Blyth Spartans’ three Evo-Stik NPL end of season awards winners all revealed their delight at being recognised at the ceremony.
Midfielder Stephen Turnbull joined the Croft Park club in September for a third time, but that didn’t stop him being recognised by opposing managers as he was voted as one of three midfielders in the Premier Division League team of the year.
Turnbull passed on the honour to his team mates, insisting that “any one of eighteen players could have been here” to collect an award.
“I am delighted to be recognised by other managers is a nice achievement and it is nice to be given that recognition for what you have done. It sounds a bit of a cliche but I think the three of us are taking these awards on behalf of the rest of the squad.
Any one of eighteen players could have been here tonight from Blyth Spartans, so it is nice to be recognised but it is for all of the lads, not just the three of us”
One of the club’s FA Cup heroes Jarrett Rivers was honoured as Premier Division Young Player of the Year. The winger notched notable strikes in a memorable cup run against the likes of Skelmersdale United and Leek Town, as well as the late winner in the second round at Hartlepool United, a goal that put him down in folklore at the club.
Rivers admitted he was pleasantly surprised to win the award, especially given the slow start he made to life at Croft Park.
“I am surprised but I know I have had a good season, with the FA Cup and getting a few goals in the league so this tops it off really. I wasn’t even in the team at the start of the season and it took time to get in but this really tops off the season for me, it has been amazing”
Skipper Robbie Dale was the main name on everyone’s lips at the awards ceremony, as he collected both Fans Player of the Season and League Player of the Season, as well as being names as one of three forwards in the Premier Division Team of the Season.
And the long-serving winger admitted that being recognised by opposing managers and supporters was “really special” to him.
“It has been a great night and obviously you come here hoping you will win but you don’t really expect to. To be recognised by opposing managers and most importantly the supporters is really special and I am very grateful to be recognised in that way”