ANDY Welsh hailed his special group of players after Bury AFC clinched the NWCL First Division North title in fine style with a 4-0 win against St Helens Town.

Goals from Jonathan Hunt, Ben Wharton, Harry Brazel and Tom Greaves got the party started at a packed out and emotional Neuven Stadium.

More than 1,800 fans crammed in to the ground to see AFC lift the title with one game to spare - and Welsh said it was a victory for the whole club to share.

“This is what it is all about for football clubs and football fans,” Welsh told the club's Youtube channel. “When I came in at day one I wanted to bring success to this club and at the first attempt we have done it but we want to go and get stronger.

“Even during those times when we have lost a game or drawn a game, the fans are the most important and they have never waived in their support and nor should they because the players have been different class.”

Welsh, whose side finish their campaign at Golcar on Saturday, said the hard work and dedication shown by his players has been rewarded - but he is now already looking ahead to next season.

“If you sacrifice stuff you do get rewards in what you are trying to do,” he said. “This is for the fans, the players, the players wives, girlfriends and family because I have been demanding out of them and sorry for taking up their time but, when you are winning leagues, that is what you have to do.

He added: “We have already started planning for next season but now it is about enjoying this moment.

“Enjoying it together as a football club, as a group of players, as coaching staff and others.

“To go a whole league season and perform and be so consistent, it has been incredible.”