Whitehaven’s presentation night turned into the Ross Ainley show as he picked up an armful of trophies.
The former Kells forward received the Tuqiri Blackwell Memorial award, Pep Graham Memorial award, Away Supporters’ player of the year, coaches’ player of the year and players’ player of the year.
Other awards on the night went to Owen McCarron for young player of the year and clubman/volunteer of the year went to Mike and Nicola Stephenson!
Former Whitehaven coach Jonty Gorley posted on social media that he would have liked to be at the event to personally hand over his particular award but he was unable to attend.
Now there is a suggestion that Haven’s most decorated player for 2024 could be following Gorley to Workington Town although nothing definite has been announced by either club.
Haven have been speaking to a number of promising local amateurs – as have Town – but the only signing announced by either club so far has been the re-signing of long-serving Connor Holliday by Whitehaven.
Whitehaven will have to drastically reshape their squad in the aftermath of relegation and they have already lost Ryan King and Curtis Teare to south Cumbrian neighbours Barrow. Several of their other established professionals will be on the move.
But in new coach Anthony Murray, and his assistant Gus Frazer, Haven has a combination who know what they are looking for to replace the departing squad members.
For both Haven and Town the next few weeks up to Christmas are going to be extremely interesting with their respective squads taking shape and don’t be surprised if one or two players swap clubs.
