IAN LONG says the key moment in Alvechurch’s title-winning season was also his toughest decision.
Having been runners-up last term despite a record points tally, the Churchmen stuttered at the start of the campaign and entered September in tenth place.
It prompted a major revamp of personnel, with the likes of Jamie Willets and Jamie Ashmore joining, and a remarkable run of 21 wins in 22 league matches from October meant they charged ahead of their rivals.
They clinched the crown – and promotion to Step Four for the first time since their Southern League days ended in 1992 – with a 1-1 draw at Shawbury United on Saturday as Josh March bagged the equaliser.
Long said deciding to part company with several of the players who had served him well had been a big call and came after a lot of heart-searching.
“After we had been runners-up to Hereford, I think we suffered from a hangover at the start of the season,” said the manager. “We were there to be shot at and we started poorly.
“But I felt maybe four or five players had lost their hunger and I had to make changes. Maybe they had got too comfortable, or maybe bored hearing the same old voice in the dressing room.
“The new players came in and the most important thing was how quickly everybody gelled.”
Alvechurch’s strength in depth was also crucial, stressed the boss.
“I’m relieved more than anything to get over the line. We’ve stumbled home a little bit rather than sprinted across the line but we’ve got the job done.
“It’s a great credit to this group of players. We’ve built a squad and I trust everyone in the squad. They’ve all played their part.
“It is a wonderful achievement for all the players, staff and everybody connected with Alvechurch.”
The Churchmen, who will be presented with the title trophy in Saturday’s home game with Rocester, are still chasing a treble.
They face Sporting Khalsa in the JW Hunt Cup semi-finals at AFC Wulfrunians on Wednesday (7.30pm) and meet St Andrews in the Polymac Packaging League Cup final at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium on May 15.
Both midfield duo Dave Bellis (ankle) and Ryan Winwood (shoulder) will miss the Khalsa game after being hurt against Coleshill two weeks ago and they are rated 50/50 for the final.
