New Mayor of Richmond Marc Cranfield-Adams is to honour Hampton & Richmond's title winners at a parlour lunch.

Richmond Council has moved to give Alan Devonshire's men recognition for securing the highest level of football in the club's 86-year history after an online petition was backed by more than 300 people on the club's website.

The council said it was keen to foster a stronger relationship with the club, whose captain Dean Wells lifted the Ryman League trophy in front of more than 1,000 fans at the Beveree last month.

"The head of sport and fitness has spoken to the club's managing director and both are keen to re-establish a consultation group following the publication of next season's fixture list," said Councillor John Coombs, cabinet member for youth, culture and leisure.

The council is not the only organisation to be accused of dragging heels over congratulating the Beavers.

Managing director Nick Hornsey was last week left mystified by the Middlesex FA's failure to mark their glory.

The association has since mentioned the club in passing on their revamped website after Hornsey contacted chief executive Peter Clayton.

"It doesn't surprise us that Richmond Council have been slow to react. They have never expressed much of an interest in the past," said Hornsey.

"Then again, they are only the same as some other people you may have thought would be quicker to pat us on the back.

"It will be nice to get some form of formal acknowledgement."