If anyone has the right to term last season as a roller-coaster ride of emotions, it’s Harborough Town manager, Mitch Austin.
For much of last term, his side were flying high at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One Midlands.
They also gave a good account of themselves in the Emirates FA Cup, where they beat Step 3 Stamford before narrowly bowing out by the odd goal at Vanarama National League North high-flyers, Tamworth, and the Isuzu FA Trophy as they reached the second round proper.
All was looking good until an administration error saw them deducted six points and plunged them into the play-offs where they were able to beat Hinckley LRFC and Anstey Nomads to secure their place in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central for the season ahead.
“There was a lot of positives to come out of last season,” Austin told us. “When you look at our League record and performances in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, it shows how well we did.
“The points deduction could have derailed us at the end, but as a group we were able to overcome the adversity and drew strength from each other to ensure that the season ended with success.
“It made our promotion even more special and now we look ahead to what the Premier Central will bring with nothing but excitement.
“Visiting places like St. Ives Town and Kettering Town, where I was assistant manager, will bring back many fond memories for me. The challenge will be tough, there is no doubt about that, but it’s something new for us and we’re relishing this opportunity.
“It’s going to be a case of finding a way to win. We know that we’re going to have to play about more during the season ahead; there has been a lot of blood and guts to get us to where we are, but that philosophy will have to change.
“The foundations are there and the squad is very humble and level-headed. We need to keep our principles and that team ethic if we are to have any sort of success.
“I want my players and staff to enjoy every moment. Our main aim is to ensure that we remain in Step 3 and beyond that just give a good account of ourselves and show what we are capable of.
“It’s a new adventure for us all and reward for all of the hard work and effort that we have put in to get us here.”
For Austin personally it’s a journey that started at the very bottom.
“I was never a great player,” he admitted. “I have no previous experience as a professional or part of an academy set-up but have always loved the game.
“As someone with no reputation or background in the game, I’ve had to start at the very bottom and work my way up.
“I was playing and coaching on park pitches at steps that didn’t even have an allocation number, but it was a great grounding for me. It always seems as though I have a point to prove and now I stand on the verge of managing a team at Step 3 amongst some big non-League clubs.
“I go into the season full of determination to give it everything I’ve got and grasp this fantastic opportunity.”
We welcome Harborough Town FC into the Southern League family.
IMAGE: Harborough Town FC
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