ByJames Masters, James Masters
London Lions Reserves will play in Division One of the Spartan South Midlands Reserve League next season after their promotion was finally ratified.
Lions, who won their final five league games of the season to secure a second place finish, will now face several clubs who have their first team in the Premier Division.
And Dan Jacobs, who manages Lions Reserves alongside Maccabiah Football Chairman Jon Green, says his side’s latest achievement will benefit the whole club for years to come.
“It’s a tough league with lots of experienced sides and even more travelling, so to finish in the top two in just our second season is a credit to the players,” he said.
“Our sole intention is to support our 1st Team, be it helping those on their way back from injury or by introducing and helping develop some of the most talented younger Jewish players, so to galvanise a winning team at the same time is a real bonus.
“Jon’s an incredible and inspirational manager who had a vision that the entire squad have bought into, the reward for which is the opportunity to play our football againstthe best sides at our level.
“ For the club it means a weekly standard of football that really will continue player development.
“With the 1st Team determined to challenge at the top of the league next season these really are exciting times at Lions”.
Skipper Nick Goodman, who scored 32 goals last season added: “The management have done an outstanding job with the reserve squad over the last few years and have really turned it into a team that boys want to play for.
“The reward of promotion is the least they deserve.”