Jack Edwards picked up an awards double as Matt Hill and Ben Whitehead also won players’ accolades at Hinckley AFC’s presentation night.
It was the first presentation evening held in person since 2019 and a good number of supporters gathered to join the players for a final time before the summer.
Edwards picked up the Supporters’ Young Player of the Year, while Courtney Belford and his backroom team also recognised him in awarding the youngster the Manager’s Player of the Year.
The 20-year-old made the most appearances of any outfield player at the club this season. Belford praised his “brilliant” season – his first full campaign in men’s football.
He said: “He’s a young kid who we took a chance on last year. We loved what he was about and this was a coming of age for him this season.
“He’s never let us down, played through the pain barrier. He’s willing to throw himself into tackles which you don’t see very often in young footballers any more and has been a breath of fresh air.”
Meanwhile goalkeeper Hill, an ever-present during the season, picked up the Supporters’ Player. He broke club records for the most clean sheets in a season, and by any Hinckley goalkeeper. He said he was “buzzing” to be recognised.
“To get an award from the people who give their afternoons up to come and watch us play, I’m over the moon.
“To get the recognition as a goalkeeper is great. Especially when we’ve scored so many goals, so the ball’s been in the other half of the pitch most of the time!
“The clean sheet records have been a real team effort. The lads have been fantastic and hopefully that continues into next year.”
And centre back Whitehead was recognised by his peers in picking up the Players’ Player. So what does that award mean to the young defender?
“So much. Especially to have been voted by the team that I’ve played with.
“The fans have been great, and everything they’ve done for us all season.
“I wanted to base this season on my progression. As it’s gone on, the manager’s put more trust in me and that’s helped me progress even further.”
The club also recognised Dave Newman in awarding him with an Honorary Presidency, after his sad passing two weeks ago.
Dave was instrumental in the club’s early days and his wife Linda was present to accept Dave’s honour, as well as to present the supporters’ awards. His passing makes the awarding all the more poignant.
Vernon Bailey picked up the Clubman of the Year for 2021/22, not only for his work on a matchday helping the club sell programmes, but also for his work behind the scenes helping out with odd jobs and maintenance. Vernon regularly helped at Ibstock when the club were preparing that ground for step six football.
His wife Celia, who provides the pre-match food and half time hospitality for directors and club officials, was also recognised. Hinckley won the United Counties League’s hospitality award, an award voted for by opposing clubs. This is just reward for Celia’s efforts.
Chris Jiggens picked up the Clubman of the Year Trophy for 2019/20. Chris won this back in May 2020 for his sterling work manning the turnstiles at Ibstock Welfare Ground. Unfortunately because of Covid restrictions he never received his trophy, so the club took the opportunity to put that right.
Chairman Bryan White thanked all those volunteers who helped the club to the most successful season to date. In particular, match secretary Rob Weale for his sterling work in a thankless jobs that goes on in the background but that is absolutely necessary for football club to function.
He also paid tribute to George Brooks, who passed away last May. George was still a regular attendee well into his 90s before sadly departing us before the start of this season.
