This season’s winner of the Austin Verini Trophy awarded to the Clubman of the Year is Paul Clark, who has been associated with club as a volunteer for over 40 years. 

There were 123 votes cast and it was an incredibly close result that was literally in doubt until the clock ticked past midnight on Friday. 

The trophy was presented to Paul before the Eastbourne game on Bank Holiday Monday by Austin’s granddaughter, Yvette, accompanied by her daughter Ella. 

Commiserations go to Dan Couldridge, Andy Matthews and Jim Rowe, each of whom would have been worthy winners and thank-you to everyone that voted.