Men's football news
Written by: DanielL
Lewes FC held an awards ceremony at The Dripping Pan after the final men’s home fixture of the 2025-26 season.
Devonte West was the big winner, scooping five of the eight prizes after a standout season wearing the number 10 shirt.
West, who joined Lewes at the start of the season, emerged as a breakthrough star for the Rooks, leading the team’s scoring table with 10 goals to date.
He collected the following awards:
Players’ Player of the season – presented by team captain, Tyler Christian-Law (main image).
Goal of the Season, for his first-time, long-range finish at Brentwood Town in March.
This was voted for by the public on social media and was presented by head of men’s team media, Stan Lahood.
West also gained the most votes for the Fans’ Player of the season award, presented by club chairman Trevor Wells.
He then collected the Golden Boot award for most goals scored in the season, presented by board member Lisa Emery.
…and to cap things off, West was named Supporters Club player of the season – presented by Barry Collins of Lewes FC Supporters Club.
During the ceremony, it was confirmed that West will soon take part in a trial at Championship club Hull City – a richly deserved opportunity.
Addressing West, Nelson said: “I think it’s a credit to you for sticking to the task and working really hard.
“When we first came in [as the management team in October], he didn’t see the pitch as often because there were some other sides of his game that he needed to add.
“Once he did, he has flown ever since.
“For your first season at this level, to walk away with so many awards is a credit, so well done.”
Rogers recognised
The other squad-based award was the Managers’ Player of the season, presented by men’s first team manager Craig Nelson and assistant manager Bryan Nzinga.
They chose Louis Rogers for his outstanding efforts in goal during what has been a challenging season at times.
Rogers is the only men’s Rook to have played every game this season; he also leads the Isthmian League Premier Division in appearances and minutes.
Above that, the management team felt Rogers produced frequent high-quality performances, making plenty of crucial saves and catches, while demonstrating an excellent work ethic throughout.
“A massive thank you to Pitts and the rest of the management team for putting their trust in me,” said Rogers.
“It’s been a difficult season, I think we can all agree.
“But to wear the shirt and represent this great town… hopefully I will be here next season!”
Off-pitch stars honoured
In addition to the player awards, prizes for Volunteer of the Season and the Lewes Legend were presented.
The former went to Paul Denny, one of the club’s unsung heroes who runs the hospitality hut and does much more beyond that.
Paul is a relentlessly cheerful presence. He’s also brilliant at helping a partially sighted supporter enjoy their matchday experience. An incredibly thoughtful man.
Sharon Stanley, Paul ‘PJ’ Johnson and Sinclair Spencer were nominated for Volunteer of the Season.
Sharon visited countless shops in Lewes last summer to collect donations that were used to help raise over £10,000 for the club.
She is also there in all weathers and is especially good at helping Ethel Treagus run the Golden Goal competition every match.
Sinclair is one of the club’s most reliable and dedicated volunteers. Always willing to muck in whatever the job, he makes regular appearances with the weekly ground maintenance group on Thursdays.
PJ has been one of the Lewes FC Supporters Club’s most dedicated volunteers for over 20 years.
He prepares the Golden Goal tickets and brings Ethel to and from every game, a social lifeline for her.
The club simply wouldn’t be able to function without its volunteers, who devote much of their precious free time to help keep Lewes FC ticking.
Thank you all for your incredible work and dedication!
Lewis the legend
Concluding the ceremony was the Lewes Legend award, presented by Craig Nelson.
This was presented to Lewis Robinson, the men’s team kit manager, who has been an integral part of backroom operations throughout the season.
As the title of the award suggests, Lewis embodies the values of the club, as Nelson aptly summarised:
“He typifies what the club is all about with his effort, his demeanour, his kindness and friendliness.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him upset or worried about anything at all.
“Although there was one time we got fined for squirting someone with a water bottle! Other than that, he is very, very Lewes.
“He makes sure everything is prepared in the right way.
“He ensures the boys have everything they need, every single week, without fail. I don’t have to ask him to do anything, because he’s already thought about it, and done it.
“An unbelievable person to have in your corner.”
Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees!