LONGRIDGE Town Chairman Kevin Harrison has spoken of his delight at the progress the club has made in the past couple of years - both on and off the field.
Town are at the top of the Hallmark Security League’s First Division North in their first season at the higher level of football – and crowd numbers are on the rise.
On the pitch the club has already hit the back of the net more than 100 times in the league – reaching the milestone in just 25 games, an effort manager Lee Ashcroft has rightly described as “phenomenal”.
In an interview on the league’s official website Kevin said: “I think that on the field we are probably exceeding our own expectations.
“It’s a long way to come in such a short space of time. This time last year we were still getting the ground grading done; the main stand wasn’t in place.”
The club was also uncertain if it would be accepted into the league or if it would start the campaign still playing West Lancashire League football.
Kevin said: “When we set out, we thought we would establish ourselves in the top half of the division and set ourselves up for next season, and that was it really.
“Last year was about making changes on and off the pitch. Football wise we took a bit of a back step and prioritised the ground, and put money into that, which has paid off .
He added: “The way that it has gone on the pitch has surprised us a little bit, but at the moment, and we are just grateful really that we are still in a position where we have got something to play for”.
Kevin praised the club’s volunteers and added: “For me, to be part of a club that I have supported for 40 years in various guises, played for and now have the privilege of chairing is a great feeling.
“This season, crowds have gone from an average of 50 up to over 160 and the local people are really supporting us.
“There are a lot of local businesses involved, if you look round the ground every advertising board is for a local business, and it's nice to see the people coming out and appreciating what we are trying to do.”
Town’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed away from Longridge. They won the Macron Club of the Month Award in Division One North of the Hallmark Security League last October.
Town manager Lee Ashcroft is pictured here being presented with the award by league vice-chairman Geoff Wilkinson prior to a game against AFC Darwen.