–96 season, scoring twice, as the "Saints" narrowly avoided relegation, but still reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
He was not far short of making 100 appearances in total when, in July 1996, Grimsby Town
came in with an offer of £300,000 – as "Saints" had yet another new manager in Graeme Souness
. Widdrington decided to accept their terms and headed to Blundell Park
.
side, and suffered relegation at the end of the 1996–97
campaign, though Widdrington did score a memorable goal past Southend United
on the last day of the season. They enjoyed an immediate return in 1997–98 after winning the play-off Final against Northampton Town
1–0. However injury meant that he missed out on the Football League Trophy
Final victory
over Bournemouth
at Wembley. Widdrington played his last game for the "Mariners" towards the end of the 1998–99 season, when he was loaned out to Port Vale
for the final three months of the season.
season Port Vale signed Widdrington (now out of contract, and transfer–listed) on a free transfer. He was sent off on the final day of the 1998–99 season, and he returned to action in 1999–2000 by getting sent off in the opening minute of a 4–2 defeat at Birmingham City
. After that though, Widdrington brushed up his act and impressed so much that supporters voted him Player of the Year
for the 1999–2000
season, as the "Valiants" suffered relegation into the Second Division
.
Widdrington was made club-captain for the 2000–01
season, even scoring his first goal for the club against Brentford
. He played every game of the club's Football League Trophy
run
, but played no part in the final
. He played probably the best football of his career at Vale Park
, and made just over 80 appearances for Vale, before being released at the end of the 2000–01 season.
, Widdrington instead moved north
to join up with Hartlepool United
. He was a regular for the club and earned promotion to the Second Division
with the club in the 2002–03 season, before he was released upon its conclusion.
In July 2003 he was targeted by Oxford United
, but instead Widdrington made his next port of call at Macclesfield Town
. He settled in quickly and became an indispensable player for the Third Division
strugglers, acting as their captain for the 2004–05 season. In January 2005, manager Brian Horton
put him on the transfer list, Widdrington then decided to call it a day at Macclesfield and in a twist, joined former club Port Vale on a non-contract basis. He played on his 92nd Football League ground (Stockport County
's) three games prior to joining Salisbury.
in February 2005. His capture from Port Vale was an integral part of the club’s development under manager Nick Holmes
, helping the club to the highest point in its history. Over time his role became that of a coach, rather than a player.
On 8 September 2007 Widdrington was involved in a touchline incident with Rushden & Diamonds
boss Garry Hill
. The pair began arguing and Hill headbutt
ed Widdrington, breaking
his nose. Both men received fines from their clubs and Hill was also given a ten match touchline ban and a hefty fine of £1,500. Later that year Widdrington was suspended by the club pending an 'internal disciplinary inquiry', but was soon allowed to return to work, with a statement being released saying: "No charges have been brought against Tommy and everyone at the club looks forward to working with him towards continued success." The following year Rushden banned him from Nene Park
in the return fixture, despite no authorization from The Football Association
for the action.
He took over as manager in July 2009 after Nick Holmes took the role of general manager. He won the Conference National
Manager of the Month award in April 2010. However he left the club after they were expelled from the Conference National due to them entering administration.
manager Paul Sturrock
. His employment was terminated on 15 December.
side Hemel Hempstead Town
.
with Grimsby Town
with Port Vale
with Hartlepool United
with Salisbury City
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former footballer, turned football manager, who is the manager of Southern Football League
Southern Football League
The Southern League is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales...
side Hemel Hempstead Town
Hemel Hempstead Town F.C.
Hemel Hempstead Town are a football club based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, who currently play in the Southern League Premier Division. They are known as the Tudors and play their games at Vauxhall Road...
. A midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
, he racked up 372 appearances in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
in a 15 year career, before spending 5 years in non-league football.
His career began at Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
in 1990, where he spent the first six years of his career. In 1996 he moved to Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
, and in 1999 moved on to Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
for a two year spell. In 2001 he transferred to Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
, and moved on again after another two years, signing with Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield Town F.C.
Macclesfield Town Football Club is an English football team. The club was formed in 1874 and is based in the town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The team play its home games at the 6,355 capacity Moss Rose stadium...
. In 2005 his career in the Football League ended back at Port Vale. He then spent 2005 to 2010 at non-league Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
. As a player he enjoyed promotion four times with three different clubs, and lifted the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
twice.
Player-manager at Salisbury City
Salisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
for the 2009–10 season, he returned to the Football League at Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
, as assistant manager but left the position in December 2010. He was appointed Hemel Hempstead Town manager in October 2011.
Southampton
Born in Newcastle upon TyneNewcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
, Widdrington started his career as a Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
trainee
Southampton F.C. Academy
Southampton Football Club Academy or Saints Academy is the youth organisation run by Southampton Football Club to encourage and develop young footballers in the South of England...
and signed a professional contract with the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
club in May 1990. He enjoyed a short loan spell at Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
at the start of the 1991–92 season. He made his "Saints" debut at Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on 1 March 1992.
A tough, no-nonsense midfield player, he survived some frantic managerial changes to carve out a respectable Premier League career over a four year period for Southampton. He was combative and energetic, comfortable in most areas of the pitch. However he didn't become a regular player until the 1994–95 season
1994–95 Southampton F.C. season
During the 1994–95 English football season, Southampton F.C. competed in the FA Premier League.-Season summary:Southampton finally got their act together after four seasons of battling relegation, and most importantly managed to hang on to Matthew Le Tissier...
, when he made 28 league appearances without scoring as the "Saints" finished tenth in the league. He made a further 21 appearances in the 1995–96 season, scoring twice, as the "Saints" narrowly avoided relegation, but still reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
He was not far short of making 100 appearances in total when, in July 1996, Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
came in with an offer of £300,000 – as "Saints" had yet another new manager in Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness
Graeme James Souness is a Scottish former professional football player and manager.Souness was the captain of the successful Liverpool team of the early 1980s and player-manager of Rangers in the late 1980s as well as captain of the Scottish national team. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur,...
. Widdrington decided to accept their terms and headed to Blundell Park
Blundell Park
Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and home to Grimsby Town Football Club. The stadium was built in 1898, but only one of the original stands remain. The current capacity of the ground is 9546, though with the introduction of all seating in the late...
.
Grimsby Town
Grimbsy were a struggling First DivisionFootball League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
side, and suffered relegation at the end of the 1996–97
1996–97 Grimsby Town F.C. season
During the 1996–97 English football season, competed in the Football League First Division.-Season summary:The Mariners were relegated from Division One. Despite flowing goals from Clive Mendonca and good performances from John Oster and newcomer Kingsley Black, Grimsby failed to save themselves...
campaign, though Widdrington did score a memorable goal past Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
on the last day of the season. They enjoyed an immediate return in 1997–98 after winning the play-off Final against Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
1–0. However injury meant that he missed out on the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
Final victory
1998 Football League Trophy Final
The 1998 Football League Trophy Final was the 15th final of the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Second and Third Division of the Football League. The match was played at Wembley on 19 April 1998, and was contested by Bournemouth and Grimsby Town...
over Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
at Wembley. Widdrington played his last game for the "Mariners" towards the end of the 1998–99 season, when he was loaned out to Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
for the final three months of the season.
Port Vale
At the end of the 1998–991998–99 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1998–99 season was Port Vale's eighty-seventh season of football in the Football League, and fifth successive season in the First Division. It was the end of an era for the club, as manager of sixteen years John Rudge was sacked in January, and was replaced by Brian Horton...
season Port Vale signed Widdrington (now out of contract, and transfer–listed) on a free transfer. He was sent off on the final day of the 1998–99 season, and he returned to action in 1999–2000 by getting sent off in the opening minute of a 4–2 defeat at Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
. After that though, Widdrington brushed up his act and impressed so much that supporters voted him Player of the Year
Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year
The Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
for the 1999–2000
1999–2000 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1999–2000 season was Port Vale's eighty-eighth season of football in the Football League, and sixth successive season in the First Division. Vale suffered relegation in 23rd place, some thirteen points adrift of safety. They also exited the FA Cup at the Third Round, and were knocked out of the...
season, as the "Valiants" suffered relegation into the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
.
Widdrington was made club-captain for the 2000–01
2000–01 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2000–01 season was Port Vale's eighty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and first season back in the Second Division. A season of two halves, Vale were struggling at the bottom of the table when Isthmian League minnows Canvey Island knocked the Vale out of the FA Cup with a 2–1...
season, even scoring his first goal for the club against Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
. He played every game of the club's Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
run
Football League Trophy 2000–01
The Football League Trophy 2000–01, known as the LDV Vans Trophy 2000–01 for sponsorship reasons, was the 17th staging of the Football League Trophy, a knock-out competition for English football clubs in Second and Third Division. The winners were Port Vale F.C...
, but played no part in the final
2001 Football League Trophy Final
The 2001 Football League Trophy Final was the 18th final of the Football League Trophy, the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Football League Second and Third Divisions...
. He played probably the best football of his career at Vale Park
Vale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
, and made just over 80 appearances for Vale, before being released at the end of the 2000–01 season.
Hartlepool, Macclesfield & Port Vale again
Linked with Colchester UnitedColchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
, Widdrington instead moved north
Northern England
Northern England, also known as the North of England, the North or the North Country, is a cultural region of England. It is not an official government region, but rather an informal amalgamation of counties. The southern extent of the region is roughly the River Trent, while the North is bordered...
to join up with Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
. He was a regular for the club and earned promotion to the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
with the club in the 2002–03 season, before he was released upon its conclusion.
In July 2003 he was targeted by Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
, but instead Widdrington made his next port of call at Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield Town F.C.
Macclesfield Town Football Club is an English football team. The club was formed in 1874 and is based in the town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. The team play its home games at the 6,355 capacity Moss Rose stadium...
. He settled in quickly and became an indispensable player for the Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
strugglers, acting as their captain for the 2004–05 season. In January 2005, manager Brian Horton
Brian Horton
Brian Horton is an English former footballer and manager, who is working as Phil Brown's assistant at Preston North End.Horton played for Hednesford Town, Port Vale, Brighton & Hove Albion, Luton Town and Hull City as a midfielder...
put him on the transfer list, Widdrington then decided to call it a day at Macclesfield and in a twist, joined former club Port Vale on a non-contract basis. He played on his 92nd Football League ground (Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
's) three games prior to joining Salisbury.
Salisbury City
He joined Salisbury CitySalisbury City F.C.
Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium...
in February 2005. His capture from Port Vale was an integral part of the club’s development under manager Nick Holmes
Nick Holmes (footballer)
Nicholas Charles Holmes is a retired footballer, who won the FA Cup Final with Southampton in 1976 and, from July 2002 to July 2010, was general manager of Salisbury City.-Southampton:...
, helping the club to the highest point in its history. Over time his role became that of a coach, rather than a player.
On 8 September 2007 Widdrington was involved in a touchline incident with Rushden & Diamonds
Rushden & Diamonds F.C.
Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of...
boss Garry Hill
Garry Hill
Garry Hill is an English football manager, who resigned as manager of Rushden & Diamonds in February 2009. He is currently the manager of Conference South club Woking.-Career:...
. The pair began arguing and Hill headbutt
Headbutt
A headbutt is a strike with the head, typically involving the use of robust parts of the cranium as areas of impact. Effective headbutting revolves around striking a sensitive area with a less sensitive area, such as striking the nose of an opponent with the forehead...
ed Widdrington, breaking
Bone fracture
A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone...
his nose. Both men received fines from their clubs and Hill was also given a ten match touchline ban and a hefty fine of £1,500. Later that year Widdrington was suspended by the club pending an 'internal disciplinary inquiry', but was soon allowed to return to work, with a statement being released saying: "No charges have been brought against Tommy and everyone at the club looks forward to working with him towards continued success." The following year Rushden banned him from Nene Park
Nene Park
Nene Park is a football stadium situated by Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England, along the bank of the River Nene, and holds 6,441, with 4,641 seated and 1,800 standing. The car park can hold 800 vehicles. From 1992 until 2011 it was the home ground of Rushden & Diamonds football club...
in the return fixture, despite no authorization from The Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
for the action.
He took over as manager in July 2009 after Nick Holmes took the role of general manager. He won the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
Manager of the Month award in April 2010. However he left the club after they were expelled from the Conference National due to them entering administration.
Southend United
In July 2010, Widdrington was named assistant to new Southend UnitedSouthend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
manager Paul Sturrock
Paul Sturrock
Paul Whitehead Sturrock is a Scottish football manager who, since July 2010, is the manager of Southend United. Until this appointment, Sturrock had most recently been at English League 1 club Plymouth Argyle in a business support role, having been relieved of his managerial duties, until he quit...
. His employment was terminated on 15 December.
Hemel Hempstead Town
In October 2011, Widdrington was appointed as manager of Southern Football LeagueSouthern Football League
The Southern League is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales...
side Hemel Hempstead Town
Hemel Hempstead Town F.C.
Hemel Hempstead Town are a football club based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, who currently play in the Southern League Premier Division. They are known as the Tudors and play their games at Vauxhall Road...
.
Honours
Individual- Port Vale F.C. Player of the YearPort Vale F.C. Player of the YearThe Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
: 20001999–2000 Port Vale F.C. seasonThe 1999–2000 season was Port Vale's eighty-eighth season of football in the Football League, and sixth successive season in the First Division. Vale suffered relegation in 23rd place, some thirteen points adrift of safety. They also exited the FA Cup at the Third Round, and were knocked out of the...
with Grimsby Town
- Football League Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
play-off winner: 1998 - Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
winner: 19981998 Football League Trophy FinalThe 1998 Football League Trophy Final was the 15th final of the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Second and Third Division of the Football League. The match was played at Wembley on 19 April 1998, and was contested by Bournemouth and Grimsby Town...
with Port Vale
- Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
winner: 20012001 Football League Trophy FinalThe 2001 Football League Trophy Final was the 18th final of the Football League Trophy, the domestic football cup competition for teams from the Football League Second and Third Divisions...
with Hartlepool United
- Football League TwoFootball League TwoFootball League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
runners up: 2002–03
with Salisbury City
- Southern Football League Premier Division winner: 2005–062005–06 Southern Football LeagueThe 2005-06 season was the 102nd in the history of the Southern League, which is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales.- League table :...
- Conference SouthConference SouthConference South is one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National...
play-off winner: 2007 - Conference NationalConference NationalConference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
Manager of the Month: April 2010