Brackley delighted by 'extraordinary' promotion
Brackley Town manager Gavin Cowan has hailed their promotion to the top tier of English non-league football as "something extraordinary".After coming so close in the past, they beat Farsley Celtic 5-0 to become National League North champions as rivals Kidderminster Harriers, who began the day top of the table, lost 2-1 at Southport.The Saints reached the play-offs in 2018, 2019, 2020 and again in 2022, 2023 and 2024 but were unable to finish the job.But goals by Danny Newton, Tyler Lyttle, Connor Hall and Terry O'Sullivan put them 4-0 up by half-time in front of a crowd of 1,691 at St James Park.And Scott Pollock rounded things off with the fifth in the final minute of the game to ensure play-offs would not be needed this time."We're up there with the best part-time clubs but really, we shouldn't be beating teams like Kidderminster and Scunthorpe to the league," Cowan told BBC Radio Northampton."There's something extraordinary been done here, not just by the players but by the staff, the hierarchy and the fans as well. It's been a big, big collective effort."
Brackley were founded in 1890 and before winning the title, their greatest achievement came in 2018 when they were victorious in the FA Trophy final.Club chairman Francis Oliver said: "Wembley was unbelievable and this is just the same."The last 30 minutes was sheer torture, how time goes so slowly - but I just feel so proud for the players, supporters, volunteers, everybody. It's just amazing."The Saints won their last six games of the season to finish top and Oliver promised they would give it their "best shot" in the National League next season.They will be facing a number of former English Football League clubs, including Aldershot, Yeovil Town and Hartlepool United.On their performance against Farsley, Cowan said: "The players were excellent, they showed a real ruthless mentality and I couldn't be any prouder."We created a real intensity, a real patience because we knew we were going to have a lot of possession, we wanted to play our patterns and we did."We weren't fazed about anything else. What was going on elsewhere didn't interest me in the slightest until your realise the game's won. "The feeling I've got is incredible, I can't imagine what all the good people of this club are feeling after so many years of having a go at it."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
44 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
David Beckham ‘immensely proud' over knighthood award in King's Birthday Honours
For the last 30 years Sir David has transcended football to become one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, and his services to sport and to charity have now led to him being honoured. Beckham, who turned 50 last month, won 115 caps for England, earning 59 of those as captain. He said in a statement released to the PA news agency: 'Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. 'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. 'Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. 'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' Beckham won league titles in four countries – England, Spain, the United States and France – and played a key part as Manchester United won the Champions League in 1999 to complete the treble. Sir David Beckham 🤩 Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks — you truly deserve this ❤️🏴#MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2025 United said in a club statement: 'All of us at Manchester United offer our warm congratulations to David Beckham on this richly-deserved honour. 'In the three and a half decades since he joined our academy as a 14-year-old, David has established himself as not only an indelible legend of this football club, but as a wonderful ambassador for the English game as a whole. 'David, we salute your achievements and thank you for your tremendous contribution to Manchester United.' Since retirement in 2013 Sir David has been heavily involved as the founder and co-owner of American Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami, whose signing of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has made them one of the world's most internationally recognised clubs. Away from football he has been a global ambassador for the humanitarian aid organisation UNICEF since 2005, and last year became an ambassador for the King's Foundation. This year we celebrate 20 incredible years of collaboration with our Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham. From witnessing UNICEF's work firsthand, to raising awareness and funds for critical issues like malnutrition, education, gender equality, and violence against children, his… — UNICEF (@UNICEF) January 20, 2025 Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK chief executive, said the charity was 'thrilled' by Beckham's knighthood and added: 'David Beckham has done an incredible amount to advocate for children's rights over the last 20 years. 'He became a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 and launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015 – with the goal of helping children around the world, especially girls, break down barriers including bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education. 'He's travelled extensively to see UNICEF's work and used his profile to raise awareness, as well as support our flagship fundraising campaign Soccer Aid for UNICEF and launch global fundraising appeals. We are grateful for all of his support that has done a huge amount to amplify the voices of children around the world.' Beckham was part of a group of academy stars known as the 'Class of 92' whose ascendance to the Manchester United first team effectively heralded the start of United's second wave of Premier League dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot was initially criticised for relying so heavily on the likes of Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes while allowing more established players to leave, but back-to-back league titles in 1996 and 1997 quickly silenced the doubters. Beckham won his first senior England cap in 1996 and made his World Cup bow at the 1998 finals in France. The tournament was a career lowlight for him however, as he was sent off for kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone as England exited on penalties in the last 16. The following summer was a complete contrast, with Beckham basking in United's treble success and marrying Spice Girl Victoria Adams. Beckham first skippered England under caretaker manager Peter Taylor in November 2000, but was made permanent captain from the start of Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign. The Swede's belief in the United star was rewarded as Beckham gave one of the performances of his life in a 2001 qualifier against Greece to drag England to qualification for the following year's World Cup in Japan and South Korea. England could not go beyond the last eight in Beckham's national team career, but he sits third in the men's all-time list for most England caps. Beckham joined Real Madrid's band of 'Galactico' superstars in 2003, but it took until his final season in Spain – 2006-07 – for him to win La Liga. By then he had already taken the decision in January 2007 – aged just 31 – to move to Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States. In LA Beckham won MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012 and ended his career with further European silverware, winning Ligue 1 with Paris St Germain in 2013. Retirement has not dimmed Beckham's celebrity, and he remains hugely in demand by the world's top brands. A 2023 Netflix documentary about his football career and family life was one of the most popular the streaming service has ever screened.
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
David Beckham ‘immensely proud' over knighthood award in King's Birthday Honours
For the last 30 years Sir David has transcended football to become one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, and his services to sport and to charity have now led to him being honoured. Beckham, who turned 50 last month, won 115 caps for England, earning 59 of those as captain. He said in a statement released to the PA news agency: 'Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. 'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. 'Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. 'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' Beckham won league titles in four countries – England, Spain, the United States and France – and played a key part as Manchester United won the Champions League in 1999 to complete the treble. Sir David Beckham 🤩 Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks — you truly deserve this ❤️🏴#MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2025 United said in a club statement: 'All of us at Manchester United offer our warm congratulations to David Beckham on this richly-deserved honour. 'In the three and a half decades since he joined our academy as a 14-year-old, David has established himself as not only an indelible legend of this football club, but as a wonderful ambassador for the English game as a whole. 'David, we salute your achievements and thank you for your tremendous contribution to Manchester United.' Since retirement in 2013 Sir David has been heavily involved as the founder and co-owner of American Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami, whose signing of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has made them one of the world's most internationally recognised clubs. Away from football he has been a global ambassador for the humanitarian aid organisation UNICEF since 2005, and last year became an ambassador for the King's Foundation. This year we celebrate 20 incredible years of collaboration with our Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham. From witnessing UNICEF's work firsthand, to raising awareness and funds for critical issues like malnutrition, education, gender equality, and violence against children, his… — UNICEF (@UNICEF) January 20, 2025 Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK chief executive, said the charity was 'thrilled' by Beckham's knighthood and added: 'David Beckham has done an incredible amount to advocate for children's rights over the last 20 years. 'He became a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 and launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015 – with the goal of helping children around the world, especially girls, break down barriers including bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education. 'He's travelled extensively to see UNICEF's work and used his profile to raise awareness, as well as support our flagship fundraising campaign Soccer Aid for UNICEF and launch global fundraising appeals. We are grateful for all of his support that has done a huge amount to amplify the voices of children around the world.' Beckham was part of a group of academy stars known as the 'Class of 92' whose ascendance to the Manchester United first team effectively heralded the start of United's second wave of Premier League dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot was initially criticised for relying so heavily on the likes of Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes while allowing more established players to leave, but back-to-back league titles in 1996 and 1997 quickly silenced the doubters. Beckham won his first senior England cap in 1996 and made his World Cup bow at the 1998 finals in France. The tournament was a career lowlight for him however, as he was sent off for kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone as England exited on penalties in the last 16. The following summer was a complete contrast, with Beckham basking in United's treble success and marrying Spice Girl Victoria Adams. Beckham first skippered England under caretaker manager Peter Taylor in November 2000, but was made permanent captain from the start of Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign. The Swede's belief in the United star was rewarded as Beckham gave one of the performances of his life in a 2001 qualifier against Greece to drag England to qualification for the following year's World Cup in Japan and South Korea. England could not go beyond the last eight in Beckham's national team career, but he sits third in the men's all-time list for most England caps. Beckham joined Real Madrid's band of 'Galactico' superstars in 2003, but it took until his final season in Spain – 2006-07 – for him to win La Liga. By then he had already taken the decision in January 2007 – aged just 31 – to move to Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States. In LA Beckham won MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012 and ended his career with further European silverware, winning Ligue 1 with Paris St Germain in 2013. Retirement has not dimmed Beckham's celebrity, and he remains hugely in demand by the world's top brands. A 2023 Netflix documentary about his football career and family life was one of the most popular the streaming service has ever screened.
Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
David Beckham ‘immensely proud' over knighthood award in King's Birthday Honours
For the last 30 years Sir David has transcended football to become one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, and his services to sport and to charity have now led to him being honoured. Beckham, who turned 50 last month, won 115 caps for England, earning 59 of those as captain. He said in a statement released to the PA news agency: 'Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. 'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. 'Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. 'I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' Beckham won league titles in four countries – England, Spain, the United States and France – and played a key part as Manchester United won the Champions League in 1999 to complete the treble. Sir David Beckham 🤩 Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks — you truly deserve this ❤️🏴#MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2025 United said in a club statement: 'All of us at Manchester United offer our warm congratulations to David Beckham on this richly-deserved honour. 'In the three and a half decades since he joined our academy as a 14-year-old, David has established himself as not only an indelible legend of this football club, but as a wonderful ambassador for the English game as a whole. 'David, we salute your achievements and thank you for your tremendous contribution to Manchester United.' Since retirement in 2013 Sir David has been heavily involved as the founder and co-owner of American Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami, whose signing of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has made them one of the world's most internationally recognised clubs. Away from football he has been a global ambassador for the humanitarian aid organisation UNICEF since 2005, and last year became an ambassador for the King's Foundation. This year we celebrate 20 incredible years of collaboration with our Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham. From witnessing UNICEF's work firsthand, to raising awareness and funds for critical issues like malnutrition, education, gender equality, and violence against children, his… — UNICEF (@UNICEF) January 20, 2025 Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK chief executive, said the charity was 'thrilled' by Beckham's knighthood and added: 'David Beckham has done an incredible amount to advocate for children's rights over the last 20 years. 'He became a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 and launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015 – with the goal of helping children around the world, especially girls, break down barriers including bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education. 'He's travelled extensively to see UNICEF's work and used his profile to raise awareness, as well as support our flagship fundraising campaign Soccer Aid for UNICEF and launch global fundraising appeals. We are grateful for all of his support that has done a huge amount to amplify the voices of children around the world.' Beckham was part of a group of academy stars known as the 'Class of 92' whose ascendance to the Manchester United first team effectively heralded the start of United's second wave of Premier League dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot was initially criticised for relying so heavily on the likes of Beckham, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes while allowing more established players to leave, but back-to-back league titles in 1996 and 1997 quickly silenced the doubters. Beckham won his first senior England cap in 1996 and made his World Cup bow at the 1998 finals in France. The tournament was a career lowlight for him however, as he was sent off for kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone as England exited on penalties in the last 16. The following summer was a complete contrast, with Beckham basking in United's treble success and marrying Spice Girl Victoria Adams. Beckham first skippered England under caretaker manager Peter Taylor in November 2000, but was made permanent captain from the start of Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign. The Swede's belief in the United star was rewarded as Beckham gave one of the performances of his life in a 2001 qualifier against Greece to drag England to qualification for the following year's World Cup in Japan and South Korea. England could not go beyond the last eight in Beckham's national team career, but he sits third in the men's all-time list for most England caps. Beckham joined Real Madrid's band of 'Galactico' superstars in 2003, but it took until his final season in Spain – 2006-07 – for him to win La Liga. By then he had already taken the decision in January 2007 – aged just 31 – to move to Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States. In LA Beckham won MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012 and ended his career with further European silverware, winning Ligue 1 with Paris St Germain in 2013. Retirement has not dimmed Beckham's celebrity, and he remains hugely in demand by the world's top brands. A 2023 Netflix documentary about his football career and family life was one of the most popular the streaming service has ever screened.
