STANWAY ROVERS defender Joss Neale was a double award-winner at the club’s end-of-season presentation night.

The former Harwich & Parkeston centre-half scooped the players’ player-of-the year prize and that was handed out by his manager, Angelo Harrop.

Skipper Pip Boyland picked up the supporters’ prize, player and joint-assistant Al Drennan won the award given out by chairman Roy Brett and clubman of the year was hard-working groundsman Ken Ballard.

Afterwards Harrop was full of praise for his star man – Neale – and believes he will eventually play several levels higher than the Thurlow Nunn League.

“Joss is going to be a massive player for us next year,” said the Rovers boss, who guided his side to third place – their highest-ever finish – in last season’s Thurlow Nunn League, as well as the last 16 of the FA Vase.

“Last season was his first at this level and he was outstanding.

“I can’t say enough good things about him and believe that one day he’ll step up three of four leagues higher.”

Rovers’ end-of-year celebration took place at The Hawthorns on Saturday night. Phil Boyland, Pip’s dad, was given a special award as a thank you for his scouting work during the club’s fantastic Vase run. Ryan McGibbon was reserve-team player of the year. Jake Egner was named as young player-of-the-year.

In other non-league news, Mark Morsley, who lives in Bradfield, has agreed a new five-year deal at Ryman League division one north champions Needham Market.

The former Harwich boss, who agreed his current four-year deal back in February 2013, was happy to tear that up and extend his stay at Bloomfields.

“It was a very easy decision to come to,” said Morsley, whose business is based in Manningtree.

“The club have supported me and my staff fully since my return and I really believe we have the potential and infrastructure to move up the non-league ladder. This promotion is all a part of the journey that we as a club are on.”

Rob Peace has left his role as BRANTHAM ATHLETIC reserve-team boss.