Burgess Hill Town welcome Austin – and reward Vorster and plenty of others
Burgess Hill Town have added Ben Austin to their backroom staff.
He joins the coaching team with immediate effect and will also play a key role in recruitment ahead of the upcoming season.
It comes a few weeks after the Hillians parted company with joint first team manager Jay Lovett, deciding they wanted to operate with only one manager.
Manager Gary Mansell said: “We are delighted to welcome Ben to the coaching team. He brings a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach, along with an extensive network of contacts that will greatly support our recruitment efforts for the season ahead.”
Well known across Sussex football, Austin was born in Hastings and enjoyed a successful playing career, spending the majority of his time at Eastbourne Borough, while also featuring for Eastbourne Town and Lewes.
Since retiring from playing, he has moved into coaching and has held assistant manager roles at Eastbourne Borough, Welling United and Lewes.
Meanwhile, George Vorster was the main winner as he scooped three awards as Burgess Hill Town FC celebrated their highest ever finish in the club’s 144-year history.
Players, staff and supporters turned out in force to honour a season of commitment, progress and unity across the entire club. The evening recognised achievements from the men’s senior side, the women’s first team, and the under-18s, reflecting the strength and depth running throughout the club.
Vorster lit up the Medical Travel Compared Stadium this season with some dazzling performances and finished as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals in 40 games.
He picked up the Players’ Player of the Year, Supporters’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year an achievement that underlined his impact and popularity across the club.
The First Team Player of the Year went to Ben Pope capping an impressive campaign with plenty of hard working and consistent performances. He made 44 appearances, scoring eight goals and also keeping a clean sheet in goal.
Chris Whelpdale’s strike versus Folkestone Invicta was voted as goal of the season during a live poll throughout the awards evening.
The future of Burgess Hill Town also shone brightly through the U18s awards after a league and cup double – and still the chance to make it a treble with the semi-final of the Champion of Champions to come.
Ever present Ewan Wintle was recognised as the U18s Player of the Year. Jake King, who scored for the first team in the final game of the season, picked up the U18 Players’ Player award, reflecting the respect he has earned among his team-mates. Luca Oliva picked up the U18s supporters player of the year after an excellent season and scoring some memorable strikes.
The women’s team celebrated a fantastic season too. Becky Geraghty-Shewan was named Women’s Team Player of the Year, while Alicia Haworth enjoyed a standout evening, taking both the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player awards. Jazz Ross was recognised as Women’s Young Player of the Year.
Off the pitch, several individuals were honoured for their dedication and contribution to the club. Dan Cross received the Jack Lake Shield Clubman of the Year award, a testament to his hard work behind the scenes. Dave Bradbury was presented with the John Buck Special Achievement Award, recognising outstanding service, while Grace Nye and Terry Petch were both recipients of Recognition Awards for their valued contributions.
The night was further elevated by speeches from owner and chairman David Corney, president Tommy Manneh and club legend John Buck. Each paid tribute not only to the award winners but to everyone involved in the club’s continued growth and success.