Rainworth Miners Welfare boss Rudy Funk took time out from his club's promotion to pay tribute to the other sides he has faced this season.

He said: "Looking back on the season overall it's difficult to put into words. What amazed me the most was that we went to clubs who made us welcome and then gave us a tough game, which I always take as a matter of respect.

"I would underline that the NCEL Division One is one of the most competitive divisions in the country, because it's strong, and you see some tremendous football played between teams and clubs who have the utmost respect for each other.

"As an example, after our promotion was confirmed I was inundated by phone calls and messages of congratulations and good wishes from managers and officials of just about every other club in the league, and from players themselves.

"So I want to say to each and every single club, thank you for your good wishes, and may you one day enjoy the same success as we have achieved this season.

"You really find out how close you are to people at other clubs and although we have battled against you in your turn week in and week out, what a fantastic bunch of people the managers and players in this division have been.

"We have loved every minute in your company."