MIDFIELDER Joe Shepherd says Swindon Supermarine’s promotion still hasn’t sunk in as they prepare for life in the Southern League Premier Division.

Lee Spalding’s side clinched promotion with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Wimborne Town in the West Division play-off final a week ago.

Now that the dust has settled, Shepherd, who has been at the club since 2014, says he and his team-mates are still reeling from their success.

“Everyone is still buzzing. It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s all a bit of a blur, I don’t think it will properly sink in until after the summer break,” said the midfielder, who finished the 2016-17 campaign on the sidelines with a broken leg.

“Personally, it was tough at the start of pre-season watching all the lads getting back in and playing friendlies, but James Russell, our physio at the time, was brilliant. He got me back on the pitch sooner than expected and playing in some of the friendlies towards the end of pre-season.”

Chairman Jez Webb opted for a change of management during the season, which saw Dave Webb depart before Spalding was installed on an interim basis.

However, after guiding the club to promotion, Spalding has since been made a permanent fixture at the Webbswood Stadium.

Shepherd is delighted to see Spalding named Marine manager and thinks there is plenty to come from him.

“I think everyone who has been involved throughout has had a positive impact on our season,” he added.

“Dave (Webb) did a great job and got us in a good position. He did a lot for the team, not just this season, but ever since I’ve been at the club.

“Then Lee (Spalding) came in and did an amazing job too. He tweaked a few things, which got us to where we needed to be.

“For the remaining fixtures, Lee made us harder be to break down which is where our success came from.

“For me, he was brilliant. He told me exactly what he wanted from me and gave me the confidence I needed.

“I’m absolutely delighted for Lee, he deserves it too. I think he’s proved what he can do and he’s only had half a season. It’ll be good to see what he does from the start of next season.”