AFC Totton
HOTSHOT SCOTT COMMITS FUTURE TO STAGS
FANS OF AFC TOTTON can breathe a collective sigh of relief now that the club has finally revealed that talismanic centre-forward Scott Rendell has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Snows Stadium for the next few years.
The 36-year-old former Luton Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Havant & Waterlooville player spearheaded Totton’s treble-winning campaign throughout the 2022/23 season, racking up a total of 36 goals in all competitions as Jimmy Ball’s men helped themselves to the Southern League Division One South title, the Champion of Champions Super Cup and the SDFA Southampton Senior Cup.
The man affectionately referred to by fans as The Sunburnt Assassin – in reference to how red his face gets during matches, irrespective of the weather – not only walked away with the divisional Golden Boot award with a total of 28 league goals, he was also named Man of the Match for his two-goal contribution in the 3-0 Southampton Senior Cup Final victory over arch rivals Sholing at St. Mary’s Stadium in May, and he completed a personal treble by also picking up the Players’ Player of the Year gong during the club’s End of Season Presentation.
Totton have already named a number of players whose services have been retained ahead of the 2023/24 season, but Rendell’s name was conspicuous by its absence from the list, seemingly giving some credence to rumours that had already begun to circulate about a possible move away from the south coast club. However, it turns out that the delay was simply due to the player taking a family cruise holiday that took in New York, Dubrovnik, Split and Athens, before then having to wait for manager Jimmy Ball to return from his own family getaway before negotiations on the new contract could begin.
Unsurprisingly, there have been a number of enquiries from higher division teams about the experienced striker’s availability but, returning for pre-season preparation and a short media session on Saturday 17 June, Rendell was delighted to confirm that he has now agreed a long-term deal with the club that will see him participate in their upcoming assault on the Southern League Premier Division South while also continuing to lead the club’s PRO:DIRECT Academy, working in partnership with Lead Lecturer Hannah Hood from SCL Learning to develop players aged 16-18.
“There were a few offers from other clubs but it was never in my mind to even contemplate leaving Totton,” asserted Rendell, after his first short training session of the pre-season campaign.
“When I arrived at the club at the beginning of July last year, we couldn’t have asked for the season to pan out any better than the way it did. We have established a real togetherness within the squad, based on quality players who all demonstrate the right mentality to work hard for themselves and for one another, and it delivered for us with some great results and a fantastic season overall.
“The majority of the squad remains, ready to make that step up to the next level. The boss has already added one quality defender in Sam Magri, who I know from my time with Havant & Waterlooville, and a new young striker with an excellent reputation, who I believe the club will be announcing shortly – and they’re still working on securing a couple of other signings that will bring in even more quality. It’s very encouraging to see the way the club is continuing to strive to improve and to give us the best possible chance of succeeding in the Southern Premier.”
As well as looking ahead to his own exploits in The Stags’ first team, Rendell is also optimistic about his continuing work with the PRO:DIRECT Academy.
“We began interviewing new academy candidates all the way back in October last year and after holding trials to identify the most talented prosects, we have a really strong cohort of young players coming into the club when the new school term begins. So, I’m looking forward to starting my work with them and carrying on what we’ve started with the second and third-year students, and I’m delighted that Hannah Hood – who really is something of an unsung hero – will continue as the educational lead.”
Manager Jimmy Ball commented:
“I’m delighted to re-sign Scott. He has been a top-class person and player since he walked through the door. His on-field achievements speak for themselves and the work he has done with the academy has been excellent. Just like a fine wine, the big man keeps on getting better with age, and we’re lucky to have him continuing to lead our front line going into the new season.”
By Ben Rochey-Adams
Photos: Craig Hobbs Photography
