“We chose to move to the South of Scotland League, we then put a senior side in the East of Scotland League and we have been making progress over that 30 years with a solid financial grounding with feet firmly on the ground.

“That’s where they are and that’s where they will stay.

“We have spent £300,000 to £400,000 developing the ground but we don’t owe anybody anything, it’s all paid for and that’s the way we work.We only spend what we can afford. Simple.

McClelland insists the celebrations in the town will carry on for days and be inclusive of all residents when Annan holds its annual horse riding and pipe band event at the weekend.

He said: “This isn’t Annan Athletic, this is the town of Annan. Let’s get it right.

“The people of Annan have been coming up saying ’When are we getting into the SFL?’ and they are talking about the community, the town of Annan.

“When we get back down the road to the Annan Athletic social club it will be mental and it will be like that for the next four days.