InLambertWeTrust! 0 Posted October 17, 2007 http://www.stevenageborofc.com/index_news_det.php?news_id=409& Ive heard his name mentioned, could this be anything to do with us??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Citizen Journalist Foghorn 0 Posted October 17, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Stimson#Managerial_careerManagerial careerMark Stimson started his managerial career at Essex side Grays Athletic, who were 19th in the Ryman Premier division when he took over. However, in his first season he steered them away from relegation, and unbelievably in the next, achieved a 6th place finish, a finish high enough to ensure Grays Conference South status the season after. He was a player-manager at the time. In the 2004-2005 season, Grays Athletic and Hornchurch were the main contenders for the title, Hornchurch backed heavily by financial investors, whilst Grays were also supported with money, arguably not as much as Hornchurch though. However, due to financial problems Hornchurch were forced to sell their whole squad and from November onwards, field a youth side. Grays ultimately won the Conference South by a massive 23 points, achieving promotion to the Conference. This was achieved through Stimson''s own squad, as well as the attacking style he adopted, which reflected in the "Goals for" column, in which Grays scored 118 goals. That season, Stimson also managed Grays to FA Trophy success, beating Hucknall Town in the final on penalties, the first of three FA Trophies Stimson would get his hands on.After achieving the double in only his 2nd full campaign in charge, Stimson geared himself, and his Grays Athletic side, for life in the Conference. Many said Grays would struggle to get to grips with the league, not only because they''d never competed in it before, but also seeing as revenue was likely to be low due to the size of the stadium. Moreover, Stimson was forced to sell winger Mitchell Cole to Southend United for a reported fee of £45,000. Stimson soon brought in players that proved to be a success at the club, Glenn Poole and Jamie Slabber both enjoyed successful spells at Athletic, but most notably Michael Kightly joined from Southend United. This emphasising Stimson''s eye for talent, Kightly now players for Wolverhampton Wanderers, whilst Glenn Poole is now at Brentford, whilst other Stimmo signings such as Aaron McLean,Gary Hooper and Freddy Eastwood are all at league sides. The season started extremely well for Grays, staying unbeaten for 18 games, until losing to Accrington Stanley 2-1 at home infront of the SKY cameras. Grays bounced back however, winning two hard away games on the trot, a 2-1 win away at Exeter City and then a 1-0 win away at Stevenage Borough, breaking Stevenage''s unbeaten home record at the same time. This was a sign of the belief and team spirit Stimmo had installed in his stubborn Grays outfit. Grays finished an impressive 3rd in the Conference, four points off of second placed Hereford. Grays then went on to lose to Halifax Town in the play-off semi-final, losing 5-4 on aggregate. Grays could not afford to feel sorry for themselves, however, as Stimson attempted to guide Grays to their 2nd FA Trophy on the bounce against Woking. Grays went on to beat Woking 2-0 in front of an impressive crowd of 14,000 at Upton Park. The champagne glasses had hardly touched the table before Stimson announced that he was resigning from his post at Grays, a move that was unquestionably hard for Stimson to make, as well as hard on the Grays fans. It was announced that Stimson had joined Conference rivals Stevenage Borough, a move a lot of Grays fans called a "side-wards step". Stimson claimed that the potential is their for Stevenage, and they are geared up for the football league.In June 2006, Stimson officially became manager of Stevenage Borough. He stated his shock at hearing former manager Graham Westley''s departure minutes after winning his second FA Trophy with Grays Athletic. Stimson began to rebuild a side to his liking, which meant that a total of 15 players were released in the close season, leaving Stimson with a squad of just seven, which included George Boyd,Alan Julian,Ronnie Henry, Luke Oliver, and Adam Miller. The only player Stimson brought with him from his former team Grays, was England XI left back John Nutter somewhat surprisingly. The 2006/2007 season started very poorly for Borough. Stevenage picked up their first point of the season away at Morecambe, with Stimson''s new signing, Steve Morison, plucked from Conference South Bishop''s Stortford scoring a hat-trick, his fourth goal in two games. Stimson finally got his first competitive win as Stevenage boss, a resounding 6-0 thrashing of Stafford Rangers. As the season progressed, Stevenage were playing the ''brand'' of football that Stimson had installed at Grays, attractive and free-flowing. This was supported by their results on the field, 12 wins in 15 games put Borough right back into the play-off mix. Stimson also guided Stevenage to the FA Trophy final, after beating his former side Grays 3-1 over two legs. However, a tired run at the end of the season meant that Stevenage finished in a mediocre eighth position, with the majority of Borough fans delighted with the season. Stimson claimed he would do his utmost to ensure that the Borough fan''s loyalty and support was rewarded with a trophy. Stevenage won the FA Trophy final 3-2 against Kidderminster Harriers at the new Wembley Stadium, coming back from two goals down to score three in the second half. The success in 2007 was Stimson''s third on the bounce.At the start of the 2007-08 league campaign, Stimson used the nucleus of the FA Trophy winning side as his starting eleven to begin the season at Crawley Town, a game that saw Boro'' lose 2-1. However, three wins on the bounce, followed by a well-earned draw against Oxford United puts Boro'' firmly in and around the promotion places for Stimson''s second season at the helm at Stevenage. However, they were outplayed by a superior Woking in a 1-1 draw at home, conceeding the top spot to Aldershot. They have since slipped down the league to third place after Torquay United leapfrogged them into second.He was offered a new contract with Stevenage in October 2007,[1] but resigned the following day.[2] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Citizen Journalist Foghorn 0 Posted October 17, 2007 [quote user="C.T "]Ive heard his name mentioned, could this be anything to do with us???[/quote]Having read his wikipedia page I would not be unhappy if he is given the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cluck 0 Posted October 17, 2007 [quote user="C.T "]http://www.stevenageborofc.com/index_news_det.php?news_id=409& Ive heard his name mentioned, could this be anything to do with us???[/quote]When my secretary opens her mouth she rarely gets it wrong.........A perfect candidate....and someone well used to working with low grade players. Blue Square football here we come!............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Freeza 0 Posted October 18, 2007 One of my best mates is a Gillingham fan and he is pretty much definitely going to be their new manager. The Gills and Stevenage chairman''s have been in talks all week. Pretty low profile for what we''re looking for I''d of thought anyway! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DDD In The Fine City 1 Posted October 18, 2007 love the new name cluck! but how much would we slate him and the board if it all went tits up? it would have to be a brave move to give him the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Show Me What You Gooot! 0 Posted October 18, 2007 An impressive record, but then it is in the Conference. Will he be able to create the same magic in the Championship? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dexx 0 Posted October 18, 2007 its says he about to take over at Gillingham within 24 hours Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gissing canary 2 Posted October 18, 2007 Very highly rated guy, renouned as a talent spotter and playing good football.He is however too young, and has not dealt with big players before, but would love him as a No2, or as part of the coaching staff. Knighly and Eastwood, think what he can find at this level!! Would serve as a good number 2 to an experienced manager. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blahblahblah 2 Posted October 18, 2007 [quote]A perfect candidate....and someone well used to working with low grade players.[/quote]Low grade players like Freddy Eastwood you mean ? Could you refresh my memory and tell me who half this message board was begging us to sign over the summer ? Not to mention the other half a dozen players who have gone on to league football at a reasonable level since working with Stimson.As a low-budget option, he could be one of the best. 3 FA Trophies in succession with 2 seperate clubs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
we8wba 0 Posted October 18, 2007 he going to GILLINGHAM unlucky Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InLambertWeTrust! 0 Posted October 18, 2007 Hasnt been confirmed yet........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
we8wba 0 Posted October 18, 2007 [quote user="C.T "]Hasnt been confirmed yet........[/quote]very true - but by all accounts then - he is off 2 gills - seen on several pages Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InLambertWeTrust! 0 Posted October 18, 2007 we8wba if Gillingham still had their manager and he was favourite to take over, then I would NOT EVER want him at Carrow Road.IMO not enough experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
