Faversham boss Tommy Warrilow has hailed their title-winning season as one of the best achievements of his managerial career.

A run of six straight Southern Counties East League Premier Division victories has helped Town secure an Isthmian League return as they got over the line, courtesy of a 1-0 win at Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday.

They missed out to last term's champions Deal before losing to Corinthian in the play-off semi-final on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Salters Lane last April, but have now gone one better.

Warrilow has enjoyed plenty of previous success, taking Tonbridge into National League South and reaching two play-off finals with Ashford at the level that Town are now expected to return to.

He also pulled off the most unlikely escape from relegation after stepping in to help Cray Wanderers.

Warrilow said: “Last year, Deal romped it, even though everyone else had games in hand.

“By the time we had got a few players out and a few in, we still managed to finish second.

“Unfortunately, we had nothing to show for it, even though we went into the play-offs 14 games unbeaten. We went out on penalties in the semi-final and that about summed the night up.

“To go one better, that’s an unbelievable achievement. There’s some good teams and it’s certainly not something to sniff at.

“It’s a great time for the club.

“It should never have been in this league, but it’s a hard league to get out of. It’s a really unforgiving league where results are thrown up every week.

“This is right up there in terms of what I’ve done.

“No one really is going to give us any kudos because we’re Faversham and we’re expected to win the league. But we know how hard everyone has worked behind the scenes so we don’t really need anyone else telling us. It’s a massive achievement to win any league.

“For me as a manager, it’s right up there, even with my time at Cray Wanderers. That wasn’t a promotion but we were more or less down and we saved them.

“It’s great to go up as champions and we’ll hope to build on that, on and off the pitch.”

Utility player Matt Newman came up with the all-important goal for the second week in a row at Tunbridge Wells in the 18th minute.

Warrilow, 60, replaced Sammy Moore in charge in January 2024.

He has put his own stamp on the squad - bringing in many he had worked with at Ashford - but has remained loyal to some existing players, as well.

Warrilow said: “We have kept hold of Matt Newman, Nathan Wood, Lewis Briggs, Kieron Campbell and Sam Hasler.

“The reason we went in was because things weren’t working - that’s how you get work as a manager quite often - but we’ve kept the squad and just touched it up.

“Hopefully, if we lose next year, it’s treated in a normal way, rather than like ‘Oh my God, Faversham have lost!’ like it has been this year. But that can happen at all levels. Just look at Leeds.

“I will be offered players left, right and centre in the summer but, the more you play with each other, the better your players get.

“Sometimes, we have had to dig in this season and, sometimes, we have been able to play some really good football.

“The players and their attitudes have been brilliant so massive credit to them.”

The title triumph was a first senior one of his career for versatile defender Jack Parter, playing for his hometown club, after previous play-off success at both Tonbridge and Herne Bay for the 31-year-old.

Town will next be in action against relegation-threatened Lordswood on Easter Monday (kick-off 3pm) with a party atmosphere expected. It will allow winger Kieron Campbell to make his 150th first-team appearance in his second club stint in real style.

Meanwhile, former midfielder Darren Marsden has been named as joint-boss of Faversham’s under-13s Kent Youth League side for the 2025/26 season alongside Joe Timms.

It has also been confirmed Chris Hills, Simon Sawkins and John Mahoney will be their under-16s’ Kent Youth League management team next term.