Award for birthday-boy Barrick

For Barrick received one of four Individual Merit Awards dished out by the 'Non-League Club Directory', the annual bible of amateur football.

It was given for his achievement last season in guiding Town to the final of the FA Trophy in his first season of management.

Ironically it was presented in a special ceremony at Villa Park, Birmingham where Town not only lost the Trophy final in a penalty-shootout against Grays Athletic but where Barrick also broke his leg in an injury that could yet end his playing career.

However it was a perfect birthday present for the former professional, who is 36 today.

"I am delighted to be recognised in such a manner," said the popular Town chief. "But while it is honouring me, it is a testament to the club as a whole and all the players. I collected the award on their behalf."

It's the second award Barrick has received since the memorable day out at Villa Park in May, which was supported by almost 5,000 Hucknall fans. He was also named Hucknall's 'Citizen Of The Year' for 2005 by the local Rotary Club.

Barrick took over as Town boss last September after they had failed to win any of their first nine matches in the Nationwide Conference North under previous manager Ernie Moss.

Not only did he take them to the biggest match in their history, he also guided them comfortably clear of relegation to a finishing position of tenth.

In giving Barrick the Individual Merit Award, a citation from the 'Non-League Club Directory' read:

"Having completed an FA Trophy run to the final after being drawn away and beating such clubs as Southport and Cambridge City and Conference clubs Northwich Victoria and favourites Hereford United, Hucknall Town player/manager Dean Barrick did not deserve to suffer a tragic broken leg in the final when his club were holding Grays Athletic. For his lads to take the red-hot favourites to penalties, despite his departure, reflected well on the spirit and discipline he had developed within the club and they all deserve better luck in the season ahead."

Incidentally, the 'Non-League Club Directory', which is priced 19.95, features a picture of Danny Bacon's goal for Town in the Trophy final on its colour front cover.