Proud Austin says Harborough Town's Southern League title win tops the lot!
Mitch Austin believes the clinching of the Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central has to be 'the biggest moment' in Harborough Town's history.
There's been a lot for the Bees to celebrate in recent years, with three promotions secured and also a memorable FA Cup run that saw Mitch Austin's side take Sky Bet League One side Reading to extra-time, before losing in the second round.
But the Borough boss is in no doubt that winning the Southern League and taking the club up to Step 2 of the non-League ladder, to within just two more promotions of the Football League, tops everything that has gone before.
It has been a remarkable rise for a team that was playing in the United Counties League as recently as 2022, and Austin told BBC Radio Leicester: "This is the biggest moment for the club, it has to be.
"We have been promoted three times into a really credible level now, and the Southern League is a credible level. To win it, and to win it with two games to go is just great."
The Bees secured the title with a 3-1 win at Halesowen Town on Saturday, with second-half goals from Connor Kennedy, Riley O'Sullivan and Ryan Mclean overhauling a 1-0 half-time deficit.
But they would have claimed the crown even in defeat, as rivals Spalding United suffered a 3-1 home loss to Stratford Town.
Borough can now prepare to take on clubs such as former EFL outfit Morecambe and Brackley Town, who were both relegated from the National League on Saturday.
The likes of Kidderminster Harriers, Darlington, Chester and Macclesfield could also be on the fixture list, and Austin admits he is already looking to the future.
"Once the celebrations have died down, what we do need to focus on is making sure we are not cannon-fodder for next season," said the Bees boss.
"To have gone through all of this hard work, to come straight back down would be really disappointing.
"So we will get this week out of the way and then I will be fully focused on getting a decent side for the Conference North and just enjoy it.
"We have had all this success in the years up to now and this moment, but what is stopping us?
"That's where I'm at. The first thing I thought was 'what's next?'."
For now though, Harborough get the chance to enjoy their success and after Saturday’s clash with Bishop’s Stortford, Austin and his team will be presented with the huge Southern League Premier Central title shield.
The Bees will be hoping they can wrap up their home campaign with another win, and if they avoid defeat it will complete an unbeaten home campaign at the Bee Hive.
In their 20 games at HQ to date, they have won 14 and drawn six.