Myles Weston intent on ‘making history’ for Bromley after helping set up National League play-off final showdown on Sunday

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Myles Weston’s ultimate goal when he joined Bromley in January was to help the team get promoted to the Football League – and he certainly made a huge contribution in their efforts towards reaching League Two after bagging a brace in Sunday’s National League play-off semi-final win over Altrincham.

The South London-born 36-year-old brought the Ravens level at Hayes Lane when he headed Jude Arthurs’ corner past Ethan Ross six minutes into the second 45 minutes.

The experienced 36-year-old wrapped up the tie and booked Bromley’s place in the final against Solihull Moors with a stunning left-footed effort from 25 yards out.

Andy Woodman’s side head to Wembley on Sunday to face Solihull Moors with the victor clinching a Football League place for the first time in their history.

“It’s an amazing feeling to get to Wembley,” Weston, who spent ime with Arsenal and Charlton as a youngster, told the South London Press. “Now it’s about focusing on winning and making history for the club.

“Bromley has never been in the Football League, so we can be a part of history. We have to enjoy today (Sunday) and then focus on winning at Wembley.

“I’m going to give everything so we can get promoted. That’s the goal now.”

Weston left league rivals Dagenham & Redbridge in the January window to join Bromley.

He only has 10 appearances to his name in the second half of the season, reflecting the fact he was attempting to break into a team that was charging towards the top three spots.

“I had one year at Dagenham left (on his contract),” he explained. “I found out that Bromley came in for me. They were second in the league.

“The plan was to help Bromley get promoted. We haven’t done it yet, but I’m thankful I can contribute in trying to get the club promoted.

“That’s why the gaffer signed me.

“It’s been challenging because the team is doing well. I have tried to bring what I can to a winning team.

“I have settled well and feel as though I have been welcomed by all the boys and the club.

“My main focus is on getting promoted.”

Weston’s career has seen him play more than 300 games in the EFL during stints at Brentford and Gillingham. He also has experience of turning out at Wembley when he helped Southend United win the League Two play-off final against Wycombe in 2015.

The Catford-born winger added: “A lot of people don’t get to go to Wembley – we have to go and enjoy it. We can’t be uptight and have to enjoy the day. We have to go there and do the job we’re there to do.

“We have a week to focus on it.

“There are a lot of people I started playing football with, that don’t play football anymore.

“I try to share my experiences with the rest of the boys. I know this isn’t a given in football – there are so many things that can happen.”

Weston made his professional debut in 2007 during a loan spell at Notts County.

Seventeen years later, the forward, who was playing at right wing-back under Woodman against Altrincham, will have the chance of possibly re-entering the EFL after dropping to the National League with Ebbsfleet in 2017.

“I’m still taking it all in – I’m thankful I even get these opportunities,” said Weston. “I’m 36 now and I’m thankful for every opportunity I get. I’m grateful to play here, to continue to be able to play football and to be able to score.

“When I was younger, I didn’t appreciate football enough. Now that I’m older, I know this thing doesn’t last forever. When it’s gone, I’ll miss it. I’ll appreciate it every day I get to train and the games I get to play in.

“Being 36 and in the Football League would be a good experience for me. I have played there before – a lot of these young players haven’t. It would be amazing for them to have that experience.

“The club is going in the right direction. When I first came here, I didn’t know how good the facilities were and how many fans this club had. We’re made for the Football League.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD