So, yesterday bought the end of a 13-month long season that started in April 2021 when I was appointed manager of Darlaston Town 1874 FC. In that time we have played 46 competitive games and 23 friendlies in that time.

The work carried out by the board of directors, committee members and our brilliant volunteers is truly remarkable, a true testament of what can be achieved by hard work, dedication, and commitment. Whilst many others moan and groan about the difficulties of non-league football, they graft and graft and graft some more, improving Darlaston Town 1874 every day - truly inspiring.

On the field, we achieved something that had never been achieved before in 148 years, however, trust me, if all the managers before me had had Neil and his team running the club this would have happened a 100 years ago. This would never have happened without their support off the field.

The supporters have been fantastic; supported home and away in vast numbers and been very fair in their views both good and bad when needed - Thank you.

As a married father of 4 and recently a grandad to a beautiful grandson, I want to be working for a club with values, and morals, a club to be proud of. I want my players to invite their families and young children to where they can spend time in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, this is what we have at Darlaston - standards.

Losing a member of our family in Leon will have a lifetime impact and consequences on some of my boys and it shouldn’t be underestimated the mental fortitude from some very young Darlaston men in delivering this success.

On the pitch my boys have smashed it, absolutely bloody smashed it, collectively they are all now Darlaston Town 1874 FC legends and fully deserved - thank you, boys.

Today I have started plotting and cogitating our next plan and future dreams.

Have a lovely, safe and happy summer.

UTD

Dean