Erith Town manager Adam Woodward reflects on Southern Counties East Premier Division play-off final win over Corinthian to earn promotion to Isthmian League

Jubilant Erith Town boss Adam Woodward’s loyalty was rewarded by winning promotion on Monday.

Woodward revealed he turned down offers to manage in step 4 earlier this season as he wanted to reach the Isthmian League with Erith.

His faith in the club was rewarded when they won the Southern Counties East Premier Division play-off final on penalties against Corinthian following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

It’s the first time Erith have been promoted to that level of football.

“There’s been chances this season for me to go step 4 and I’ve not gone because I wanted to do it with Erith,” said Woodward.

“Mark and Kay Deveney (Erith Town owners) have been brilliant to me. Let’s be honest, I was taken once I was let go by Glebe, they took me in and I promised Mark we’d be promoted within five years. Covid got in the way a little bit but this is the fifth year now and we’ve done it.

“To win two cups and a play-off final is tremendous. Full credit to the players and management team, I’m just the one who steers the ship, that’s all I do.

“I don’t think we’ve got enough credit for that but we’re in Isthmian League next season and that’s all that matters.

“It’s tremendous. The SCEFL League is great but I wanted to be a step 4 manager. I was told by a previous chairman that I was (only) a good step 6 manager but I’m step 4 now so that’s great!”

Woodward, whose side have already won the Kent Senior Trophy and SCEFL Challenge Cup this season, backed keeper Mackenzie Foley to play a pivotal role in the penalty shoot-out.

“I just knew we’ve got the best goalkeeper in the league and I knew he’d save two and score his one – and he did,” said Woodward.

“When we went to penalties I knew we’d win, I knew Foley would save some as we’ve been there