STEVE EASTERBROOK has been hailed as the best chairman in football after Slough Town made an emotional return to the borough on Monday.

Having played their football outside the town for over a decade, the Rebels celebrated the long-awaited homecoming into Arbour Park with a 2-1 win against Hayes & Yeading United.

Easterbrook has always been at the heart of the move and without his drive and determination the club may still be without a permanent home stadium.

He will go down in history as the man who got Slough back home, with some Rebels even calling for their chairman to receive a knighthood.

Warren Carter, a fan of Slough Town for over 25 years, told the Observer: “The football club nearly went bust so Steve deserves to be knighted for what he has done, what he has stuck up for, and what he has put in to make this happen.

“He and Rob Anderson, the ex-leader of Slough Borough Council, have stuck their necks out and here we are [at Arbour Park] today.

“This is something amazing and really special, and also about people like Chris Sliski and Dave Pearcy. There are a lot of Slough supporters that have died and not seen the homecoming.

“With all the free and segregated schools in Slough, this is something that can bring the whole town together and support a football team that I think can go into the Football League.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Slough Town chairman Steve Easterbrook enjoys a game of five-a-side at the new Arbour Park facility. PIC: Horsham Rebel Photography.

Rebels joint-managers Jon Underwood and Neil Baker also paid tribute to the man they herald as the best chairman in the game.

Underwood said: “I hope Steve is feeling very relieved and satisfied because he’s put an incredible amount of work in.

“He has always been hugely supportive of me and Neil, but what he has done to get this club here is nothing short of remarkable. It’s like a full-time job for him.

“I know he was a bit stressed leading up to the day. He was working all hours to make sure that we get the supporters in safely and that they have a good time.

“It seems like everything went pretty well off the pitch so he will be pleased with that I’m sure.”

Fellow boss Baker added: “I have been involved in football since I was five. I’ve been around a lot of clubs and seen a lot of chairmen, and Steve is one of the best.

“He doesn’t seek any limelight, he just gets on with things and makes it easy for us, and he gives us as much support as we can get.

“I can’t think of anyone better. Steve is a top, top man.”

Gary House is the official Slough Town photographer. He said: “Steve deserves a medal for 10 years of non-stop work and stress, and all the rest that goes with it.”

Rebels fan Mark Clements commented: “Steve is the best chairman that we have ever had.”