As the doors opened on Saturday evening to welcome players, committee members, coaches, sponsors, and loyal supporters to the Smokeshed Restaurant in the heart of Hoddesdon, a buzz of celebration was already in the air. The occasion? Hoddesdon Town Football Club's much-anticipated Annual Presentation Evening — an event to reflect on a season of challenge and growth, and to celebrate those who stood out with performances of distinction, leadership, and dedication in the famous white and black.

With around 60 people in attendance, the evening was a vibrant mix of football chatter, shared memories, a few laughs at missed penalties, and plenty of applause for individual achievements.

The night began with a warm and genuine welcome speech from club chairman Stuart Varney, whose words set the tone for an evening that was equal parts nostalgic and optimistic.

“Thanks to everyone for joining us at our annual presentation evening,” Varney began. “First of all, I would like to thank my hardworking committee for all their efforts behind the scenes. I’d also like to thank our management team and squad for their commitment and effort throughout the season, and our sponsors for their invaluable support. Finally, I want to thank our supporters for turning up whatever the weather to back the lads — your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Reflecting on a Season of Highs and Lows
Varney continued with an honest appraisal of the season just gone. “On the whole, we again improved on our league performance with an 8th-place finish, and for a long time, it looked as if we might push for a playoff position. But the toll of playing catch-up on our games in hand — caused by one of the season’s lowlights, the fire in the clubhouse just after we took over from the cricket club — made things more difficult in the latter stages.”

While that fire was an undeniable setback, Varney also pointed to a major off-field success: “On the positive side, our relationship with the cricket club goes from strength to strength. And with our joint bid acquiring the land at High Leigh village, the future of the club is very positive indeed.”

There was also time for some light-hearted jabs, as Varney reminded the room: “Make sure you all remind Connor Bolton how bad that penalty was!”

A Standout Season for Connor Bolton
Connor Bolton, of course, took the gentle ribbing in his stride — not least because he was walking away from the evening as the undisputed star of the show.

The versatile and ever-reliable Bolton swept up an extraordinary five major awards, underlining his vital role throughout the 2024/25 campaign. He was named:

The Wiggle Haynes Trophy Winner
Supporters’ Player of the Year
Manager’s Player
Golden Boot Winner
And earned recognition for reaching 200 appearances and 50 goals for the club.

The Wiggle Haynes Trophy carries a special emotional weight, and Bolton's receipt of it was met with a standing ovation. His consistency, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess made him a clear favourite among the committee for the prestigious Player of the year Award.

Scooping the Supporters Award is always an honour, showing just how much the fans appreciate you, coupled with the approval of your managers vote, it really has been some season for Bolton.

No less than 22 goals in 35 appearances put him way ahead of anyone else in the Golden Boot race, and Bolton retained the award he collected last season.

Despite the spotlight, Bolton remained characteristically humble. “It’s been a tough season in places,” he said. “We were stretched at times, but I’m proud of how everyone stuck together. These awards are for the whole team.”

Honouring the Unsung Heroes
Though Bolton’s trophy haul stole headlines, the evening was full of recognition for others whose contributions were just as crucial to the club’s fabric.

Blue Gallagher, a warrior in midfield and an embodiment of grit, heart, and reliability, was voted Players’ Player of the Year, an award that speaks volumes about his influence within the dressing room and on the pitch. Gallagher also reached the incredible milestone of 200 appearances in Hoddesdon colours, a feat matched only by Bolton on the night.

Jimmy Agnew was another standout, collecting two awards: the Stuart Parker Award, for his work both on and off the pitch, and Most Improved Player, a testament to his growing maturity, consistency, and impact this season. His all-action displays and vocal presence often set the tone in midfield, and his recognition felt well-deserved by all in the room.

Jon Dean earned the Charle Brown Award, given in recognition of commitment to off the field activities. Heading up the Digital and Social Media Committee, Jon and his team are responsible for ensuring the club embraces non league football in the 21st century, keeping the community informed of all things Lilywhite via the clubs website and it's social media channels.

Unfortunately, Jon couldn't be present for the evening, but commented afterwards 'It's an honour to win this trophy for the second time, the club is in my DNA. But I have to give credit to the rest of the team. Peter Checkley, Lee Kelsey, Danny Smith and Pete Alligan have been immense as part of my committee and I couldn't do the job without them. This award is for them'.

Rising Stars and Club Stalwarts
The club has always prided itself on nurturing young talent, and the Young Player of the Year Award went to Arnis Lala, a fearless and technically gifted prospect who grew into his role as the season progressed. Lala’s composure and confidence on the ball defy his years, and he is widely tipped to be a future star for Hoddesdon.

Meanwhile, the Most Appearances award went to ever-present defender Jack Gibbs, whose name was also among those recognised for reaching 150 appearances. Gibbs’ consistency, availability, and reliability made him a rock at the back across an intense and often physically demanding campaign.

Liam Nugent, another long-serving and dependable figure, won the Jim Briggs Man-of-the-Match Award, having delivered multiple standout performances throughout the season. Nugent was also one of three players — along with Jack Riddle and Jack Gibbs — to reach the 150 appearances milestone.

And there was a special nod to Callum Bennison, who joined the appearance list himself by reaching 100 appearances, an achievement that reflects his growth and importance in the squad setup.

A Legacy Honoured
The evening also included a poignant and meaningful moment with the presentation of The Fred Varney Award to Neil Morris. The award, named after the late club stalwart and father of the current chairman, is given to someone who has made a profound contribution to the club across the board. Morris, who has supported Hoddesdon with tireless dedication for years, was visibly moved to receive the honour. His work around the club this season, particularly on the grounds, has been a game changer for the Lilywhites.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Stuart Varney made the presentation, pausing momentarily before embracing Morris. “Neil’s been there for the club time and again,” Varney said. “He’s the kind of person every club needs — loyal, dependable, and completely selfless.”

Looking Ahead with Optimism
As the awards concluded and the Smokeshed’s excellent food and drink flowed, the mood turned toward the future. With pre-season already on the horizon, Varney teased some exciting developments.

“Keep your eyes on social media,” he said. “We’re close to announcing a new main sponsor, and thanks to the cricket club, we’ll have two home friendlies at Lowfield this summer. It’ll be great to see the lads back out there.”

The club’s successful joint venture with the cricket club to acquire land at High Leigh Village has generated real momentum behind the scenes, offering the promise of long-term stability and growth — a crucial step for any club with ambitions of rising up the football pyramid.

A Club Built on Togetherness
As the evening wound down and guests mingled, shared stories, and posed for photos with their awards, there was a genuine sense of togetherness in the room — a reflection of the club's culture and values.

From the young players looking to make their mark to the experienced heads guiding them, from the volunteers working behind the scenes to the sponsors keeping the lights on, every individual played a role in what Hoddesdon Town FC achieved this year.

And perhaps that’s the club’s greatest strength: it’s not just about the football. It’s about the people. It’s about the community. It’s about turning up on rainy Tuesdays and sunny Saturdays alike, wearing the badge with pride, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

As one supporter put it on the night, “This club’s not perfect. But it’s ours.”

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS – 2024/25
The Wiggle Haynes Trophy – Connor Bolton
Players’ Player of the Year – Blue Gallagher
Supporters’ Player of the Year – Connor Bolton
Manager’s Player of the Year – Connor Bolton
Charle Brown Award – Jon Dean
Stuart Parker Award – Jimmy Agnew
Young Player of the Year – Arnis Lala
Most Improved Player – Jimmy Agnew
Most Appearances – Jack Gibbs
Jim Briggs Man-of-the-Match Award – Liam Nugent
Golden Boot – Connor Bolton
The Fred Varney Award – Neil Morris

Milestone Appearances
200 Appearances: Connor Bolton, Blue Gallagher
150 Appearances: Liam Nugent, Jack Riddle, Jack Gibbs
100 Appearances: Callum Bennison

Goal Milestones
50 Goals: Connor Bolton

Thanks to the Smokeshed Restaurant for hosting a brilliant evening and for their hospitality throughout the night. Hoddesdon Town FC now looks ahead to pre-season with energy, excitement, and a sense of unity that promises great things for the 2025/26 campaign.

#COYL