Icon Dave has lived his dream

The NLP Lifetime Achievement

Dave Diaper

BEST OF DAYS: Lifetime Achievement winner Dave Diaper collects the FA Vase as Sholing boss in 2014

PICTURE: Alamy

SHOLING icon Dave Diaper capped off a remarkable 25 years in charge of the club by being awarded The Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement Award at The Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards in association with Isuzu.

Before stepping down in October and becoming director of football, Diaper managed over 1,200 games with the Boatmen, with the highlight undoubtedly FA Vase glory in 2014 after beating West Auckland Town in the Wembley final.

Having enjoyed so many special times with the club, it is no wonder he is viewed as a genuine Sholing legend. It has also been a family affair with his son Marc and daughter Claire also giving the Boatmen distinguished service over the years.

Having spent a quarter of a century with Sholing, – who were known as Vosper Thorneycroft when he took over – Diaper looked back on his proudest achievements in charge of the side.

He reflected: “A highlight has got to be the FA Vase final against West Auckland, we beat them 1-0 and my life changed ever since that day.

“It’s quite ironic really. Three weeks after that I got diagnosed with bladder cancer which I managed to beat so that was a great achievement.

Lucky

“Winning the FA Vase, I’ll always remember that. ley’s such a spe-

Wembcial place and to actuallyly manage there was unbelievable.

“I feel quite lucky and honoured.

“When I took on the job it was 1999, I had a plan to stay on for two or three years and every year I got asked the same question: ‘We want you to stay, are you going to stay?’.

“I just said yes so many times and it became a natural thing.

“I progressed to running the club for quite a few of those years which was hard work, a lot of dedication but it was totally enjoyable.’’ After receiving the award for a lifetime of devotion to Sholing, Diaper, inset with The NLP’s Neil Wooding, expressed his thanks to The Non-League Paper for the recognition.

He said: “I feel quite humble. I did something I really enjoyed for 25 years and I’m getting recognised for it.

“The Non-League Paper is unbelievably good. It shows you true insights into true football so I’m very honoured and privileged to be accepting this award.”

The club legend also paid tribute to the fans who helped make his time at the club so special.

He added: “I will miss it but I’m still going to be a fan. I’m a lifetime president now so I’ll be out there regularly.”