Kettering back in the Blue Square Premier

Kettering Town have been promoted as Blue Square North Champions after a 3-0 win over AFC Telford at the A-Line Arena.

Over 2,500 fans saw goals from David Bridges and a brace from Andy Robinson ensure the Poppies’ return to the top-flight of non-league football after a five-year absence.

Promotion was finally confirmed at the final whistle after the news that Stalybridge had lost and Harrogate drew.

Kettering Manager Mark Cooper, 39, was quick to recognise the achievement of his players, but encouraged the jubilant fans to enjoy the success while it lasts.

“All I would say to you is: savour it, savour the moment because next year we’re going into a real tough league.

“It’s not like it’s going to be as easy as it was this year.”

Tough league

Cooper has a wealth of playing experience under his belt, after having played at various levels with Wycombe Wanderers, Birmingham City, Macclesfield Town and Hinckley United.

The young manager had previously had an unsuccessful managerial spell at Tamworth, but has led his Kettering side to the Blue Square North title at the first attempt.

Terry Freer from Kettering Borough Council said: “It’s been a great season for the club and winning promotion is a fantastic boost for the town and everyone connected with Kettering Town Football Club.”

Kettering’s attention now focuses on scoring their 100^th goal of the season, and breaking Northwich Victoria’s record of 92 points in their 2005/2006 title winning season.

The team will finally get their hands on the Blue Square North trophy on Saturday 19^th April before the club’s penultimate home game with Workington.

Crowd violence may lead to increased security

Kettering Town may be forced into having an increased police presence around the A-Line Arena before future home fixtures.

An increased number of stewards and police could be deployed as early as next season following crowd trouble before Kettering’s match against Telford.

Eight Telford fans were arrested as violence broke out in The Shire Horse around 4.15pm.

Terry Freer from Kettering Borough Council feels that following recent events, a change in the security structure may be needed.

“I think that when the team goes up a league they will need to look into the issue further.

“It’s not often that you see scenes like that at a non-league fixture, but I imagine the club will want to ensure that those scenes aren’t repeated.

“They might want to look at extra security for games against Rushden and Diamonds in particular.”

Extra security

Season ticket holder James Hilling claims that that the violence erupted between both sets of supporters before kick off at the A-line Arena, with most of the trouble centring in Britannia Road.

“I heard there was some trouble on the other side of the ground, but by the time I got round there the police were dealing with it.”

Football hooligans were also seen to be being marched away from the stadium in both directions along Rockingham Road around 2.45pm.

Hilling added: “I saw the police walking some fans towards the centre, and I guess that’s when they started trouble in our pubs.”