happy in town

The Town boss was sacked by Danny Donegan in August last year but after a break of five months, returned to lead the club to mid-table safety.

But it could have been so very different.

King is adamant that he would have pursued his claim for money owed through the courts, had Bob Holt and company not persuaded him to take over from Roy Evans.

Reflecting on an eventful season, the Town boss wanted to concentrate on the positives but accepted the negatives could not be ignored.

He said: "When Danny Donegan sacked me, I waited for the money owed, and waited and waited.

"All I wanted was for my deal to be honoured and perhaps I would have moved on.

"If it had gone to the courts then it would not have been good for this football club.

"I would not have backed down."

But the dark days of late summer are over for King and the manager is delighted to be back at the helm.

He is focused on next year but he has taken time out to reflect on 2001/2.

King arrived back on the night Town put together a truly awful display at Notts County on December 21.

Defeat left the club hovering just above the relegation zone but King steadied the ship and steered Town to 13th spot.

Mid-table obscurity was the target set by the board but King had a brief glimpse of something better.

He said: "I think the crucial match was Huddersfield Town at home.

"If we had managed to win that game then that dream that I talk about might have been a step closer. But in the end it proved beyond us as we lost 1-0, undeservedly so in my opinion."

Although King had no doubts about returning to the role he felt should never have been taken away from him, it was hardly a case of receiving a hero's welcome.

He said: "I was puzzled and hurt by the reaction but I was also very determined. But the fans have come round and it gives you a wonderful feeling to hear shouts of Andy King's barmy army."

Although King can pick out several highlights of the campaign, it is the sense of progress that has pleased him most.

He said: "The attitude of the players has been first class. They responded tremendously to me but also to the club, and the problems that it found itself in.

"There have been occasions when they have not been paid and paid late this year, yet they have still gone out and been totally professional.

"No-one has given us a real beating since I came back. Yes, we have lost matches but it has not been a case of men against boys.

"Stoke City tore us to pieces last time but we went there in April and should have come away with something.

"Cardiff beat us fairly comfortably but that was a case of us being poor rather than them being outstanding.

"But I suppose Brentford away was the lowest point. The lads thought they were going to be paid and then it didn't happen. We lost 2-0 but having spoken to Bob Holt after the match that night it seemed we might lose the football club altogether.

"Thankfully that didn't happen and Bob, Sir Seton and the others are working hard to bring about progress."

On the field, early results were a mixed bag. January saw defeats by Manchester City, Bristol City and Oldham.

But King believes a more positive approach led to a turnaround.

He said: "Going with three up front seemed to work for us. All of a sudden we were really playing to our strengths.

"I didn't feel we were going to cause teams enough problems with just the two strikers. At that stage we were just hoping for a result rather than believing.

"That all changed when we switched to the three in attack. Our pace caused all sorts of problems for other sides and the lads began to believe."

As for the footballing highlights of the season, King gained most satisfaction from the 3-1 win at Colchester in January.

He said: "We played some great stuff at Layer Road that night. We were 1-0 down at half time but I wasn't worried because I knew we were playing so well that the goals had to come.

"Thankfully they did, including a great piece of quick thinking by Andy Gurney for one of the goals.

"Reading at home also sticks out. Sadly the referee's card waving at the end took the gloss off but we really deserved more than a draw that night."

King admits he has taken more time to look at the wider picture since returning to the club.

Although his priority is to secure first team success, he wants success throughout the club.

He said: "Seeing the kids do well has given me a lot of pleasure. Alan Young has come through and challenged for a first team place, as has young Nathan Edwards. Hopefully we will see a few more coming through as well.

"I think the club stands in pretty good stead at this time."

But King is not about to rest on his laurels.

He wants to take Town forward.

He said: "Two strikers bagging you 30 goals over a season is a huge step on the road to success. That's a luxury I don't have at the moment.

"But if we can address the goals issue then there is hope.

"Although we only scored 46 goals last year, we only let in 59. It's a base to build on.

"We were well organised at the back and I think that shows when you see Matty Heywood walked away with the player of the year awards, while Andy Gurney and Bart Griemink were not too far behind.

"But until the goals start to flow, I'm not sure we will achieve the success that I want. And by success I mean play offs or promotion."

Whatever the close season and 2002/3 bring, it will not detract from King's passion for the game.

He said: "I love football and despite the problems management throws at you, I would not swap it for the world.

"I will never take for granted being paid for something I love doing. I believe I am a lucky man."

King wants to succeed in management and step up the ladder. He knows the only way of landing his other 'dream job' will be through achieving success at the County Ground.

He said: "The biggest disappointment for me this year was not even being mentioned in the shake up for the Everton job when Walter Smith was sacked.

"It hurt not seeing my name chalked up on the board in the bookies, even as an outsider."

But it is the County Ground and not Goodison Park which will be in King's thoughts over the summer.

He said: "The last season was a progression but it was still not enough to satisfy Andy King.

"I want far more than mid-table comfort."