Central defenders Jamie Stevens and Nathan Stainfield took top honours at Spalding United’s end-of-season awards night.
The duo – who played much of the campaign together at the heart of the fourth-meanest defence in Evo-Stik League First Division South – scooped the two most coveted honours.
Stevens, who rejoined the Tulips from Holbeach United midway through the season, was named players’ player-of-the-year and Stainfield was the choice of supporters.
Also receiving recognition for the Tulips’ very good season was Mitch Griffiths (manager’s player-of-the-year), keeper Michael Duggan (man-of-the-match series) and top scorer Tom Waumsley (18 goals).
Left-back Adam Jackson was acknowledged for his “total commitment and contribution towards the team’s overall success”. He was the most consistent player and made 50 starts.
The awards night in the Tulips Social Club last Saturday was led for the final time by Chris Toynton, who has stood down after 13 years as club chairman.
He has also resigned as a director, handing over the reins to a newly-formed consortium of yet-to-be-named local investors. Fellow director Graham Chappell has also resigned but will continue as club president.
Toynton said: “I’ve had a wonderful 13 years with the club I really love.
“I now look forward to watching games as a vice-president from the comfort of the grandstand.
“I want to pay tribute to manager Pat Rayment and his staff for three wonderful seasons leading up to us just falling short of the league play-offs, and indeed to a lot of other people within the club who have worked so hard over the years for the good of the club.
“I must also thank Mr Vic Couzens for his generous match sponsorships.
“I cannot forget the valued work of Audrey [Fletcher] our dedicated secretary, our treasurer Louise Maplethorpe, former director Eddie Reeve and Malcolm Gray for their support.”
Presentations were made to stalwarts Ray and Jenny Tucker, Jean Cooke, Ogy Lane, Phil Brennan, Bill Andrew, Terry Smith and Penny Cleve. Recognition for their efforts went to Andy and Jennifer Gay and their social club staff Heather Louth and Louise Shields.
News of Toynton’s departure was announced last week, with the club issuing this statement:
“A new-look board of directors will be at the head of operations to take Spalding United Football Club into a new Evo-Stik Northern Premier League season.
“After 13 seasons’ involvement with the club, firstly as main sponsor and then chairman, Chris Toynton has made a decision to step down from office following the formation of a consortium of investors, who have tabled a proposal and plan to take the club forward – once all formalities with the Football Association have been completed.
“Mr Toynton and Mr Graham Chappell will resign as directors of the club, with Mr Toynton becoming a vice-president and Mr Chappell continuing as club president.
“Mr Toynton said: ‘This is great news for the club, with a new regime to go onwards and upwards to a new level following our tremendous success of the last three seasons.’
“Further announcements will be made once all formalities are completed.”
