As the debate over the Team of the Season selections rumbles on, we speak to some of the players who have made it into the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central team.
For Ellis Myles-Tebbutt, a solid season ended in disappointment as AFC Telford United lost in the play-off final.
“It’s a massive privilege to be nominated by people not associated with AFC Telford United,” he told us. “It also shows how amazing the team did as they have played a massive part in me being nominated and picked.
“I only missed two games all season; one through suspension and the other through being rested towards the end of the season when our play-off place had already been guaranteed, so I am happy with that as it always helps in building momentum and getting a run of consistency and form.
“As a team we came through a rough start but our togetherness started to shine through and we were different class – that also shows in how many of our players were nominated for the Team of the Season.
“We know how much quality we have here; unfortunately, we just fell short in gaining promotion but we’ll be ready to go again and with our fantastic supporters behind us, we know that we have what it takes.
“This is a very competitive League with some very good teams and players involved, but we are relishing the challenge that stands before us in 2024/25 as we look to get this club back up to where it belongs.”
Joining Myles-Tebbutt in the other full-back position is Bradley Burton of Redditch United.
“I am very proud to be involved,” he told us. “This is a very big achievement for me and tops off nicely all of the hard work that has been put in throughout the season.
“I have been really pleased with my consistency; I’ve also chipped in with a few goals and assists, which is also nice and the season has pretty much aligned with the targets that I set myself.
“There are a lot of good players throughout this League at all clubs, so it keeps things nice and competitive. Hopefully I can continue playing regularly and getting good stats to help Redditch United continue to move forward.”
Also part of the team, having moved into a new position this season is Lewis Ludford-Ison. He was a key figure as Stratford Town challenged for the play-offs but ultimately just missed out on goal difference.
“Moving into a new position this season, I never imagined I would get into the Team of the Season,” he admitted. “I am extremely proud; it’s been a successful season for me, not missing a game and chipping in with some important goals along the way.
“As a team we set out at the start to push for the play-offs and we did that, but obviously coming so close to making it was bitter-sweet.
“You have to really push yourself as a player to compete at this level. You can’t let your standards drop at any time. The teams that ultimately got promotion deserved it because they were the best two teams, in my opinion.
“This is an intense League but as a club we have to build on what we’ve done this time around and anything less than a place in the play-offs at the end of next season will be seen as a disappointment.”
With almost 26,000 votes cast, we thank everyone who took part. Here is a reminder of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central Team of the Season 2023/24.
PREMIER CENTRAL | Callum Hawkins (Leamington), Bradley Burton (Redditch United), Ellis Myles-Tebbutt (AFC Telford United), Ryan Wynter (Halesowen Town), Orrin Pendley (AFC Telford United), Remi Walker (AFC Telford United), Lewis Ludford-Ison (Stratford Town), Callum Stewart (Leamington), Montel Gibson (AFC Telford United), Ricardo Dinanga (AFC Telford United), Terrell Pennant (Coalville Town).
Subs: Brandon Hall (AFC Telford United), Dan Meredith (Leamington), Kieran Morphew (Needham Market), Reece Flanagan (Redditch United), Finley Wilkinson (Hitchin Town), Andy Dales (Mickleover), Jonny Edwards (St. Ives Town).
IMAGES: Glenn Alcock, Neil Jay and Granty
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