SLIMBRIDGE chairman John Mack paid tribute to his management team of Leon Sterling and Freddy Ward, who have masterminded promotion to the Southern League, at the Swans’ end of season presentation evening at Wisloe Road.

“It’s been a terrific season this year for all our sides,” said Mack.

“Obviously the highlight was the first team going into the Southern League. Good luck to them, I’m very proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Manager Leon Sterling and assistant Freddy Ward were then presented with Long Service Awards to mark their contributions to the football club.

Leon made his debut on August 19, 2003, against Pewsey Vale, and has notched up 411 first team appearances, while Freddy, who made his debut a year earlier against Purton, on August 17, 2002, has now made 499 first team appearances.

Accepting the awards on behalf of the duo, Leon reflected on Slimbridge's success last year.

“When we won the Hellenic League eight years ago, and decided not to go up, ironically, that was when I took my first steps into management with James Cole in the Northern Senior League.

“When I started helping him out, I was a local lad, and helped him as his Number Two getting players in – the likes of Marv Roberts and Jamie Inch – guys that were local and wanted to play for a team where the ground was good, and people supported you.

“We then went up to the County League, which was a little more difficult, but where some of the lads who are still here joined us – Dave Evans, Jamie Martin have now been with me for my eight years in management.’

“I’d like to thank all the players who have played for me since that time, who have got us to the place where we have achieved what we have.

“Last season was difficult in terms of where we finished, but we came into this season with only a few new faces, and when you look back, it’s a massive achievement for the club," he said.

“I’m only as good as the players make me look, and last season they didn’t make me look too good, but this year they’ve made me look brilliant.

“It’s down to the players – their respect to people around them, to me, and most importantly, to each other. We have a great team spirit."