GALA United gaffer Michael Ramsay revealed the secret to his side's promotion last season - a pre-season trip to the seaside.

He made the revelation following the club's annual prize-giving ceremony at the community centre in Langlee on Saturday night.

The Border Amateur League side, who play their games at Netherdale in Galashiels, celebrated the most successful season in its history after winning promotion to Division B for the first time since it kicked-off three years ago.

And Ramsay believes his players benefited from a team-bonding trip to Bamburgh. He organised the get together following a poor turnout at training by telling his squad they were due to play at a tournament in Newcastle.

And, after honing their skills with a game of beach football, they went on to finish second in the league - clinching promotion with a 5-0 demolition of Yetholm.

It came just days after a hard-fought victory over promotion rivals Earlston Rhymers.

Ramsay, who set up the side following the demise of the local pub league, said: "Some people will say the game against Yetholm clinched it for us but if we hadn't won those other games we wouldn't have won promotion.

"Every game counts and I thought the lads played exceptionally well throughout the season. They deserve all their plaudits.

"We were told at the league's annual general meeting last week that we were the first team in the Borders to get promoted from Division C after only three years in existence." And he added: "The highlight of the season for me was our pre-season trip to Bamburgh because we did what no other amateur side have done - we brought 32 lads together and made them a team." United are aiming to consolidate their position in Division B next season. Ramsay, who is expected to add at least four new faces to his squad before the new season kicks-off in August, revealed he has set his side the target of a top six finish.

However, he will be without the services of Des Sutherland, who picked up the prize for Top Goalscorer at the club's awards ceremony at the weekend, despite only signing just a few weeks before the end of the season.

The former Gala Fairydean striker, who scored 14 goals in seven games, is expected to return to the East of Scotland League with a number of Premier Division sides, including Selkirk, making their interest known.

Other award winners for United on the night included striker Ryan Pringle, who was named Player of the Year; midfielder Salv Di Fiore, who was named Young Player of the Year; and defender Darren Tweedie, who was named Most Improved Player.

The main prize was won by former Gala Hotspur forward Johnny Crawford, who was voted Players' Player of the Year by his new teammates in his first full season since signing last summer.

Special prizes were also awarded to club captain Roddy Eardley, who played every minute of every game for the team last season; defender Richard Ramage; and playmaker Stuart Harkness; for their outstanding contribution to the club.

And Border Telegraph reporter Ally McGilvray, who made his debut for United last season, was presented with a special award for his coverage of the club's historic season.

Ramsay said: "Most of the lads in the squad are good enough to walk into any team in the Borders but they choose instead to play with their mates and that's what makes them a good team." But he added: "Every one of them has played their part in our success this season and we would like to thank them all, including our sponsor's Niki's Bar, for giving us their support. We look forward to another memorable year."