League sponsors Vanarama offer some answers about the actual importance of the start to the season
Fear not, Bradford (Park Avenue) fans – we have some news that might make a tough start to the season taste a little bit sweeter.
Believe it or not, there are a few stories to tell of years gone by that prove the season might be about to turn a huge corner – let us explain.
This time last season, Blyth Spartans found themselves in a similar position. They were fourth from bottom with ten points to their name – where did they finish? In the play-off places!
That’s not all. Last season also showed that the Avenue absolutely love back-end of the calendar year. From the end of September until the very end of 2018, Mark Bower had masterminded eight wins, four draws and just a single defeat.
If Marcus Law can get that that same tune from his players, it could be about to take off in West Yorkshire.
Managers often say it, players too, but does blazing a trail from the off actually have any bearing on where you finish?
The answer? Not exactly.
Stockport County and Chorley were the sides lucky enough to snare a place in the National League last season, but that’s only half the story.
You might have been laughed out of Edgeley Park if you’d mentioned title talk in mid-September last season – but they quickly ate into the deficit to take the ultimate prize.
Chorley conceded a nine-point cushion between themselves and second, settling for the lottery of the play-offs to get up.
In the 2016/17 season, Harrogate were well in touch with top-spot after 11 games but couldn’t buy a win not long after – winning just eight games for the rest of the season and finishing six places and 17 points adrift of the top seven.
Sponsors Vanarama have recently launched the Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback!
For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.