JONNY Allan is bored with being on holiday.

Northwich Victoria's main marksman may have only just got his hands on the award for Conference North player of the year, but he's already counting down the days to the first friendly.

"I'm desperate to be playing again," he said on Thursday when the Guardian met up with him at the Victoria Stadium.

He carefully unwrapped the black tissue paper protecting a small glass trophy and held it aloft.

"It's not bad is it?" he asked with a grin.

"To be honest it came as a bit of a surprise when I found out I'd won - I can think of a few others here who could have won it."

Fellow goal getter Paul Brayson and midfield metronome Michael Carr are just two that spring to mind.

And Allan is quick to praise his team mates, without whom he admits he could not have claimed the league top scorer crown.

His tally - 26 goals in 38 appearances - marked his best season so far in a green and white shirt.

And it was fitting that his double strike against Stafford Rangers - Vics' nearest challengers - on the penultimate day of the season clinched first place for Steve Burr's team.

"My favourite game," said Allan.

"The crowd was incredible, there's no way we could have lost that day."

Looking across the pitch to the Dane Bank, Allan admits he is amazed at how much the stadium has changed since his last visit.

He said: "They've been busy haven't they?

"I can't believe how good this place looks now, it puts some league grounds to shame."

Groundsman Joe Biddle was straining to push the huge mower the length of the pitch, while Allan's team mates Ben Connett, Kris Rogers and Chris Williams were busy helping out with work on other parts of the stadium.

When Burr emerged he brandished a trophy of his own, his an award for best manager in the Conference North last season.

He joined Allan to reminisce in the sunshine about a season that ended in smiles, with last summer's enforced relegation from the Conference now a distant memory.

Allan said: "It's been a fantastic year for Northwich.

"After what happened to the team I think it's a credit to the players we were able to bounce back like we did."

Vics knew they needed to play for promotion from the kick-off and, despite a wobble shortly after Christmas, their desire helped them hit their target with something to spare.

Burr's men topped the table from rivals Stafford, but did not pass up the chance to remind those in the upper echelons of the Conference what they were capable of.

They made Morecambe and Woking look ordinary in the FA Cup, and saw off York City in the FA Trophy to round off a trio of impressive triumphs over teams at the top of the division above.

Allan said: "We proved we can compete with them.

"I reckon that can help give us belief when we play them this season.

"I don't want us to just make up the numbers, why shouldn't we aim higher?"

The 23-year-old is itching to lace up his boots again, but he'll have to wait a few weeks yet as pre-season training does not start until July 1.

Allan's optimism is infectious, relaying a genuine excitement for what lies ahead.

He reeled off Oxford United, Rushden and Diamonds and Altrincham as matches he cannot wait to play - and score - in.

He said: "I love big crowds, which is certainly something I missed on our away trips last season."

It was fitting Vics' big game player saved the last word for Sunderland, where 4,000 Trickies trekked for an FA Cup third round tie in January.

"Now that was a buzz," he laughed.

"I'll never forget it."

Most Vics' followers know exactly what 'Super' Jonny is talking about.