Dan’s the man for the Rocks fans’ prize

Dan Sackman receives his award from David Seabourne of the supporters' club / Picture by Tommy McMillan

Centre-half Dan Sackman may not be one of the players who makes too many headlines or appears in the goal-celebration pictures of Rocks’ games in these pages.

But he has consistently impressed management and fans with his gutsy displays in the Bognor defence, to the extent that he has now been named supporters’ club player of the season.

Sackman picked up his trophy at the players’ presentation evening on Sunday night, one of a number of prizewinners as the squad mixed with fans to reflect on a campaign of ups and downs.

Fittingly, Sackman also picked up the award for most improved player.

Ollie Pearce’s 17 goals this season meant he took away the prize for leading scorer, while Doug Tuck received the Chairman’s Cup from supporters’ club chief Sarah Warwick plus an extra gong for chalking up 100 appearances for the team.

Craig Robson was another rewarded for a ton of apperances, while Jason Prior was given a special award for having scored 100 Rocks’ goals. Peter McGrath won the Sportsman’s Trophy for off-the-field work at Nyewood Lane, and on a similar theme, Bernie Gumbrell was rewarded for completing an amazing 50 years of service to the club.

Alex Parsons won the vote for goal of the season for a superb strike in the 4-0 hammering of Dulwich Hamlet.

Stuart Green was named player of the month for April and Harvey Whyte the players’ player of the season.

The youth team – aka the Pebbles – were also in the spotlight after winning  the Ryman South Youth League title.

They won a special achievement award, while Nathan Hawker and Lloyd Rowlatt shared the manager’s player of the year award. Ben Mepham was rewarded for finishing as the youth team’s top scorer.

Sarah Warwick, who chairs the supporters’ club, said: “It was lovely to see the players and fans sharing a drink together and socialising on our showcase evening.

“It was a pleasure to be able to acknowledge the Pebbles after their amazing season.

“All recipients were worthy winners and I was particularly delighted for Dan Sackman to win the prestigious supporters’ club trophy – which was made even better by him being so surprised by it. He simply didn’t expect it.

“And how nice to see the legendary Bernie Gumbrell honoured.”