City enjoyed an FA Cup run to the Second Round, and exited both the League Cup and the League Trophy in the First Round.

League Position: 16th
P: 46 W:14, D:13, L:19 For:48, Against: 73 Points: 55

FA Cup
First Round: Cambridge City (H) 3-0
Second Round: Dagenham & Redbridge (H) 0-0. Replay 3-0
League Cup
First Round: Walsall (H) 0-1
Football League Trophy
First Round South: Cambridge United (H) 1-2

That was the Season that was
by Simon Milton 
From the Hartlepool programme. April 2002.

Well it's been a right old season hasn't it. All the goings on have all been very well documented. But, considering what has gone on, did we really expect to be sitting in fourteenth place with one game to go? Lets face it, the campaign has been significantly better then the finishes of the past couple of seasons, and hopefully Corny can move the club on, so maybe, just maybe a challenge for the play-off spots next season might become reality. Although, all this depends on what happens with the club during the close season. Are any of these reported take over bids going to be successful? Or is Ivor Doble still going to be in charge next season? Whatever happens, money is going to be tight, and with the promise of two or three players at least arriving, maybe miracles can happen. Although as financial belts tighten, and clubs trim squads, the quality of player looking for work might be significantly better than in previous years, and if they want to join Exeter City, well, who knows what might happen. Alternatively I would not be surprised by the club having to release several members of the first team squad inevitably out of contract players - as to balance books (well sort of), inevitably some would have to go, in order for others to come in. It's a fact of life. The only hope is of course, that some solution is sorted out for the club, as well as not going down the same road as a mass of clubs who are reportedly on the edge of administration, exaggerated by the ITV Digital's fiasco. Some will say it was the Football League's fault in accepting the money in the first place, essentially a increase of over £200 million on the previous deal with Sky. However, whatever happens, for the majority of the Nationwide League clubs, this season has been a lesson, on how vital a 'grand plan' is to the running of a club and how you should never box above your station in the pursuit for success. For example it all comes back to money, essentially never spend what you don't have, as many have been doing. Now clubs are steadily realising they have to be run more like businesses, and not just as a club. What business can you imagine being bailed out (in footballs case by the Professional Footballers Association) to pay the wages. Most 'normal' companies just go bust, and as much as I hate to say it, here in the South-West, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle appear to have got the right idea as far as planning the future paths of their football clubs, with the instigation of these vital 'grand plans'. But, enough of this doom, gloom and random thoughts, it's time I handed out the 'unlucky for some' Page 13 awards for season 2001/02.

Worst Performance:

Losing to Plymouth Argyle? The Dagenham and Redbridge FA Cup replay was pretty awful and live on television. But, the 4-0 capitulation at Darlington was terrible by all accounts.

Best Happening of the season:

Hey we're going to be on TV! Steve Flack's begging bowl act at Macclesfield Town. Watching 'Robbo' when he was on fire, and the appointment of John Cornforth as City manager.

Worst Happening of the season:

The realisation that at various points the club might suddenly vanish. The sale of Christian Roberts to Bristol City for a nominal fee and the panic of writing a column for five home games in September. Phew! Not forgetting promising pair Marcus Gross and Jamie Mudge leaving the club.

Bizarre incident of the season:

Has to be hearing what 'Corny' had to say after the first league win of the season over Oxford in his capacity of coach. The 3-2 win, both sides defending were nigh on awful, but 'Corny' said something like, I thought our defending was pretty good. Imagine my horror and despair when he took over as the new Grecians manager. But, John, I admit you proved me wrong.

And Finally...

Special thanks go to 'The Grecian' editor Mike Blackstone for coordinating such an indomitable programme. He really must get some kind of financial comeback. He deserves it. Also allowing and having the confidence to give me a page for the whole of the season. To the readers, well I recommend you look at the kit sponsorship page. I read it a lot more. And yes, if I'm dragged back from my asylum, and allowed to write again, I will change my picture. Thank you and goodnight.