CAMELFORD manager Reg Hambly has announced that he will stay on for a 29th season in charge at Trefrew Park despite contemplating retirement.

The Camels endured a difficult season in the now defunct Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division in 2018/19, winning just five and drawing of their 36 games as they finished second bottom, only above Sticker.

However after speaking to the players and committee it was decided that he should stay on and regroup for the first season in the newly-formed Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division West after the three divisions (made up of Premier and Division One East and West), were split into two.

Hambly said: “I was going to call it a day at the end of last season because I’ve done 28 years, but I didn’t want to finish on a low note.

“We had so many injuries and problems with availability but I’ve had a chat with the boys and senior players like Josh Insley and Mark Gusterson are going to be much more involved this year and all of the players from last year have said they’re staying. Plus we have high hopes of several new faces coming in to give the squad a boost, so we are all excited and looking forward to it.”

In other news, the club held their annual dinner at The Granary Restaurant in Wadebridge recently with 38 in attendance.

Club chairman Ollie Rowe opened the presentation and thanked everyone for being involved with Camelford Football Club and kindly bought the first round of drinks for everyone.

Manager Reg Hambly announced the first award of the evening with Adam Sleep winning the ‘Top Goalscorer’ with 16, following an impressive switch from centre-half to play up front or out wide.

The second award was Players Player of the Year, an award voted on by the players, supporters and committee and went to the left-sided Tom Cowling. 

The third award was Managers Player of the Year, voted on by Hambly and his longtime assistant Phil Brown, and was given to central midfielder Josh Insley. 

The final award for the players was the Young Player of the Year and this was awarded by secretary Hilary Kent to Charlie Hambly. 

The final award of the evening was for the Clubperson of the Year, an award voted on by the committee, and the winner was David Smale

Club spokesperson Sam Brown said: “David is a deserved winner who has done so much for the club since joining us two years ago. Thank you for your service and continued commitment towards the club.” 

Captain Adam Sleep then handed out the thank you presents from the players and delivered a much shorter speech than Dan Balsdon had in the years before. Hambly and his wife Debbie and Brown and his wife Tracey were gifted a voucher for a meal out while Debbie, Tracey and Hilary Kent were all given a bunch of flowers.

Club spokesperson Sam Brown added: “It was a superb evening, in which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, although last season was a tough year, the club are excited and eager for next season in the new Premier Division West.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and everyone who has supported Camelford Football Club last year. We hope to see you all in the new season.”