October's manager, player and volunteer award winners have been chosen by the MANarama National League!
Harrogate Town's Simon Weaver was unveiled as the top boss in Non-League's top flight when the winners were announced by the National League at 5pm on Friday.
Torquay United's Matt Buse took October's top player accolade while AFC Fylde's Bob Davey was named volunteer of the month.
MANarama National League Manager of the Month – Simon Weaver, Harrogate Town
They were the words on a number of lips a couple of months into the campaign.
Simon Weaver never did think an antidote was needed to the so-called ‘Second Season Syndrome' award-winning Harrogate were supposedly suffering from.
The Town manager knew not much needed to change, just a little good fortune and for chances to be taken.
He started October by offering clues to why they have started slowly. “This year, we're more well established,” he told us. “You can't go under the radar. Now people see Harrogate Town as a good, established National League club – it's a huge compliment, but it changes the mindset”.
In the end it could be the month which flips their season on its head.
Wins over Yeovil Town, Ebbsfleet United, Barnet, Aldershot Town in the National League were supplemented by FA Cup success at FC Halifax Town.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth better be on their guard on Monday night!
MANarama National League Player of the Month Matt Buse, Torquay United
Those not regular visitors to Plainmoor might automatically put Torquay United's recent purple patch solely down to goal machine Jamie Reid.
And while he undoubtedly has had a huge say in things for the Gulls, the emergence of midfield sensation Matt Buse has also been causing a stir.
A summer signing from Southern League part-timers Taunton Town, the 22-year-old barely featured in the first two months of the fledgling National League season. Now he looks like he could be here to stay.
If the fans needed convincing of his talent, a last-minute winner against AFC Fylde was just the trick. Follow that up with the winner against Ebbsfleet United three days later and you've got a star in the making – and an instant fans' favourite.
He played every minute of every game throughout October, which also saw wins against Barrow and Wrexham as well as progression to the FA Cup first round for only the second time in six seasons.
Although not initially on the radar, Gary Johnson looks to have unearthed a diamond.
MANarama National League Volunteer of the Month – Bob Davey, AFC Fylde
Bob Davey of AFC Fylde has won October's Volunteer of the Month for the National League.
Bob has held many different roles in his time involved with the club, where his affiliation began at Wesham FC.
He travels both home and away, and now takes on the important position of the matchday secretary.
A quiet figure, Bob is someone who doesn't like to make a fuss about himself – but after recently going into hospital for an operation and missing a selection of matches, the club have been delighted to have him back with us, and understandably, want to bring recognition for his ongoing commitment.
For a club like AFC Fylde, who have seen a rise through the football pyramid it can sometimes be easy to keep on looking forward. But it's equally important to pay respect to the figures who have been so important in their success, and who have given so much.
His determination, selflessness and kind nature is matched only by his love of the club and his local community, and Non-League football is all the richer to have a gentleman like him involved.
Images courtesy of thenationalleague.org.uk
