There’s a real buzz around Yate Town as they prepare for life at Step 3 following their Pitching In Southern League Division One South title success.
With a record average attendance of 521 recorded over the campaign, an increase of 65% on the previous season, and 2025/26 season-tickets selling well at Early Bird rates, there is plenty to look forward to.
“What has been achieved here is a credit to everyone involved,” said the experienced Nick McCootie, who returned to the club at the turn of the year. “This is something the Gaffer set out to do when he took over early last season; he was unlucky to just miss out on the play-offs last time out, but there’s no denying that Yate are worthy title winners this time around.
“When I came back to the club we were already in a very strong position. So much hard work has been put in by so many people.
“The Easter weekend was a pivotal moment because when we lost top spot after so long in pole position, it would have been easy for heads to drop, but instead it galvanised us to get the job done and take this club back up to where it belongs.
“It’s a tough division but even more so when you are top of the table as you are there to be shot at; everyone wants to beat you and as a result they put in that extra 10%.
“But we overcame that and now we’re excited for the test that lies ahead. We already have the nucleus of the team in place and with a couple of additions I feel that we have every chance of mixing it with the established teams in the Premier South.
“I’m sure we’ll quickly establish ourselves too. Everything is geared up here to do just that.”
Accomplished defender, James Taylor, agrees: “We all know that there will some tough fixtures ahead in what is a strong League, but we’ll be looking to build on the momentum that we have.
“We’re looking forward to what we can achieve as a group; we spent a long time at the top of the table this season and there is a strong winning mentality here.
“Even when we had a little wobble, we remained focussed and full of belief in our ability. There is such a buzz around the place; to see the emotion on everyone’s face and what it means to so many people, it’s absolutely brilliant.
“When we secured the title on the final day of the season, it was a real pinch-me moment, it felt as though I was in a movie!”
The club will be hoping that the sequel is just as exciting and successful in 2025/26.
IMAGE: Ian Christy
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