'It means everything' - Hugh Douglas revels in title glory for Drogheda at the expense of his former club Bray

Andrew Dempsey reports from Stradbrook Park

Hugh Douglas reveled in his league title success with Drogheda United this evening after they pipped his former club Bray Wanderers to the First Division title.

Douglas was let go by Bray after they end of the 2019 season after being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Gary Cronin at the time.

But he has since gone on to prove his doubters wrong and clinch the First Division title, at the expense of his former side.

“It’s very hard to put into words how much that means to me, the players, staff and volunteers at the club,” Douglas told extratime.com.

“The way I was treated at Bray last year – after being there for so long and the way they cut ties with me, which was disgraceful - it was hard to take.

“I contemplated whether to go back and even play football but Tim got in touch with to ask me to be involved with his project and I’ve got to join in the third year.

“They went so close in previous years and I think the experience of myself and a few other has helped take us to the next stage.”

Drogheda went into this evening’s game with their fate in their own hands after Bray’s defeat on Saturday afternoon at home to Galway United.

But Cabinteely – their opponents on Tuesday night – also had a playoff spot to secure at the same time.

“I always preferred the game this evening to be a tight affair that also meant something for the opposition than it to be a dead rubber game,” the central defender added.

“It brought out the best in the lads, they were up for it and at the end of the day we’re the champions of the league and we deserve it.

He finished: “It means everything (to be promoted). For our fans who travel the length and breadth of the country. They’re great people up there and they love the club as much as anyone on the team.

“This team has come close before and there have been many heartbreaks but I hope wherever the Drogheda fans are tonight they’re enjoying a drink and we can hopefully enjoy the celebrations some time into the future.”