Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC coach Adrian Pennock felt that it was something special to lift the Singapore Premier League trophy.
The Brunei side had clinched the title two weeks ago and finally celebrated their victory as the season came to an end after they edged Hougang United FC 5-4 last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Pennock revealed that he had been itching to get his hands on the trophy.
“I told the players that I wanted to win and put in a good performance for the fans to remember,” said Pennock in an interview with BruSports News after the win.
“But to be honest, at the back of my mind, I personally just wanted to get my hands on the trophy.
“It is wonderful one and to be able to have Wardun (Yussof) receive the trophy together with myself before giving it to the players was very special,” he added.
“This is a very special football club with HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince Hj Abdul Malik, the management, staff and players. They have all been fantastic.
“I can’t forget about the fans as well and what a game for us to finish the season. It’s very pleasing to finish with 50 points,” continued the Englishman.
This is the second trophy that Pennock had lifted after he captained Gillingham in a 3-2 extra time win over Wigan Athletic in the 2000 Football League Second Division Play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
However, the SPL is his first managerial trophy and he was seen carrying the trophy most of the night and taking photos with fans.
When asked on that, Pennock replied: “I feel like Popeye (in reference to Popeye the sailorman) because it is a heavy trophy.
“I was looking around to see if anybody would take it away from me but none did.
“I’m loving it to be able to share my emotions with all these fans and people of Brunei as they turned up in thousands despite the weather not being great. It’s a special evening,” concluded the former Stoke City coach.
DPMM FC will now turn their focus to the Singapore Cup and they will face the Cheetahs again on Oct 19 in their second group game.
