A round up of Everton’s end of season awards!
The first award of the night was for the Everton fan of the year, and it was awarded to Ken Sweeney, chairperson of the Mid-Cheshire Supporters’ Club.
Ken recently organised a charity cycle ride from Sunderland back to Goodison Park to raise money for Everton in the Community and the Everton Former Players’ Foundation. He has also been transporting fellow fans to and from his home in Winsford for 17 years, bringing thousands through the Goodison gates. This season Ken gave up his regular spot in the stadium to assist a member of the Mid-Cheshire branch who became wheelchair bound after a car accident. A deserved recipient.
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The next award was for Everton Ladies’ Player of the Season, which went to Toni Duggan!
A star of last season’s WSL, a first England cap, her first England goals and the England Under-23s Player of the Year award safely stowed away on her mantelpiece. She’s got a partner for it now. Richly deserved it’s fair to say.
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The packed event hall went wild when Duncan Ferguson walked onto stage to announce the winner of the next award, the Everton Giant for 2013, which went to Derek Temple!!
“That Cup final doesn’t feel 47 years ago because I definitely don’t feel that old. It’s fantastic to join this ‘squad’ of players. There’s been some great names inducted over the years. I’m honoured.”
While injury prevented him from picking up a league winner’s medal in 1962/63, he did play a handful of games, the majority at the critical tail-end of the campaign. It will be his winner in the unforgettable FA Cup final of 1966 that ensures Derek Temple’s place in folklore however. Two goals down, the unknown Mike Trebilcock took the headlines for levelling things up, but it was Temple who smashed the winner. A hero and a gent, he is now an Everton Giant.
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Big Dunc was a tough act to follow, but Alan Irvine, Kevin Sheedy and Steven Round took the stage to present the Academy Player of the Year award. Striker Chris Long took the award!!
“It is incredible to have Duncan Ferguson as a coach. Working with him every day on the training field is unreal. It’s been a good season for me goalscoring wise. I scored more than last season, so that’s good.”
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Following on from the Academy Player award was the Young Player, an award that should go to a young player that had been involved or shown promise during the season. Ross Barkley was announced winner by Everton coaches David Weir and Alan Stubbs!!
“I am really pleased to win the award, it comes after a lot of hard work. Going on loan has really helped me. Next season is massive for me. I am already looking forward to it. I have to go away for the Under-20 World Cup, come back to pre-season and try to impress the new manager.”
The Everton young player will have been the toughest choice for Evertonians, as there hasn’t been many present in the actual first eleven this season. Two loan spells to Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United, followed by two starts against Tottenham and Arsenal was enough for Ross to take the award. Will he get the chance to impress under a new manager next season?
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Up next was always a special award to give and recieve, the People’s Club Award. Everton showed their class as always, presenting the award to The Hillsborough Family Support Group. Bill Kenwright welcomed Margaret Aspinall, chairperson of HFSG, on stage to collect the award. She receives the biggest reception of the night so far. Chants of ‘Merseyside’ rung around St George’s Hall in honour of the Hillsborough Family Support Group. A nice little touch.
Chairman Bill Kenwright pays a stirring tribute to the loved ones of those who lost their lives at Hillsborough. “We brought this award back this year for quite obvious reasons. Something happen in this city in the autumn of last year. We at Everton Football Club saluted the tremendous bravery of the families of the Hillsborough disaster. They have had the greatest achievement in football on Merseyside this year.”
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Another great award was next, the Howard Kendall Award 2013, presented on stage by Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman. The Howard Kendall Award recognises significant contribution to Everton. Departing club captain Phil Neville was announced the winner!!
Neville with a great quote: “It’s fitting that the two people presenting me with this award – one has taken my armband and one my position!”
He continued: “It’s a club that once it’s touched you, never leaves you. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch, it’s about what happens at the training ground amongst the players, the staff and everyone.”
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Now on to the main first team awards. First, Players’ player of the season, presented by last year’s winner Sylvain Distin and goalkeeper Tim Howard. The award went to… Leighton Baines! “I’m proud to win the Players’ Player award and proud to call these guys my mates.”
Baines has been in fantastic, consistent form over the season. He is the only outfield player in the country to have played every minute of Premier League action. He has also created the most chances in Europe!
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Another much awaited award was Goal of the Season. Everton announced the five finalists from the online polls, which were: Leighton Baines v Newcastle United (A), Leon Osman v Man City (H), Kevin Mirallas v Stoke City (H), Steven Pienaar v Reading (H), Leighton Baines v Newcastle United (H). These were then cut to three choices through the use of social media. This led to a final three of Mirallas’ V Stoke, Baines’ V Newcastle (A) and Osman’s V Man City. And the award went to…
Kevin Mirallas‘ V Stoke!!
Mirallas’ strike was a great solo effort, as he was set free by Tim Howard on the counter attack, turned two Stoke defenders inside out and finished just under opposition goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
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Here we go, the big one, the Player of the Season, chosen by us fans. The award went to…
LEIGHTON BAINES!!!
“It’s very special to play for Everton. To be voted for this by fans – thank you.”
After the two earlier stats and watching him week in-week out, Everton fans clearly agreed with the Everton squad that Bainesy deserved top credit for his performances this season.
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Last up was the Chairman’s BlueBlood award. No suprises for this one, as David Moyes was credited by Bill Kenwright for his 11 years of devoted service.
Moyes’ family joined him onstage as players and fans united in applauding the departing Blues boss for his 11 years at Everton. “We thank you as a family for how well you have treated us. The players have been excellent all season and I also want to thank them for everything they have done.”
Still Blues Manager Moyes recalled some of his favourite Everton moments, mentioning his first game, the UEFA Cup trip to Nurnburg, the tie against Fiorentina and the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United. “The memories I have from Everton are memories that will be with me for a long, long time.”
A standing ovation for David Moyes as he wishes everyone connected with Everton all the best for the future.
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Well, that’s it. Look below for some photo extras, be sure not to miss Fellaini’s silver hair!
