Dr Sarah Furness, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, presented the end of season awards at Oakham United Football Club yesterday evening.

At a well-attended meeting, Chairman Thomas Beach welcomed the special guest, whom the club was delighted could come to the end of season celebrations.

In his speech Tom also paid tribute to the sponsors, the committee members, who are dedicated to the growth of the club, and the coaches. Without them the club would not be able to exist.

The next group to be welcomed were the supporters, in particular a group of young supporters who follow Oakham United home and away. Next season the club hopes to start an official supporters' club and one of the projects this summer will be to lay the foundations for this.

Last, but not least, Tom paid homage to the cornerstone of the club - the players.

He then went on to examine the role of Chairman, which includes considering the bigger picture, the dreams that everyone connected to the club shares and how to make these dreams a reality: "Many of our competitors are steeped in history. We, however, are in a more privileged position as we can create our history. A new era is dawning at Oakham United," he said.

There then followed a look back at the season just ended.

The under 16 team, who were at the presentation, had an excellent season and now start their transition to senior football; the veterans are top of their league and the first team had an unbeaten run from the end of January until the final game of the season.

On the subject of success, Tom had this to say: "For me success isn't just about results. Our reserves team have been going through a period of transition. They have stuck together through it all, never argued or complained, just given their best - and that for me is true success."

In conclusion Tom said that the presentation evening was a celebration of the successes of the past season and that everyone involved had made a contribution.

As to the future, Tom remarked: "If I had a crystal ball I would predict next season will be more successful. I cannot, and will not, promise you anything that cannot be delivered.

"A lot of work is going on behind the scenes. Exciting partnerships are being formed in order to give our town a club you can be proud of.

"We need you to join us on the journey as together we we will become stronger and go further.

"This is your football club. Remember that together we are Oakham United."

The awards for the first team saw both the Players' Player of the Year award and the Supporters' Player of the Year award go to Michael Nelson, who had scored 29 goals in 23 appearances.

This was the best goals per game ratio in the Peterborough and District League Premier Division in the 2018/19 season.

Manager Stuart Lambie was presented with the Clubman of the Year award.

The Manager's Player of the Year award went to David Bates and Josh Gooding received the Lee Sutton Trophy for young player of the year.

Photo 1: Oakham United Chairman Thomas Beach and Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness. Courtesy of Gerard Kelman

Photo 3: Michael Nelson with Thomas Beach and Dr Sarah Furness. Courtesy of Sarah Hatherill, Well Street Studio, Langham