A treble winning campaign that saw us crowned League Champions, Mick Walden Shield winners and Championship Cup winners. We also came agonisingly close in the County Cup Final against Northampton Town and reached the League Cup Semi-Final. It has been a season full of memorable moments and one that everyone involved with the club can be incredibly proud of.

The foundations for this success were laid three seasons ago. Following a difficult period that included seven consecutive league defeats and a change in coaching staff, we began rebuilding the squad with a talented group of Under-16 players. It was a huge learning curve for everyone involved and taught us exactly what was required to be successful at this level. We quickly realised the importance of squad size, the type of players needed, and the demands of senior football compared to youth football.

Three seasons ago, with a squad made up of nine Under-16s and a handful of Under-18s, we managed to reach the Jaymann Shield Final. Alongside that group, we had several talented Under-15s training with us who were not yet eligible to play. We developed a style of football that suited the players we had and started building for the future. Although results did not always go our way, we could see the potential within the group and knew we were building something that could be successful in the years ahead.

Moving into the 2024/25 season, we retained seven of those Under-16 players, introduced the Under-15s who had been training with us, and added 10-12 new faces. Although the season ended without silverware, the progress was clear. We finished second in the league, losing only twice to the Whitworths side who eventually became champions. We also reached three semi-finals, with two of those defeats again coming against Whitworths.

One of the standout additions that season was Carl Sainsbury, who joined the coaching staff and brought calmness, experience and valuable leadership to the group. Moving into the 2025/26 season, we were further strengthened by the addition of Sooty to the coaching team. He brought even more experience, football knowledge and, importantly, a history of winning. His understanding of what it takes to be successful helped drive standards throughout the squad and added another dimension to the coaching group. Alongside Carl, he played a key role in helping develop the winning mentality that would ultimately contribute to a treble-winning campaign.

By the end of the 2024/25 season, and with the additions both on and off the pitch, we knew the 2025/26 season had the potential to be something special.

For the 2025/26 season, we strengthened again by adding several Under-17s, a couple of Under-16s and a number of experienced Under-18 players. As the season progressed, we also introduced another group of Under-16s into training, with one eye on the future and the rebuild for next season. Giving these young players valuable minutes and experience will stand them in good stead moving forward and ensures the future of the team remains strong.

In all my years in football, this team ranks among the most exciting groups I have worked with. They were capable of producing spells of brilliant football that could win games within minutes. Once we found our rhythm, goals were never a problem. We had the ability to overwhelm opponents quickly and put games beyond reach with ruthless finishing, attacking quality and a real desire to improve.

One of the biggest factors behind our success has been our recruitment process. Ability is important, but personality is equally vital. We always look closely at the character of every player because one bad apple can affect an entire squad. We demand high standards, commitment, discipline and respect from everyone involved. Those values have helped create a strong dressing-room culture where players support one another, work hard for each other and continually push each other to improve.

Just as important as the football has been the friendship and camaraderie within the group. The bond between the players has been fantastic and has been one of the key reasons behind our success. They enjoy playing for each other, support one another on and off the pitch and have created an environment that everyone wants to be a part of. When you combine quality players with strong character, togetherness and a genuine team spirit, you give yourself the best possible chance of achieving success.

The statistics tell their own story. Only three defeats all season, three cup finals, two cup victories, a league title and a League Cup semi-final appearance. We also pushed Northampton Town all the way in the County Cup Final and can be proud of how we represented ourselves throughout every competition. More importantly, we have built a squad that is prepared for the challenges ahead while already putting plans in place for the future.

A huge thank you must go to the club and committee, whose support throughout the season has been outstanding. Having people around you who back the management team and players every step of the way makes a huge difference. The Senior League has also been excellent this season and has provided a fantastic platform for development and competition.

This season will be remembered for the trophies, the success and the football we played, but it should also be remembered as the culmination of a three-year journey. From a group learning the demands of senior football, to league runners-up and semi-finalists, and finally to a treble-winning side, the progress has been remarkable.

The future remains bright. With a strong core of players, talented youngsters already coming through and a culture built on standards, respect and hard work, there is plenty more to look forward to.