Stourbridge FC boss Gary Hackett has heralded his side's promotion to the BGB Premier Division as one of the proudest moments in his illustrious footballing career.

The former West Bromwich Albion star (pictured) guided the Glassboys to their highest heights since the early 1970s following their incredible 2-1 win away at Leamington on Saturday.

The War Memorial outfit secured one of their most memorable victories late on in extra-time courtesy of a Leon Broadhurst strike.

The final whistle signalled jubilant scenes amongst players, staff and fans in the 1,638 crowd at the New Windmill.

An emotional Hackett said: "It was just a fantastic day and although we didn't probably play to our best on Saturday I think over the season we deserve this reward.

"This achievement ranks up there with anything else I have ever achieved in football and is something I am extremely proud of.

"The scenes afterwards and the happiness it has brought to so many people is incredible and is something which will stay with me for a long time."

The proud boss believes his side's "never say die" attitude and the fact that throughout the season they have been written off has helped spur them on.

He added: "Without doubt what we have been able to do has been against all the odds.

"A lot of people have written us off throughout the season.

"After our poor start people thought we had no chance and then the same was said in some quarters after Mark (Bellingham) was ruled out.

"But we have come back strong everytime because we have a great team spirit here.

"This is a time for everyone connected with this club and the town to celebrate and also rally around to ensure we keep going from strength to strength.

"It is a massive achievement for this football club when you consider there are teams like Chasetown and Chesham who didn't even make the play-offs."

The manager plans to get tomorrow night's (Friday) presentation evening out of the way before sitting down with his staff and squad regarding next season.

One thing Hackett is already relishing, however, is the mouth-watering league fixtures with borough rivals and his former side Halesowen Town.

He said: "We will also now have the opportunity to become the number one club in the borough as we go head to head with Halesowen Town.

"It's got to be a long time since the two sides met head to head in the league and it's something we are looking forward to.

"We've had some success over them in cup competitions in recent years but we felt Morell Maison was a little disrespectful to us earlier this year and I'm certainly looking forward to locking horns with him next year."

Read all about Saturday's incredible win on page 102.