A FOOTBALL coach A coach of a football team in the region has been paying tribute to his players after the side won a fantastic league and cup treble this season.

Hexham Green U17’s completed their treble winning campaign last week with a win in the West Division Cup final and the result capped off 10 years of junior football for a large number of the players.

Their manager Joe Speed – who has been a part of their journey not just at U17 level but throughout the last 10 years – has been looking back on the team’s success.

“We’ve had players sign for academies, both in football and in rugby; we’ve won five top division league titles in 10 years, two eague Cups, 9 West Division Cups and lots of festivals; but best of all, we’ve pretty much all stuck together for the duration of it!” said Joe.

“This season’s treble is undoubtedly a special achievement and one that I’m proud to be a part of, but I think achievement should be measured by more than what the boys have won.

“Their work ethic, attitude and sheer love of football has kept them coming back, and keeping the boys together as a squad is a massive achievement.”

Joe and his squad came into this season on the back of an undefeated campaign, however that didn’t stop the side continuing to dominate as he went on to explain.

“I think the most pleasing part of this season is the fact that the players still have had that hunger to want to improved,” he added.

“Last season we were undefeated and playing very well. Yet this season, on both an individual level and as a team, the improvement in some performances has been simply excellent. Confidence levels continued to grow and players who’ve had set backs from academies have played with enjoyment again.

“The positive comments from opposition teams, their coaches and referees has been frequent and kept the team wanting to push on.

“I’m delighted that most of the team want to venture into adult football in Hexham’s new U23 team too.”

After securing the Pin Point Saturday Premier League, the side then also won the U17 West Division Cup before last week sealing their treble with a victory over Ashington AFC in the League Cup.