Chasetown FC achievements have gone beyond manager’s wildest dreams

Charlie Blakemore admits his achievements in the Chasetown FC hotseat have exceeded his expectations.

The Scholars boss will be looking to add to his growing collection of famous victories in charge of the club when his side entertain Mansfield Town in the FA Trophy tomorrow (February 26).

But the Chasetown he guides today are a long way from the club he took charge of during the 2004-05 season.

Blakemore had enjoyed spells as a player at the Scholars Ground before venturing into management alongside Michael Rowe and then eventually taking the reins on his own.

Despite, the Scholars failing to make an impact in the Midland Football Alliance during the previous seasons, the new manager’s transformation of his side’s fortunes was almost instant as they enjoyed the first of two memorable FA Cup runs under his stewardship, going out to Oldham Athletic in a replay in the 2005-06 term.

Since then, Blakemore hasn’t looked back, winning two promotions and becoming the lowest ranked side to reach the third round of the FA Cup where they took the lead against Cardiff City before eventually losing out 3-1 to the Championship side.

Despite making yet another step up in the non-league pyramid this season, the Chasetown manager’s magic touch has shown no sign of wearing off, with the Scholars acquitting themselves well in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division and making their historic charge to the quarter finals of the FA Trophy.

But while is on-the-field achievements have been impressive, Blakemore is equally as proud of the progress the club has been able to make off-the-field during his tenure.

Click below to hear Charlie Blakemore’s thoughts on his time in charge of Chasetown: