PROUD Brantham Athletic chairman Peter Crowhurst believes his team are in the best possible hands and lucky to have managerial duo Matt Carmichael and Michael Brothers.

The pair were unveiled as joint-bosses at the beginning of last year, replacing Paul Skingley.

In their first full season they have taken the club to the upper echelons of the Thurlow Nunn League premier division, in addition to reaching the League Cup final.

Long-serving Crowhurst believes it has been an outstanding achievement on their part and says the duo have given the club real direction.

“It’s been an excellent season,” he said.

“We couldn’t wish for two finer people to lead the club than Matt and Michael.

“They’ve attracted so many good players, are dedicated to bringing youngsters through and want to do things the right way.

“Both are very charismatic and passionate about Brantham.

“We’re lucky to have them and they’re both great for the club.

“It’s not just the football side of things. They come to committee meetings, get involved in fundraising and do things around the ground.

“They’ve worked so hard and we couldn’t wish for two better characters to have come in and given us the direction we sought.

“Hats off to them because they’ve really grabbed hold of the club.”

Carmichael (pictured right) joined from Thurlow Nunn League first division side Little Oakley, where he had been a coach, while Brothers had been playing for FC Clacton.

Meanwhile, Brantham won 2-1 against visiting Saffron Walden Town, on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, the Imps took control when Elliott Johnson fired in from long range and Ed Nobbs doubled their lead from the penalty spot after a handball.

Charlie Portway converted a spot-kick at the other end but the hosts held on to take the points.

It left Brantham fifth in the table and next up for them is a dress rehearsal for their League Cup final, when they visit Thetford Town tomorrow.

They then welcome neighbours Stanway Rovers to the Leisure Centre on Bank Holiday Monday.

Both games kick-off at 3pm.

Crowhurst is hoping for more points over Easter and says there have already been plenty of highlights during a successful 2017/18 campaign.

“We’ve had so many wonderful afternoons, watching the team produce lots of stellar performances,” he added.

“On so many occasions we’ve come away with our heads held high and our chests pumped out.

“We’ve played with real pride, showing great heart, and because of that we’ve won some friends along the way.”