Ahmet Rifat has been awarded the 2023/24 'Gaffer of the season' award by Ball Hour and UrFreshTVSport at their end of season showcase. The accolade is no more than is deserved after Rifat transformed the Blues' fortunes, taking us into the playoffs for the first time since 2016/17 in his first full season in charge at the Maurice Rebak Stadium. Further to this, it was a record points haul for the Blues as we amassed 76 points in our 42 matches this season, before narrowly missing out in the playoff semi-final to eventual playoff winners Enfield Town.
Speaking when collecting his award, Rifat said that it was a privilege to win this award, against number of other managers who had achieved a lot last season. There were 6 nominees for the award including Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon who saw his Hornchurch side crowned champions of the Isthmian Premier League, Steve McKimm of Cray Valley PM who reached the FA Cup first round proper as well as pipping Ramsgate in a very competitive Isthmian South East title race.
Jermaine McGlashan was nominated for managing AFC Croydon Athletic to playoff success in the Combined Counties Premier South division. Marcus Bartley saw his Marlow FC side promoted from Isthmian South Central division via playoffs and finally Paul Johnson managed Farnham Town FC to the Combined Counties Premier South title, winning 35 and drawing 3 of their 38 games in the process.
All at the club would like to congratulate Ahmet on this award, and look forward to further success under his leadership in the future!
Ahmet has now confirmed his coaching team for next season, as pre-season gets underway on 2nd July ahead of the 2024/25 Isthmian Premier League season.