The conclusion of the 2018-19 season saw Portslade players and associates once again assemble at the popular Gather Inn, for this year's end of Season PAFC Awards evening.

The club were experiencing yet another season of transition, with the regrettable loss of the second team, but the installation of a new first team manager in Jack Larkham, the addition of a new club sponsor in Magic Man and a new ground at Old Barn Way. There were also a significant number of new faces, with no less than 17 debuts this season, which certainly brought a different feel to the dressing room. As with any significant amount of change, it would require some time and patience. The season didn't play out the way we all hoped it might, but there was never a drop in the desire to keep moving in the right direction. This was validated in the final league game of the season, with a squad 17 heavy, and holding eventual league winners to a 1-1 draw, when most agreed we should have probably gone on and won. Whereas the season before saw the steam run out well before the end of the season, by the end of this season, the Portslade juggernaut had only just got started.

Despite the clubs final league position, this evening gives us an opportunity to celebrate those who stood out most. To recognise the special efforts of key individuals whom without them the club would not be standing tall as it is today. The most coveted of awards, the Presidents Trophy, a trophy which is governed by player voting, ended in a predominantly two horse race. Certainly one of the most consistent and charismatic figures stood on the pitch almost week in week out, demonstrating an excitement to play football befitting someone much younger. Possibly overlooked for this award on too many occasions, due to his consistently high standards, this season is awarded to Neil 'Bison' Shelley.

Another much coveted trophy, the longstanding Smith Trophy, a trophy awarded to the best newcomer or most improved, was befittingly won by the second horse in the two horse race, Dan Munro. At the start of the pre-season, it was unsure as to the impact Dan would make to the team but as the season wore on, his value became more and more obvious. By the end of the season, his name was arguably one of the first on the team sheet, as performances of quality and integrity were coupled with unwavering attitude towards the standards set on the pitch. Well done Dan.

This seasons managers award was handed to Charlie Brown, not only for his relentless passion and commitment to a club he'd just joined, but by his physical contributions on the pitch adding three goals in his debut season, which I am sure will be at least double next season. Top scoring plaudits this season go to Nick Samuels, re-inventing himself as an effective number 9 after years on the wing or defence, picking up five goals for the season.

A new award to the club, something which is a sign of things to come as we look to establish connections with youth teams in the area, the Young Players award. Portslade has not been blessed with a significant number of youth players in recent years, but this season was pleased to see a crop of excellent new young players come through the door. One player in particular shone brightest, starting the pre-season as an outfield player, and quickly having to adapt to goalkeeping duties. Adrian Bajka has demonstrated good quality performances all season, whilst showing a genuine passion for the team.

Finally, and by no means least, the Clubman award. On a personal level, this award is arguably one of the most important, not because it's the only one I have won, but because it celebrates all the other very important stuff which goes into running a football club on a day to day basis. It was always going to be a very difficult task to replace Paul Norris in the first team hot seat, but Jack Larkham has not only replicated the commitment and application, but has been influential to matters off the pitch also. This award is not only to thank Jack for his endeavours for the season gone by, but to celebrate the excitement for the years to come. I should note, and I am sure Jack will permit me to say so, but special thanks must also go to Mark Sanders for his unbelievable commitment and help all season long.

2018/19 winners

Smith Cup: Dan Munro
Clubman Award: Jack Larkham
Presidents Cup: Neil Shelley
Manager's player: Charlie Brown
First Team Golden Boot: Nick Samuels (5)
Young Player: Adrian Bajka