Gary Naysmith has achieved a lot during his time in the game, but reckons managing East Fife to the League Two title is right up there.
His first title as a manager came at the weekend as the Fifers secured their place back in League One thanks to a 0-0 draw at Clyde.
The Methil men knew a win over their hosts would be enough to secure the title, but had such a gap over the chasing pack that the championship could be handed to them if there were any slip-ups.
And that’s the way it transpired, with Annan, Clyde and Queen’s Park unable to keep their slim title hopes alive.
Naysmith said: “I was speaking with Paul Hartley (Dundee manager) and he said winning the league with Alloa was the biggest thing he’d achieved in his career.
“Dougie Anderson (Fife assistant) asked me the question on Thursday and I said I didn’t think anything would beat getting capped for my country, but it actually does — because you’re in charge of a group of players. You’re the leader and the one they look up to and you live or die by your decisions.
“For us to be successful is very pleasing for myself and I’m extremely proud. I’m proud of what the team has achieved because I couldn’t have done it without them.”
More than 550 East Fife fans had made the journey to Broadwood, with expectations high.
The game itself didn’t live up to the billing, with so much at stake for both sides – Clyde needing a win to keep pressure on East Fife at the top and also staying in the play-off zone.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium, although the Methil men had the better of what was created in the first half.
The second 45 was a nervy affair.
Annan were tossing their chances away at home to East Stirlingshire while Queen’s Park had no joy at Elgin.
The game at Broadwood was the last in the league to hear the final whistle.
The celebrations could get started.
Naysmith added: “It wasn’t a great game, but we maybe had the best of the half chances.”
