Courtney Belford says lifting the League Cup trophy is just reward for Hinckley AFC players who have “given everything” throughout the season.
AFC ended the season with silverware as Isa Abraham and Adam Barber scored the goals at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium.
For Belford, who returned to the club in November after having to step down last May due to work commitments, it was a fully deserved success for players, staff and fans and called it a “fantastic” achievement.
He said: “I’m made up for the lads, with the effort they’ve put in since I came back in. Joe had a tough job on his hands in the summer after being left in the lurch by myself and a few players.
“I was gutted we couldn’t get over the line last week but that’s just reward for the lads. They’ve worked so hard, their attitude and application has been fantastic. They deserve that for giving absolutely everything.
“I’m made up for everybody. This is such a special club. Being away for a short period of time, you realise how much people do care and matter here.
“I’m just looking forward to next season now. After last week, we were down in the dumps but this rejuvenates you and we’ll go again now. Bring on pre-season, but we’ll enjoy this as long as we can”
Belford now has more than 120 games under his belt at the club, either as manager for three seasons or assistant when he returned this campaign.
And with nearly 80 wins in that time, it’s a trophy he feels is long awaited but wants more to come.
“It’s one ticked off. Promotion is the main aim here and as long as I’m here, as long as the club keep backing me and Joe, that’s always going to be the aim.
“That’ll come, I’m adamant of that. We’re getting close, we’re two young managers still learning out trade in every game. This is a fantastic club to be at, one I’m thoroughly enjoying and long may it continue.”
The highlight of the match was Barber’s first goal for the club, coming in stoppage time to secure the win.
He said it was his favourite moment in football so far.
“I’d only been on the pitch five minutes. It was just a good ball from Lew, I hit it, and my first thought was to run to the fans for a nice knee slide! Hopefully there’s more to come but that’s definitely my favourite goal so far. My first goal for the club as well, so I’m delighted.”
That goal followed up the first from Abraham late in the first half, as he marked his return from a hamstring injury by getting on the scoresheet.
He paid tribute to the travelling supporters, who were vocal throughout the evening.
“It was difficult. We had to stay deep at times, let them have the ball, and it was a great defensive performance.
“I’d like to say thanks to the fans, they deserve it more than we do. They’ve followed us everywhere this year. That was for them, the goal was for all of them. I’m glad we ended the season with something.”
