Badgers captain, Tom Brook “lifting that trophy, that was for them”

In the second of two parts, the Nottingham Sport’s Senior Correspondent, Peter Mann, gets the lowdown from Retford United captain, Tom Brook, after he capped an indifferent three years at the club, with a first, cup success.

“It’s been hard, and, for me, it means I’ve missed out on what should have been some of the best years of my career.” Retford United captain, Tom Brook, reflects on the past two ‘seasons,’ June 2021 

In lifting his first piece of silverware with Retford United, captain Tom Brook is already itching for more of the same, and he’s hoping that happens next season with that of the Central Midlands League championship, and with it, the promotion that has eluded them the past few seasons.

After some five years plus in his native Yorkshire, with Liversedge, Brook, now 28-years-old, is enjoying his time at Cannon Park, a club with whom he’s captained pretty much since his arrival, and victory in the Chairman’s Cup, it’s afforded him a sweet thirst for more success, and soon.

“We’ve got some very loyal fans here, so lifting that trophy, that was for them,” began Brook when looking back on their recent victory, a tough, 3-1 success over Mickleover Reserves.

“The final itself, it was tough game and they (Mickleover) are young, fit footballers who know how to play the game.

“Our ‘keeper (Tom Crosby) though, he played an absolute blinder, especially during the first half.

“We got the goals when it mattered and picked things up as the game progressed, and our third goal, (Jonathan Fusco) came at just the right time as we really didn’t want to (risk) extra-time.”

In beginning the competition with that tough group stage, alongside Dinnington Town and Newark Town, Retford would then see off Clay Cross and Crowle Colts en-route to the final; sides whom Brook believes will be up there challenging with the Badgers next season.

With those at the club stating they have some unfinished business once the 2021-22 campaign begins, they’ve been on the verge in recent seasons but, due to the ongoing pandemic, and with back-to-back seasons being incomplete, any promotion aspirations have had to be put on hold, until now that is.

“Last season, we started well, even though we dropped a few points that we shouldn’t have,” admits Brook, of a Badgers side who were second in the league table when everything came to a shuddering standstill.

“(In challenging) Dinnington, they’ve been a tough one to crack of late, but, as a club, we’ve been in a lucky position throughout the lockdowns really.

“But yes, we’ve been there, or thereabouts over the past couple of seasons so we’re now wanting to go up, and do so as champions.

“Those past two seasons have been very frustrating, for everyone really, and we’d have rather have carried on (with the league) somehow.

“It’s been hard, and, for me, it means I’ve missed out on what should have been some of the best years of my career.”

Now though, with that seven-game pre-season to look forward to, and just around the corner, those Badgers, Brook, and his team-mates, are more than ready to pick it all back up, and go again.

“There’s a really good squad here, some great wingers, and big players meaning that we can go out there, and play a really good brand of football in which we’ve had instilled in us from day one,” explained Brook.

“As for pre-season, we’ve got some interesting games coming up which will have us well prepared for the new season.

“That must be promotion for us even though there’s some tough teams around us, so we know it won’t be a forgone conclusion.

“But we deserve to do that, and repay the club, and the fans, for the faith in which they’ve shown in us.”

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @jonmatthews28 the Badgers enjoying a goal in their recent cup win.