The same can be said for supporters of the Staffordshire club who have seen their favourites repeatedly fall short of a return to the Northern Premier League’s top flight since they were relegated in 2008.
That is until last Monday, when a 2-1 victory at Newcastle Town sealed promotion from the West Division.
“We intend to savour the moment,” the Blues’ skipper told The NLP. “Of course, I’m happy. But the primary emotion is relief.”
The midfielder signed for Leek from neighbours Kidsgrove seven years ago, and has been part of a side that has contested the play-offs three times – reaching the final in 2019.
The past two attempts ended after home defeats against Runcorn Linnets at the semi-finals stage.
Leek also occupied top spot in the then NPL South East Division, winning 23 of the 28 games they played, when the FA decided to curtail, then declare null and void, the 2019-20 term because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teammates Olly Harrison, Rob Stevenson, Dan Trickett-Smith and Tim Grice were there with him at Harrison Park through it all.
Denne historien er fra April 07, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 07, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
REEGAN'S MESSAGE: IT IS NOT ALL OVER
SECOND-placed Evesham United took all three points against leaders Yate Town and cut their lead to seven points with nine games to play.
ANGELO SENT TO LEAD CITY
ANGELO Harrop believes Chelmsford City have the potential to one day become a Football League club after the former Braintree Town boss was lined up as Robbie Simpson’s successor.
HOOPER STRIKES TO TAME TIGERS
A SUPERB second-half strike from Brad Hooper secured the win for Hungerford at Bulpit Lane to keep their play-off hopes alive.
HOT SHOT TOMMY'S FIGHTING FIT AGAIN
TOMMY Widdrington says guiding Aldershot Town to the Isuzu FA Trophy final, just weeks after fighting for his life in a hospital bed, would prove the highest point of his managerial career.
DANNY'S GOT THE BOARD'S BACKING
THERE was a moment when Danny Wilkins realised that becoming Clitheroe FC’s next chairman might not be such a mad idea.
VASE IS ADDED FOIL FOR COYLE
WHITSTABLE Town player-manager Jamie Coyle says winning the Isuzu FA Vase would be the crowning glory of his 20-year career.
NOW GO FINISH IT IN STYLE
TITLE-CHASING BOSS TO LEAVE
C'EST BONNE
Mac on the mark as Bees close in
DALE DELIVER A HAT-TRICK!
JIMMY McNulty hailed his Rochdale troops after disposing of Wealdstone to keep their their play-off hopes alive.
DOE'S CREATION TOPPING THE BIL
NON-LEAGUE Day founder James Doe believes the backing of Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao – and La Liga – has added even more impetus to this year’s event.
