With Pershore Town returning to Step 5 for the first time since their relegation during the 1999/00 season, few will forget the performances of captain Kirk Layton. Layton has lead The Plums to the clubs first league title since 1993/94.

Layton had not long joined Pershore Town from Worcester Raiders ahead of manager, Danny Janes', appointment in November 2021.

A full bloodied, heart on his sleeve, defender who shows complete calmness on the ball in building attacks for Pershore Town.

Kirk played a huge role in last season's cup treble and has continued to do so, as captain, this season as The Plums won the Hellenic League Division One title by ten points ahead of Hartpury University.

Forty-six appearances to date this season, whilst the club remains in two cup competitions. It's easy to forget that Kirk is 36 years old and yet playing some of his best football.

The former Stourport Swifts, Bishops Cleeve, Slimbridge and Malvern Town midfielder has slotted perfectly into life in the backline for Janes whilst regularly clocking up impressive distances during games.

A treble last season, could Layton be picking up another treble this season for The Plums?

"Kirk has been here since we arrived at the club and he has been absolutely fantastic for us." said Janes.

"He is Mr Consistent in terms of his ability to deliver four or five good performances on the bounce.

"His standards mirror those of the management team and he is the real driving force of the standards in the changing room.

"The way he applies himself to the game and how he thinks about his own performance are a real credit to him. He is desperate to continue to develop his game and that outlook is the mind-set that every player should adopt.

"I have been really impressed with Kirk’s ability to build attacks for the team, the intent he has when he steps in and his range of passing are a real weapon that we use.

"Kirk has been so reliable for me as a player and I hope he understands his value and the recognition he receives from us."