In an exclusive interview, the man that scored the goal that promoted Clitheroe eleven years ago speaks out for the first time. Neil ‘Reno’ Reynolds was arguably part of the Blue’s most memorable moment in their 138 year history.

Now Assistant Manager at Bamber Bridge, Reno reflected back on the moment that sculpted his footballing career…the day he scored the goal that promoted Clitheroe to the NPL Division One North. The goal that topped of a glittering five years at Shawbridge

How does it feel to the day knowing you helped create Clitheroe history by scoring that winning goal in 2003/04?

To this day I think about that moment as though it was yesterday. It was a strange feeling to be honest. I was injured as I tweaked my hamstring the week before so I was on the bench. I was gutted as I didn’t think that I would play any part. I remember leading 2-0 as Gary Jackson had scored both the goals. Then the game changed. Nantwich scored and then equalised. I remember sitting on the bench thinking I wish I was out there.

Then a horrible tackle happened on Stuart Todhunter and he was stretchered off. Melford Knight hit him in a challenge from behind. Martin Eatough got a shout from Scully to get me ready. The first thing I thought about was getting Revenge on Melford, which I did and he had to go off injured. Then the moment happened. They put a ball into out box and we defended it. It broke onto the left wing with Martin Aspinwall. I saw the play developing and just made a straight run from our box tracking the ball.

Aspy played a ball into Lee Cryer into their box, he back heeled the ball straight into my path and I despatched it into the bottom of the net in the 86th Minute.

I remember this feeling that I had never had before. I wheeled away to the Clitheroe fans on the right hand side, I remember Chris Musson Face. The next thing I knew I was mobbed my team mates and fans. The next 4 minutes seemed like an eternity.

However, the referee blew his whistle and that was it, we were Champions. The group of players that Lee Sculpher had put together were amazing. My goal may have sealed the title but there were many moments of magic that happened before that to enable the team to be crowned Champions. I am just so honoured to of been part of that amazing team.

What was that season like as a whole looking back a decade ago?

It was strange. We have been runners up the season before and we had many exciting FA vase trips. We knew as a group of players that we had something special- a dressing room that people say you only experience one in your career and that’s if you are lucky. We trusted each other and knew exactly how each other played.

If the manager brought in a player, not only did they have to have ability but also be right for our dressing room. That’s what made us unique. Without wanting the squad to sound arrogant, we knew that this was our season. In the closing stages of the season, we was losing 2 1 away at Congleton. The manager epitomised the character and professionalism of the squad – on that day he missed his brother’s wedding! Was it worth it, only he can tell you?

We were losing 2-1 with around 15 minutes to go and then – up stepped Lee Cryer (The best centre forward I have ever played with). Lee scored a quick fire double which won us the game. Afterwards in the changing room the atmosphere was unreal – I remember turning to Scully and told him that we would win the league from here!

The season is one I will never forget. I often look back at the pictures and newspaper cuttings and smile. The season was a truly amazing experience.

Does it make you proud knowing the side are still in the division after consolidating on a shoe string budget?

The reason why the club is still where it is today is down to the hard work that all the committee members have put into CFC over the years. The club is unique. The club do everything possible to make the club run at this level and that is a credit to all involved and others that have been involved. There are too many to mention but there are four people in particular that I would like to mention:

Steve Rush – ex chairman and loyal CFC fan. In my opinion Steve laid the foundations for the club to build on. His energy and commitment for the club can never be questioned.

Ann Barker – the current Chairwoman. Ann has taken the club onto another level. She has made wise appointments and has the club at heart. I wish the club every success under her leadership.

Carl Garner – supporter, committee member, manager and chairman – I don’t there is a job that Carl has not completed. I remember first meeting Carl and his enthusiasm and affection for football hit me straight away. I see Carl as a friend and someone I have turned to many times for advice in my career. He genuinely loves the club and for that I will always be grateful for the time and effort he has invested.

Keith Lord – Although Keith will not be able to read this he will know what I think of him. Keith was and still is Mr Clitheroe. He is an inspiration to me and has helped me develop into the person I am today. For me the word legend is used far too often but for me, Keith Lord is a true Legend and always will be for Clitheroe FC.

I miss him. Every time I step foot into the ground he is the first person I see/think of, either mowing the grass, hanging the kit up, sorting the balls out for training/match days, whatever needed doing, Lordy would always do it – he would moan like you wouldn’t believe, but a job was never left incomplete. RIP LORDY.

How do you think Simon Garner is doing managing the club now?

Simon is doing a wonderful job in moving the club forwards. I admire Simon as a person, player and now manager. I know he has his dad’s passion for the game and that is always more than half the battle. Again, Simon has the club at heart and he wants the very best for the club. I have no doubt that they will go from strength to strength with Simon at the helm.

How does Clitheroe's 2014/15 team compare to your 2003/04 one?

I don’t think I could ever compare any side to the 2003/04 one. The team of 2003/4 had a different mentality to one I have ever been part of before. We were also really good friends which is a rarity now. We didn’t just train and play together but also socialised with each other. People didn’t miss training, even if it was on the tarmac on the castle grounds when we had to put 50p in the meter just to get the lights on – we just were together all the time.

I can’t explain to you just what it was like. In terms of ability, I rate the current CFC team but I know the current team would disagree with me, but I honestly believe we would of beat them if the two teams were on a level and were to go head to head against each other now. For me the team of 2003/4 had everything.

We were all winners and if you have that instilled into you then the quality and skill will follow. Nobody liked playing against us because they knew not only did we have ability but we had the ‘never say die attitude’.

I will never say that we were technically the best side of our time but we had something that no other team had – Genuine togetherness, a desire to win football games and finally, real trust in each other’s ability!

What does Clitheroe mean to you?

Clitheroe FC will always have a place in my heart. Although I have moved on now and thoroughly enjoying my role at Bamber Bridge FC the club will always remain special to me. I have had so many memories with the club over the years.

I always said that if I ever stopped working at non-league level then I would go and support CFC. I do not know what the future will hold for me, you never know, one day I may return to the club in some capacity.

Where do you hope Clitheroe will finish this season and where do you believe they'll be in 5 years’ time?

Finally, I hope Clitheroe have every success this year. I really want them to go and win the Lancashire cup – that will be an amazing achievement. I also hope they can continue with their positive form in the league. I want them to finish as high as they possibly can. The club needs stability and I have no doubt that they have now found that in their current management team.

In 5 years’ time I would love to see Clitheroe FC playing at the next level of football. That is easier said than done. The league we play in is a very good standard and there will always be teams that have higher budgets in the league. CFC just has to remain focused and have a goal. I have no doubt that the effort and professionalism that goes in behind the scenes will continue for years to come. Due to this reason the football team will always have a platform to build on.