Non-League Rich - Stevenage party long overdue

Last updated : 23 April 2010 By DSG

The Hertfordshire side can now relish joining the elite 92 of English football and all that comes with it, including entry at the First Round stage of the FA Cup and a crack at the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and Carling Cup. Who can say it isn't well deserved?

When including the six points taken from games against the now-defunct Chester City, manager Graham Westley (pictured) has led Borough to the title with a record-points haul after Tuesday evening's 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Gateshead saw them surpass Aldershot's total of 101 set back in 2007-08.

Add to that an incredible home form in which they have lost just once at Broadhall Way all season, a run-in that has seen them claim 13 wins in 14 games and a watertight defence leaking just 24 league goals heading into this Saturday's final fixture against York City, Borough can be safe in the knowledge that they warrant every single bit of praise thrown their way as the worthiest of Champions.

Yet with the club looking set to be shut down around a decade ago, Chairman Phil Wallace could have only dreamed of the promotion party that will be witnessed as the Blue Square Premier season reaches its climax this weekend. The local businessman has helped to transform Borough, sorting out problems behind the scenes while attempting to guarantee success on the pitch.

After two FA Trophy triumphs, an unsuccessful play-off final outing and the building of a new £500,000 stand and £2 million training facility in the last 10 years, Borough have at last achieved their goal of reaching the Promised Land. For all of the work Wallace has done, the reappointment of former Farnborough Town boss Westley has to be credited as the main reason behind the club finally achieving a place in League Two.

Westley's first stint at the helm ended in controversial fashion back in 2006 as Wallace decided against renewing the manager's contract due to worries about the direct style of football being played, a lack of discipline and an attitude developing within the team.

Very rarely is a manager given a second chance to take over the reigns at a club, especially having left on difficult terms in the past. After swallowing his pride and returning with a hungry determination in May 2008, Westley has built a balanced squad capable of producing attractive displays while also recording results.

With his no-nonsense style and brash views, Westley isn't the most popular individual in Non-League football by any stretch of the imagination, but he has led his side to create history in what has been a truly remarkable campaign. And with an FA Trophy final to look forward to against Barrow at Wembley on the 8th May, Stevenage could really add the icing on the cake by completing the season as double winners - casting aside the darker days in 1996 once and for all.

RICHARD BATES IS A NEW SIGNING AT FOOTBALL.CO.UK

Source: DSG

Source: DSG