Episode 9 Late Kick Off Midlands

It's time for celebration and On the show tonight: A Knockaert

knockout for the contenders in the blue corner. We can believe that we

will go first to come and go to Wembley. That is our dream.

Black and gold fighting talk from Deano - but can he revive Wolves?

Sometimes it takes her to rock- bottom before you realise things

have to change. Beaten but unbowed - we've spent

Here to say goodbye to the season are our Late Kick Off legends Steve

Froggatt and Michael Johnson. First up tonight, the game that delivered

what it promised to do since the fixtures were published last June -

Forest and Leicester toe to toe in a final day shoot out for the

Championship play-offs. Natalie Jackson was at the City Ground to

For a truly breathtaking final day. - epic skyways. While Nigel grabbed

at three Macs - grabbed a pre-match tea. Believe was with the Forest

faithful. A big is this today? can get any bigger. If massive.

this game is everything. A I was so nervous last that it couldn't sleep.

Nervous, excited. We win, lose or draw be can be proud. If we do win,

will dye my hair blue. Back inside, he was quietly preparing for what

was brewing. While the other boss was with his German. No matter what

happens, you have done a wonderful job. I wish you all the best.

clubs desperately want to return to the Premier League and this was

tears of the season, it all comes Midlands grudge match, but it was

Nottingham Forest he had a rousing start. Ding Junhui Cox put them in

front. It was a game that probably saved Nigel Pearson's job. Midway

through the first half, Matthew James Cordon equaliser, helped by a

wicked deflection. It was a sell- out. Andrew King gave Leicester the

lead. After half-time, Nottingham injury time, this season defining

moment. Manner with the not - Knockaert with the knockout blow.

Leicester moved into the top six dramatic way. Their players and

fans, well, they couldn't be happier. It was fits. To come here

on the last day against Nottingham Forest, fantastic. Over the moon.

Kit is a massive day for my family. It is a big day for everyone

involved. I'm just pleased to get into the play-offs, go to Wembley.

To Wembley, that is our dream. We can do that. That was heartbreaking

for Nottingham Forest, but a few months ago they feared relegation.

Now under a new management team there is so much hope. When Billy

first came in, we were going to say it was going to go down to the last

game. We were - we are bitterly disappointed we get an Godot - we

are bitterly disappointed. We thank the fans very much. But this was

the date for Leicester. You need to have a strong card in this game,

don't you? Yes, it has been a good day for us, clearly, but there has

been a lot of emotion out there for everybody. The only thing that

matters now is that we have a chance of progressing. We have got

They played at blinding game. They played hammer and tongs. Luck was

smiling on Leicester. We have been playing down their play-off chances

for so long, suddenly the momentum is with them. We didn't believe

that there would get into the play- offs only winning three in 17 games.

To go to the City Ground and have to win. To go there and score three

goals, sneak into the play-offs, credit to the manager. How many

times to be seeded team that just get in there go on to win the play-

off final? They go to Vicarage Road on Thursday. Gianfranco Zola says

he will have to it big at the players because it was a bad day

for them on Saturday. It will be a tough one for them for the play-

offs. Watford have played grip the ball. The advantage with Leicester

is that Watford will be dynamite at the minute. Just knitting - just

missing out on an automatic spot. Then there's the suspension of Dean.

It is at Vicarage Road's - Vicarage Road on Sunday. We have got to

remind ourselves that the job Billy has done when he went back early in

the season. For from the minute he took over, he has got the best out

of the players. They will be disappointed because they were so

near yet so far. With the backing of the German and Billy Dare for a

full season, they will be a force. They have done brilliantly. When

Billy walked in, they were no were to be seen. The finishing a

creditable position that they have done, but this fantastic for belief.

In August, Wolves will be in the third tier of English football for

the first time since 1988. The three of us sat here last week

predicting as much, but it was still a humiliating day for the

club's bewildered fans as away trips next season to Notts County,

Port Vale, Shrewsbury and Walsall relegation. That scarcely

believable turn of events over the last two seasons. Wolves this time

two years ago scored a goal right at the ends up this season to

survive in the Premier League. Since then, relegated twice.

minutes ago we started rebuilding the club. We have to go forward.

Sometimes it takes hitting rock- bottom before you realise things

have got to change. I have got to change everything and rebuild the

club. The fans were magnificent today. They have been magnificent

since it came in. They deserve better. We have had got so bad

weekends over the last three or four years. I feel sorry for them.

I feel like I am obliged to do something. I knew what I was going

to do when I walked into the club and it was struggling. Lots of

problems. I know how to do its. I have no hesitation. It is a great

club and if the fans are like that when you're struggling, if I can

get his team winning, imagine what they will be like. I can assure the

supporters that from 10 minutes ago to I have started concentrating on

how we will get back into the Time for the inquest then. Let's go

through this in three stages. Let's start with the chairman, Steve

Morgan. He's apologised for failing the fans and the city of

Wolverhampton. He says he's truly sorry and says he understands the

fans' pain anger and resentment towards him and the players. But

are words good enough? What has he got to do? He is the captain of the

ship and the ship has run aground. He has got there called at his

hands for some bad decisions. There has been no momentum gained. He has

got up a good look over the summer. We mentioned about bringing in a

director of football. They need somebody sitting in the board that

can help them out with football matters. What does he have to do to

restore faith? Dean Saunders has to have a look at this of - look at

the squat. There are one or two people at that football clubs

should be the that - that should not be there. Where does this leave

Dean Saunders? 20 points from 20 games, a terrible return. Does

appear to be a mounting lobby among Wolves fans for a new manager!

came in in really difficult circumstances. The transfer window

came and went. He did not spend any money. They didn't back him. They

identified with the needed to change things and they didn't do it.

Maybe the board had some arrogance, thinking there was enough in the

club to survive. After a decent run of forms - all for me, they have

lost five or six players. Last, but by no means least, the players.

Were they too comfortable, to skate - to steal? They are not the only

ones on big wages, but Wolves fans are clearly feeling short-changed.

Have Wolves become too arrogant? Too comfortable? Too stale? What do

they need now? Young, fresh, hungry and humble players? I think there

are a few players there that potentially my not deserve to be

there next year. What will they do for the next drive? The academy is

vital. The need to get rid of some of the senior players to have

massive contract. They have got to try and changed the Psyche of the

football clubs. The losing side he has been there for 18 months. Fresh

players, new players. And the technical director. It will be a

massive summer ahead there. It's been a big day in League Two,

with both Burton and Cheltenham dreaming of a trip to Wembley in

the play-offs. But I'm afraid it was heartbreak for both of our

leg, Cheltenham remained upbeat going into tonight's game. And why

not, after just two defeats in 23 home fixtures? But Luke Guttridge

took Northampton to Wembley with this absolute cracker. Cheltenham

had already wasted a chance to draw level in the tie, winning a penalty

for foul on Russ Penn which was clearly outside the box. But Lee

Nicholls was equal to Marlon Pack's spot kick. Cheltenham were unbeaten

in 11 home games before tonight, but there was no way past Nicholls

and Kaid Mohammed's header summed up the evening. It is massively

disappointing that we did not achieve what we want to do tonight.

The town, the football club, the players, the supporters, the German,

they should all be really ploughed they should all be really ploughed

Earlier, it was Burton's turn to feel the play-off pain. Nonetheless

it's still been a memorable season for The Brewers, who finished

fourth in League Two. A trip to Wembley may have been a step too

far, but chairman Ben Robinson is still a very proud man tonight.

Laura May McMullan spent the day with the man who has been

associated with Burton since 1975. Ben Robinson is a born and bred

Brewer. He's been with Burton Albion for nearly 40 years. It's a

great passion, it's a great interest, it's a great buzz and

it's a great challenge and I love it. His passion has passed down the

generations. A chance of taking Burton to Wembley is one of Ben's

ambitions. But he was determined to enjoy today's game no matter what.

Hopefully, if the players can deliver the standard of football

they did against Bradford then we've got every chance of going

through. But if we don't, and I'm not being negative, just realistic,

it will have been a very good season in any event. Running the

club is a family affair. We all help, even, as you can hear, the

children! It is about the whole town, really.

Meeting his guests and keeping his staff happy is also important. Enid

Barks has volunteered at the club for over 50 years. We dare not

watch! We don't see matches. out to back the Brewers and there

was real belief. I'm saving to go to Wembley with Burton. Yes, I

believe we can do it. Our manager has been fantastic. I don't mind

what we do at Wembley, as long as you get there, to be honest.

Despite an impressive victory over Bradford on Thursday, the Brewers

know there is no room for complacency today. They boast the

best home record in the football league and in front of a packed

Pirelli stadium, just 90 minutes stand between these players and

their Wembley dream. Despite an impressive start by the Brewers, it

was the visitors who came out fighting to secure the first goal

with a penalty in the second half. But with two further goals it was

Bradford who overturned their first-leg deficit to record their

first ever win at the Pirelli Stadium. So, it was cruel end to

their play-off final hopes. But with a season exceeding peoples'

expectations and finishing fourth in League Two. Manager Gary Rowett

had nothing but praise for his team. It was unfortunate but we could not

go the extra yard. I look up there and they see my wife almost in

tears at the end. We owe it to them to go up into the bars and then we

see them have a big smile on her face and celebrate what we have

achieved. A lot of people that because we are a little club we

have done well to go where we are. We're there because we deserve to

be. If everyone goes and looks and the cells and the Mirror, they can

say we give it our best. positive side is that we have had a

great season, and that somebody said to us and the first week of

August last year would you settle for the play-offs, we would bite

your hand off. That is the reality. The probably over a jeep and

exceeded everybody's expectations, including mine. So, Burton can take

heart and come back stronger next I do have a soft spot for them.

Much to admire. Why we did German be involved for so long? He has

such strong links to the community. They have over achieve this year.

Gary Roberts has done such a good job. Like Cheltenham, their home

form has been so brilliant, and to fall short at the finish line is

such a disappointment. They have a great foundation there at Burton.

It is a really well run football club. We have been blessed with

young managers in this reason - in this region. We have markets are

gentlemen. Does he deserve a chance at a bigger club? Yes, he has done

absolutely superbly on limited resources. He has been cute in the

transfer market. For me, for somebody who has got to the play-

offs twice in the last two years, a fantastic achievement. Talking of

managers, Gary Roberts - Gary Rowett is not under contract,

should they be worried? They should be! There will be German in the

league above looking to him, young, confident. He has been very clever

in the transfer market. I would be signing him up as good as possible.

A what he has done encapsulate what the club was all about, it belies

the experience they have got as a football club. They run from a very

small budget. The players are not on a good budget so we has to

foster a good team spirit. It would be really sad if they are losing to

another club. Maybe he feels he has unfinished business.

Back now to the Championship and the goal action involving our two

other clubs - Blues and Derby. For the Rams, a real sense of what

good finish in this competitive league. We are kicking ourselves to

be seven points up the play-offs. In the last six weeks ago given up

You were furious at various points, would you? I want to win every

single game. You have to play every game to win and have that mentality.

That is what they want and I'll What needs to happen at Birmingham

to make them real contenders, and Derby? Derby missed out by a few

points. They don't have an out tonight goalscorer. Back to get

them in the top six. Maybe experience in the key areas of the

fields? Biddy midfield? Barker is a massive mess. Barker was the club

captain who had an immense season before he had a bad injury. If they

got a striker, some big you can school a - somebody who can score

goals. They have had a good season considering the financial cloud

over them. They have to sort out these ownership in use - ownership

issues. The distract on their way too long. The manager can blunder

which he once did. We going to the summer months will not knowing what

is happening next season. But there are some signs of encouragement.

has brought many good young kids through. Many good young kids at St

Andrews this year. That will be his biggest plus point.

Now, on next season's Late Kick Off we'll be welcoming Mansfield Town.

The Stags are back in the Football League, promoted as champions after

a five year absence. Mansfield is ready! But is football prepared for

Mansfield and their fascinating owners - husband and wife John and

Carolyn Radford? Earlier in the week, Natalie paid a visit to

Sit! Good boy! John is 47, a millionaire.

Everything in life is going right for us at the moment. Carolyn is 31,

the driving force but - behind Mansfield's promotion. It is an

unusual business and every... no two days are ever the same. We met,

fell in love and got married. We're John grew up supporting Mansfield.

He has gone from fan to owner. did say that ever get the ground

back. I said I would get them into the lead, and I have done that. The

next challenge is to get up a few leeks. It is as easy as that!

team have made it look easy this season. John made his money in

insurance, ploughed in 3 million in three years and three weeks ago

they took their place back in the Football League. It meant so much

to me. It is hard to explain. My head was in the clouds. It meant a

lot to a lot of people in Mansfield. Certainly when you went on the bus

tour last Sunday, it was really apparent how much it meant to the

town. Pitting Mansfield back on the map in terms of football, where it

belongs. Building the profile or at Mansfield has increased Carolyn's.

John Potter in to run the club, making her Football Joe and his

chief executive. If I never thought when I grew up there would be a

football chief executive. I went to good university, up to Durham, read

politics and did law, the mark-down in London for high-fashion brands.

She had the credentials for the job, but the newspapers strongly

questioned her motives for the relationship. If it was at 31-year-

old man, no one would have batted an eyelid. Some of the press wasn't

very good. It is annoying, but you know what is true neurone heart and

you go for it. Exactly. We just have a giggle about it really. I

just think, what next? Because of the age gap, there are always

questions about the relationship. You're allowed to fall than love,

are due? Exactly. It is a bit bizarre, but we're married and

we're having a baby, you run a football club, that is actually our

life. That is our normality. have got a lot under plates! This

renovation project, the football club, and a baby on the way. How do

you juggle a doll? You do lie awake at night thinking about what you've

got to do the next day, long-term strategies and things. It is quite

useful, at the Richard and Judy As a German, he is a great person

to have run the club. He gave his manager and Aston Martin! I would

love to play for him. It is possible they could go up again.

Good luck to the Radfords and Mansfield when they return to

League Two in August. Well, that's your lot for this series. Thanks to