Rovers retain Macmillan Trophy 
Doncaster Rovers are the winners of the Nationwide Macmillan Trophy for 1999-2000. Steve Wignall's side became only the second to retain the honour in the 20-year history of the competition. Doncaster lifted the Macmillan Trophy with a 2-0 victory over Kingstonian on Monday courtesy of goals from Minett and Penney. The Final attracted a crowd of 3,837 to the Belle Vue Stadium, the second highest ever recorded in the Nationwide Conference cup competition. 
The Nationwide Macmillan Trophy is Doncaster's third major piece of silverware in three decades adding the honour to last season's success and the Fourth Division championship in 1969. For losing Finalists Kingstonian, the defeat denied the club their place in history as the only team to lift the Macmillan and FA Trophy cup double. Instead, Geoff Chapple's side go to Wembley on Saturday looking to retain the Umbro Trophy against Nationwide Conference colleagues Kettering Town.

Molby on for Harriers extension 
Kidderminster Harriers are willing to offer manager Jan Molby a new four-year contract at the Aggborough Stadium after the former Liverpool midfielder guided the Nationwide Conference club to promotion to Division Three at the first time of asking.
On the proposed extension Harriers Chairman Lionel Newton commented: "Jan has a year to run of his existing contract but I will renew that to four years. Jan knows that, but if he wants more he can have it. He's done such a marvelous job, more than anyone could have dreamed of. I know eventually Jan will go to do bigger things and I'll be the first to shake his hand." 
Commenting on recent links to several posts in the Nationwide League, Jan Molby said: "That's nice because 15 months ago nobody wanted to know. But I see no reason why I shouldn't be with Kidderminster next year. I've got another year left on my contract. I've enjoyed my first season. The fans have been very good and it's going to be an interesting first season in the Third Division. It's the first time Kidderminster and Worcestershire have had a team in the Football League and I want to help keep them there."

Wignall makes Rovers return 
Nationwide Conference club Doncaster Rovers last week appointed Steve Wignall as manager. Mr Wignall, 45, steps down from his recently assumed post at Stevenage Borough to take up the Belle Vue duties. He will be assisted by new number two, former Telford United boss Alan Lewer, with Dave Penney, Rovers' caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Snodin, appointed player coach.
Steve Wignall ends a six week spell at Stevenage Borough to return to Doncaster Rovers where he spent five years as a player making 130 Football League appearances. The former Colchester United boss, who steered the Us to promotion to Division Two and the 1997 Auto Windscreen Shields Final, stated: "Doncaster has always been very special for me and it's a club I have always wanted to manage. It was an opportunity I just could not resist and I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying to lead them back to League football."

Harriers high 
Nationwide Conference champions Kidderminster Harriers will leave the fifth division as one of the most emphatic winners in the competition's 21-year history. Jan Molby's side concluded the 1999-2000 programme with a goalless draw at Altrincham on Saturday to lift the title by nine points - the second biggest margin ever recorded in the Conference. Only Wycombe Wanderers have won the title by a greater advantage moving into the Nationwide League in 1993 by 15 points.
Kidderminster will enter the Third Division with a number of Conference credits to their name. Harriers collected a total of 26 victories this season, a tally surpassed just twice since 1992, whilst at the Aggborough Stadium, the club ended the campaign with an unbeaten 17 game run, losing just twice at Aggborough all term - a total bettered only five times throughout the 1990s.

Wings caught in relegation net
No club has ever been relegated from the Nationwide Conference with more victories and more points in a campaign, but the figures could not keep Welling United out of the relegation berth. 
Despite a 1-0 closing day victory at Hednesford Town, the fifth longest serving member of the Nationwide Conference conceded its top flight status. Welling were relegated on goal difference, with Forest Green Rovers climbing to safety thanks to two goals in the last six minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over Kettering Town. 
Despite a valiant run-in in which they lost just five games in their last 16, Welling United will return to regional football for the first time since 1986 ending a 14 season spell in the fifth division.

Altrincham lose battle at first attempt 
Altrincham were relegated from the Nationwide Conference on Saturday when a goalless draw against champions Kidderminster Harriers consigned them to 21st position in the table. The Robins draw to a close a single season back in the top flight having won promotion to the Conference last May. 
As high as 12th in the table with only three weeks to go, Altrincham's slide towards the relegation zone was hastened by an unsuccessful eleven game run-in which brought the Robins just five points from 33 on offer. Altrincham will leave the Conference with the second highest number of points (46) for a side finishing 21st in the table, whilst claiming the fewest number defeats (14) of any side relegated from the fifth division.



Happy Harriers 
The streets of Kidderminster will be lined with supporters saluting the Nationwide Conference champions on Monday 15 May as they complete their open-top bus tour through the Worcestershire town. The parade starts from Harriers' Aggborough Stadium at 6.00pm making its way towards the Town Hall where manager Jan Molby and his squad will be received by the Mayor at a Civic Reception.

Scarborough best 
Scarborough have recorded the best Nationwide Conference finish by a side relegated from the Third Division for ten years. Colin Addison's team clinched fourth place on Saturday when they returned from Woking 2-0 winners. Only three ex-Football League clubs have recorded a higher Conference ranking in their debut campaign - 1988 champions Lincoln City, 1990 winners Darlington, and 1991 runners-up Colchester United.



Shrimps end on record note 
Morecambe ended the 1999-2000 season on a record breaking note on Saturday when they drew 1-1 with Yeovil Town. The draw extended the Shrimps' unbeaten run to 17 games, the joint second best stretch of Conference results for over a decade.
Bettered just once since 1990-91 when Altrincham set the all-time Conference high of 28 games unbeaten, Morecambe's run spanned over three months and dated back to their last reversal on 29 January. The Christie Park outfit collected nine wins and eight draws during the series, which served to book the club their highest ever ranking in senior football.

Woking's race to the end 
A late flurry of resistance which saw Nationwide Conference side Woking secure five straight wins, five straight clean sheets and their status in top flight football came to end on Saturday. 
A 9th minute goal by Scarborough's Steve Brodie brought to a close Woking's 490 minute run without concession, falling short of the campaign record held by their weekend opponents. Colin Lippiatt's side posted the second best defensive run this season behind Scarborough (681 minutes), with Hereford United (479 minutes) in third and Kettering Town (471 minutes) fourth.


Sutton seven 
It was a disappointing end to their one year back in the top flight of English football as Sutton United bowed out of the Nationwide Conference with two campaign lows. Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Hereford United was the club's seventh in succession, setting a seasonal record in the Conference for consecutive reversals. The losing streak also established a Conference low of 528 minutes without a goal with Sutton breaking the duck which spanned seven matches in total at Hereford.
Despite the series of reversals, Sutton will leave the Nationwide Conference with a total of 34 points - a tally bettered only once by a basement side in five seasons.

Morecambe hit top three 
Morecambe have achieved their highest ever ranking in senior football securing third place in the Nationwide Conference thanks to a 1-1 draw with Yeovil Town on Saturday. Since their promotion from regional football back in 1996, Jim Harvey's men have recorded finishes of 4th, 5th and 14th in the Conference. 
Commenting on the achievement, manager Jim Harvey said: "The main reason for our success this year has been teamwork and consistency. I have a tremendous bunch of players who all work for each other. We have experienced players at the club who help bring through the young, exciting prospects that Morecambe are producing which makes my job easy - the players have been a pleasure to work with."
The Christie Park outfit also recorded a club record 17 games without defeat in the campaign run-in. Morecambe have to remain unbeaten for a further six games at the start of next season to break their all-time club record.

Four make grade 
The Nationwide Conference will have four new members for the 2000-2001 campaign. Winning promotion from the regional tier are champions of the feeder leagues - Boston United (Dr Martens League), Dagenham & Redbridge (Ryman League), Leigh RMI (UniBond League). The fourth Conference vacancy will be filled by Chester City whose 69 year spell in the Football League ended following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Peterborough United.
The incoming quartet will succeed Nationwide Conference champions Kidderminster Harriers, the eleventh club to graduate to the Nationwide League, and relegation candidates - Welling United, Altrincham and Sutton United. 

Glovers go full-time 
Nationwide Conference club Yeovil Town are expected to complete their transition to full-time status during the next two months. The conversion programme continued last week with manager Dave Webb securing the services of promising Glovers, left-back Anthony Tonkin, Paul Steele and striker James Bent, on full-time contracts. The trio join fellow Glovers Glenn Poole and Terry Skiverton in next season's squad, with midfielders Jamie Pitman and Ben Smith also offered new terms. 
Yeovil Town will raise to seven the number of Nationwide Conference clubs operating full-time squads next season. 



Williams steps down 
One of the most successful managers in Nationwide Conference history, John Williams, has retired as Director of Football at Northwich Victoria. Mr Williams ends almost two decades in Conference circles during which time he guided Runcorn to the championship in 1982 and lifted the Nationwide Macmillan Trophy on no fewer than three occasions. John Williams' service was commemorated with a special presentation at Saturday's game between Northwich and Kingstonian.

Harriers to run on full 
The playing staff at Nationwide Conference club Kidderminster Harriers will begin their inaugural season in the Nationwide League as a full-time set up for the first time in their history. Already operating a full-time administrative structure at Aggborough, the club's on-field hierarchy will begin discussions shortly on the status of the Harriers playing staff. 

All set for AGM 
The Nationwide Conference AGM will be held at the Royal Moat House Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 3 June. The meeting will welcome the four new recruits to the competition - Chester City, Boston United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Leigh RMI - and ratify rule changes for the 2000-01 campaign. 
The AGM forms part of the annual Congress Weekend which celebrates the campaign close. This year's Congress will run from Friday 2nd June through to Sunday 4th and includes the Conference Banquet and Ball and the long established Friday Dinner Dance.

Telford name game 
Reference: Telford United
Nationwide Conference club Telford United have announced that they will re-name their Bucks Head ground following its £9.5 million re-development. The move will end what is thought to be 100 years playing under the Bucks Head banner.
"The name will definitely change as soon as the ground is finished," commented Telford chairman Andy Shaw. "I can understand why people would want to keep the same name but if you stand still you will not go forward and we need to change to move into a new era." Shaw has proposed several alternatives for the name but no final decision has been made. "We would also like supporters to suggest names and will consider any put forward." 
The Nationwide Conference club's stadium re-development is currently underway and includes a three-tier main stand, restaurant, bar and housing complex due for completion in 2002. 

On the Green 
Nationwide Conference side Forest Green Rovers, just six minutes away from their first relegation in 109 years, have former Swindon Town striker Paul Hunt to thank. Following their second year in senior football, Frank Gregan's men were just 300 seconds from a return to the regional game after spending 27 weeks of the season in the bottom three. 
At 4.35pm Altrincham's 0-0 scoreline with Kidderminster Harriers and Welling's 1-0 away lead at Hednesford Town had Forest Green relegated. But at 4.39 Hunt's solo effort proved critical, moving Forest Green level on points with Welling United and retaining their Conference status on goal difference over Kevin Hales' side. 
After a mid-table finish last season, the Gloucestershire club has spent the bulk of the current term in the table's lower reaches, peaking at 17 for two weeks during March. 

Chapple's at home 
It comes as no surprise that Geoff Chapple, manager of Nationwide Conference club Kingstonian, will be at Wembley Stadium this summer to bid farewell to the Twin Towers. After all, no other manager has led his side out at the world famous venue more than the Ks boss. When the FA Umbro Trophy finalists take to the field on Saturday, Geoff Chapple will be leading his team out for the fifth Wembley cup final in seven years - more than any other domestic manager at any level.
The Chapple affair with Wembley started at Nationwide Conference club Woking who he guided to Trophy honours in 1994, 1995 and 1997, continuing the success at Kingstonian with last season's Trophy victory. Mr Chapple said: "It's a great honour to have led a side out at Wembley and I have been fortunate to have managed some excellent teams over the years. This season's Final will be particularly memorable as it's the last at Wembley in its present structure. And I believe the game will be an excellent finale - Kettering are an outstanding team."

Odds on Ks 
Only two sides have retained the FA Umbro Trophy and Nationwide Conference club Kingstonian are clear favourites to join the elite band when they face Kettering Town at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Leading bookmakers Ladbrokes quote Geoff Chapple's Kingstonian as 4-5 favourites to lift the Trophy after 90 minutes, with Peter Morris' Kettering Town priced at 11-4 and 9-4 the draw.
In their Nationwide Conference meetings this season, the two clubs have shared the honours - Kettering defeated Kingstonian at home on 28 August 2-1, whilst the Ks collected a 2-0 win at Kingsmeadow on 2 October.

Noman on quest 
Nationwide Conference side Kettering Town will be making their first trip to Wembley in 21 years on Saturday when they meet Kingstonian in the FA Umbro Trophy Final. 
And attentions will focus on the recovery from an ankle injury of the Poppies most effective player - both in the front line and in defence. Craig Norman has claimed the mantle as the Nationwide Conference's highest scoring defender this season netting 14 goals in total. The 25-year old former Chelsea player has also played an instrumental part in helping the 13th placed club lodge the seventh best defensive record in the Conference.

CLUB NEWS
Altrincham
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY The Robins' Saturday Yankee pay-out had a high profile recipient last week - former Manchester United player Wilf McGuinness scooped the £2,900 prize, the club's highest ever total. The Robins were defeated only 14 times in their return to top flight football this season - the lowest of any relegated side in the 21 year history of the Conference. However, it's 19 draws that proved costly for Bernard Taylor's men with Altrincham joining Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion as the top flight's draw specialists. 

Kidderminster Harriers
ALT, TAB ELITE Aggborough voted forward Mike Marsh, instrumental in the Harriers' second Conference title, as their player of the year. Saturday's point at Altrincham equalled the club's highest ever haul in top-flight football, 85, set when the Worcestershire club finished runners-up to Macclesfield Town in 1997. Harriers also set another record this season; following a 2-1 defeat against Nuneaton Borough back in November, the Aggborough Stadium saw a campaign high 17 successive home games without reverse. 

Kingstonian
DOUBLE UP Efforts to lift the Nationwide Macmillan Trophy came to an end on Monday when the Ks went down 2-0 at Doncaster Rovers. Kingstonian now travel to the home of football looking to ensure an all-time best ever campaign in the club's history. One defeat in seven confirmed a top five finish for Geoff Chapple's side - the Ks highest ever ranking in senior football. On Saturday, Kingstonian look to become only the third side ever to retain the FA Umbro Trophy when they meet Kettering Town. The task will be a difficult one particularly with England midfielder Gary Patterson sitting out the Final due to suspension. Looking to next season, the Ks will be confirming their retained list after the Trophy Final.

Morecambe
AH, JIM'S LAD Shrimps boss Jim Harvey has paid tribute to top scorer Justin Jackson who lifted The Mail on Sunday Goalscorer of the Year title: "There is no reason why Justin can't play in Division One or even the Premiership he has that much potential. I don't really know why he didn't make it in the league first time round but I'm sure it must be because the clubs didn't play to his strengths. We know just what Justin is capable of and how to get the best out of him and it has proved a successful partnership." Meanwhile, Morecambe will face Premiership side Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday 2 August.

Nuneaton Borough
TOP THREE FINISH Despite a disappointing run-in to their return campaign in Conference football, Nuneaton will certainly value their status as the best finishers of all three newly promoted clubs. Fellow graduates from regional circles, Altrincham and Sutton United, both failed to avoid the drop, placing a more optimistic perspective on Boro's 15th placing. Which perhaps explains the response from supporters who attended Manor Park in ever increasing numbers during the Conference campaign with the average gate of 2,145 representing a 27.8% increase on their promotion winning season in the Dr Martens. On the field, manager Brendan Phillips has taken up the option on Richard Crowley, Wayne McDermott and Stuart Ryder, although four players are likely to move in the summer. Marvin Blake, Dave Hanson, Ian Muir and Steve Prindiville all remain on the transfer list.

Rushden & Diamonds
OUT ON A HIGH Rushden & Diamonds completed their runners-up campaign on a high with a crowd of 3,177 watching the goalless draw with Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. The attendance raised Diamonds' average to 3,299 for the season - the club's highest ever crowds and the second best in Conference circles in seven years. Looking to next season, Head Coach Brian Talbot is concentrating on the young Diamonds. Vowing to offer more chances to the youngsters, among the main beneficiaries is teenage winger Andy Burgess who has attracted interest from Premiership clubs Manchester United and Sunderland since breaking into the first-team squad just five months ago. Burgess has signed a new contract together with Gary Mills. Also in for an additional term is defender Jim Rodwell, whilst Jon Brady and Richard Butcher have also re-signed for an extended term. 

Sutton United
DEPARTURES LOUNGE There have been no official departures from Gander Green Lane as the Us make their return to regional football. Prodigious duo Ed Hutchinson and Scott Forrester are attracting the attention of Nationwide League sides after the pair returned from a week playing at Luton Town. The Us youth structure is bearing more fruits - the club are looking to secure a Southern Youth League and Cup double in games against Aldershot and Faygate in the forthcoming League play-offs and against Tooting at home in Tuesday evening's cup encounter.

17 Morecambe

14 Altrincham

12 Kidderminster Harriers

12 Morecambe

11 Altrincham

10 Sutton United

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