ROB Hopley was picked by Witton Albion’s supporters as their player of the season during an awards ceremony last night.
The 33-year-old, who appeared in all but one of the club’s Northern Premier League matches this term, also received recognition from his teammates.
He shared their prize for outstanding performer along with midfielder James Foley.
Nick Ryan, who suffered a triple fracture to his right leg during a game at Marine earlier this month, handed over their silverware.
Meanwhile Carl Macauley, Witton’s manager, said the latter narrowly beat leading goal-scorer Steve Tames his reckoning.
“It’s always a tough one to choose,” he added.
“Those two were really close, but the lad who has played in every game just edges it.”
Meanwhile Tames, a runner-up in both the supporters’ and players’ player of the year categories, took home the trophy for most goals.
Fellow attacker Will Jones’ winner at Altrincham on New Year’s Day, a spectacular half-volley from outside the penalty area, was picked as the outstanding strike of the campaign.
The prestigious Ethel Stelfox Award for best volunteer went to Jo Heffey, who also received a gift from Witton’s players to acknowledge her contribution off the field.
Alan Spruce collected an award on behalf of Albion’s ground-staff, and Owen Dale’s efforts during a loan spell from Crewe Alexandra were lauded too during a special presentation.
Chairman Mark Harris, who stood down following a 2-0 win against Lancaster City, received warm applause from supporters at Wincham Park when he took to the stage with Andrea, his wife, and son Adam.
“I said I’d do this job for three weeks – and that was 10 years ago,” he quipped.
“It’s been a massive privilege to be chairman at what I consider to be a very special club.
“The standards set here are way above many others at this level; don’t let them drop.”
Awards
Witton Albion (2017-2018 season)
Supporters’ Player of the Year
- Rob Hopley
- Steve Tames
- James Foley
Players’ Player of the Year
- Rob Hopley & James Foley
- Steve Tames
Manager’s Player of the Year
James Foley
Leading goal-scorer
Steve Tames
Goal of the season
Will Jones (v Altrincham, January 1 2018)
Ethel Stelfox Award for Volunteer of the Year
Jo Heffey
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