RENDELL’S SWANSONG SETS UP A STAGS DO!
WHEN Scott Rendell dropped down to join AFC Totton at Step 4 two seasons ago, it would have been fair to assume he was looking to bow out away from the spotlight.
And why not, as the then 35-year-old had enjoyed a glittering career in the EFL before becoming one of the most prolific Non-League marksmen of his generation.
But very few would have predicted what would happen next.
Over 70 goals in all competitions has helped take the Stags to within one game of back-to-back promotions and the highest league position in the club’s history.
No wonder the former Luton Town, Crawley and Aldershot front man in enjoying his football as much as ever.
“When I joined, it could have gone one of two ways,” Rendell, now 37, told The NLP. “It could have been the end of my career if it had gone badly, or it could have lit that little fire beneath me, and that’s what it’s done. It’s been brilliant.
“In the first year, I scored 36 goals, finished the league’s top scorer and won a league title, and this year, to back it up, I’ve got 31 and a playoff final, so it’s fair to say I’ve loved my time here.
“When I joined I bought into a project but, like everything, you’re never fully sure if the ambition will ever turn into reality. So for it to come to fruition so soon is the ultimate success story and is probably a bit surprising.
“But, on the other hand, I’m not surprised with the changing room we have got and the way we are trying to go.”
Indeed, straight off the back of winning Division One South last season, the Stags have continued on the front foot with a storming end-of-season run to finish second in the table behind champions Chesham.
They had to recover from conceding a late equaliser to come through a nervy home play-off semi-final with Bracknell Town, after extra-time, on Wednesday, and Rendell believes that Jimmy Ball’s squad – made up of a healthy mix of youth and experience – is primed and ready for one final push.
“Momentum is massive and we feel we have that at our football club at the minute,” he adds.
“We never give in. We’ve got stacks of quality, we’ve got heart, and we’ve got belief. There’s no arrogance here whatsoever, you’ve just got to trust what you have in your changing room.
“Monday will be no different, it will be the hardest game of the season for sure.
“The atmosphere, the occasion, it will be a good spectacle for everyone against a strong side in Salisbury, and we hope we can come out with a positive result and get ready to go in National League South next year.”