Promoted Downham helped by some brotherly love

It had been almost a decade since the Castellan brothers last played football together in the same team.The sibling team-mates are now celebrating promotion, having helped Downham Town to the next level through the play-offs.The reunion would never have happened if Nick, 28, had opted to join Heacham last summer.Having worked with Paul Hunt at Swaffham Town, the Magpies were keen to sign the midfielder after a stint with Parson Drove, but Downham was always likely to be his first port of call.And in the cold light of day, Nick’s decision has been justified as the Memorial Field outfit celebrates reaching its highest-ever level of football in the club’s history.Speaking about Nick and his influence on the team, older brother Matt, 30, said: “I think he’s always been good enough to play at his level and to be effective, but he’s not believed it.”He’s come in and slotted in like he’s been here for years. And obviously, we’re fighting for each other like we are brothers around the whole squad. “Obviously, Nick and I are brothers, but we’re fighting for each other. Our lives depend on it and that’s spread throughout the team. “We’ve both started the majority of games this year, so we’ve had that brotherly bond and being able to play together, it’s been a bit easier.”He’s slotted in like you wouldn’t believe. George Watts-Sturrock played in his position before he arrived. George is still a top player and there has been no bitterness from anyone if someone has been left out.”I don’t think Dale (Stokes) thought Nick would have as much influence as he did when he came in. “His work commitments in the past have kind of stopped him from playing at the level where he should have been playing.”It’s always been about trying to support each other wherever we’ve been playing at, so it’s nice to achieve this together.” Downham boss Stokes praised the contribution of both players over the past few months.”Matt was given the arm band in November and it was an obvious choice. He sets such high standards on and off the pitch and his passion for the game is brilliant,” said Stokes. “To be honest, I think his performances often go under the radar. He rarely gets highlighted for praise despite being one of the best players on the pitch every week, which I think is simply because everyone just expects it from him.”We had approaches from Step 4 earlier in the season and he responded that he wanted to achieve promotion to that level with his hometown club and whilst playing with his brother.”Nick only joined this season and he’s been immense. In my opinion, he’s flourished and stepped up his level this year.”In a team that plays football, it suits his attributes and he’s had a big impact on the squad. “They’re both great lads who give their all for the club and you love to see those types of characters succeed.”Having played for Dereham at Step 4 for several seasons in the Isthmian League, Castellan can now look forward to returning to the level where he made such an impact earlier in his career.Reflecting on Downham’s achievement, the central defender said: “It’s unbelievable to be honest. When I joined this club two seasons ago, I believed in us.”The lads have worked so hard all year and we’ve deserved it. I think we’ve only lost one here in the league all year, so to do it under such pressure, it’s well deserved. “I won promotion with Swaffham a few years back, but this tops everything and going back to Step 4, where I used to play, is great.”You work all season for the league and we should have won it, so to do it in front of the play-offs is even sweeter.”He added: “I live in the town now. When I’m on the dog walks, I’m speaking to people and everyone’s buying into the football and cricket.”The whole town’s on the up with the sport at the minute and it’s great to be a part of. I’m just really over the moon for the club.”