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Gresley Rovers are up! A 2-1 victory at Hinckley Town last night and a 2-0 home defeat of Barri by Stourbridge ensured the Moatmen’s place alongside Burton Albion in the Beazer Homes Premier Division next season.
More than 200 Rovers supporters celebrated outside the Rovers dressing room at Leicester Road last night after hearing news from Worcester of Barri’s defeat.And there were scenes of joy from the Rovers players and officials as the realisation sunk in that Steve Dolby’s side had succeeded in going from the West Midlands Regional League to the Beazer Premier in just one season.
Gresley now go to Rushden & Diamonds for their final league game of the season on Saturday secure in the knowledge that nothing can stop them finishing outside the Midland Division top two – while a win at Irthlingborough and a home defeat for Nuneaton Borough by Evesham United would give them an unlikely championship title.
Manager Steve Dolby said amid the celebrations: “It’s what we’ve worked for and it feels great – it’s a weight off your shoulders after the last four weeks. Everybody from the youngest supporter to the chairman deserves it. The players are all heroes – they’ve all played their part all season.
“When you’ve got a side that’s good enough you stick by them and that’s paid dividends. It’s all come right tonight but we had to battle. Some of their challenges were X-rated. We started off standing off a bit but we got on top of them in the second half.”
With no home game left before the end of the season Rovers plan to mark their historic achievement by holding an “open evening” at the Moat Ground on Tuesday when fans will be invited to join players and committee in a promotion celebration.
What they said
Manager Steve Dolby: “In my wildest dreams I thought we could probably challenge for a place in the top six and perhaps be in with a chance of promotion at the end, but I never thought we’d be up here like this. Just don’t ask me for a prediction for next season yet!”
Chairman Peter Hall: “I still can’t believe it. I never dreamed we would get this far. It’s just down to hard work by everybody.”
Assistant manager Malc Campion: “We’ve not bought our way to promotion. The players are home-grown. It’s been a good squad and we’ve only brought in to players all season.”
Defender Stuart Evans: “We’ve worked hard for promotion and it’s thoroughly deserved. We’ve had a few hiccups but that doesn’t matter now – we’re up and it’s a brilliant feeling.”
Striker Mike Taplin: “Promotion is a reward for our efforts over the whole season. After the disappointment of having lost out in two semi-finals it’s a very nice feeling.”
Skipper Richard Denby: “We deserve to go up. We’ve played well all season and now we’ve got something to show for it – it’s tremendous.”
Midfielder Richard Denby: “In a way it’s a bit of an anti-climax because we were all expecting to have to go to Rushden on Saturday and win. It’s great to know we’ve made it, though.”
Top scorer Martin Devaney: “I’ve been really disappointed before, finishing third on goal difference with Tamworth, then fourth and fifth. After we lost to Leicester United on Saturday I thought we’d missed out again.”
Keeper Bob Aston: “It’s another achievement like going to Wembley – in fact it probably tops Wembley – and that takes some topping.”
Defender Gil Land: “I’m just pleased for everybody connected with the club: players, management, committee – but more than everyone the supporters. We’ve had our hiccups but at the end of the day we’ve got what we deserved.”
Striker Craig Weston: “We’ve tried to play our football and resisted the temptation to get the ball forward as quickly as possible and it’s paid off in the end. Whoever we’ve played we’ve given them a good game whatever league they’re from. It’s great for everyone, especially the fans – they’ve been tremendous, home and away.”
Commercial director Frank McArdle: “The inspiration for the directors and the committee has come directly from the players. They’re a credit to the area and to themselves. It’s a sheer pleasure to be involved in what’s happening at Gresley Rovers.”
