DELIGHTED boss Brett Whaley has hailed March Town United’s memorable season as his most enjoyable in management.

Adam Rothery’s goal helped the Hares seal their highest league finish since 1997 with a 1-1 draw at Halstead Town on Saturday.

The point secured fourth place in the Ridgeons First Division - and Whaley said it could be the start of something special at the GER.

“I’ve absolutely loved this season,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it more than any other I’ve been involved in.

“To see a new group of players work really hard together and achieve such a strong position is really special.

“It’s done now. It’s in the record books and no one can take those points and that place away from us.

“It means a lot to the lads. People will always look back on this side and know they were a good team.

“I’m really proud of them and they should be really proud of themselves.”

Whaley said December’s league win over promoted Thetford Town and the FA Cup derbies against Wisbech Town stood out as season highlights.

“The high was the Wisbech game because it was such a big occasion with hundreds of people,” he said. “Those sort of crowds just don’t happen at this level.”

The Hares boss vowed to keep hold of his players but admitted the success would trigger approaches from clubs interested in signing them.

“The first job will be keeping hold of the players we’ve got,” he said. “Then we might look to add some depth to the squad.

“We know we could be only one place away from a potential promotion, with three teams likely to go up next year.

“But now it’s a case of enjoying what we have done this season and next year’s challenges will come later.

“Hopefully we will look back on this as the first step in something great.”