Carl Forster has been hailed as a deserving winner of League One’s Coach of the Year.

He picked up the Kingstone Press award in Manchester on Monday night and admitted he was surprised.

While the majority of people involved thought Forster would be the winner, the Haven coach had talked himself out of it.

“On the night I didn’t think I would win it, so I was a bit surprised to be truthful. It meant I was made up to receive the award in my first season as a coach," he said.

“If I was honest, though, I would give it up as long as we are promoted at the end of the season."

Leading the plaudits for Forster was Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd.

“I think it is thoroughly deserved and just reward for his efforts over the season,” said Todd.

“I’m personally delighted when I recall the stick he took when we lost all four pre-season games.

“From the first competitive game, the results have been good.

“To finish second behind Toronto over the regular season was a fine achievement.

“The key element, as far as I can see, is that he keeps it simple and doesn’t complicate things like some coaches.

“And the biggest plus when he’s out there is his enthusiasm. It’s there in all he does – for the club, for the team and for the supporters.

“We are fortunate to have him as coach at the start of what I am sure is going to be a very successful career. It’s terrific that Carl will be here with us for the next two years.

“I hope that he can crown a memorable season by going on to clinch promotion back to the Championship.”

Whitehaven now have potentially two season-defining games that could lead to the higher level.

York City Knights, beaten 26-16 two weeks ago, are back at the Recre on Sunday in the play-off semi-final.

Then, if they are successful, it would be into an October 1 final against either Barrow (away) or Newcastle Thunder (home).