Workington Comets team manager Tony Jackson has been "humbled" by the outpouring of support for his treble-winning heroes.
Comets completed the set on Monday night by adding the Championship Shield to the SGB Championship league title and the Knockout Cup and Jackson, who has waited decades to see Workington win a major seven-man trophy, admitted it still hadn’t sunk in that they had won all three.
He has read the hundreds of comments showering praise on Rene Bach, Rasmus Jensen, Dan Bewley, Ty Proctor, Nicolai Klindt, Mason Campton and Kyle Bickley for the septet’s achievements this year but admitted it was not something they had dared to dream of.
"When you’ve not won anything since 1970, you don’t think you’re going to start with the treble," Jackson said.
"The side was put together almost by accident with what we had available within the budget.
"The team spirit has been good and we’ve had a couple of lucky breaks here and there but you make your own luck, as well.
"It’s been a special year with the bond in the team and, even when we’ve argued, it’s been because we’ve all passionately wanted to win, everyone has got on.
"It was quite humbling to read the hundreds of comments.
"You can be accused of being fortunate now and again to have won something but you’ve got to be a decent team to win all three."
Jackson said the struggles with finances, fixtures and injuries all year had made it even better when the team secured three trophies at the end of it all.
He added: "It was obviously just our year and to do it this year of all years was fantastic because it’s raised the profile of the club and maybe that will help with securing its future.
"It’s been hard work juggling fixtures and everything all year but we’re in the record books now and they can’t take it away from us.
"All the stuff we’ve been through on and off the track, it gives you so much satisfaction.
"The reward for [owner] Laura Morgan is fantastic."
Fan favourite Campton was due to miss the three finals to fly back to Australia and compete in the state championships to earn his visa for next year but followed his heart and stayed with the Comets.
Jackson added: "We wouldn’t have been in the finals if it wasn’t for Mason, so he’s so pleased he stayed for that extra week and the three trophies and medals will make that even sweeter."
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