Kent clubs and five players pick up accolades at Conference Awards Night

KENT’S only two representatives in the Blue Square Bet Premier next season have been rewarded by showing respect at their games last season.



Ebbsfleet United clinched the Respect Award for Blue Square Bet Premier, while near neighbours Dartford picked up the Award for the Blue Square Bet South.

The Fleet, under boss Liam Daish, finished in a respectable fourteenth place in the table after their successful return following relegation, whilst Darts boss Tony Burman secured his third promotion in six years after his side finished runners-up to Woking and won promotion after wins over Basingstoke Town and Welling United in the play-offs.

A statement from The Football Conference said: “At the start of the current season each of our 68 clubs were issued with a series of posters to display around their stadiums.

“The campaign concentrates on three key areas, of Dignity, Distance and Director.

“The overall object of the campaign, in tandem with the Football Association’s efforts to bring more respect into our sport, does so by addressing areas which the Football Conference believes should see a dramatic impact, by including management, players, directors, match day staff and most importantly supporters.

“We recognise that football will often be emotive and stir the obvious passion we all have for the game.  Whilst there can be an instant reaction to something which happens, often there is ample opportunity and time to take a step back, take ownership of what they are about to do or say, thus avoiding the consequences of their actions, to them personally, their club and the reputation of football in general.

“The member club earning the end of season accolade and the award of the 24’’ trophy, will need to demonstrate many attitudes from the boardroom to the terraces, it’s ultimate destination not judged solely on how players and managers react or behave on and off the field of play.

“We all have a major part to play in making the game at our level, one which is enjoyable, family orientated and a match day experience we wish to be part of.

“Primarily our aim is to encourage everyone, no matter how they are associated with us, to look forward to attending matches in the Blue Square Bet.”

The Football Conference held their Annual Awards night at Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales and Ebbsfleet United chairman Jessica McQueen collected the Special Recognition Award on behalf of the Stonebridge Road club.

MyFootballclub chairman Keith Handley said: “This is a well-deserved award for everybody down at Stonebridge Road and all at MyFootballclub are very proud of their achievement.

“The award states it is in appreciation of the efforts by everyone connected with the club to bring respect to all areas of the game.”

For the record, Altrincham won the Blue Square Bet North award.

Meanwhile, five players at Kent clubs were named in the Blue Square Bet South team of the year, which was voted for by all teams in that division.

Tom Champion (Dartford), Jack Obersteller, Jack Parkinson, Loick Pires (all Welling United) and Frannie Collin (Tonbridge Angels) were all picked in the best starting eleven.

Parkinson and Pires departed Park View Road last month and have signed for champions Woking and shall be playing in the Blue Square Bet Premier next season.

Collin, 26, was the leading goalscorer in the division last season, in the Angels’ first season at this level.
 
  
Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk  

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfconline.com  & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk  

Visit The Football Conference website: www.footballconference.co.uk

Article updated: 10:30 - Sunday 10 June 2012