PROMOTION WITH A CHERRY ON TOP

PICTURESQUE is the best way to describe Sturminster Newton United's Barnetts Field home.

- Matthew Nash

Surrounded by farmland, the Dorset club is a terrific place to be on a sunny day. So much so that visiting teams have taken their hosts' hospitality to extremes, rain or shine.

The Cherries were perennial Dorset Premier League strugglers before former Gillingham Town reserves boss Nick Squires took over three years ago. They are no longer so generous.

Opponents still enjoy their trip to Stur but not often three points. In fact, it has been almost a complete transformation under the management of Squires and chairman Lee Bright - one which has seen them crowned double winners after adding the League Cup to the title, ending the 2023-24 season with eight straight wins.

The like has never been seen before in their 153-year history since being formed as Panthers in 1871. It is their first Dorset Premier League championship and for the first time they have been promoted to Step 6.

Mindset

The Jewson Western League first division awaits the Cherries in August and Squires believes transforming the mindset at the club was key to becoming the force they are now. The only side to take all three points at Barnetts Field were Blandford United, who eventually finished third, on the opening day last August.