Heed scoop honours in league awards
GATESHEAD have swept up at the Vanarama National League North awards with four players individually recognised.
Macaulay Langstaff already had the division’s Golden Boot sewn up after he scored 28 goals.
The Teessider has now picked up the accolade of National League North Player of the Year – an honour bestowed by his peers.
Rival players from the other 21 clubs voted Langstaff the star performer in a division that Gateshead won by seven points.
Boss Mike Williamson scooped the Manager of the Year award after guiding Gateshead to their first league title for 36 years.
Williamson had a 69% win rate in the league as Gateshead won 29 of 42 games, scoring 99 goals.
The team of the season includes three Gateshead players and three from runners-up Brackley Town.
Langstaff’s strike partner Cedwyn Scott, who scored 24 league goals, is alongside
Langstaff in a three-pronged attack that also includes Spennymoor’s Glen Taylor.
Heed captain and midfield maestro Glen Olley is also recognised in the Team of the Year.
Langstaff said: “It’s fully deserved but it could have been more, and no one could have complained if there had been five or six Gateshead players.
“Owen Bailey has been massive for us this season. Then you’ve got Adam Campbell, who has been immense, and Robbie Tinkler could have been in there as well.”
Langstaff and Gateshead can look back on a memorable campaign as plans continue for next season’s return to the National League.
Langstaff is looking forward to plying his trade at a higher level and is delighted to have been recognised on three fronts.
“To be voted by your fellow players is really special and an unbelievable feeling,” he added.
“Because of that Player of the Year probably beats winning the Golden Boot. That is confined to the forwards whereas for the Player of the Year you’re in competition with every player in the league.
“Obviously, as a forward you want to win the Golden Boot, but to be voted the most consistent player really is special.”
Gateshead will pick up the awards at the National League AGM and awards night at Celtic Manor in South Wales on June 11.