In the second of our end of season reviews we spoke with Silkmen boss Gary Simpson to gauge his thoughts on the events of the last nine months.
What words would you use to describe the 2009/10 campaign?
Two readily spring to mind; close and potential.
We were close is so many ways to having a good season but in the end weren't just close enough. There were several instances of games we should have won but didn't and also a few more matches we should have taken at least a point from but fell just short for whatever reason.
We did however show a lot of potential and that was highlighted by our haul of 21 points from eleven games after we lost the Big Man. We could have easily been drawn into a dogfight towards the end of the season. But we showed a great strength of character and it was a massive effort by all concerned. It also showed that the squad could compete, albeit they needed to do it on a more consistent and regular basis.
Is that something you are targeting for next season?
That goes without saying. Successful teams are the ones that can consistently put in quality performances over the course of a season. Our younger lads are a year older and more experienced now and they will have hopefully learnt a lot over the course of the last nine months.
If they take onboard what they have learnt and bring it into next season they'll be all the better for that.
Were there any particular highlights?
I think the highlight for me was the way in which the club came together after Keith's death. From the fans, to the players, the backroom staff and the directors there was a great sense of unity and that was great to see.
And it was also great to finally get over the line and secure our Football League status. Ironically that was against Chesterfield who were responsible for perhaps the lowest point of the season in football terms. We got run ragged in the first half at their place so it was nice to return the favour when they came to the Moss Rose.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
You're always learning in this game so only a fool would say they wouldn't. But you make what you think is the best call at the time and do that with the best of intentions. I suppose if there was one thing if was the decision to let the players know about contract offers prior to the last game of the season. I wanted to do that to give everyone as much time as possible to get a head start. But it made for a difficult last week of the season if I am honest. So perhaps in hindsight, whilst it was done for the best of reasons, I should have left it until after the Lincoln game.
So would you say that staying in this division is a success in it own right?
That's a very tricky one as it raises again the subject of finances. And I am sure that's a message the fans are fed up with hearing. But the fact of the matter is that we're competing against outfits with far greater call on resources. The playing field is by certainly by no means level and that clearly makes life a lot tougher.
And that is not just limited to competing with League clubs for players. I know of several Conference clubs who are offering four or five times what we've been able to offer.
So can I say yes and no to this question? I believe we did well to compete in the division and when you consider the fact that Grimsby were relegated we outpunched a few bigger clubs. However our aspirations have to be higher than a 19th place finish and that's what we must aim for next season.
So have you set yourself any targets for next season?
Throughout my career, no matter which club I have been at, I've always set myself a target of fifty points. That should be enough to keep you in the division but you also want to get to that target as quickly as possible.
I am realist and it would be foolish to make rash promises. So I am not going to stand up in front of people and say I'm expecting us to be pushing for automatic promotion. However if we can get to that fifty point target in good time we can take stock then and hopefully aim for a much bigger haul. But we should certainly be looking for a ten / fifteen percentage improvement year on year and if we can do that I am sure we'll be challenging where we want to be.
And finally are you glad the season is over?
Its certainly been a tough one and I hadn't realised just how much it had taken out of me if I am honest. Let's just say I am looking forward to my holiday and the chance to put my feet up in a few weeks time.
