Coach & Players reactions to Saturday’s title win

Following our championship winning victory on Saturday at Kirby Muxloe, James Hayward caught up with members of the coaching staff and team to share their thoughts on winning the title. Featuring, coach Dan Kembery, Brandon Bache, Aaron Williams, Trevor Edwards, Corey Currithers and Dominic Perkins.

Brandon Bache

1) Superb result Saturday as the league title has now been confirmed. What are your thoughts on the game?

DK (Dan Kembery): Absolutely delighted to finally get over the line, it was a game I felt we dominated throughout, we created plenty of chances throughout the game and it was good to see us put those chances away in the second half.

BB (Brandon Bache): It was an enjoyable game to be involved in with a lively set of fans for both teams, the first half was cagey with not much in it but second half we really stepped it up a gear and with whispers of results going our way elsewhere we knew we had to push on and dig in to get 3 points.

AW (Aaron Williams): It was what we expected it to be. We knew the beginning was going to be tight, a big crowd, a lot of noise plus they’re not a bad side. We knew we’d grow into it and we were always confident that we’d be the better side overall to come away with the win.

TE (Trevor Edwards): I really enjoyed Saturdays game, I think the atmosphere right from the warm up got the lads up for it. First ten minutes was 100mph but I think as the game went on we grew into it. We had a few chances first half where we probably feel we should have scored. Second half we kicked on took our chances and blew them away. Then to find out Heather lost and we won the league was a great feeling. Relief and joy all at once.

DP (Dominic Perkins): It was a great game, great atmosphere I think we played very well we got the job done another 3 points.

CC (Corey Currithers): You could tell there was a lot on the game for us and both them. They need to get a result to continue their push for a play off spot and us to get the league wrapped up. The game started fast. There was a bit of needle on it from when we played them at home. I don’t think they really hurt us or created any clear cut chances but we knew we were in a game. We had some really good chances first half and on another day we’d have gone in at half time 2/3 up. We heard the news at half time that Heather were losing and I think it gave everyone an extra little boost and we put on a show second half and got over the line.

Aaron Williams

2) After having a few chances missed in the first half, what were the thoughts from the management during the halftime interval?

DK: We were pleased with the first half performance, especially as we were creating chances. We just wanted the lads to stay calm and keep doing the right things.

BB: At the end of the day, we’re the highest scoring team in the league for a reason, there was no panic after not scoring in the first half because we know we create so many chances and score so many goals.

AW: We were just managing the game how we saw fit. Again, it was a bit hectic for the first five or ten minutes but once we got a grasp on things, we started to create chances and knew going into the second half that it was a matter of time before we scored.

TE: I'll be honest we just approached the game like any other and wanted to continue our winning streak. As a group we don’t accept loosing, I did an interview pre-season where I stated that we might not win every game but we won’t lose many and thankfully I was right. Also, deep down we probably thought Heather would pick up 3 points and it was a nice surprise when they didn’t.

DP: Nope didn’t affect us at all, again regardless of us potentially winning the league we just focused on winning the game & getting 3 points.

CC: No, preparation was the same as it has been for the last few weeks. It was just another game for us, we are in good form so we are going into every game with a lot of confidence.

Corey Currithers

3) With it being the fan’s first experience of a league title in 26 years, what is it like to be a part of the squad that has bought so much joy to the fans this season?

DK: It’s amazing, we all said when we joined the club that we wanted to kick on and get this club back to where it belongs for the fans. This is the first step of the journey and we’re delighted to do it first time of asking.

BB: I’ve loved every minute of it to be honest, the squad the gaffers’ have built in our first year together is a testament to them to be honest. They’re a top group of lads and we’re just buzzing that we were able to win that league title for the fans/volunteers/staff/board members who ultimately are the heartbeat of the whole club and have supported us in numbers all season.

AW: I love these boys. Some I’ve known for a long time, but others its our first season playing together. To think back to day one of meeting each other at preseason to where we are now; its incredible. The bond in the whole group is really strong.

TE: The fans deserve this more than anyone, it’s great to involved in a small part of the clubs history but for everything the club/fans have been through it was lovely to put a smile on there face and give them the chance to celebrate.

DP: Such a fantastic feeling because firstly having the following & support we get off the fans both home & away is just incredible.

CC: The season’s been wicked from the start of preseason training sessions and games, it’s been one of my most enjoyable seasons in football, turning up every week with a good set of lads and knowing there’s going to be fans there to put a show on for home and away. A lot of people play football for a long period of time and never win a league so it’s great to do that and give the fans something to cheer for and enjoy with us.

Dominic Perkins

4) Something that has been mentioned all season is how the fans have been that 12th man. Saturday it sounded as though they were the 13th man as well. How important were they Saturday in getting it over the line?

DK: The fans are always important and there’s been a lot of times this season where their support has got us over the line and Saturday was no different. We’re just so happy that we have done this for them!

BB: As I just touched on the fans have been unbelievable all season, the numbers they bring home and away are rare at this level of football and it has really helped us to get over the line not just in this game but all the games home and away this season.

AW: We were told in preseason about the support. I wasn’t sure what I expected in my head but it exceeded expectations. They’ve been unreal, through thick and thin.  They have made playing for the club an honour. They deserve the success as much as (if not more) than anyone.

TE: Every week they turn out in numbers, since pre-season they have got right behind us and pushed us along, for me personally it has been unreal how much support they have shown and I’m just grateful that we could repay that support with a lovely league title and a cup final to look forward to. Saturday was for them and I’m so glad that there was so many there to celebrate with. UTB 🔵⚪️

DP: Yeah I mean they are always important for us, in Saturdays game, in that weather, they just showed that no matter what they give us there support so it was only right we got the win & won the league 👊🏿🏆.

CC: The fans have been wicked from preseason up until now, there has been some cold miserable days/evenings and they have still showed up on their number. Saturday just epitomises what they are about, torrential rain and the are still there supporting us and pushing it over the line. Hopefully we can have good numbers there Saturday get a result and lift the trophy in front of a few of them and the same at Bescot in a few weeks.

Trevor Edwards

Thank you to the players and coaching staff who took time to answer these questions and thank you for the hard work you have put in this season. We'd also like to reiterate how phenomenal the support from the fans has been this season and that we need you to keep showing in numbers these last few games. Finally, another big thanks to all volunteers who took time out of their day's to help the club forward. The volunteers and fans are the heartbeat of the club and have made it what it is today. Up the Town 💙 💙