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Blackburn and co get ready to celebrate
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| Paul Gedman is on the ball during Avenue's 9-0 hammering of Rossendale earlier in the season. Avenue are keen to end the season in similar style when the sides meet again before celebrating their title success |
The celebrations following Avenue's midweek title triumph can begin in earnest after tomorrow's final league game at Rossendale United.
Chief executive and owner Bob Blackburn declared himself "ecstatic" at news of the Horsfall club's promotion to the UniBond Premier Division, though admitted the manner in which it was confirmed felt "surreal".
Defeat for rivals Curzon Ashton and a draw for FC United of Manchester meant Avenue clinched the title without kicking a ball on Wednesday.
Blackburn said: "I'm ecstatic. It's all a bit of a whirl at the moment because we haven't played since it was confirmed that we had won the title so it feels a bit surreal.
"Cammy (team manager Dave Cameron) had told the players not to get sidetracked in midweek so that they were all focused for tomorrow.
"None of us expected both of our rivals to slip us so it was unexpected.
"Kevin Hainsworth (fellow director), our secretary Steve Burnett, Cammy and myself were all getting texts and answering phones all evening.
"It was really busy. Secretaries and directors of other clubs were in contact all night.
"We all felt on a high but we weren't together so we couldn't celebrate properly. That will come after the game tomorrow."
Winning the championship means Avenue have two additional fixtures to fulfil this season.
On Tuesday, they travel to Retford United to compete for the UniBond League Chairman's Cup. The revamped competition pits the Division One North and South winners against each other.
Then next Saturday, Avenue will visit the Premier Division champions, which will be Fleetwood Town or Witton Albion, in the Peter Swailes Memorial Shield.
Blackburn echoed Cameron's insistence that the club would not be letting up until the season was officially over.
He said: "It is nice to know we won't be chewing our fingernails at Rossendale but I have spoken to the lads and they are all up for winning.
"We all are. We want this club to make a statement in the last game of the season and the two showpiece games."
"They will be competitive fixtures, no one has switched off yet. There are things to play for so we will be doing whatever is necessary."
10:05am Friday 25th April 2008
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