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Vanarama National League Monthly Awards

Vanarama announce National League September Player and Manager of The Month Awards

After careful consideration, the panel have announced the following winners for September’s Player and Manager of the Month Awards and would like to congratulate each worthy winner on their award.

In the Vanarama National League, Manager of the Month goes to Mark Goldberg of Bromley FC, with the panel commenting on his performance: “Wow what a month it has been for newcomers Bromley to the top-flight of non-league football. After a cautious August as the club found its feet, Mark and his players have come really good with what can only be described as a superlative September. Many other managers have struggled to get the best out of their players but the attacking style which the Ravens have demonstrated has really caught the eye. Six games and six wins whilst scoring a total of 20 goals in the process has really made the rest of the Vanarama National League sit up and take notice.”

Staying in Bromley for our next award in the Vanarama National League, Moses Emmanuel picks up Player of The Month. The panel noted his great achievements in September by saying: “Many outside of the Vanarama National League will not have heard of Moses Emmanuel before, because until the summer most will have known him as Moses Ademola. A legal name change has caught many out in September, though they certainly have been talking about him due to his stupendous haul of goals during the month. It is nothing new for him as last season under his old name he scored 25 goals to help Bromley earn promotion. The striker has not only bagged 9 goals for himself during their staggering September rise up the table, he has also contributed to others finding the net. His all-round play, but most importantly his ability to score at this level, makes him justifiably Player of the Month.”

Moving on to the Vanarama National League North, our pick for Manager of The Month goes to Dave Challinor of AFC Fylde. A worthy winner and all-round nice guy, the panel had this to say: “It is often said that in the opening month of a season a manager may take time to find his best formation, and not only did Dave Challinor do that last season he has done it again this September. Regarded as one of the nicest managers at this level of the game, he knows what he wants from his players, even if it takes a short while to find it and maintain it. Moving into second place in the Vanarama North by picking up 10 points out of 12, it will be sometime before his commitment will allow his squad to slip from the high standards he sets himself and expects his players and back room staff to attain.”

Staying in the North, our next award goes to Lee Smith of Tamworth. The panel noted his tenacity to come back from an horrendous injury by saying: “Each season, individual awards are made at times not just for an attitude shown on the field of play or through leadership qualities. Often something comes to light which may propel a player into the spotlight through no fault of his own, yet he handles the attention in an exemplary manner. So it has been with Lee, who unfortunately suffered an horrendous, life-threatening injury in the Vanarama North match away at Gainsborough Trinity. An accidental injury in a clash for the ball necessitated him being hospitalised in Lincoln and having his spleen removed. Full credit must go to him for how quickly he has demonstrated his courage to overcome this major setback. Hopefully he will be able to return soon to his full-time occupation as a teacher and start to set targets to return to his love of football. The whole of football will join in wishing him well.”

And finally, turning to the South, the Vanarama National League South Manager of The Month award goes to Daryl McMahon of Ebbsfleet United. Commenting on the award, the panel said: “Despite the tag of being pre-season favourites to lift the title in the Vanarama South, such pressure cannot always be easy to shoulder, yet Daryl has borne it well since the opening day of the season. Being pipped to the accolade in August for the Vanarama South award it has only inspired him to double his efforts and drive his squad to the top of the table and cement their lead by a clear 9 points whilst remaining unbeaten in 11 matches since the opening day of the season.”

Our final award for September goes to Lee Worgan of Maidstone United, and it is always a pleasure to see a keeper in the mix for awards as the panel noted his clean sheets for September by saying: “The Stones’ keeper has had a remarkable month, keeping a clean sheet in all matches in the Vanarama South during September and in the process helping his side achieve progression in the FA Cup. In their first season in the league, United have much expectation to bear from their fans to reach their potential. Despite these demands they are surpassing early season ambitions and much of this must rest in the safe hands of Lee. It is not easy for a new club to make their mark but Lee has epitomised the spirit with his individual performances in goal.”

Vanarama and the panel would like to thank all players and manager across all divisions for some outstanding performances in September and we look forward to announcing October’s awards next month.