From the bottom up - manager by manager part 3

Sarah Sheron had another disappointing season after stimulating us all in her first 3 years ago. Sarah promised so much with a continuous occupancy of a top 12 place, reaching the dizzy limits of 7th in week 22. Even in March she was still in the battle for promotion but inexplicably it fell away. Failing to replace Darren Bent in the transfer market had a real negative effect and Sarah slipped back to the also-rans and ended up 18th.

Aaron Bardon was another mid-tabler who had a fine start. 5th in week 2, Aaron did make some transfers but not enough and that was the difference between 12th and 17th. So another season in Div 2 for the man who got relegated last season and once came 5th overall 4 years ago.

Neil Adder Addington made a 10 place improvement on his last year's finish so he can be pleased with that. The Tokio man was one of the few managers who didn't make the top 12 nor did he ever really have to look nervously over his shoulder. From a transfer point of view, Neil was busy dabbling often in the market and one look at his final team tells us that he should have done better. Another 10 places higher next season will do though.

Jason Syrett is one of a triumvirate of family N&R FL members and he came out worst. I'm getting a little bored of writing this, but Jase also started well. 7th in week 5 a best. But again he just didn't have enough in his tank despite some good transfer signings. Newcastle's Cisse being one, which did move him up a few places in the last month or so. Another relegated manager who will face his 2nd season in Div 2.

As a youth team player Ben Guarino promised so much and I would have had him down for a promotion challenge this season. Busy in the transfer market and these moves did improve his scoring and around about March Ben was closing in on the top 12. He statyed with the field well but he was unable to find that next gear. Just 20 points short of promotion, a one place worst off than last time out.

John Kiwi Hardiman had an excellent first season. A little birdie tells me that he knows little of the round ball game and has a backroom staff helping him in his selections. He and his team made some astute transfers but at the end of the day fell just 10 points short.

John was consistently up there though and actually spent 17 weeks in the top 12, 7th in week 10. His consistent form also paid good dividends in the N&R Cup and he made it to the final but lost in a very close game to Kate Chillman. A lot to be proud of for the Kiwi.