Manager of the Month
Mike Cook – Gloucester City
When Mike Cook took over at Gloucester City in January, he steered clear of making any great promises.
After all, the Club were winless in 17 matches and they just couldn’t stop conceding goals. He knew the situation was sticky – and knew the size of the task facing him to keep the team in the National League South.
The Tigers would have chewed your arm of for any kind of survival, but thanks to their amazing April they ended the campaign an impressive eight points above the drop zone.
They won four of their five games and that deservedly handed Cook the Manager of the Month accolade.
Winning two crunch games against sides around them, Truro City and Eastbourne Borough, they also got the better of Chippenham Town. Winning away at second-place Woking on the final day iced the cake.
The Club unveiled a new badge last month and that they would be wearing red again from next season.
The future looks bright under their new boss, that’s for sure.
Player of the Month
Fabien Robert – Gloucester City
While most might be familiar with The Great Escape film starring Steve McQueen, Gloucester City have written a whole new story with the headline act none other than Fabien Robert.
The flying Frenchman has lit up the National League South survival race with his performances, not forgetting his wonder strike against Truro City that his brother and ex-Newcastle player Laurent would’ve been proud of.
That win along with maximum points from games against Eastbourne Borough, Chippenham Town and Woking completed an incredible turnaround in the club’s fortunes.
After starting the month in the bottom three, they eventually finished eight points clear of the drop-zone and secured their place in the division for another season.
While Robert might only be on loan from Forest Green Rovers, you wouldn’t be surprised if boss Mike Cook was on the phone looking to extend his stay at the Jubilee Stadium.
Volunteer of the Month
Adrian Gomm – Slough Town
Adrian Gomm has won Volunteer of the Month for Slough Town in the Vanarama National League South.
“Ade”, as he is known at the Club, is the voice of Rebels Radio. However, a lot of people don’t realise quite how much else he’s involved with. This includes being the first person at the ground on matchdays – putting out traffic cones, setting up for the match and adding the club’s identity. Then he works behind the club bar until it’s time to start broadcasting. When he’s finished, it’s back to the bar to clean up. The Club acknowledge that without him, they’d really struggle.
On other days – for example with events – he is always first to step up and volunteer; no job too small and despite him not living on the Club’s doorstep.
Most importantly, everything he does, he does it with a smile, and the club would love him to be widely recognised for what he does for them.
