Cowes Sports celebrated retaining their position as the Isle of Wight’s leading football club by winning the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup for the third year in succession at their awards evening on Saturday (17th May).
The Yachtsmen went the entire season without receiving a single red card, which should also make them eligible for a fair play award.
3 players achieved appearance milestones during the 2024/25 season: goalkeeper Ed Hatt with 500 appearances, striker Jordan Browne with 200 appearances and Max Coshell with 200 appearances.
The following players picked up awards:
- Managers’ and Supporters’ Young Player of the Year – Jared Tout-Walters
- 1st team Players’ Player of the Year – Jake Wright
- Reserves Player of the Year – Sonny Myram
- 1st team Leading Goal Scorer – John McKie
- Reserves Leading Goal Scorer – Charlie Haward
- Most Improved Player – Jimmy Mumford
- Managers’ Player of the Year – Ryan Oatley
- Reserves Player of the Year – Max Coshell
- Commitment and Endeavour Award – Ed Hatt
- Club Person of the Year – Kelvin Mansfield and Ben Bradley
- Country Corner Love of Football Award – Ian Lee ‘Leo’ (outgoing chairman)
After the awards ceremony, Island Echo spoke with Cowes Sports co-managers Ian Potts and Mark Woodhouse about their first season in charge.
Mark Woodhouse said:
“It has been a fantastic achievement to bring the lads through from where we were when we took over (bottom-of-the-league) to where we are now (midtable).
“The high point of the season was the win away to Stoneham (their only league defeat all season) – the first win under our management.
Article continues below this advertisement “The low point was the loss to New Milton Town shortly before we took over. The lads were then at their lowest point. They had lost their enjoyment of the game.
“From that point, we decided to get back to basics and simplify things. We have got the players close together again and everyone has signed back on for the new season.
“Next year, we hope to see George Carter-Knight, Will Bridi, George Colson and Brandon Hayward come back from injury, and we’ll be a far stronger team. We are always looking for new signings, but they have to be the right person and quality.”
Ian Potts added:
“Our priorities for next season are first to stay in the Wessex Premier, then to improve on this year’s position (12th). We need to do better at the start of the year and go deep in the FA Vase, FA Cup and Wessex League cups. I’d also like to strengthen the reserves. Having centre forward Jordan Browne from the start of the season will be a great help as is the signing of Cory Sanderson.”
“Cowes Sports FC would like to thank all the volunteers, supporters and sponsors for their support this season and to honour Ian Lee (Leo) who’s stepping down after 30 years as chairman.”
