SELKIRK manager Ian Fergus paid tribute to his club’s longest serving player, Phil Addison, after watching him pick up three trophies during Yarrow Park awards night on Friday.

Addison was named Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and Top Scorer for 2016/17.

The former Hibernian attacking midfielder was presented with the trophies by the current Easter Road academy director, Eddie May.

But it was Fergus who was first to congratulate his star player.

Ian said: “Phil had opportunities to go to other clubs but he chose to stay with us and we are grateful.

“He is a tremendously talented football player who can be a joy to watch as well as coach.

“I think it says a lot about what we are trying to do at Selkirk that Phil wanted to stay here.”

Despite an encouraging run of results since Fergus arrived at Yarrow Park midway through the season Selkirk still had to rely on results elsewhere to avoid relegation.

The manager is confident his team won’t be in a similar position this season.

He added: “We under achieved last season despite some excellent performances and good results – but we stayed in the Lowland League, which was our priority.

“Preparations for next season are going well and we have 16 players signed and ready for pre-season training on June 24.

“I have three or four quality players who should be joining the squad over the next week or two as well and we are in talks with a few clubs about bringing a player or two in on loan.

“We will be stronger and better prepared for the season ahead – and we won’t find ourselves in a similar position to last season.”

Goalkeeper Gregor Amos was the choice for Supporters’ Player of the Year.

The former Falkirk stopper has also agreed a season’s extension to his contract.

And the Young Player of the Year was won by 18-year-old former Hibs centre-half Andrew Fleming, who has also committed to a further season at Yarrow Park.

After making the presentations, Eddie May, who was Stirling University’s first Lowland League manager, said: “I admire what is being done here at Selkirk and appreciate how difficult it can be in the Lowland League.

“The commitment shown by the players is excellent and I know they will keep getting better.

“I doubt if Selkirk will win the Lowland League next season but this team can go on and do well - maybe even pick up a cup along the way.”

May will return to Yarrow Park on Sunday, July 23 with Hibernian to play for the inaugural Bobby Johnstone Cup.

Ahead of the Hibs game Selkirk will face Northern League side Jarrow Roofing on Saturday, July 8.

Dates are still being arranged for friendlies with Newcastle and Hearts, with the pre-season Border Cup match with Gala Fairydean Rovers also taking place during July.