Camm is waking up '˜sleeping giant' Shirebrook Town

That’s the view gaining momentum among supporters at Langwith Road as Shirebrook look to put the icing on the cake of a promising season under new boss Rob Camm by gaining promotion.

The club have always had the fan base and facilities to promise more. But after several seasons in the upper regions of the First Division in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League, they endured a dip in standards last term, ending up 18th.

However, former player Camm has worked wonders in his first full campaign at the helm, and they now sit as high as fifth, perfectly placed to make the end-of-season promotion play-offs.

“I am delighted with the way things have gone, especially as we’re still a work in progress,” said Camm, who might be only 31 but has plenty of managerial experience behind him, both at Blidworth and in Sunday football.

“We started the season looking to rebuild, bring in some local players to boost crowds and maybe finish in the top half. But it has gone better than expected, so we’ve said we might as well go for it.”

Most of Camm’s players are aged between 18 and 21, with the potential to get better, although the two totem poles of his squad are very much captain Chris Timons and top scorer Kieran Watson.

Defender Timons, who once captained Hucknall Town in an FA Trophy final, is still leading by example at the age of 43, while the 31-year-old Watson heads the league’s goals charts with 37.

“Kieran has been fantastic,” said Camm. “He’s had at least ten offers from other clubs, offering better financial rewards, but he has stuck around because he is enjoying his football here. It’s nice to know there’s still some loyalty in the game.”

Camm’s revolution has brought an increase in home crowds of more than 50 per cent, and fans get the chance to see how far Shirebrook have come when they entertain tabletopping Knaresborough Town next Tuesday night.