National Game Awards 2017/18 in association with SCL – Ricay’s golden boy Jake Robinson is top of the Bill

(I’VE GOT IT LICKED: Jake Robinson smashed in 52 goals for Billericay this season)

SK Kits Golden Boot winner is Jake Robinson (Billericay Town)

A record haul of 52 goals came the way of Billericay Town striker Jake Robinson this season to earn him the crown of Non-League’s sharpest shooter.
A club record fee of £24,000 was duly repaid by the 31-year-old signing from Hemel Hempstead as six hat-tricks helped Ricay to the Bostik Premier title, as well as cup runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.
In edging Leon Gutzmore’s previously withstanding club record of 51 goals, Billericay head coach Harry Wheeler lumped praise upon Robinson for his attitude and impact at the AGP Arena.
“First of all, he’s a very good person, Jake, and he’s been vital for us,” Wheeler said.
“Without his goals, we wouldn’t have won what we did. He’s a good goalscorer but he can also create his own goals and he’s managed to do that regularly this season.”
Eyes have pried over the Essex club with owner Glenn Tamplin splitting opinion, but Wheeler was assured in saying the achievements show how special the set-up is at the National League South new boys.
“There have been other teams before that have had investment like we have but they haven’t won trophies in their first season,” he added.“People can’t take that away from the players and the management staff and the owner – it’s a great achievement.
“I know the league we’re going up to because of where I’ve come from. It’ll be tough but we’ve got good players and we’ll be looking to go as high as we can.
“There’s a great scope and good potential in the club. It’s grown and it will be a good chance to put ourselves on the map.”
 
For all the latest news, interviews, features and match reports from Steps 1 to 6, with exclusive access and behind the scenes news from your club throughout the summer, become a subscriber to The Non-League Paper, here: http://bit.ly/NLP-Sub