SLIMBRIDGE have appointed Freddy Ward as their manager on a permanent basis.

Ward was assistant manager under former boss Leon Sterling but took over as caretaker manager when Sterling left during mid-season.

The announcement was made during Slimbridge's annual presentation evening on Friday night.

A statement from the club said: "Following his stint as caretaker manager following the departure of Leon Sterling, Freddy Ward has been confirmed as the new permanent manager of Slimbridge AFC after a second half of the season that saw the Swans finish 16 points clear of the relegation zone."

Slimbridge chairman Barry Gay made the announcement to cheers and much applause from players, club officials and fans at the end of his speech at the ceremony.

Ward has still to confirm his assistant manager, and details will be announced once this has been confirmed.

Meanwhile, at the awards ceremony, the manager's Player of the Year went to Nick Grimes, while Sam Turl picked up the Player's Player of the Year Award.

Top goalscorer went to skipper Lee Smith, and Marley Thomas picked up Supporters Player of the Year.

Clubperson of the Year was awarded to Lena Wrixon, while retiring physio Tony Woodward recieved a special award from club president John Mack, to mark his decade of service to the club.