STEVE Easterbrook has hailed this season as the most enjoyable in all his time as Chairman at Slough Town Football Club.

Easterbrook took over as Chairman in 2008 when The Rebels were given a reprieve from relegation from the Southern Football League after Halifax Town went into administration.

Easterbrook oversaw promotion into the Southern Premier Division in 2014 plus their move from a tenancy agreement with Beaconsfield SYCOB at Holloways into the multi-million pound Arbour Park Community Sports Stadium in 2016.

Slough reached the FA Cup second round proper this season, where they lost to Rochdale of the Football League in a home tie screened live by BT Sports.

But, their biggest achievement was a 2-1 win at Kings Lynn Town in the Premier Division play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday, securing their return to the National League for the first time since 1998.

Easterbrook told the Observer: “This season has been the most enjoyable season in all my time as Chairman of the club because, both on and off the field, we’ve made giant strides forward.

“Winning on the pitch is great, but of paramount importance to me is the ethos of the club and how we conduct ourselves.

“I would like to think that everyone can see what we’re striving to achieve and the positive direction the club is moving, both on and off the pitch.

“There’s a real buzz about the place and a real feelgood factor.

“The players have been absolutely brilliant and, not wanting to take away anything from what they’ve accomplished, we would have achieved nothing if it were not for all the volunteers who not only work hard but create an environment within which the club continues to grow. Without the volunteers and supporters, we would be nowhere.”

Looking back on the win at The Walks which secured promotion this season, he added: “After initially running around like a madman, my feeling was one of immense elation and relief, as gaining promotions from these leagues is unbelievably difficult.

“Also, there was a feeling of pride for everyone connected to the club as it was not that long ago that Slough Town was staring into the abyss. So really one of sheer happiness for all of us.

“The senior management within the club would have been disappointed if we had not made the play-offs this season.

“Once in the play-offs, it is of course a bit of a lottery with four strong teams competing.

“However, we managed to prevail and it’s a magnificent achievement that will not sink in for a while.”

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