MELKSHAM Town chairman Darren Perrin spoke of his “absolute elation” after the club’s promotion to the Southern League was confirmed.

Perrin moved from the dugout to the boardroom at Oakfields at the end of last season, with his assistant, Kieran Baggs, stepped up to manage first-team affairs.

As well as guiding the club to an FA Vase quarter-final, Baggs navigated his team to a runners-up finish in the Toolstation League Premier Division, with 84 points from 38 games.

Now that their league status has been elevated, Perrin says it has been a long time coming.

“Absolutely elated are probably the words I would use to describe how we are feeling,” said Perrin.

“It has been coming for the last four or five years. Three years ago we won the league, but could not get promoted because of ground grading.

“The last two or three years we have come close, but this year we’ve done it and I’m delighted for Kieran and everyone associated with the club.

“We can now look forward to Southern League football. Kieran has done great this year, he’s worked hard and he’s come out a lot better.

“I’m delighted for him and the players. Especially the players who chose not to be promoted a few years ago, so they could play with Melksham in the Southern League, now they have the opportunity to do that.”

Perrin revealed that the club will now take a few days off before staring preparations for next season.

With pre-season opponents already in place, the former manager says he has enjoyed his new role as chairman.

“It’s busy at the moment. We have more or less completed our pre-season list and that will be announced next week," said Perrin.

“There is so much to do, admissions, sorting the budget, getting the pitch ready, but it’s the same for everyone else I imagine.

“Being a chairman has been different. It is a lot harder than I imagined it to be, but I think for a first season it has gone well.

“Certainly on the pitch, all the teams have been successful, which has helped.

“The support from our fans and sponsors has been unreal and we can’t thank them enough. It’s been a fantastic season and it speaks volumes for the club again.”