Round-up of the Player of the Year awards
Tom Elliott thanked everyone connected with the club for an “amazing” two years since joining AFC Wimbledon after picking up three awards at Sunday’s end of season celebration.
Maureen Batsford presented Tom with the Player of the Year award – voted for by the supporters – and earlier in the day our striker collected the Junior Dons and WDON equivalents.
Before bringing Tom up to the stage, Neal Ardley paid tribute to the striker’s contribution during 2016/17.
“At the start of the season the staff could not have dreamed of the impact Tom would have throughout the campaign,” said Neal. “He has terrorised League One defences all season.”
After being presented with the Player of the Year award, a delighted Tom said: “I want to thank everyone at the club for all their support during the season, including the staff, fans, and my team-mates. I have had an amazing time here – the best two years of my career – and I love this club. This club will always have a place in my heart.”
During a unique end of season celebration (sponsored by Sports Interactive), which was held in a marquee on the grass car park, Club President Dickie Guy gave a wonderful speech, which ended with the following words: “You can see here today that we have a special club and I am really proud to be a part of it.”
The ovation he received afterwards from supporters showed that the club is honoured to have Dickie as our President.
Will Nightingale picked up the Young Player of the Year award with Dannie Bulman selected as the Players’ Player of the Year accolade. During a very successful three years with AFC Wimbledon, Dannie was a hugely popular personality with his team-mates and indeed supporters, who showed their appreciation for his efforts on Sunday.
A special collection from a memorable AFC Wimbledon victory in March earned £3,750 from an auction at Sunday’s event. The item included signed shirts from goalscorers Jake Reeves and Lyle Taylor, plus two photos from the match, and a plaque marking the occasion.
View the gallery above for a selection of pictures from Sunday’s celebration.
The list of Player of the Year awards is as follows:
The WISA Allen Batsford Player of the Year – Tom Elliott
Junior Dons Player of the Year – Tom Elliott
WDON Player of the Year – Tom Elliott
The Young Player of the Year for the Natalie Callow Trophy (donated by the Womble Underground Press) – Will Nightingale
Players’ Player of the Year – Dannie Bulman
Academy Player of the Year – Tom Scott