“We’re not resting on our laurels.”

It sounds like a footballing cliché, but it couldn’t be more appropriate for Newton Aycliffe manager Brian Atkinson.

The ex-Sunderland midfielder has masterminded a revolution at Aycliffe which has seen them clinch a historic league title.

Wednesday's 2-1 victory at Northallerton Town sealed top spot, and they will collect the silverware before Saturday's final game of the season at Penrith.

But Atkinson, the former Sunderland and Darlington player and assistant manager, while admitting his players have to “enjoy the moment”, is under no illusions of the huge task ahead in taking on promotion.

“It feels good and it sounds good,” Atkinson reluctantly answered on being champions of the Northern League.

“But you never want to rest on your laurels. We’ll enjoy it and we’ll enjoy Saturday, the bus journey, the presentation and the aftermath.

“But we’re already looking at next season. Retaining players, new recruits. That’s just the way football is, you want to be better all the time.

“There’s a lot of hard work to do. A lot of planning and preparation, and support is needed. Whether it’s through more fans or more business involvement. Our ground needs upgrading, there’s a lot to do and we need the local community to get behind us in a big way.”

Aycliffe’s scintillating form at the run of the year saw them go from league contenders to favourites in just a few short months.

“Our form since Christmas has been great,” said Atkinson.

“It’s togetherness and a bit of quality. The lads have been great. The whole club, everyone rowing in the same direction. The gateman, the grounds people, the kit man, the coaching staff, the players, everyone. A massive effort and we’ve got our just rewards.

“The chairman Allan Oliver, his vision and the support he’s given over the years has been fantastic.

“The buzz over the last few weeks has been really good. It’s a shame it has to be an away game to be presented with the trophy, it would have been fantastic to do that at home.

“But hopefully next season we can start to see a few more coming down to support the lads.”

Aycliffe chairman Allan Oliver – who once managed the team and took the club from the Durham Alliance League to the Northern League more than a decade ago – admitted it took a few days for the title to sink in.

But he said: “With about three games to go, I was confident, the way the players had been playing, and the togetherness, I thought they'd get over the line.

“I'm just really pleased for everyone involved. The work behind the scenes is probably double of what goes on, on the pitch.

“Two or three years ago I didn't think we were anywhere near. We always seemed to be two or three players short.

“But last season, Brian saw what was required. We needed three good 'uns. He took his time to get the right players, a bit more quality in certain areas.

“We now have a good young team that is at it. There's a good feel. They all stick together after the game, they don't just turn up, they enjoy each other's company. It's a social thing as well as a football thing, which is priceless.

“It’s been a massive team effort and a special mention goes to the coaching staff, Brian, Tony Norman and Danny Mellanby. Mark Wood has also done a tremendous job on the coaching side as well as raising funds behind the scenes.”

Oliver admits, however, the jump to the Northern Premier League is a huge challenge.

“We don't have a massive committee, we have more quality than quantity,” he said.

“We're confident the lads we've got will hold their own. Brian and I have watched enough games at the next step up. We'll give a good account of ourselves.

“Our squad, they're fit, they're strong and they've got quality. We have the camaraderie and togetherness.

“We just need more support, from local businesses and fans coming through the gate.

“One thing we can guarantee them is good quality football.”