KELTY HEARTS number one Darren Jamieson says that this season's title triumph is among his career highlights.
But the humble 31-year-old was quick to heap praise on his outfield team-mates for the job they've done in securing League Two promotion, while underplaying his own role.
The former Arbroath goalkeeper, who joined the New Central Park club in the summer of 2020, has played a pivotal part in helping them reach Scottish football's third tier from the Lowland League.
After being in the side that triumphed over Brechin City in the League Two play-offs almost 12 months ago, having being crowned Lowland League winners, Jamieson has played in all but two games in all competitions this season, keeping another shut out in Saturday's 3-0 win at Stranraer.
Kelty wrapped up the title last month against Stenhousemuir and, in 34 league matches played, they have conceded just 26 goals – the division's best record.
Jamieson, who began his career with hometown club Livingston, won the League One title in 2019 during a two-year spell with Arbroath but told Press Sport that his success with Kelty means as much.
"It's definitely up there," he said after being asked where it ranked among his achievements.
"As soon as you win leagues, that's what you play football for really, isn't it? It's what you compete for all season.
"It's nice to take a wee break every now and then and play in the cups but the ultimate aim for us this season was to get promotion, and we've managed to achieve that.
"You always want to get it done quickly, don't you? But, as long as you've got it secured, that's the main thing. When you see it at the end of the season, and you see that we're the champions, then that's all we need."
While Kelty's attacking players will take a lot of the plaudits this season – they've hit the net 65 times in the league – their defensive base has proved to be just as important.
When asked about his contribution, Jamieson replied: "You need to look at the front four just in front of me, though. I would give all the credit to them defensively this season.
"I hardly touch the ball. Obviously, the boys in front of them are all pressing as well, so it works out as a team game, but, defensively, aye, we've been excellent.
"I was in the Arbroath team and I had a lot more to do in those types of games to win that league. This season, it's been a lot more playing from goal kicks, playing out from the back, and not really touching the ball.
"Concentration levels have improved. Communication and stuff like that is what I need to try and improve on as well, so I just need to keep trying to get better."
Kelty still have two games to play before the season's up – at home to Forfar Athletic, when they'll receive the trophy, on Saturday; and at Annan Athletic the following week.
Jamieson, though, insists that they'll continue to try to take as many points as they can before thinking about what will happen next term, adding: "You play for nine months of the season, so it's a long time to play.
"It's nice to have a couple of weeks off before you need to go again.
"We'll worry about next season when it comes I think!"
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