Title-winning captain Matt Worthington spoke of his delight for Yeovil Town supporters after a 2-0 win over Truro City secured the National League South title and promotion at the first time of asking.
The skipper was part of the Glovers’ sides relegated from the Football League in 2019 and then during the turbulent season off-the-field last season and admitted he was thrilled to put smiles back on to fans’ faces.
Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Sheridan Robins after the win in Gloucester, he said: “I never thought I would be in this situation when I first joined. To be captain of this amazing football club. It is just so emotional because I have had some bad times here, stuck with it and I am just really happy we got it done.
“Last summer was very difficult and I had a decision to make whether to stay or whether it was my time to stay on and I am just so happy that I stayed. I love this club, I love the town and I am just happy I can be part of a promotion side.
“It was just amazing to see everybody so happy. A lot of people have come up to me and said ‘thankyou’ because they have been through a lot at this club and they deserve some happiness and I am glad that I can be part of that happiness. It is just an amazing feeling.”
Echoing the words of his manager Mark Cooper he said he was now looking forward to being presented with the championship trophy at Huish Park on Saturday when relegation-threatened Dartford come to town in the final home fixture of the season.
Worthington, who has played more than 100 games for the club, admitted it would have been nice to have sealed it on home soil against Worthing last weekend, but was just happy to be a champion.
He said: “I have been here four or five years now and the fans have always been with us through good and bad. This season they have been unbelievable home and away. So it is just so nice to give them back something to enjoy and I hope we can all celebrate on Saturday with the trophy as well. I have dreamt about lifting the trophy for weeks! It has gone on longer than I wanted it too, we have made hard work of it but I am thankful we got the job done.
“It would have been nice to have done it last Saturday with everyone there, but at the end of the day we have done it. It does not matter how we do it, we have done it and now everyone is looking forward to another game at Huish Park and we can all celebrate.”
The 26-year-old also paid tribute to Cooper, adding: “He is an amazing guy, someone I am really happy to have work with. If he and Martin (Hellier, the chairman) had taken charge last season we would not have been here, there is no way that would have happened. I am just really thankful they showed faith in us this year, made me captain. I cannot talk more highly of him, he is an amazing man first and foremost but he is also an amazing coach and I am looking forward to working with him for the next few years.“