SCOTT Bonar has vowed to “savour” Haddington Athletic winning promotion to the top flight of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) – but has already started planning for next season.
Alassan Jones’ free-kick just six minutes from time at Kennoway Star Hearts gave Haddington the three points they needed to capitalise on Leith Athletic’s slip-up at home to Thornton Hibs.
Eight points clear with just two games to play, the final whistle at Treaton Park sparked memorable scenes on the touchline.
Manager Bonar struggled to put the feeling into words when he spoke to Courier Sport on Monday afternoon.
The First Division Conference A trophy will be presented to the players on Saturday when they face Edinburgh United in their final home league game of the season.
Bonar said: “It just feels amazing to see so many people happy after all that hard work.
“There were smiles on their faces and there were guys when we came back to Haddington after the game who had been watching the club for 20 or 30 years. There were guys with tears in their eyes.
“It was overwhelming.
“You coach to help people – that’s how I got involved in it, to give the players a platform to perform and to achieve something.
“It is them that have done all the hard work, behind the scenes, the committee as well.
“It was unbelievable and this Saturday will, hopefully, be a day to remember.”
The league title caps a memorable campaign for the Hi Hi, who have dropped points in just three games this season.
As well as winning the most games (23), they have lost the fewest (one – to Leith), scored the second most goals (85 – behind third-placed Dunipace) and conceded the fewest goals (13).
Bonar said: “The league table does not lie.
“That has been a lot of hard work from the players.
“I don’t say the way that I want to play is the right way or the wrong way, but it is the vision I have got and the players have bought into it.
“The work they have put in at training needs to be highlighted. A lot of folk do not see that and it is testament to the players and the sacrifices they have made.
“They are a credit to their families. They started back in pre-season this time last year – it has been a whole year of work.”
Members of the squad and the committee were joined by fans at Haddington’s Victoria Inn after travelling back from Fife.
Now, Bonar is hoping for similar celebrations when they receive the trophy this weekend.
Beyond that, the manager is keen to make an impression in the EoSFL Premier Division – currently home to Dunbar United, Musselburgh Athletic and Tranent Juniors.
He said: “I have already started planning.
“I have signed some players on pre-contracts and I am talking to another couple.
“If I can get one of them, it could be an amazing signing for this level of football.
“He is a top player at a higher level and I hope the whole thing explodes now.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here