BRAD HAS AN ISLAND DREAM

CANVEY ISLAND boss Brad Wellman says the aim of returning his boyhood club to the big time is the mission of a lifetime.

- Hugo Varley

The Essex side, who once graced the Conference in the early Noughties, have followed up on promotion from Step 4 with an eye-catching campaign in the Isthmian Premier.

Wellman’s side went into the weekend just two points off the summit, on a run of seven wins in nine, having lost just four times since the end of October.

They’ve already defied most expectations by being at the right end of the table, but Wellman is dreaming of even more!

“At the start of the season a lot of people thought we’d simply be in this league to make up the numbers, but we’ve certainly proven them wrong,” he said.

“We knew we had quality in the group and were able to keep hold of most of the lads who got us up last year so for us it’s not been too much of a surprise.

“I’m just really proud. I’m a Canvey boy, this club has meant a lot to me throughout my life and trying to restore them to where they once were is such an honour.”