Badshot Lea chairman Mark Broad has spoken of his pride after the club’s historic promotion this season.

The Baggies finished in second place in the Combined Counties Premier Division South and were promoted by the FA as one of the best second-placed teams.

It means the Baggies will play at Step 4 for the first time in their 116-year history next season.

“What we’ve achieved is just starting to sink in,” said Broad.

“A few weeks ago, I found out we had an opportunity to go up in second place on a points-per-game scenario if we got enough points – I kept it to myself initially as I didn’t want anyone getting carried away. We knew we had to keep winning and get as many points as we could.

“I then shared it with the management team to make them aware of how important it was to get as many points as we could in the last couple of games.

“It’s been a whole club effort with the volunteers, supporters and sponsors – but it can’t be done without the players and the management team. They are the ones playing and managing on a Saturday and a Tuesday.”

The Baggies showed remarkable consistency throughout the season, picking up 94 points from their 38 league games after winning 30, drawing four and losing four – and Broad says the promotion was fully deserved.

“Our record against the big clubs was very good – we took six points off champions Raynes Park Vale and four points off Jersey Bulls,” said Broad.

“Our four defeats came against two teams – Camberley and Farnham – who are local rivals. It is hard to get promoted from this area as there are so many derbies.

“It is such a massive achievement for a club like ours. We’ve kept pushing forwards as a club and to get to Step 4 is fantastic.

“What we’ve achieved will take time to properly sink in – I don’t think it will until we see the fixtures for next season.”

The Baggies had been preparing for the possibility of a play-off against a Step 4 side for the chance to win promotion, but once the FA had confirmed Badshot Lea were going up a promotion party was swiftly organised.

“Our promotion party was attended by volunteers, supporters, sponsors, players and the management team – it was fantastic to bring everyone together,” said Broad.

The hard work isn’t stopping at Westfield Lane, with a busy summer ahead before the arrival of Step 4 football next season.

“Our pre-season schedule is already coming along very nicely,” said Broad.

“Our management team never switch off and they are already planning for next season and are already talking to people.”