Eddie Howe, Regis Le Bris, Dan Ballard, Lewis Miley, Katy Watson, Granit Xhaka, Peter Reid and Tony Mowbray among the stars on a glittering night in Durham
It takes a lot to beat the most memorable nights the North East Football Writers’ Association have held in recent times, but this year’s awards ceremony at Ramside Hall in Durham was a night to remember.
A star-studded evening brought together the region’s leading clubs and personalities, and was superbly organised by Colin Young, hosted by Ian Dennis and sponsored by H. Malone and sons, the Durham-based mechanical and electrical company celebrating their centenary.
Sunderland and Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard, our Men’s Player of the Year, was joined by his manager Regis Le Bris, who was also able collect his trophy from last November’s Northern Manager awards dinner, which he had been unable to attend.
Regis Le Bris with our Men’s Player of the Year Dan Ballard
It was a similar story for Eddie Howe, who collected his own managerial award as well as speaking glowingly about Newcastle United utility player Lewis Miley, the grateful recipient of our Young Men’s Player of the Year award.
Eddie Howe presented with his award by Steve Bates of the FWA
Steve Bates and Paul Hetherington of the FWA National Committee presented the managers with their belated awards, while Sunderland Women’s manager Melanie Reay presented her player Katy Watson with the Women’s Young Player of the Year award.
Melanie Reay, manager of Sunderland Women, with Women’s Young Player of the Year Katy Watson
Their Sunderland colleague, Katie Kitching was unfortunately unable to attend and collect her and Women’s Player of the Year trophy in person because of international duty with New Zealand.
The event once again raised funds to support the work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, who sponsor the North East FWA Personality of the Year Award, which was received, to rapturous applause, by Tony Mowbray.
The Middlesbrough legend, and former manager of a host of clubs including Sunderland and Celtic, receiving the award from Sir Bobby’s son Mark and spoke movingly about his life in North East football.
Tony Mowbray with Mark Robson
Special recognition awards were presented to Spennymoor Town after their FA Trophy Final journey last season and Middlesbrough FC Women, who won promotion to the National League North and are currently chasing a second successive promotion to the WSL2.
Ever present and hugely talented football photographer, Ian Horrocks, was honoured with the Bob Cass award, while renowned broadcaster, Roger Tames, received the John Fotheringham award, both given for outstanding service to North East football.
Roger Tame won the John Fotheringham award for Services to North East Football
Roger spoke of his gratitude on the night, and wrote a heartfelt note of thanks to Colin Young, saying: “A huge thank you to the FWA for Sunday’s award which I hope I managed to convey at the time was enormously humbling. The phrase ‘Services to North East Football’ has a fantastic sound to it especially when coupled to the name of John Fotheringham, who showed me great friendliness as a fish out of water in my earliest days in the North East some 50 years ago. To be recognised by those who cover the great game is a true accolade.
“It was particularly meaningful for me to receive the award and such complimentary words from my former colleague and always great friend Simon. I’m really pleased he has been embraced by your association as he always has been an innovative and talented writer of the broadcast word.
“And congratulations as well to the FWA for keeping alive a landmark occasion for football in our region. I know well how much work goes into a successful awards night like yours but it’s always worth the grief once you get in the bar afterwards. Please pass on my appreciation to your fellow members. It was great to meet up with so many football people I had not seen in a while.
“So thanks once again for an unforgettable evening and an award to cherish. Good luck to you all.”
As ever, our thanks go to Claire Stevens of the Ramside for her help in making the evening run so smoothly, and to our family of sponsors, including title sponsors Lyle and Scott.
NE FWA Chairman Colin Young, with Ian Dennis in the background
