Mariners fish out mid-table finish

Last updated : 22 May 2007 By Paul Smith

Final position: 15th

Top goalscorer: Gary Jones, Peter Bore and Ciaran Toner (all on eight)

Player of the Season: Justin Whittle was given the official supporters' vote after a fine season and NCM can't argue with those who watch their team week in, week out.

Whittle... solid as a rock

Mariners fan Karl Green said: "Whittle is the rock at the back and cleans up all the mistakes made by Phil Barnes (Mariners goalkeeper)"

Indeed, Whittle has been the cornerstone of a defence that helped Towns season after a disastrous start saw them in deep relegation trouble as late as Christmas.

A good leader who is excellent in the air and strong in the challenge, Whittle recently signed a new contract at Blundell Park - and well earnt it was considering he never let his side down over the course of an inconsistent season.

For the record, Danny North picked up the young player of the year accolade, helped in no small part by a hat-trick in Towns penultimate home game of the season against Barnet.

Against Notts: An important double was achieved by Notts against Town, and both wins were fully justified.

October 21 was the day of the first meeting at Blundell Park with Notts taking home a 2-0 win.

Former Mariners Junior Mendes and Jason Lee were on target in the second half as Ian Ross inspired the side with some brilliant set-pieces and passing from the midfield.

The return at Meadow Lane came on March 31 with the scoreline the same. A Tom Newey own goal gave Notts a second half lead before Jay Smith wrapped things up late on after a great burst from former Mariner Andy Parkinson.

Defining Moment: Graham Rodger was appointed boss at the start of the season following the departure of Russell Slade to Yeovil Town.

Rodger had been former Notts boss Slades assistant manager and his promotion to manager was set to herald a fresh start for Town following their playoff final defeat last time around.

Slade... continuing his legacy with Yeovil, but left behind a sinking ship
However Rodger got off to a shocking start and with the Mariners looking likely relegation candidates he got the boot - this being the defining moment.

Former Blundell Park hero Alan Buckley replaced him and eventually oversaw a change in fortunes that allowed Town fans to breath easy with a mid-table finish a relief.

Highlight: Winning at local rivals Boston United by a huge six goals to none. Young gun Bore grabbed a hat-trick with Toner and loan duo Martin Paterson and James Hunt also netting.

The most incredible thing about the win was that it came after a seven game losing streak in which only one goal had been scored - that against Conference bound Torquay United.

The result lifted the confidence of Buckley's men somewhat and they won six of their next seven also to lift themselves from danger.

Lowlight: This came in the game before the Boston rout and signalled the final match of the seven game losing streak.

Torquay United, without a league win in nineteen games, destroyed Town with a 4-1 win. What made it worse was it was in front of the Sky cameras.

Jamie Ward and a Lee Thorpe hat-trick did the job for the Gulls with Paterson grabbing the consolation.

The Mad verdict: This was meant to be a season of success for Town but the appointment of Rodger was always a negative one.

It was always going to be difficult for him to eclipse Slade - the man he worked under, and his inexperience told when it would have been wiser for an experienced head to be appointed to finish off the job Slade had started.

What wasn't to be expected though was how bad Rodgers' brief tenure would be, with relegation a definite possibility at one stage.

Luckily for the Mariners they got themselves out of trouble with Buckley able to wisely bring in some good loan players such as Paterson, Hunt and Peter Till.

But a mid-table finish failed to satisfy their supporters after promises of a promotion push.

What's next? Town fan Green said: "Automatic promotion definitely. We have the nucleus of a good squad with some key players we just need two or three signings."

Reddy... Towns forgotten man needs to stay

That might be a tad unrealistic considering the competition for promotion next season, but they should be challenging for a playoff spot.

With Barnes, Whittle and the improving Danny Boshell beginning to form a solid looking spine, all that is missing is a twenty goal a season man.

Michael Reddy spent almost the whole season out and transfer listed himself but if he does manage to stay then he could be it, if not transfers are needed.

Buckley is already in the hunt and has captured Hunt on a permanent deal aswell as Boston utility man Jamie Clarke.

The re-signing of Toner and Gary Jones will also be seen as crucial.