The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Sunnybank find their ‘joy’ after title triumph
Sunnybank manager Paul Leahy believes the club have brought “joy” back to their fans and community by winning the North Junior Championship title.
The Heathryfold Park side also secured promotion to the Premier League to end an 11-year absence from the junior top flight.
Leahy insists the title glory is reward for the loyal supporters, committee members, players and coaches who stuck by the club through “tough times”.
Aberdeen-based Sunnybank have traditionally been one of the most successful clubs in the North juniors.
Now they are back in the big time again and Leahy admits “tears were flowing” amongst players, fans and committee members.
He said: “Sunnybank are a massive club in Aberdeen and has a huge history.
“It is 11 years since we were last in the top flight so to get back up there is a fantastic achievement.
“Especially for all those people on the committee and the supporters that stuck around through the tough times.
“There were huge celebrations.
“You could see it with those who had been here for a while, there were tears flowing in their eyes.
“Winning the title brings a bit of joy to the club and the area.”
Sunnybank won the top-flight title in 2010 but suffered relegation in 2012 – and have only now returned to the Junior top flight.
The title was officially secured with a 2-1 home defeat of Buchanhaven Hearts courtesy of a goal
from Adam Reid and an own-goal.
Sunnybank then received the trophy at the weekend following a 4-0 home defeat of Deveronside with Reid again on target.
Also netting were Scott Burnett, Mikey Taylor and an own-goal.
Leahy said: “Sunnybank are a big club but went through some tough times
and ended up down at the bottom of the second division.
“However, over the years there have been good managers that have built it to get us there.
“My priority was always to win the title and that was what we instilled in the players from the start.
“Having that mentality throughout the season definitely helped.”
Sunnybank finished this season with 73 points from 30 matches to seal a return to the Premier Division.
Leahy insists a crop of talented young players ensures the future is bright for the club.
And he is set to strengthen the squad further in the summer in preparation for a return to the top flight.
He said: “At the start of the season we wanted to increase the size of our squad.
“We didn’t have any money so we brought in some good, young amateur players and 18-year-olds that needed to step up after finishing at their age level.
“It is a step up in divisions so that experience with the younger lads is needed.”