CAMELFORD Football Club celebrated their 2023/24 South West Peninsula League Premier West campaign with their presentation evening at The Granary in Wadebridge on Saturday, May 4.

The Camels enjoyed another solid top-half finish in the division, finishing eighth with 12 wins, nine draws and 11 defeats from their 32 matches.

After winning just one of their opening seven games in all competitions, which wasn’t helped by the lack of a settled side, the Camels men put together some solid results and made it through to the quarter-finals of the SWPL League Cup where they were beaten by St Austell.

New signings Sam Wade (centre-half) and Brooklyn Wilkins, the latter of whom played anywhere along the front three as well as in midfield at times, both impressed with Wade forming an excellent partnership with Dan Metherell.

Once the food had been served, chairman Dave Smale thanked all the groundsmen, committee, supporters and everyone involved in the running of the club before long-serving boss Reg Hambly thanked the players for their commitment and great team spirit which made them a pleasure to be with, as well as assistant boss and physio Phil Brown for his massive contribution.

The winners of the awards were as follows: Supporters’ Player – Dan Metherell; Players’ Player – Sam Wade; Clubman of the Year – Charlie Hambly; Young Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer – Brooklyn Wilkins; Manager’s Player – Josh Colwill.

Reflecting on the season and looking ahead to the next, Reg Hambly said: “After losing several key players over the past couple of seasons we have been delighted with all of the new recruits and as well as Sam and Brooklyn, Shae Cardiff (Altarnun) and Connor Sturdy (Lanivet) have also stepped up and made great contributions this season.

“Dan Metherell returning from a long injury was a massive boost and the rest of the lads have done more than we could have asked to form a really strong unit and great bond on and off the pitch. 

“After speaking to the players I am hoping to retain most of the squad which will give us a good base to start from next season. 

“Like most teams we are looking to add three or four new faces during the summer and hopefully we can push on next year. 

“We have a great pre-season lined up with games against Ilfracombe, St Blazey, North Petherwin, Tavistock, Penyn and St Austell already pencilled in, so hopefully everyone enjoys their break and comes back raring to go!”