Champions! – Welford Victoria Football Club

Asfordby Development’s defeat to Bottesford FC Development meant that our Saturday Adults team became champions of League Three of the Leicestershire County Football League without kicking a ball last night. With three games still to play, they lead the second-placed team by eleven points, meaning that a first trophy since 2011 is on its way to Newlands Road – the perfect way to mark our 125th anniversary as a club. An unbeaten season remains a possibility, however, so we urge the lads not to celebrate too much over the coming weeks!

Player-manager Jordan Drew was understandably delighted to have finally clinched the title, and now his team cannot be caught mathematically, is finally prepared to allow people to speak about it in his presence. “It’s been a brilliant season, far tougher than the league table might suggest”, he commented in between responding to his players’ WhatsApp messages last night. “This group of players is truly incredible and to a man they match their talent with their attitude and application. Now, though, we want to finish the job in the league by remaining unbeaten all season, and finish the job in the cup by winning our final next week”

Club Chairman Barrie Dowsett was also in jubilant mood. “I love a good party” was his main contribution to the conversation last night before we managed to get a little more sense out of him this morning. “First of all, my congratulations to Jordan, Ollie (assistant manager) and all the players on the first of what we hope is many achievements over this season and the many that follow. I’m obviously delighted that they have won the league, but I’m probably more proud of the way in which they have done it. They play great football and they play the Welford way – I don’t think they even picked up a single booking until something like November”

Everyone at Welford Victoria would also like to thank the team’s sponsor, Board24, who kindly provided us with a full set of kit, bag and training equipment at the start of the season. “Pride in the shirt is our only expectation”, continued Dowsett, “and Board24’s generous contribution meant we were able to provide this team with a set of kit in which they could feel proud and look the part (as well as playing the part)”

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Charlie Ludbrook

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