WHEN Norwich City won back-to-back promotions a decade ago, their players celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas, courtesy of celebrity owner Delia Smith.
At neighbors King’s Lynn Town, they’ve had to settle for a congratulatory zoom call, but after a tense three-month wait to be crowned champions of National League North, gaffer Ian Culverhouse isn’t complaining.
“It’s a bit strange because you’re usually together at these moments,” says the 52-year-old, who made 369 appearances for Norwich and was assistant to Paul Lambert during the Canaries’ exhilarating ascent to the Premier League in 2011.
“After a game, or on the bus home. At Norwich, I think Delia paid for all the lads to go to Vegas for a week, and they still talk about it now. For us, it was a zoom call and celebrity beer! Robbie Back organized it, and it was nice to pat each other on the back – virtually, of course!
“It’s taken a long time and the whole situation has been unbelievable, really. Would we have liked to finish off the season and do things the right way? Of course. But I’m glad it ended the way it did because the lads deserve it. They’ve been brilliant.”
Less glad are rivals York City, who were top of the table when the season was halted only to be overhauled by the Linnets when points-per-game was used to decide the final standings. The Minstermen missed out by just 2.5 points.
This story is from the June 21, 2020 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 21, 2020 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WIN SETS UP FINAL MATCH TO SAVOUR!
THE Millers finished their home campaign in fine style with a win against a deflated Herne Bay side, whose play-off hopes disappeared last weekend following their home defeat against Sheppey.
TAYLOR'S DOUBLE SILENCES MARTYRS
AFC TOTTON continued their push to the top of the play-off picture as they triumphed over Merthyr Town.
HORNETS HEROES STUN THE CHATS!
HORSHAM kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing victory against their potential play-off opponents.
LONG WAIT FOR HYDE AFTER HOME VICTORY
HYDE UNITED ended their league campaign with a win thanks to a brace from Matt Fearnley.
FIVE-STAR STONES STUN SAD BEAVERS
HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH had their play-off hopes dashed after they were thrashed by Maidstone United.
IT'S ALL OVER FOR GARRARD AS FLEET SEND WOOD DOWN
LUKE GARRARD’S last stand as Boreham Wood manager ended in relegation as Ebbsfleet United secured their National League status – just – on a tense final day.
KEV HAS PRIDE DESPITE A FALL
SOUTHEND United's faint play-off hopes were ultimately taken out of their hands by FC Halifax Town but they failed to keep their side of the equation by going down to Rochdale at Roots Hall.
HORNETS GOT SUCH A BUZZ!
DOM DI PAOLA has claimed the Football Association's decision to do away with replays in the FA Cup from the first round proper onwards is 'destroying their own competition'.
IT'S ABOUT CREATING MEMORIES
STEVE McKimm says the FA Cup replay storm isn’t about money – it’s the chance to make memories just like Cray Valley PM did this season.
A MARATHON EFFORT, JOE!
Robins ace runs London gauntlet after injury hell