COMPARING the feeling of gaining promotion as a player and as a manager, Braintree Town boss Brad Quinton said it is even sweeter now that he has a hold of the Iron's reins.

Quinton enjoyed two promotion successes in an illustrious playing career with the Iron, gaining a move up from the Ryman League premier division under George Borg and then from the Blue Square Bet South under Rod Stringer.

They were both special occasions for him as a player, but he admitted that leading the team to Vanarama National League South play-off glory as a manager was even better.

Quinton said the extra work and sacrifices made as a manager amplified the highs of victories and he would take great pleasure in enjoying his team's success in their play-off final win at Hampton and Richmond Borough.

“It feels even better as a manager if I’m being honest," said Quinton.

“You can’t physically do anything from the touchline while the game is going on, but it is all the hard work that has gone in before.

“The long hours of preparation, losing sleep because you’re thinking about everything and analysing who you’re coming up against.

“They are hard but it’s times like this – winning things – that make it all worthwhile as a manager.

“As a player, you have to put your boots on and do a job but this is a different kettle of fish.

“I promised everything to my boys and we’ve gone and done it.

“It’s just about having a determination to do it and it just makes you realise why you do it.

“I’ve been looking to do it all my life and if I can have a better career as a manager than I did as a player then I’ll be chuffed to bits.

“That’s all I strive to do.

“I’ve had ups and downs as a player and as a manager, but to get promoted from this league as both is pretty special.

“I’m not sure there’s been anyone else who has done that at this level and I’ll just look forward to the journey ahead now.”

It has been a tough year for Quinton off the pitch as his son Bobby had to undergo surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to correct a heart condition.

The Iron boss then saw his father Les collapse after the play-off semi-final win at Dartford seven days earlier and he was glad that both family members were fit and healthy and watching his team’s triumph from the stands at Hampton.

With his voice shaking at times with the emotion of the occasion after the final whistle at Hampton, Quinton added: “That was for my boy and it was great to see my dad there after being ill the week before.

“Just winning – it was for him as well and I’m just really proud.

“Emotionally, this means the world to me.”