Hard work pays off for Mills

Hard work pays off for Mills

7 May 2014

DRUMANESS Mills joint manager Dessie Campbell, who has helped lead his side to the ‘Promised Land’ after just three years in charge, couldn’t hide his delight after the game.

“It was a bit nervy now and again, but I believe we deserved to win the title. We put in all the hard work at training throughout the wet winter months and it certainly has paid off,” he said.

“We had upwards of 40 players training in all sorts of conditions, but that helps build team morale and I couldn’t have asked anything more of the players.

“Every single player gave their all and I delighted for Conor and Paul Walsh, Stevie and Philly Rogan and Gavin McEvoy, they are all leaders. I am also delighted for all the committee men who work tirelessly behind the scenes every day of the week and never get a mention.

“To those who clean the changing rooms, those who cut the grass on the pitch, a big thank you from the players and myself, this is for you.

“We are all part of a special club here at Meadowvale and there are loads of people to thank for helping us as a team get this far, but I must single out my team management colleagues Barry Kelly, Anthony Walsh and David Straney, the best coach in the business. We have all gelled into a good team and nothing is too much trouble for any of those lads.

“I hope the players enjoy the night as it is back to business with a game away to Nortel on Tuesday night and then the Clarence Cup final next Wednesday night.  

Straney was all smiles on the final whistle and after congratulating every one of his player he said: “I was involved with Downpatrick FC when they lifted the title six years ago, but this is an even bigger achievement in such a short space of time.

“This is such a great achievement in two years, it is unbelievable, and it is credit to all the players, Dessie, the backroom staff and the committee. It’s absolutely brilliant, first class.

Club vice-chairman George Gillespie, who has been involved with the club for even longer than he would care to admit, was also in ebullient mood on the final whistle.

“I just can’t believe it. This has been a long time coming and something we have been working towards for years, but now that it had happened, I am finding it hard to find the right words.

“All credit must go to the managers and their players. They have worked hard over the past two years and now fully deserve this success. Here’s hoping their is more to come,” he added.

Club secretary Michael Donnelly also paid tribute to the players and management team.

“Dessie and David and the boys have remained focused throughout the year, even when some results didn’t go out way. They had every belief in the players delivering and that’s what they did.

Nothing special in the way of celebrations has been organised for tonight, but Nigel (Strain) has ordered in an extra delivery of beer, just in case.

“ Winning the league will have taken the pressure off us and we can now look forward to going out and enjoying the Clarence Cup final rather then wondering what might have been had we lost out in the race for the league title.”

It was a very special occasion for midfield playmaker Paul Walsh, who has been with the club since childhood and who has been playing for the Mills first team for over 14 years now and this was his first piece of silverware.

“I always believed we would win it. It has extra special meaning for me as I leave to emigrate to Canada in a fortnight’s time and this will provide special memories for me. I am really looking forward to the cup final now as that will be my last game for Drumaness and I hope to go out on another high.

“I have really enjoyed my football at the Mills, but a new chapter is opening for me and I can only wish them all the best for the future.”