Nifty fifty as Blues seal title

The Blues boss had set his sights on silverware for his team in their 125th Anniversary year and his men duly delivered; with Linfield returning with a haul of 82 points - nine clear of Crusaders - with one match remaining, in an impressive campaign.

The win saw Jeffrey clinch an eighth title in his 15th year with the Windsor Park club - a formidable record that keeps the Blues on course for a fifth double in six years.

“The expectation this year was enormous,” said Jeffrey. “This was the toughest year for me, without any shadow of a doubt.”

“This was our 125th anniversary and we were going for a 50th title – so it was the toughest.

“Does it make this success any sweeter? It doesn’t half.

“You have no idea how thankful and appreciative I am. I am delighted. Ecstasy wouldn’t even come near it.

“I am over the moon.”

As the Blues take time to celebrate their league success, the next task is never too far away and a mouth-watering Irish Cup final tie between the league’s top two sides lies in wait.

Jeffrey, however, says Linfield’s Irish Cup date with Crusaders can sit on ice for the time being, but admits it will be a massive occasion on May 7.

“We are in the situation where we can get another double. That’s all,” he said.

“But Crusaders will want to finish the season on a high. They won’t be rolling over.

“But my one burning desire this year was to win the title. I remember being gutted going out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup on penalties to Newry City. We also lost the County Antrim Shield to Glentoran – they beat us fair and square.

“In the Irish Cup you hope to reach a final, but the one trophy you want the most is the league title. The best teams do win the league, and we are the best team in the league. The stats don’t lie.”