Manager of the Month
Steve Watson (York City)
York City fans spent much of last season watching on and wondering.
They saw Stockport County finally break free of their National League North chains and wanted to know when it was their turn.
There are many similarities between the two clubs in terms of size and history. Both haven’t made light work of life outside of the National League.
But August seems to have offered hope that this year might be the one which sees the Minstermen back on the right road again.
Steve Watson made a number of shrewd summer signings and they made an instant impression.
A tricky opening day game at Altrincham was easily negotiated. Then they won against Brackley Town, Blyth Spartans, Leamington, Spennymoor Town and Gloucester City. It was an undefeated month, even if they may have hoped for more than a point against Farsley Celtic and Gateshead.
Watson now has his feet under the table and York City may not have to look on enviously for much longer if they build on their great start.
Unfortunately, Steve Watson was not available to accept the award ahead of the announcement.
Player of the Month
Aaron Martin (Guiseley)
Eight games, ten goals. Could the August Player of the Month award for the National League North really go to anybody else?
It’s been the stuff of dreams so far for Guiseley and goal machine Aaron Martin.
It took the Lions until mid-October last season to reach their points tally they find themselves on at the turn of the month this year.
Martin bagged the winning goal in their opening day win against King’s Lynn Town before smashing a hat-trick three days later at Bradford (Park Avenue).
Not content with that, he went on to hit doubles against both Spennymoor Town and Blyth Spartans for their third and fourth wins of the season respectively – that either side of goals against Boston United and Alfreton Town.
After a summer full of big eye-catching moves to the EFL, have we seen another star being born?
Volunteer of the Month
Greg Hyams (Kettering Town)
Greg Hyams has won Volunteer of the Month for Kettering Town in the National League North.
Greg’s main role at Kettering Town is as Welfare Officer; which is a responsibility in itself that is a full-time role.
Yet Greg finds time to assist with numerous youth and ladies team, helping out in any way that he can.
These alone would warrant Greg’s nomination but he still finds time to go the extra mile.
He attends the stadium almost every day to ensure that the facilities are ready for use – whether it’s by the first, youth or ladies team.
The Club say they could not ask for a more professional resource and are constantly amazed at the time and effort Greg is prepared to put into the club.
