Joe Vines says winning promotion to the Ryman Premier League had made up for his injury-ravaged season.
Vines was forced to spend the bulk of the season on the sidelines after fracturing his ankle earlier in the campaign.
But the burly 27-year-old returned at the heart of Tooting & Mitcham's defence in time to help them to two clean sheets in the Ryman Division One South play-offs.
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"When I first injured my ankle the surgeon said I would not be able to play football again this season," said Vines.
"It was long, hard slog to get back to fitness, but then I got injured in my first game back as my ankle just wasn't strong enough.
"I have actually got screws in my ankle now and gradually worked my way back, but I was still quite surprised when Billy threw me in for the first play-off game with Worthing."
After marshalling Tooting's defence in a 2-0 win over Worthing, Vines produced another sterling display in the 1-0 victory over Cray Wanderers to clinch promotion.
Vines added: "I am not the greatest of footballers but I am a very physical player and that is what Billy wanted.
"There are some real leaders around our team and we have people with a lot of enthusiasm. I thought we played really well and definitely deserved it."
With brother Paul scoring the decisive goal, Joe admitted it was a proud day for the Vines family.
The former AFC Wimbledon player revealed: "Mum and dad come to every game and I felt great that they were there.
"When the whistle went, I just sat on the floor as I was emotionally drained by it all.
"It is a fantastic achievement to get promoted and to do it alongside my brother is really special."
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