We caught up with manager David Dempsey before this weekends final game of the season, before the team embark on their Playoff Challenge. As well as meaning so much to the players, we asked David what it meant making the Playoffs to him personally.

“On a personal level it’s obviously a wonderful achievement to sit back at the end of the season and be assured you have made an impact on a football club, and achieved the goal that was set in stone at the the start of the season.”

“However, I’m not taking any of the successes on me alone. I’ve got an amazing management team that help steer the group in the right direction week in week out and inevitably a team of players that are producing results week in week out. That is the most pleasing thing to see as a manager, the fact that everyone has bought into what I am expecting and our levels of performances have been good a large majority of the time. The successes this season have been down to more than me alone and it is something I am very proud of.”

The feel good factor at the club is palpable, from the staff, right through to the fans & volunteers. We asked Dempsey whether this strong unity at the club can help them through the challenge that lies ahead.

“Yes 100%. The group is in a very good place, and the club as a whole, albeit in a transitional phase can be very proud of what they have achieved both on and off the pitch. The unity within the club as a whole is wonderful at the moment and it is important we keep progressing and not being happy with playoffs alone. We are extremely ambitious as a group of players, as a management team and as a football club and we want to keep building on this. We have set the foundations, we now need to keep the momentum and keep on progressing.”

With the playoffs now secured & only one game remaining against Kidsgrove Athletic. We asked if key members of the first 11 be rested in preparation for next Tuesday.

“There will be 11 changes for the Kidsgrove game. However, you will all see some familiar faces both past and present and we will also tap into our u23s on the back of their own successes aswell. We will be fielding a team strong enough to win the game and continue the winning run we are on as a club. It is vitally important the team that has got us in the playoffs in the best possible condition going into the semi final whoever we are up against.”

With the playoff fixture set away from home on Tuesday. Are the squad happy with the short timescale between the end of the season & such a vital game in the Playoffs, or can this help with momentum.

“We’re all used to Saturday Tuesday fixtures. With the ability to rest so many, fatigue shouldn’t come into play. I’m really excited to see how the team gets on against a good Kidsgrove side on Saturday with one eye on Tuesday. Momentum is massive in any sport and I would love for the group on Saturday to get another win and curtail the domestic season with a massive 3pts.”

Saturday is a great chance for the fans to show their appreciation to your team. We asked David his message to the fans ahead of the season finale .

“Just a massive thank you!!!

“I’ve had to make some key decisions this season and some crucial times. We’ve had a few games where we have assessed and understood our performances haven’t been the best but we have largely found a way to win. 10 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats is the best form in the league since me taking over and the home form is down to the fans as well as the players. The environment (the fans) create for the players to be apart of, is infectious and long may that continue.

“Hopefully we as a management have earned the respect and trust now to make footballing decisions for the better of the club and the form we have been able to showcase will give the fans something to be immensely proud of! The fans are the heartbeat of this football club and their support has been fantastic from minute one win lose or draw!

Our Early Bird Season Ticket offer is also LIVE! You can purchase your ticket for next season at an amazing frozen price at the ticket kiosk, or book online here: https://clitheroefc.co.uk/payments/early-bird--adult-season-ticket-2324-91959.html