To say Deal’s championship triumph was a family affair is something of an understatement.

Winger Tom Chapman may have missed out on the chance to seal the Hoops’ Southern Counties East Premier Division success alongside brother Ben, sidelined with a hamstring injury, as they beat Lydd 3-1 last weekend.

But Ben remained in the crowd and joined in the promotion party celebrations while cousin Rory Smith did come off the bench in the second half.

Throw in the fact defender Joe Reeves is cousins with manager Steve King and the fathers of vice-captain Macauley Murray and fellow midfielder Billy Munday also played for the club, the family connections are virtually endless!

On the absence of his brother, Tom said: “It’s gutting because everyone wants to be involved in days like this.

“But Ben has been a massive part of our success at the club this season and, although we didn’t quite have the success we wanted last season, we had some success then, as well.

“You get the same from him every week.

“It’s a shame he wasn’t out there on Saturday. But not many people will be able to celebrate leagues with their brothers.

“I have got cousins, as well, who are also part of the squad.

“Family members getting to win a SCEFL League together - it doesn’t get much better.”

It’s easy to see why the Hoops squad are such a close-knit one.

“That’s what makes Deal so special,” admitted Chapman.

“Lots of us have played together for a few years now, lots of us have played together
at junior level.

“We have finally managed to pull through, come through together and have a day like Saturday.”

Goals from teenage forward Jamie Kennedy and substitute Ife Oni, alongside an own goal, sealed a win which ensured Deal are crowned champions.

Chapman enthused: “I have never had this feeling before - and it’s one that I’m going to treasure for the rest of my life.

“All the hard work we have put into the season, even the past couple of seasons building up to this, has finally paid off.

“We have got across the line and we’re going to enjoy it.”

Since joining Deal from Ramsgate in 2021, Chapman has had the chance to work closely with manager King.

“He’s great,” said Chapman. “He has his moments.

“Obviously I have never managed a team - but I can imagine that it’s very stressful, especially when you’re in a position we were in!

“You just want to get over that line.

“But he’s an unbelievable gaffer and I’m really glad that he brought me in.”

Chapman and King, not only see plenty of each other at football, they’re teachers at the same school in Dover.

Chapman said: “Luckily, this season, we haven’t had too many Monday mornings where it’s been bad Saturday results which makes it a bit tense!

“We work together, so we’re pretty much 24-7 at the moment.”

Next season will be Deal’s first playing Isthmian League football and their first at the level in almost 50 years.

“I’m going to be here next season,” Chapman confirmed. “It will be decent.

“I know a few of the boys in different teams there. It will be nice to be back in Isthmian South East.

“It’s something I have wanted to do for a while and I wanted to get Deal there.”

But Chapman thinks they will be looking to do more than make up the numbers.

“Our focus for the season will be that we’re going to compete as much as we can in that league,” he stated.

The Hoops returned to league action on Tuesday, losing 2-1 at home to Punjab United despite midfielder Billy Munday’s goal.