JOSH WILDE says North Ferriby United are enjoying a fairytale of their own in the year of the underdog.
The tiny village in the shadow of the Humber will mix it with Non-League's big boys next season.
Billy Heath's side overcame AFC Fylde in the National League North play-offs last week and the boss labelled his men Non-League's Leicester City.
They've become used to upsetting the odds, having lifted the FA Trophy last season by beating National League Wrexham on penalties in a remarkable final at Wembley after the gripping tie finished 3-3 after extra-time.
Now the Villagers – who saw highly-rated boss Heath linked with other clubs as the season drew to a close – will go toe-to-toe with the Red Dragons et al in Non-League's top tier. And Wilde thinks it's a fantastic achievement.
The 24-year-old said: “I'm very excited and pleased we've won promotion into the National League.
Deserved
“It has been a long, hard season but the gaffer and boys deserve it and it goes to show that hard work pays off.
“This season has been full of surprises with Leicester's triumph, Jamie Vardy's rise and now one of the smallest clubs in the National League North finishing second and winning the play-offs – it shows football is one unpredictable game.”
Like Vardy, Wilde began his career at Sheffield Wednesday where he spent ten years before dropping down into Non-League, aged 18.
The former Buxton and Gainsborough Trinity left-back has been ever-present for Ferriby this year. While he loves to join the attack he also feels valuable game time has improved his defensive side and matured his whole game.
“One of the things the gaffer Billy Heath always tells me is that my game has improved since making the step-up at North Ferriby United,” Wilde, represented by Group 154 Ltd, said.
Matured
“With the experience of playing over 100 games at Step 2 I have matured and know when to attack and carry out my defensive duties.
“Since moving to North Ferriby I've been lucky to be part of a group of hard-working, driven and passionate lads and it has shown. We've finished with one FA Trophy, two second-place finishes and now promotion.
“My goal is to play full-time football and compete in the Football League. With the experience and consistency I've got from Non-League football I do feel ready. “
But North Ferriby is a good club with a good group of lads who work well together as a team, so it will be interesting to help the team in the National League next season.”
