At half-time during yesterday’s home fixture against Bath City, Andy Matthews was awarded the Austin Verini Trophy after being chosen by the Board of Directors as the recipient of the Award.

The Austin Verini Trophy, awarded to the club person of the year, is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the club.

The award was inaugurated by the Supporters Association in 1992 when Steve Clark was the first winner. The Association ruled that no one person can win the award twice, although there have been a couple of exceptions when, in 2013, Melvin Slight along with Tina Jenner, won the award having previously won it himself in 2009, and then in 2010 when as a Board Member Maurice Brown took the award jointly having already won it outright in 2004.   

So, who was Austin Verini? Austin was the club’s treasurer for over 30 years beginning his tenure in 1951. When the club was formed in 1948 he was appointed the Assistant Secretary but three years later became Secretary and Treasurer. At times he acted as Trainer (Physio in today’s terms), accompanying the Metropolitan League side in that capacity.

Club President Dave Netherstreet said of this season’s recipient: “Andy is an indispensable member of the volunteer brigade, formally known as the “Clampetts”, which is growing in number again following Covid.

“Andy is the go to person for positivity, nothing seems to phase him and he is willing to help out doing even the most mundane and also not the most pleasant of jobs. All of which he does with a smile and without a moan. He helps out on match days and during the week.

“He is also the leader when it comes to puns and ‘dad’ jokes, many of which are so bad they should have a health warning. He is a worthy winner.”