HOW to review a season in 350 words?

Well, let’s have a go.

As Clacton’s season came to an end with a 1-1 draw at Walsham-le-Willows, it’s time to look back on the last nine months.

It’s been a topsy-turvy season really but we’ve survived a relegation battle and finished in 16th place – mainly thanks to two short spells during which we gathered 32 of our 40 points!

The first run came under Glenn Eldridge in September, when we won five games on the trot, four in the league, before a run of defeats saw Glenn replaced by David Coyle.

Many supporters, myself included, felt that was a bit premature and the decision to bring back David as manager for a second spell appeared to be a big gamble.

Now, I must be careful what I say as in recent weeks David has taken to marking the quality of Clacton Gazette coverage, based primarily on what nice things people said about him!

But initially it looked a gamble that might have backfired as, after an OK start, there was a run of nine straight defeats, including an 11-3 mauling at Godmanchester Rovers, that left us deep in the relegation battle.

Further defeats followed but you could see the side improving as David began to get his ideas in place.

The turning point came with a win against Mildenhall Town, prompting the second run of form with a total of 20 points from our last nine games, propelling us out of the relegation zone to safety with a game to spare.

The doubts have been dispelled by this cracking late run, as well as the team spirit shown since February.

The progress is there for all to see and it gives us a positive platform to build on for next season.

And hopefully that keeps me in the gaffer’s good books too!

All that remains is to remind people of the final game at the Bowl on Saturday as the reserves finish their season with a 3pm kick-off so pop along if you can.

Have a great summer!