WARRINGTON Town chairman Harry Boden paid a glowing tribute to his hard working staff after his side were crowned Warrington Sports Personality Team of 2001.

He said: "Alan Blair, Dave Hughes and Derek Brownbill put their heart and soul into Warrington Town. They work well together and this award bears testament to the fantastic job they have done and continue to do.

"I must also praise all the players who turned out for us in 2001. Last season no-one expected us to win the League. We not only won it but we won it well.

"And this season we have made an exceptional start, specially when you consider our lack of resources."

But despite Warrington Town taking the North West Counties Division Two title and establishing themselves as promotion contenders on their return to the top flight, Harry got the shock of his life when his side were declared Team of the Year in front of a sell-out crowd at Friday's award ceremony.

He said: "I was convinced we would not win, so I was stunned when our name was read out. Having said that, I honestly believe that we are worthy winners."

The chairman has his fingers crossed that his team's recent success story will continue into 2002 and beyond.

He added: "I hope we can progress and make Warrington Town a Northern Premier League side in the next couple of years."