Brady backing Paul Holleran’s side to finish what he started

Brady was chairman of the club at the time of its untimely demise in 1988 and it was his unstinting determination through the wilderness years which helped Leamington Football Club transform a ploughed field off Harbury Lane into their new home.

Four promotions have followed Brakes’ rebirth in 2000 but Brady says that even if a fifth is not realised, it is important fans do not forget just how far the club has progressed in those intervening 11 years.

“It has been a superb effort, a great effort all the way through,” said Brady, who is now club president after stepping down as chairman in 2007.

“You see the newcomers come in and a lot don’t realise what went in to it.

“They don’t realise it all came from nothing.

“I had a good gang around me and we pulled together and worked well.

“We were lucky we started at a lower level, even though the Midland Combination was reasonably strong in those days.

“It was enjoyable and we had some great local lads playing for us. There were no mercenaries, but then we had no money.

“It was a real community effort.

“Looking back it was some feat and we were lucky to have someone looking down on us.”

The six acres of land which were bought for £30,000 have now been transformed into a 2,300 capacity stadium complete with three stands, practice pitch, car park and clubhouse.

However, despite marked improvements both on and off the field, Leamington’s attendances have failed to mirror their ascent, with this season’s average of 503 more than 100 down on last year.

Much of that deficit can be attributed to the loss of derbies against Rugby and Nuneaton and the lack of a home game over the popular Christmas period.

However, Brady says the town has always been slow to share in the success of the club.

“I wish the town would get behind it, especially when you look at the population and look at how many we get at the ground.

“But it’s always been a bit of a laidback town. It’s hard to stir people up.

“I remember when we went to Colchester in the FA Cup, it was hard to get people going.

“You wouldn’t have known anything was going on, but that’s the sort of town it is.”

Tomorrow’s game could not be better set up, with visitors Chesham denying Brakes the final play-off spot on goal difference.

With tricky trips to Truro and Oxford City coming up, Paul Holleran’s side are in desperate need of three points if they are to gatecrash the top five.

However, despite their participation in the play-offs remaining in doubt, Brady believes Brakes would be more than able to adjust to the demands of Step 2.

“We’re not a milion miles away and if we get promoted I’m sure the players will cope.

“The board have done a good job and I just hope they can keep it going.

“It should be an exciting game against Chesham - they’re not a bad side. But if the players - and the fans - turn up, I think we can do it.”

Nick Stanley should return to Brakes’ squad after missing the trip to Brackley.

The midfielder required stitches in a foot injury he sustained at home.