Today, with the club on the verge of promotion into the Football League, those eyebrows have dipped somewhat and there is less cynicism in the air.
The ground is being redeveloped, fixtures are selling out and the ownership and fanbase are truly at one.
Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has arrived, a big penalty has been saved in an extraordinary win against title challengers Notts County and the first step seems certain to be taken.
Expectation is palpable. So, assuming the Red Dragons complete the job, will they move on with momentum or get stuck at the puzzle of overcoming the next challenge?
In recent times, there are a number of clubs that have moved into the Football League and kept going. Fleetwood, Burton, Morecambe, Accrington, Cambridge, Oxford - all have made the journey into the League, some for the first time, and all have moved on up.
Esta historia es de la edición April 16, 2023 de The Football League Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 16, 2023 de The Football League Paper.
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SCHUEY TIPPED FOR PILGRIMS RETURN
STEVEN Schumacher is the odds-on favourite to take over at Plymouth Argyle following the departure of Wayne Rooney.
MAT'S SUPER SADDLERS GO MARCHING ON
DELIGHTED Walsall boss Mat Sadler praised his troops for an 'incredible victory' after the runaway leaders came from behind to stun Notts County.
CAM'S GOAL LEAVES MIKE FEELING BLUE
CARLISLE manager Mike Williamson said he could understand the frustration of the traveling fans after his side were booed off following a narrow defeat to Tranmere at Prenton Park.
MOORE WANTS SOME MORE
DARREN Moore hopes the win at promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers will prove to be a turning point for his Port Vale side.
SHRIMPS BID TO STIR THINGS UP
DEREK Adams wants his Morecambe side to build on a 'really big result' against Tranmere on New Year's Day when they visit Newport this afternoon.
'Don't blame this all on Freddie'
PAUL Heckingbottom leaped to the defence of Freddie Woodman after the Preston goalkeeper's mistake so nearly resulted in defeat against Oxford.
FORSON DOUBLE STUNS SKY BLUES
NORWICH head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup told goal hero Amankwah Forson to enjoy the moment after the substitute scored twice in injury-time to earn his side a scarcely believable win over Coventry City.
MCNALLY FIRES IN AS ROBINS FLY HIGH
LIAM Manning predicted a quiet transfer window in terms of signings after seeing his improving Bristol City side move up to eighth in the table - just three points off the playoff zone.
Danny downcast at wasteful Owls
FRUSTRATED Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl admitted he was \"more disappointed than happy\" after watching his side waste a succession of first-half chances before scraping a draw against Millwall.
ALLEN NO ORDINARY JOE, SAYS WILLIAMS
SWANSEA boss Luke Williams paid tribute to supersub Joe Allen after his injury-time goal claimed a point against West Bromwich Albion.
