Football Season Guide

Carol and Kevin Shanahan stood out alone among the other 23 League 2 owners when it came to settling the 2019-20 season. With two options on the table you might have expected them to vote to continue the season behind-closed-doors with the Valiants just a single point off the play-off places. Yet, they voted to end the season using the PPG method to decide the final standings, leaving them in 8th place in the table. It was a remarkable decision, at odds with the self-interest of their rivals and shows them in a good light. Many will feel they deserve to be rewarded this season and they are certainly well-placed to take advantage of the stability established by their owners. Manager John Askey has also steadied the ship with several encouraging performances on the pitch. Loan midfielder Jake Taylor’s return to Nottingham Forest is the only real blow, and an expected one at that. Askey has brought in David Fitzpatrick and Danny Whitehead, who were part of his National League winning side at Macclesfield Town. Keeping hold of centre-back Nathan Smith was unexpectedly good news whilst the return of striker Theo Robinson is a real coup. He could be the final piece in the jigsaw and they seek a top-seven finish. Keeping midfielder Manny Oyeleke fit will also be crucial if the Valiants are to reach the play-offs.