South Manchester Sports 1st team have been confirmed as champions of the Premier Division of the Manchester Accountants League.

Managed by Darryl Lee, their title celebrations got under way after nearest rivals Mace forfeited their final match, leaving South winners by six points and an 18-goal margin.

Lee confirmed that he is standing down from his position. He said: “I am very proud to have won the league - my first league win as a manager - but more importantly the players deserve enormous credit. A number of them travelled back each week from university and this was to prove crucial in the last week's of the season when three midweek games, which we won against excellent opposition, were required to take us to the top of the table.

“There were some fantastic performances throughout the season and whilst it is perhaps unfair to single out any individual, the 38 goals scored by Adam Lavin deserve special mention.

“My main regret was losing the Peter Morrison Trophy semi-final to Oakwood as this group could – and possibly should - have won the trophy.

“I must place on record my thanks to Steve Cantor, my assistant manager and to Chris O’Brien who was my coach until Manchester United whisked him off to Mumbai to run their Soccer School there.

"I believe that South Manchester are currently on a par with Manchester Maccabi at first team level, having beaten them in the Peter Morrison twice out of three fixtures between them in the last three seasons.

“I do believe that there is a possible synergy between the clubs but this is not shared by others and I respect that desire and passion for individuality and identity.

“Between the two clubs there are a number of players who could be in or get close to the Maccabiah Open squad and hopefully the manager, David Pollock, is aware of those players."

Reflecting on his time in charge, Lee added: "I have loved every minute of it but hopefully someone else will build upon my foundation.

"It is a great club and Jonny Davis, Neil Collins and Les Ormerod provide a fantastic support to players and managers."