“That just doesn’t happen” Deakin reflects on Slimbridge’s miraculous turnaround
Slimbridge Co-Manager Tom Deakin admits that winning the Hellenic Premier title wasn’t something he and Michael Palmer aimed for this season and praised his squad for their approach.
The Swans came from behind to beat local rivals Tuffley Rovers on Easter Monday, securing the Hellenic Premier title for the first time since the 2006/07 season – thanks to Droitwich Spa’s defeat against Hereford Pegasus.
Speaking to Severn Sport nearly 24 hours later, Deakin admits that the Management decided against telling the players at half time what they knew, which was Droitwich were 3-0 down and if Slimbridge could overturn their 2-1 deficit then they would be champions.
“That feeling at full time and then the moments after, it’s hard to even put into words. It was an unbelievable feeling – every kind of emotion hits you, especially after the seasons we all had last year,” said Deakin.
“We tried to avoid the scores elsewhere for the first half, then someone around the dugout said it was 3-0 and we knew we had a job to do.
We went in at half time, but didn’t tell the players. We just needed to focus on ourselves and it was always about the next goal.
I thought we chased too hard first half and needed to relax and play in our way, which, full credit to the lads, we gave them a plan second half and they nailed it,” added Deakin.
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The title win comes after a disaster of a second half to the 2024/25 season for the Swans, as their season fizzled out dramatically and they picked up only 7 points after Christmas.
Slimbridge would go on to finish in 16th place and nearer the relegation places than the play-offs and the club knew a change was needed.
Deakin was joined in the summer by departing Longlevens Co-Manager, Mike Palmer, with experienced Hellenic League boss Sam Prior joining as First Team Coach and serial winner Ben Powell joining from Chalford as Assistant Manager.
There were question marks about whether a four man management team would bring success and Deakin admits that even in the early conversations, challenging for the title never crossed their minds.
“We got together in a pub as a group of four during pre-season to talk about the season and before we had done anything we knew there were questions around if it would work and where we would be aiming,” admitted Deakin.
“Winning the league was never mentioned. You don’t go from 16th to 1st, that just doesn’t happen. It was about the first line (playoffs) and whether we could get there.
But as the season went on, we ticked off little milestones along the way so to be here now as Champions it’s an unbelievable position to be in,” said Deakin.
The game at Tuffley saw 289 spectators at Glevum Park for a historical afternoon for Slimbridge, including the club’s committee and Supporters’ Club who have turned out in numbers every step of the way this season and Deakin dedicated the title to those behind the scenes who supported the playing squad along the way.
“I’ve always said the aim for me at the club was to win a trophy of some sort,” said Deakin.
“Alena Wrixon, Baz [Chairman Barry Gay], Colin [former Secretary Colin Gay], the Supporters’ Club and everyone that has followed us all season and over the last few years. I’m proud and so are the management and players to give them something to celebrate.
It’s a massive thank you from management and players to every single one who has been there supporting us this season, this is for them,” Deakin added.
Slimbridge have confirmed that they will be presented with the Hellenic Premier trophy after their final game of the season, when they host Longlevens at Thornhill Park on Saturday 18 April, but before that they head to Roman Glass St George in their final away game of the season this weekend.
READ MORE: Submit your nominations in the Severn Sport End of Season Awards 2026 by clicking here
READ MORE: Check out the list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here
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