Departing Hinshelwood hails Selsey heroes

ADAM HINSHELWOOD left Selsey for Burgess Hill '“ but not before praising the '˜unsung heroes' at the High Street Ground he feels can continue to make the club successful.

The former Brighton, Wycombe and Aldershot defender has moved on after a season at the helm, switching to Ryman one south outfit Burgess Hill, where he will be assistant manager to Ian Chapman.

Hinshelwood (below) said he would always have happy memories of his time at Selsey, where the board have wished him well after reluctantly accepting his resignation.

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Hinshelwood’s move – revealed first at www.chichester.co.uk on Saturday – came at the end of a season in which he guided the Blues to the RUR Cup final and a mid-table Sussex League division-one finish.

Hinshelwood said he was proud of the team he was leaving behind, adding: “The way that we performed in the RUR Cup semi-final was outstanding, we never gave up – especially taking that good form into the final, where we were unlucky to lose to Rye.

“And there really are some unsung heroes behind the scenes at this football club, ones who work day in, day out for the love of the job.”

The season wasn’t all rosy for Hinshelwood, who felt there were times when his side lacked that killer instinct.

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Two low points were their 8-1 league thumping at Rye United and the 2-0 home defeat by Horsham YMCA.

He said: “There just wasn’t enough commitment from the players, but hopefully they’ll come back stronger next season.”

He was pleased to emphasise the good work of three members of his first team in particular. Two of those were heavily involved at the right end of the pitch for the Blues, chalking up the goals which helped lead the club to the cup final.

He said: “The players’ player of the season vote never lies so you can’t look past Toby Pointing for our player of the season – but you’ve also got to recognise the efforts of Max Thoms, as well as Alun Morey’s contribution.”

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He also praised Luke Killner, named young player of the year award, stating: “He’s definitely one to watch – a real hard-working player.”

Of his move to Burgess Hill, Hinshelwood said: “I’m really looking forward to it – I can’t wait to start and get a squad ready for next season. I will be joining as an assistant but I will have my say on all matters, like training, team selection and player recruitment.”

DAN BRETT