EFL AWARDS
A look back at the prize winners, including Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon
FULHAM flyer Ryan Sessegnon is soon going to need a bigger cabinet to house all his trophies. After bagging two prizes at the 2018 London Football Awards in March, the 17-yearold went one better when the 2018 EFL Awards took place at The Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London, last Sunday.
The left-winger, who has scored 15 goals this term, scooped the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season (holding off the challenge of Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Fulham team-mate Tom Cairney), EA Sports Young Player of the Season and LFE Apprentice of the Year.
He was also named in the Football Manager Team of the Season, a team chosen from players across all three divisions of the EFL.
All of the acclaim – including calls for the teenager to go to the World Cup – could go to a young player’s head, but Sessegnon is staying grounded.
“It’s an honour to win all the awards I have done tonight,” he said. “I have to credit the manager (Slavisa Jokanovic) and my fellow players, because the style of football we try to play helps us all express ourselves and that’s been a big factor in what we’ve achieved so far this season.
“Ever since Fulham gave me my debut I’ve wanted to improve and get better day by day, so I’m really happy with the team and my performances at the moment.”
Blackburn Rovers’ attacking midfielder Bradley Dack claimed the Sky Bet Player of the Season gong for League One.
Niggling
The 24-year-old has had a brilliant first season for Rovers, netting 18 goals, to boost their chances of an immediate return to the Championship.
“It is a huge honour to win this award,” he said. “But I couldn’t have done it without all the staff, the players and generally everybody at the club.
“I struggled a little at the start with a few niggling injuries, but since I’ve got on to the pitch regularly again I’ve felt good and the team have performed really well.
“We’ve found a bit of form, both myself and the team, and it has taken off from there.”
Meanwhile, Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee has had a week to remember.
It started when the 27-year-old won the Sky Bet League Two Player of the Season prize on Sunday and got even better when he scored both goals as Stanley sealed promotion to League One on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win against Yeovil. It took his goal tally for the season to 25.
Stanley boss John Coleman said: “Billy has been fantastic for us this season and a real asset to the squad we have assembled.
Spectacular
“He is a good lad and the goals he has continually scored this season have proved his quality.” Luton attacking midfielder Olly Lee claimed the Mitre Goal of the Season honour for his spectacular strike from inside his own half against Cambridge United. “It was an instinctive goal,” he said. “I caught it well and luckily it went in – otherwise some of my teammates in a better position might have said a few words!” Former Southampton and Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert scooped the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Award, presented to a player who had an exceptional career in the EFL.
“At one point earlier in my career it got to the point where I was struggling for a contract, for a wage,” he said.
“It made me stronger as a person and, looking back, it was those setbacks that helped me progress eventually. It is still all a bit surreal to be winning this award.”
Legendary commentator John Motson received the Contribution to League Football Award.
“I am really grateful – it has been a great privilege and a great thrill to do what I’ve done,” he said.
I’ve had some celebrations this season because it is the last one before I retire, but I have to say this EFL Award tops the lot.”