Paul Willis went from the League 2 basement to basking in title glory.
But despite finishing the season a winner at Peterhead, he hopes his old club Berwick Rangers preserve their SPFL status.
Berwick need to get the better of Highland League champions Cove Rangers over two legs to remain in League 2, or face an uncertain future should they drop out of senior football.
Cove overcame Lowland League champions East Kilbride 5-1 on aggregate to ensure they would have another crack at the pyramid play-off, after last year’s disappointment against Cowdenbeath.
Willis is impressed by the quality of the Cove squad and reckons it will be a tough ask for the Wee Gers to best John Sheran’s side over two legs.
Willis said: “They’ve had another change of management going into these games but there are good players there. Hopefully they can get a lift and try stay in the league.
“It’s going to be really tough to beat Cove. Looking at their squad, they’d do alright in League 2. But at least they’ve got the two legs to give it a really good go. I’ve still got good friends there and hope they get out of it.”
The 27-year-old featured in more than 25 per cent of Peterhead’s games this season after signing in February, which means he qualified for a league winners’ medal.
At the start of the season, after joining Berwick for the second time from East Fife, becoming a champion was the furthest thing from his mind but the opportunity given to him by Peterhead and manager Jim McInally is one he’s grateful for.
Willis said: “I’d fallen out with the old manager John Harvey but these things happen in football. But I got the opportunity to come here – it’s a really well-run club. You look at the players and the level they’ve played at. I’ve maybe not played as much as I would have liked but the boys have been great with me.
“It’s unbelievable how quick it can all turnaround. The circumstances at Berwick when I left weren’t great but to win the league is great.
“We’ll just have to see what happens. I’ll have a chat with him but I’m probably wanting to stay here.”