DELIGHTED Dean Whitehouse admits he feels vindicated after Tividale were crowned West Midlands Premier champions.

Frontrunners for most of the season, Whitehouse’s men were confirmed title-winners last Tuesday as nearest rivals AFC Wulfrunians went down 4-2 at Shifnal.

That lead to a party atmosphere at Packwood Road on Monday as Tivi were handed the trophy following their 2-1 win over Wolves Casuals.

It’s all a far cry from just 18 months ago when Whitehouse was on the verge of being sacked after a miserable autumn run.

But the club stayed patient and backed Whitehouse’s policy of developing younger players while playing attractive football, which has now brought in the rewards.

Whitehouse (main picture) said: “It was a tough time and I was losing faith in myself.

“A number of people wanted me sacked but chairman Chris Dudley and secretary Rob Poole, along with general manager Leon Murray, stuck by me and gave me the encouragement I needed.

“Now I’ve won the league for them and I couldn’t be happier.

“A number of people have tried and failed to get this club promoted with big budgets and now I’ve done it on a relative shoestring.”

If Tividale defeat Bewdley on Saturday, they will finish with a total of 100 points - which will be another eye-catching statistic from a truly memorable campaign.

After losing their first game at Goodrich 2-1, Tivi have been beaten just once since and have scored 123 goals. Notable results include a 9-0 demolition of Dudley Town and a 7-0 victory at Bloxwich United.

Whitehouse added: “I don’t think we have been at our best over the last month but for most of the season we have been on fire.

“We have won the league playing attractive football and its been a real pleasure to watch.

“Losing at Goodrich on the first day of the season came as a bit of a shock - we had plenty of chances but just didn’t take them.

“After the game their manager came up to me and said ‘you’ll win the league playing like that.’ “Even I was struggling to believe it at the time but just nine months later here we are.”