Awards night at the Europa Hotel, Gatwick
Following a leisurely dinner (it seemed to drag on forever) some 65 guests were roused by this year’s club anthem, Robbie Williams’ "Let Me Entertain You", and a brief welcome by compere Shaun Stallard.
The first order of business, an address by Club Chairman Steve Chappels, who rose from his seat to the dramatic strains of James Bond "Thunderball". Steve proceeded to acknowledge the efforts of all associated with Forest Football Club, anxious not to leave anyone out, but mindful that, at 10pm, we had to get on with it!
Chappels remained centre stage to present this seaason's club awards. Reserve Team Top Goalscorer was awarded to Matt Bonner, who has proven himself a worthy member of the County League squad that we have at Forest.
Having done it for so many years at Horsham YMCA, we were delighted to see the goals go crashing in for, 1st XI Top Goalscorer, Duane Read. His brave header away at Haywards Heath was worthy of an award on its own.
For the Supporters’ Player Of The Year (Reserve Team), the votes paid tribute to all the hard work and entertaining displays from, among others, Martin Fairs, Mark Tucker and, of course, Matt Bonner. But this honour was given to a man who has often sat on the bench to afford others playing opportunities. He has served the 1st XI well when called upon, and has been instrumental in encouraging and promoting to the first team one Matt Thompson. The winner is Bruce Dumbrill.
Flowers were then presented to three young ladies who, between them have ensured that our kitchen facilities, and Café de Forest were open all year. On behalf of the committee and all the players & supporters, thank you to Mandi, Clare and Kelly. Steve Chappels was not allowed to kiss any of the recipients, as Linley was sitting at the adjacent table.
The form our First XI have shown since Christmas might have won us the league. It is without doubt that the arrival of Tommy Nolan, with Ron Tomsett, and their teaming up with Terry Botting, that transformed our side. And we also know what a great piano player Tommy is. Tommy Nolan was asked to accept a small token of appreciation from the club, on behalf of his management team.
Whilst this reporter’s vote may have gone to Ian Cullern, Mark Woods or the superb J.P. Halliday, the Spooners Road faithful and travelling support voted Duane Read as Supporters’ Player of the Year (1st XI).
Perhaps the best prize of all is when the guys who have ripped the piss out of you for 9 months, then applaud you for your efforts. This year’s Players’ Player (Reserve team) was goalkeeper Matt Thompson. Peter Farley, Reserve Team Coach accepted the award from Steve Chappels on his behalf.
The Maurice Thompson Clubman of the Year trophy is not given lightly. In memory of a founder member of Forest Football Club, it recognises the huge, in this case, gargantuan effort put in for the good of the Club. It is appropriate at this time to thank both Nigel Caplin and Paul McDell for their assistance around the Spooners Road ground. Also to thank Beryl, Jackie and her mum for cleaning the kits throughout the season. But this season our winner was marking out the pitch one minute, making teas for everyone the next. And a lot more besides. Clubman Of The Year is Chris Funnell.
Peter Farley stepped up to present the next award for Reserves’ Player Of The Year. Another product of the Forest youth policy, our winner is Scott Marsden.
The votes in favour of this man were somewhat overwhelming. We have seen a lot of new, and old, faces at Forest this season, but few have made as much impact as this year’s Players’ Player of the Year (1st XI). Tommy Nolan rose to receive the award on behalf of Tim Brown.
Tommy Nolan stood with Steve Chappels to present his choice for 1st XI Player Of The Year. After a dramatic pause, respected with an anticipatory silence from the crowd, the winner was announced as Warren Sweatman.
Finally, to close the award proceedings, Ron Kennard paid tribute to the one man whose hard work goes unseen. It is possibly the toughest job within any football club, but we are lucky to have, arguably the best in the business. The Presidents Award goes to club secretary, Peter Farley.
The disco arrived during the presentation, which was lucky, because we only took two discs with us. The evening continued with a full blown disco party until 1pm, but not before the crowd could revel in one final, end of season Tra La La moment. The ceremony closed with the Banana Splits song.
The following trophies were handed out:
1st team players' player of the season: Tim Brown.
1st team supporters' player of the season: Duane Read
1st team manager's player of the season: Warren Sweatman
1st team top goalscorer: Duane Read
Reserve team players' player of the season: Matt Thompson
Reserve team supporters' player of the season: Bruce Dumbrell
Reserve team manager's player of the season: Scott Marsden
Reserve team top goalscorer: Matt Bonner
Clubman of the year: Chris Funnell
President's trophy: Peter Farley
Well done to everyone involved in a very good season and a fitting finale.
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