THERE were plenty of surprises at Evesham United's annual presentation at the Northwick Hotel last Friday.

The best was saved until last when chairman Jim Cockerton revealed that an agreement had been reached on the sale of Common Road - a move that means the Robins should be able to move into their new ground before the start of the 2004/2005 campaign.

A shock visitor on the night was former goalkeeper Damien Beattie, who has just returned from a coaching stint in America and admitted to being keen to join up with United at pre-season training.

On the debit side it was revealed that Tim Hart, who made a huge impression between the sticks at the latter end of last season, was heading in the opposite direction to take up a scholarship in the States.

Skipper Nathan Jukes, who was named Players' Player of the Season, announced that he would be staying at the club and his rallying call to his teammates will have been music to the ears of fans and officials.

Jukes and Jay Powell, who is understood to have ended up "plastered" for the third time this year, won £150 worth of holiday vouchers in the raffle, so more unavailability problems could await Phil Mullen.

The manager, though, is used to playing the numbers game - unlike Mark Wolsey.

The popular midfielder was £75 richer having decided to share the Irish Bingo pot with Adrian Staley until his ticket was checked!

Wolsey's woe was Staley's surprise as the top prize of £150 was instantly pocketed.

And, it wasn't the winner's only reward as his commitment to the junior section - he has missed just one match since son Matty started playing at Under-8s level ten season ago - was presented with a commemorative glass tankard.

It proved the final season for the youth team players that have come though the system but it's only the start for a ladies section, that certainly made themselves heard on the night.

Brian Gregg had brought together a vociferous group of girls, who hope to continue their promising start in the competitive world of ladies soccer.

However, like the club's youth section, new players will be more than welcome to strengthen the squads.

Players aged 15 to 18 are asked to ring Jordan Maskell on 01386 48306 or 07880 708385, while female players should contact Brian Gregg on 01386 47887.

Awards - First team: Players' Player of the Season: Nathan Jukes. Supporters' Player of the Season: Paul West. Manager's Award: Craig Ladek.

Ladies team - Management Player of the Season: Nicky Bond. Players' Player of the Season: Lisa Tustin. Special Award: Charlotte Benson-Wilson.

Youth team - Players' Player of the Season: Robbie Hands. Manager's Player of the Season: John McAteer.

Senior players will report back for training on Thursday, July 10 - two days prior to the opening friendly against Kidderminster at Common Road.

Other warm-up games will see the Robins face Moor Green, Willenhall, Hinckley, Port Talbot and Littleton.