1 week Ago By [email protected] (James Bedford)
Taking a step back to move forward again has helped one of Stamford's longest running football clubs to blossom after toasting a title triumph this season. Stamford Belvedere will be heading into their 70th consecutive season as a club after winning the Peterborough League Division One title this term. But it could have been so different for the Welland Academy-based club who took a voluntary demotion from the Premier Division during the summer.
A lack of player commitment was the big factor in the decision which joint player-manager Lewis Morley felt had to be made in order for the club to continue. He said: "Last season, we faced significant challenges, often only having 10 or 11 players each week. "We had to rely on players from our reserves to fill the gaps and, at the end of the season, my joint manager stepped down and three players informed us that they would not be returning for the current campaign.
"Given this feedback, we made the decision to drop down a division as we were not in a position to sustain a team in the Premier. "Looking at the Premier Division this year, there have been four teams drop out and I believe it was the best decision for Stamford Bels. "Taking a step back for a rebuilding season has been crucial to our progress.
"Honestly, if we hadn't made that decision, there might not have been a Stamford Belvedere team heading into its 70th consecutive season." Bels saw their squad in the close season benefit from Oundle Town folding and Bourne Town Reserves withdrawing from the United Counties League. It saw Bels bring in five players from those clubs while Kieron Duffy-Weekes and Jordan Neil both returned to the fold after spells with Blackstones and Uppingham respectively.
The increasing level of player commitment has left the Bels' management team with plenty of options for each week of the season. Morley added: "We were fortunate at the start of the season when we signed players from Bourne Reserves and Oundle just a week before it started. "Without that, we might have found ourselves in a similar position to last season.
"However, the real difference has been the players' commitment. Most weeks, we've had a squad of 16 which is something I've never experienced before. "It proves that when you have a dedicated squad and a strong team spirit, you become very difficult to stop.
"It reminds me of the successful Moulton and Uppingham sides in past years where consistency in selection led to sustained success." Consistent performances have helped Bels wrap up the title - their first in 40 years since the 1986/87 season - in style. Following Saturday's home success over Wittering Premiair, they have now won 21 of their 22 league games this term with the only dropped points coming in the title-clinching draw at promotion rivals Whaplode Drove.
Morley continued: "Winning the league in the manner we have is a real achievement. "With strong teams like Netherton and Whaplode, we were considered underdogs at the start of the season which, to be honest, I quite liked. "We stayed focused, kept to ourselves, and took it game by game.
"This victory is even more special knowing that Stamford Belvedere hadn't won a league title since 1987. "It's a proud moment for all of us at such a prestigious club." Bels will now back to the top flight for next season with the majority of the squad having committed for next term.
Morley explained: "I'm excited for next season. "The entire squad has committed to another year and we all believe that, with this group, we can carry our 2024/25 form straight into the Premier Division. "Bels have always had a strong core squad and adding that extra quality this season made us even tougher to beat.
" A hard-working committee of David Cramp, Scott Toomey, Joe Morley, Paul Cramp and Jon Morley have also ensured that Bels have remained on track off the pitch. Morley concluded: "Without the tireless work of the committee behind the scenes, there wouldn't be a club for us. "They and the management team deserve a massive thank you for standing beside me during this campaign as, without them, none of this would have been possible.
" Bels make the short trip to face Glinton and Northborough tonight (Tuesday) before completing their campaign at Peterborough Rangers on April 15..
