Over the last few years, it’s been hard to ignore the rise of Scarborough Athletic. After a turbulent time in the early 2000s with financial issues, they are now thriving almost two decades on with the club settled in the National League North. Let’s take a look at why they have had this success.
The manager and his team
Manager Jonathan Greening was a Champions League winner back in 1999. The Scarborough born ex footballer had an eventful career playing at eight football clubs over a 21 year period. He is still in his first managerial role, despite now coaching Scarborough for three years. In his first season he led the club to promotion and also won the North Riding Senior Cup.
This season has seen the Seadogs finish 13th in the National League North, securing their place in the division for another season. They have had a very average season with 18 wins and also 18 losses earning 64 points.
Season Moments
During an average season, Scarborough have had a few big moments this campaign, forcing an FA Cup replay against Football League side Forest Green Rovers of League Two. Although Forest Green grabbed a late equaliser, to make it 1-1, it is a huge achievement from the Seadogs.
To add to their highs of the season, Greening brought in fresh talent in the shape of Finlay Barnes, from National League side York City. Barnes joined Scarborough on loan on two occasions, scoring 5 goals in 23 games.
However, the season didn’t pass without it’s lows too. Unfortunately Athletic fell short in the North Riding Senior Cup this year and so ‘Disappointing Boro bow out of the NRSC.’ It finished Guisborough Town 1-1 Scarborough Athletic (Guisborough won 3-2 on pens in the North Riding Senior Cup Quarter-Final).
There was also quite a shock in the camp when captain Michael Coulson left the club mid season to join fellow National League North side Farsley Celtic. The experience he has could have helped the team press for play-offs and possibly promotion.
Coulson explained he left for more game time but he “had a brilliant time at Scarborough but the time had come for me to move on.” Coulson then said: “I finished top scorer at Scarborough last season and I’ve always scored goals and done my best to help the team” giving Farsley fans an insight into what they can expect.
Overall the highs and lows of the season have cancelled each other out, earning Scarborough an average season.
Progression
Further success for the Seadogs would see them push for promotion and finish in a play-off place next year. However, to achieve this goal, Scarborough will need to look at recruiting more quality for next season to help their rise. The main replacement will be in midfield after the loss of Coulson earlier in the season.
One player they may look to bring in is Cameron Wilson. The 21 year old joined Scarborough on loan in the 2021/22 season and made 17 appearances. It has been made clear this season that Wilson is not in Jimmy Dean’s plans at Scunthorpe, therefore it’s likely he will leave in the summer. Wilson is a attacking midfielder who is also capable of playing in a wide role.
The club will also need to bring in a new forward with three of the current forwards being on loan and expected to return to their parent clubs.
One forward they could bring in is Caolan Lavery of Doncaster Rovers. He is a prolific goal scorer around National League level and if Scarborough can attract his signature they will have a brilliant forward on their hands. Lavery is an experienced forward, now 31, after playing in the Championship and League One for the majority of his career. He has recently featured for Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers, scoring a combined 10 goals in 32 games.
