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Veteran midfielder Neil Lovell said after Gresley had clinched the title this week: “Promotion is what a lot of us have been working for several seasons.”

The midfield dynamo, who has played a large part in keeping spirits high at the Moat Ground during two successive title triumphs, said: “Personally, I would love a chance to play in the Beazer League. It could be that I won’t figure in the manager’s plans but I’ll be doing my best to make sure I do.

“It’s been a terrific achievement to win the title again. We were always favourites and that made things harder for us. There have been some disappointments like going out of the Vase and losing to Stapenhill in the Derbyshire Senior Cup but we’ve bounced back and I think that surprised a few people.”

Lovell says all the first team squad are backing manager Steve Dolby in the bid to succeed in making the step up to the Beazer Homes League.

Much depends on a May ground inspection by Beazer officials but with confidence high that the club will succeed, Lovell says: “There could be no greater disappointment than to miss out again.

“We’ve done our bit on the field and so have the committee and supporters off it. Now we’re just hoping we can make the step up. As far as playing in the Beazer League goes it’s all down to Dolly now.

“He’s got the respect of the players as we all want to be involved next year. We’ve still got a good side and I would like to get a chance. There are seven or eight players here who have worked hard for several seasons for that one aim.”