Craig Elliott praised Shaw Lane Aquaforce players past and present after promotion was confirmed today
Craig Elliott praised past and present Shaw Lane Aquaforce players after promotion to the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division was finally confirmed.
Aquaforce all but secured their third promotion in as many years on Thursday night in the 2-2 draw with Knaresborough, but they had to until today to get the official seal.
Bottesford Town needed to beat Grimsby Borough 20-0 to nick second place in the Division One table, but all the Scunthorpe-based side could manage was a 3-0 defeat.
Speaking after confirmation was received, Elliott said: “I’m delighted.
“It has been a very pressure cooker situation and a no-win situation, but I’m delighted for everybody behind the scenes.
“I’m delighted for every player that has played for Aquaforce this year and has contributed. Also credit to the previous management who left a good solid base and credit to my management team who have come in and taken that forward.
“I’ve had three promotions now and it is very much a team effort from everybody from the tea lady through to the players.
“It has been harder than I anticipated but it hasn’t helped that teams have a hatred for us. There is this misconception that we are a team of big-timers and that’s been difficult to overcome.
“Every single game, teams are up for it and want to turn us over. We have had some really pressure games so it has been difficult and the players deserve praise for handling the pressure.”
Promotion backs Elliott’s decision in February to leave high-flying Evo Stik Division One North side Ossett Town to replace Simon Houghton at Shaw Lane.
Elliott bore the brunt of a lot of criticism and was even heckled by a supporter at an early game as manager of Aquaforce.
Although it went to the wire, Elliott won eight of his 13 games since taking charge, drawing three and losing only twice.
He said: “It has justified my decision to drop down two leagues to come here.
“A big part of my work this year has been what I did at Ossett Town and I take great pride in that now that they have finished eighth.
“When I came here I was in a no-win situation because everyone said I should get them promoted. If I didn’t I think I would have come under some criticism.
“I took a gamble though and I’m pleased it has paid off.”
Promotion to the Evo Stik is expected to be the target for next season and Elliott will be meeting with Shaw Lane officials in the next seven days to discuss the 2014-15 campaign.
However, Elliott has admitted he has yet to think about a tilt at Premier Division glory.
“I’ve not spoke to anybody about next season,” he said.
“I’ve not made my own plans or mind up. I came here to get them promoted and I’ve done that.
“I was always going to assess it at the end of the season and see what’s what.
“I’ve not thought about it and that’s genuine. I’ve got to speak to a few people at the club.
“I’ve not even given next season a thought simply because we didn’t know what league we were going to be in.
“I need to think about my own personal life and see what challenges I want for myself.”