All of the winners from a great night at Banks's Stadium...
THE WALSALL FC End of Season Awards Night took place here at Banks’s Stadium on Sunday evening.It was a glittering occasion as the Walsall FC family came together with an audience of almost 400, made up of Directors, players, staff, supporters and sponsors, packed into the Stadium Suite.
Before the event, guests were able to try their luck on the roulette tables with prize casino courtesy of 2007 Entertainments.
The evening began with Grace from former skipper and current Club Chaplain, Peter Hart, before Roy Whalley interviewed Academy Manager, Neil Woods, first-team coach, Richard O’Kelly and manager, Dean Smith, in between courses of a delicious meal.
After some fantastic entertainment from Billy Flywheel, the all-important awards were handed out.
The main Player of the Season award went to midfield master, Sam Mantom. He secured 24.1% of the vote to beat off the challenge of Adam Chambers (19.7%), who came second for the second year in succession, and Richard O’Donnell (18.9%) who came third.
The Young Player of the Season prize went to emerging full-back, Mal Benning.
There was a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Mick Kearns whose involvement with the club as player, Community Manager, Goalkeeping Coach, Matchday Host and Ambassador now stretches over four decades.
Other awards given out on the night included ever-present goalkeeper, Richard O’Donnell taking the Players’ Player of the Season prize, Andy Taylor accepting the Goal of the Season award for his superb, last-gasp free-kick at Colchester in October, Ben Purkiss taking the Community Player of the Season accolade for his involvement with various initiatives this season, including Text Santa and National Book Week and youth team midfielder, Liam Kinsella, who has been handed a professional deal for next season, being named as Apprentice of the Season.
Dave Evans was named Fan of the Season and former Head Groundsman, Roger Johnson, was given a Long Service Award.
All in all it was a memorable evening and a fitting way for the club to reflect upon what has been a successful 2013/14 campaign.