TONY Whealing and Mark Dempsey took the major honours at Radcliffe Boro's Player of the Year awards night.

Left wing back Whealing was voted the Players' Player of the Year, while captain Mark Dempsey took the Supporters' Player of the Year accolade.

Dempsey celebrated by announcing that he will be attempting one more season with the Boro after being given permission to carry on playing by his employers, Manchester United.

It was thought Dempsey's job as a coach would lead to his retirement from the playing side at the end of last season, but the popular midfielder has had a change of heart and while he may not be available for every game, he will still be turning out in a Boro shirt next season, starting with the hectic pre-season programme which begins in mid-July.

Other awards went to David Bean, who was voted Club Player of the Year, goalkeeper Danny Hirst, who took the Fanzine Player of the Year title and Jody Banim, whose effort against Ossett Albion earned him the Goal of the Season award.

There will be a new face alongside Kevin Glendon in the dug-out next season as former Oldham Athletic and Manchester City coach Ronnie Evans joins the Boro.

He will become Glendon's new assistant manager, taking over from Mike Farrelly, who has had to step down because of work commitments.

It is hoped Farrelly will be able to remain with the club in some capacity, possibly helping out on the scouting side, as Evans, who worked alongside Joe Royle at Boundary Park and Maine Road, takes over the coaching reins alongside Glendon.

On the playing side, Glendon has made his first signing of the summer with former Chorley centre back Simon Kay joining the Boro. Talks are also planned with Neill Hardy today with a view to him rejoining the Boro following his release by Nationwide League side Stockport County.

Leaving Stainton Park are striker Dave Collins, who has linked up with Trafford, and central defender Gus Collins, who has accepted the offer to become assistant manager at Hyde United alongside his friend Dave Nolan.

As stated earlier, Boro have a full schedule of pre-season games planned and the full list is: July 16 Bolton (h), July 19 Rochdale (h), July 22 Salford City (a), July 27 Bury (h), July 30 Crewe (David Bean testimonial game) (h), August 9 Fareham (a), August 10 Bognor Regis (a).

The UniBond Division One campaign begins in earnest on Saturday August 17 and the fixture list is eagerly awaited.