Grundisburgh manager Micky Squirrell has hailed the commitment of ‘inspirational’ skipper, Luke Reid, as the team’s fortunes continue to improve.

Grundisburgh have won their last two games in the Senior Division, keeping clean sheets in both, to move off the bottom of the league. They take a break from their bread and butter tomorrow when they travel to Leiston St Margarets in the Bob Coleman Cup.

Record seven-time winners of the competition, Grundisburgh have struggled for players this season, seen their reserve team fold and slumped to the bottom of the division, in what is their 37th consecutive year in the top flight.

While players have departed, one constant has been Reid, who experienced the glory days with Grundisburgh, which included the Bob Coleman Cup success in 2014 and three league title wins,

“The mainstay of the side has been Luke Reid who has stayed with us and been able to bring players to the club as well, which has helped,” said Squirrell.

“He takes training at times (if coach, Neil King is unavailable) and often does the warm-up with the players before a game and scored the crucial goal against Ipswich Athletic (1-0 win) the game before last.

“He could have quite easily walked away from the club and would get into any top Senior Division or Thurlow Nunn side, but he has showed tremendous loyalty.

“He brings the best out of the other young lads and is an inspiration.”

Along with Reid, striker Rene Swann has been a key figure, while new signing from Capel, Sam Bartholomew scored a brace in the 3-0 win at Wenhaston last time out.

“We would like to win in the cup tomorrow, but it is not the end of the world if we don’t, as the league is our priority,” added Squirrell.

“We got our first win of the season in the league at Leiston and we will look to progress but the bigger game is in the league against Coplestonians at home, next weekend, which unfortunately Luke is suspended for.

“If we can have four or five Senior (standard) players in our side we have got a chance and now we are off the bottom we might be able to attract some new faces.”

He added: “We have been in the Senior Division 37 years and if we have to drop down, hopefully we will come back stronger.

“I know is a lot of people out there who are happy with the demise of “mighty Grundisburgh” but we also get a lot of support from people who know how tough it can be.”