Tom Greaves’ goals helped F.C. United of Manchester to promotion and the striker to a national award but he is adamant the club still have much loftier ambitions.
Greaves picked up the Timali Step 3 & 4 Player of the Year gong at The Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards in association with The NLFA, on Wednesday.
The event, held at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, saw the 30-year-old honoured after banging in 25 goals as F.C. United won the Evo-Stik Premier League by two points.
That means they will ply their trade in the Conference North next term but Greaves claims they are already eyeing up another two promotions to take them into the Football League.
“The main aim was to get promotion this year after being so close for a couple of years in a row,” explained Greaves.
“The club wants to be in the Football League in the end – I’m not sure they mind how long it takes, and the fans enjoy visiting all the different grounds, but in the long run that’s the main aim.
“The level of competition is getting better and better every season and a lot of clubs get quite a bit of money now. We’re a bit different in that we play for the fans.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at a higher level next year. I think as a team we’re confident of doing well and pushing for the play-offs.”
As F.C United, who were only formed in 2005, continue their ascent up the leagues, they will have a ground of their own form next season – the 4,400-capacity Broadhurst Park.
Greaves admits the new facility has everyone at the club excited and is keen to see in a personal milestone there next season.
“I’ve got 72 goals for the club, so I want to reach that 100-goal mark next season. That means I need 28 goals which will be my target,” he added.
“Everyone’s absolutely buzzing around the new ground, especially now that we’ve got a place to call home.
“Broadhurst Park is unbelievable for a ground at this level. We played there for the first time in a test event the other day, so everyone is looking forward to the future.”
The NLFA are delighted to have sponsored the National Game Awards. With a new membership package coming soon to include Income & Career Ending Insurance, The NLFA are becoming a very important role in the lives of Non-League footballers. Visit http://www.thenlfa.com/ for more information.
