- By Liz Jackson & Leigh Milner
- BBC News
11 May 2024
Image caption, Bromley players toured the town amid scenes of joy
Bromley FC celebrated a historic promotion to the English Football League with an open-top bus tour of the town, welcomed by crowds of fans.
It is the first time the south-east London club has reached the Football League in its 132-year history.
The mood in town reflected the significance of the occasion, with players leaning out of the packed double-decker bus singing.
As they made the trip into the town centre, fans of all ages cheered, waved flags and pointed at their heroes.
Image caption, Manager Andy Woodman says the team’s hard work is “worth” it when “all these people turn out for you like this”
Hordes of people also gathered in the local shopping centre, the Glades, before getting autographs and taking selfies with their favourite players.
One young fan said: “It’s been brilliant. We’re going up, and we’re extremely happy – it’s just, wow.”
Player Callum Reynolds described the achievement as “the stuff dreams are made of, now I’m living it”.
Image caption, Club chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves says he is planning to “take the players away to somewhere hot” to celebrate
Club chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves said: “Let’s enjoy the moment, give all ourselves a pat on the back.
“I think we’re gonna have a week off or so – I’ve got to take the players away to somewhere hot.”
Image caption, Fans young and old lined up to take pictures with players and get merchandise signed
Manager Andy Woodman said: “It’s become an unhealthy obsession; it’s really consumed everything in my life.
“But when you get all these people turn out for you like this and you know it’s made a difference to their life, it’s worth every minute of that energy that I’ve given it.”
He won’t be enjoying any extended team celebrations though, as he told BBC London he had to rush “back to reality” for his daughter’s baby shower.
While the players can now enjoy a well-earned rest, it won’t be long until all eyes are on them again when the season gets under way on 10 August.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]
2024-05-11 22:01:01
#Bromley #celebrate #historic #promotion #bus #tour
