Mr Garton took over the club 20 years ago and the club is thriving despite facing many challenges during his two decades at the helm.
In recognition for his efforts, Mr Garton was handed the Lifetime Achievemnt Award at this Year’s Pride of Gedling ceremony – which was held online.
He told the Carlton Town website: “I was invited to the event earlier this year and it was mentioned I had been nominated for something, but I had no idea for what or in what capacity as I have also ran a business in the borough for 31 years. I genuinely thought it might be something to do with that”
“I was told the other week that the event would now be on line and I spent an hour with my daughter, Shannon, trying to link up to it online , but had to give up in the end.
“I’ve now watched it all back online and to be able to take my place alongside some fantastic people who won awards on the night is something I am very proud of ”
“I would like to thank Tommy and Roger for their kind words on the night and Gedling Borough Council Leader John Clarke and his team for putting me forward.”
“A football club of our standing desperately needs a local council who get our role in the community and this Council certainly does that and their support particularly during this awful pandemic has been vital to helping ensure we have a future”
In the interview, Mr Garton reflected on his time in charge of the club, which has its home on Stoke Lane.
He said: “There have certainly been more good times than bad however, the success we had at the start of the decade with Tommy Brookbanks with repeated promotions, winning back to back Senior Cups with Les McJannet and Mark Clarke, a competition the club had never won, before winning it again against all the odds at Meadow Lane under Wayne Scott”
“After Wayne’s departure, the club needed a reboot and Tommy coming back and Mark Harvey have certainly given us that and last season was certainly one of the most enjoyable in that 20 years”
And, although things have been ‘challenging’ due to coronavirus impacting finances over recent months, Mr Garton said he has no plans on leaving the role.
He sadi: “I’m not planning on going anywhere at the moment if that’s alright with you guys. Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating many more victories under managers Tommy and Mark.”
