Tredworth Tigers player/joint-manager Lee Smith has played at the highest level in non-league football in a career stretching over two decades, but he admits he is feeling more nervous than he ever has done as Saturday approaches.

That’s because Tredworth are on the brink of winning the Stroud League Division One title and, should they do it, 38-year-old Smith says it would rank right up there with any of his other achievements in the game.

Smith has played all over in a career that has taken him to Forest Green Rovers, Gloucester City, Cirencester Town, Cinderford Town, Nuneaton Borough and AFC Telford among others, but said: “Yes, this does feel special. I still love playing but being a manager excites me.

“I never used to get nervous when I was playing – I’ve won lots of leagues – but it’s different when you’re a manager, I’m going through all the possible scenarios.”

Smith was just about to go to work when he spoke to The Local Answer – he’s a postman – and it’s fair to say that, along with joint manager Adam Dix, he’s certainly delivered for the club this season.

A win on Saturday at home to Chalford Reserves would all but guarantee they win the title, so superior is their goal difference compared with second-placed Rodborough Old Boys, who trail them by three points with two games to play.

This is the fourth season that Smith and Dix have been in charge at Tredworth and Smith said: “For me, in my first managerial stint, this is amazing.

“The Stroud League is the hardest one to get out of, for Tredworth to win the league would be massive.

“I’m from Coney Hill and I live in Tuffley, so this means a lot. We’re getting a good fanbase, there will be a lot of family there on Saturday.

“I could have started off as a manager at a bigger club but I worked my way up as a player and I want to do the same as a manager.

“This is a project, it was an opportunity that ticked all the boxes. When we started the club were in mid-table.”

Winning the league would mean a place in the Northern Senior League next season, of course, providing their application is given the thumbs up, as expected.

And Smith will be using his experience both on and off the pitch in 2022/23.

“I think I’ve got another couple of seasons as a player in me,” said the 5ft 10in forward who has been scoring goals for fun for much of his career.

“I’ve actually only played three games up front this season, I’ve played nearly all season at centre-back.”

He’s still managed to score 15 goals, though, and while he’s a big driving force on and off the pitch, he’s keen to give credit to his managerial partner Adam Dix, whose dad Rich founded the club back in the day and also got the youth set-up going.

Adam Dix has obviously been a major influence off the field, while on the field the experience of Dave Rich, once of Longlevens, and former Tuffley Rovers player Courtney Hamilton has been key.

As have been the goals scored by the Hill brothers, Tyler and Corey.

“I think Tyler’s got 18 and Corey 10,” said Smith. “I plucked them out of nowhere, they are little gems.

“I’m also really pleased for long-serving players Geoff Llewelyn, who is our skipper, Lee Adams and Martin Whereat; it’s great for them to win the Stroud One title after being with the club for so many years.” 

Tredworth’s penultimate league game is a week on Saturday at home to Rodborough – Rodborough host Kingswood this weekend – and their final game is at Old Richians on Saturday 23^rd April.