FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS
MANAGER OF THE SEASON NEIL WARNOCK
WHEN asked in september whether he would stay at Cardiff if they were promoted, Warnock was reluctant to answer. Perhaps he felt at the age of 68 — now 69 — that he didn’t have the energy to return to the chaos of the Premier League. Many doubted if Cardiff, 33-1 to get promoted, would be in the automatic promotion places come May. As it happens, the Bluebirds spent 129 days in second place and secured automatic promotion. And while it wasn’t achieved by playing sexy football, Warnock proved again he is able to galvanise a squad of players to achieve something special.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON RYAN SESSEGNON (FULHAM)
SEVERAL players have stood out in the EFL this season. Diogo Jota and Ruben neves of Wolves, Wigan’s Will grigg, Blackburn’s Bradley Dack as well. But nobody has caught the eye more than sessegnon. The 17-year-old (above) is the player the world’s biggest clubs want to sign. his anticipation, ability on the ball and a ruthless edge in front of goal at such a young age is remarkable. And he will only get better.
GOAL OF THE SEASON RUBEN NEVES v DERBY
A GOAL that will stand the test of time. After a corner fell to neves 25 yards from goal, he flicked the ball up, adjusted his body and executed an incredible volley with his right foot which dipped into the top left corner.
STORY OF THE SEASON ACCRINGTON STANLEY
NOBODY expected stanley to win League Two. The club’s owner, Andy holt, is the brains behind the success off the pitch, while manager John Coleman deserves high praise for what he has achieved on it. Money doesn’t buy you everything and stanley have shown that when everyone works together big things can happen.
SIGNING OF THE SEASON ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC
MITROVIC joined Fulham in January on loan from newcastle. his return of 12 goals in 17 games put Fulham on the brink of automatic promotion. he has added a different dynamic and he could be the difference in the play-offs.
MOMENT OF THE SEASON
WHEN Rochdale’s Joe Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in March 2017 a return to the pitch seemed unthinkable. But after chemotherapy and stem-cell treatment in isolation, Thompson played again in December. But the last day of the season produced the most special moment. Rochdale started in the bottom four but Thompson scored the goal that meant they beat the drop.
APPOINTMENT OF THE SEASON MICHAEL JOLLEY (GRIMSBY MANAGER)
BEFORE Jolley was appointed in March, grimsby had won six points from their previous 20 games and were six points above the drop zone. in other words, they were in a scrap to stay up. They went on to win four and draw one of their final five games. A great end to a wretched season at Blundell Park.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE SEASON SUNDERLAND
BACK-To-BACK relegations have the Black Cats in England’s third tier for only the second time in their 139-year history. From former owner Ellis short’s absence to Darron gibson (right) drunkenly rowing with fans at the start of the season, it has been a disastrous year for sunderland.
STAT OF THE SEASON
94 LUTON TOWN supporters have had it good this season. not least because they can celebrate promotion, but also because their side scored 94 goals — more than any other team in the EFL. only Manchester City (102) scored more in the top four divisions.