White: We made our own luck

Dorking Wanderers chairman and manager Marc White had told his players he couldn't be prouder of them as the club starts preparing for life in the Ryman League's top flight.

Despite being promoted last weekend by the narrowest of margins after beating Corinthian Casuals on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra-time in the Ryman South play-off final, White insists his beloved club deserves to go up after finishing as runners-up on goal difference alone behind Ryman South champions Tooting & Mitcham United.

White, who founded Dorking Wanderers in 1999 and is looking forward to moving into a new ground, said: “I think when you look at the season we deserved it, and you could argue any team who ends the year with the same number of points as the champions should go up. We did get a bit of luck on Saturday. We were second best for quite a while to Casuals and credit to them performed really well.

“But I think we deserved a bit of good fortune and I’m so proud of the players for what they have achieved and to be playing in the Ryman Premier, that’s fantastic for them. We started the club as a bit of fun and it’s grown and grown. To think we will be playing the likes of Dulwich and Billericay next season here is great.”

White, pictured after collecting his winners medal last Saturday from Ryman League chairman Nick Robinson, also thanked the many well-wishers who'd been in touch to congratulate them on their victory and promotion to the Ryman Premier in a statement this week.

He added: "Following on from Saturday's Play-Off success I just wanted to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of you who have sent messages to the club, either through social media, committee members, staff, or to myself personally. Your support and ongoing following of the club is much appreciated and it means a great deal to all of us."

Images courtesy of Andy Nunn

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