Oh What a night Sunday night was, after the Dons victory The End of Season Awards Party was much more upbeat than we'd expected it would have been.
With Danny Wilson absent due to a prior commitment for a testimonial match for a former Wednesday colleague, Ian Bowyer stood in to say a few words as assistant manager, everyone in the room hung on every word the twice European Cup winner said.
After the buffet, which was up to Wilton Hall's usual high standard the evenings business started in earnest with a host of gongs to give away and a fund raising auction to follow, the pace quickened.
The awards went as follows :
Most Promising Academy Player - Serge Makofo, in his first senior game he scored with an over head kick at Ashton Gate in the LDV
Most Improved Player - Ben Harding, Ben was in fine form and top scorer until his missed lots of games with a bad injury, came back and scored within two minutes of his return.
Most Exciting First Team Newcomer - joint winners Matt Baker and Nicky Rizzo, its was hard to separate these two as Matty has made some fine saves including two pens and Nicky who has given us more options on the left side and scored a few vital goals.
Junior Dons Player of The Year - Wade Small his electric pace and trickery plus his willingness to chat and help the kids has made Wade one of the most popular players.
Fans Favourite Player - Ben Chorley, Captain Fantastic, Ben, has been moved back from midfield to his natural position at the heart of the defence an Arsenal Academy player learnt his trade with a master - Tony Adams.
Top Goal Scorer - Izale McLeod with 18 so far and could have a hatful more, The Cowshed likes nothing more than seeing Izale run at defences and leave them in knots.
Goal Of The Season - Wade Small vs Bradford (a) he got the ball in his own half and just ran and ran and ran there was just no stopping him.
*2nd Izale Mcleod vs Sheff Wed (h), he loved it , they hated it , he picked the ball up on the right flank just inside his own half and a snakey run past five players and bang he pulled the trigger and off went the funky chicken.
*3rd Gareth Edds vs Bournemouth (a) a team goal for a change a great ball up field to the towering Clive Platt, soft cushioned header into Gareth’s path and on the volley, top left hand corner screamer leaving the keeper clutching thin air.
* in my opinion
The Player of The Year - Ben Chorley, it was never in doubt he has lead the team like a seasoned pro, while only being 22 years old. Never shirks a tackle and inspires those around him, has been the lynch pin in Danny's new look side.
The Fans Award went to “Growler” the leader of many songs from the Cowshed and our away games a nice bloke and a great electrician and a Grandad for the first time not so long ago. Keep the singing up and we’re counting on you against Tranmere.