Who Are Ya...Aldershot?

Last updated : 08 May 2008 By Gary Moss
How they got to League Two...

Aldershot may have run away with the Blue Square Premier League title, racking up an uncatchable 15-point over nearest rivals and second-placed Cambridge United, but the Shots were not as dominant as their 101 points tally may suggest.

The champions actually won 21 of their total 31 wins, by just one goal.

The shots began the campaign tenth favourites for the Conference title yet ran away with the crown.

The fans would have been delighted just to have sneaked into the play-offs this season, but instead Aldershot ran riot.

In the early stages of the season, it seemed as if games against the divisions fellow big sides would be their undoing with defeats against Torquay United, Crawley Town and Stevenage Borough.

But the Shots soon put their stutters behind them, getting stronger and stronger as the campaign progressed.

They opened up a healthy lead at the top but coped with the pressure supremely, proving they were the perfect front-runners, to go on and secure promotion.

They went unbeaten for the final 18 games of the season to stroll to the title and promotion into the Football League.

Aldershot's home form proved decisive as they accumulated an impressive 18 wins at the Recreation Ground over the entire term.
Waddock...Champions with Shots


The Shot's display of the season came in their home game with play-off hopefuls Stevenage. Aldershot rushed to a 3-0 lead inside the opening half an hour, to take the eventual 3-1 scalps of Peter Taylor's Boro.

The Shots failed to add the FA Trophy to their superb season losing out to Ebbsfleet United in the semi-finals of the competition.

Manager...

Gary Waddock is the master-mind behind the fairy story at the Recreation Grounf this year.

The former QPR chief has done an excellent job in transforming his squad from a solid mid-table outift to runaway title winners in a very short space of time.

He has relished his role and left a permanent impression on the division.

The Shots can count themselves lucky to boast such a quality manager in
Bull...Highly-rated keeper
non-league football. He had a fruitful early spell at Loftus Road but as results dipped was soon given his marching orders.

His heroics at Aldershot should see other clubs sit up and take notice and there will be no doubting Waddock's ambition to manage back in the big time of Championship football. Whether he can do this with the Shots or will ahve to move on in the next few seasons, only time will tell.

Waddock continues to reap plaudits onto his first team coach Martin Kuhl, who himself is showing huge promiese, as he develops into a fine future manager. The pair make a formidable partnership.

Players to watch...

Goalkeeper Nicki Bull remains the big question mark hanging over the Recreation Ground this season, with several League One outfits chasing his signature.

The Shots custodian has been hailed by Aldershot News sports editor Charlie Oliver as their player of the season. The stopper has made a string of very
Grant...Out to prove
fine saves this term, taking the credit for one point often being converted to all three.

If boss Waddock can keep hold of his prized asset, he could be one to wtahc in the division next season.

Striker John Grant returns to the Football League with a point to prove after uninspiring previous spells wioth Crewe and Shrewsbury.

At Crewe, Grant never registered a goal, while with the Shrews, he notched just twice in a 20-game spell.

The Shots top marskman, chalked up 20 goals in the Blue Square Premier this season though and has arguably one last chance to prove his quality in the big time. If he can settle with a few early goals, he could be dangerous, although the burden of past failures could weigh heavy on his shoudlers.

Winger Kirk Hudson is another player who could produce big things in League Two next season. The lively wide man could well spring a surprise with his blistering pace skill.

Centre-midfield duo Ben Harding and Lewis Chamlmers have been the engine room for the Shot's success, and have recenetly boosted the club, agreeing new deals.

The partnership of these two players could be vital to their success.

Reading loanee Scott Davies could prove a hit at the Recreation Ground next season if Steve Coppell allows him to stay with the fourth tier outfit. He has popped up with some important goals already for the club and has a good working relationship with boss Waddock from their QPR days.

Strengths...

The Shots' ability to win the season's close fought games paved the way for an inredible campaign of achievement. They will need a similar exploit if they are toflourish next term in the Football League.
Hudson...Attacking influence Shots strength


The table-toppers young and fit side never ran out of steam and were blessed not only with great performances but also the essential factor of consistency.

The Shots are an attack-minded outfit who at their best are capable of destrying their opponents. They play at a quick tempo and can be a nightmare to handle.

Weaknesses...

Defensively the Shots will have to bolster their ranks over the summer months if they are to be successful in the League.

With the Shots always looking to attack, they can foten be vulnerable at the back which could see them ship goals especially from wide areas in League Two.

Waddock will have to bring some experience into the teams rear guard if they are to have a good campaign.

Crucial factor...

Aldershot must the find the balance between attack and defence if they are serious of making their stay a long one in the Football League.

We know they can go forward but they must toughen up to if they are to accumulate the points their quality of attack deserves.

It may be tough early on but with experience, they can be a successful side.

NCM Prediction...

I do not expect them to be embroiled in a relegation battle.

They may struggle early on but should climb into mid-table once they find their feet in the division.

13th to 16th