TOM Stephen says he was “surprised but delighted” to be named Concord Rangers Supporters’ Player of the Season in his first year at the club.

Left-back Stephen joined from East Thurrock United last summer and went on to become a regular in the Beach Boys side, turning in a number of impressive performances and lifting his first Essex Senior Cup last month.

The 24-year-old says he was pleased at how he adapted to the demands of the National League South, and feels his own game has improved after he helped Concord to a top 10 finish in the second tier of non-league football.

“It was quite a surprise but I am delighted of course,” he said. “The season has gone really well to be honest. I made the move from East Thurrock as I wanted to test myself at a higher level and I have done OK.

“I was with East Thurrock for five years so leaving wasn’t easy but it has been a good move for me. My game has come on and I have grown into the league.

“The team had a difficult start and then I was out of the team through injury but it was great to get back in and play so many games.

“It was a big step up but I had played against players who had been at that level before and I was able to adapt once I was in this league as I am playing established National League South players.

“Concord have a really good group and the culture is one of togetherness which is important. We stuck together and came out of the sticky patches well with some good performances as the season went on.”

Stephen watched on as his former club booked their place in the National League South next season, as Rocks beat Dulwich Hamlet in the play-off final on Monday

And he said he couldn’t wait for next season when his former club and his current employers come face to face.

“I was given the captaincy by Covo (John Coventry) and that helped me a great deal and I have noticed it this year too,” he said. “It was hard at first being captain as a young player when there were other experienced players in the dressing room but you have to make your voice heard.

“It was a learning curve and it made me stronger.

“I can’t wait to play them next year. I was at the semi-final and final games in the play-offs and they deserved it so I am already excited to see when we will play them.”