The best of the Scottish Football League was celebrated last night (Thursday 26th May) at the annual IRN-BRU SFL End of Season Awards. The event brought together clubs, players and managers from all over Scotland, to celebrate their contributions to what has been a phenomenal season across the SFL’s First, Second and Third Divisions.
Compèred by Bill Leckie at the city’s Old Fruitmarket, this year’s awards featured coverage of the season’s highlights - including the biggest games, greatest goals, and the key individuals as they shared their thoughts on the SFL season. Paul Lambert, Manager of Norwich City, was the event’s guest speaker, and the event also celebrated the successful partnership between the SFL and IRN-BRU, which is now in its fourth year.
The night was a great success, and saw Arbroath picking up a hat trick of awards with Manager Paul Sheerin, Player Gavin Swankie and Young Player Josh Falkingham all recognised for their successful season. Raith Rovers were awarded for a phenomenal performance in the 1st Division following their promotion last season, while Gary Bollan was also awarded 2nd Division Manager following similar success last year in the 3rd Division. All the winners were selected following a judging process by top Scottish sports media.
The eagerly awaited results of IRN-BRU’s Tops for Youth Teams campaign were also announced, with the £70,000 investment in youth development being shared between all 30 SFL clubs. The top winners were Falkirk, who were delighted to take the first place prize of £10,000, Stenhousemuir in second place, with a prize fund of £7,000, and Greenock Morton in third place, winning £5,000.
Head of Marketing for IRN-BRU, Adrian Troy commented:
“There have been so many high points this season that it is impossible to single out just one. Up and down the country fans have been turning out in to see some great football, and this event gives us a chance to bring everyone together and to recognise their performances.
"This season’s Tops for Youth Teams has been particularly significant, with a total investment of £70,000 in the future of Scottish football. It has been great to see all the clubs and local communities unite to collect almost half a million bottle tops and help their club grab a bigger share of the cash prize.
“On behalf of everyone at IRN-BRU I would like congratulate all of the winners, and to thank them for giving us such an action packed season of football. We are looking forward to what the next season will bring.”
David Longmuir, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football League said:
“The End of Season Awards is the culmination of what has been a truly great season for everyone involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions. From the beginning to the end we have seen players give their all, and the passion shown by everyone involved is something that I think cannot be surpassed.
“The relationship the SFL has with IRN-BRU goes from strength to strength, and their continued support and investment in the game is invaluable.
“We would like to congratulate all the winners tonight, and wish everyone involved in the SFL all the very best for a phenomenal 2011-12 season.”
PHENOMENAL AWARDS WENT TO:
IRN-BRU Phenomenal Team of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Raith Rovers
Runner Up – Dundee
Runner Up - Arbroath
IRN-BRU Phenomenal Achievement of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Barry Smith, Dundee
Runner Up – Paul Sheerin, Arbroath
Runner Up – Jim McIntyre, Dunfermline
IRN-BRU Phenomenal Goal of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Willie McLaren of Queen of the South v Ross County 28/08/10
Runner Up – Jamie Bain of Airdrie United v Stenhousemuir 30/10/10
Runner Up – Jack Compton of Falkirk v Raith Rovers 29/1/11
Runner Up – Ian Watt of Queen’s Park v Albion Rovers – 23/04/11
IRN-BRU Phenomenal 1st Division Manager of the Season 2010/11:
Winner –Jim McIntyre, Dunfermline
Runner Up – Barry Smith, Dundee
Runner Up – John McGlynn, Raith Rovers
IRN-BRU Phenomenal 2nd Division Manager of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Gary Bollan, Livingston
Runner Up – Dick Campbell, Forfar
IRN-BRU Phenomenal 3rd Division Manager of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Paul Sheerin, Arbroath
Runner Up – Paul Martin, Albion Rovers
IRN-BRU Phenomenal 1st Division Player of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – John Baird, Raith Rovers
Runner Up – Gary Harkins, Dundee
Runner Up – Mark Campbell, Raith Rovers
IRN-BRU Phenomenal 2nd Division Player of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Rory McAllister, Brechin City
Runner Up – Iain Russell, Livingston
Runner Up – Mark Roberts, Ayr
IRN-BRU Phenomenal 3rd Division Player of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Gavin Swankie, Arbroath
Runners Up – Steven Doris, Josh Falkingham and Kieran McAnespie all of Arbroath
IRN-BRU Phenomenal Young Player of the Season 2010/11:
Winner – Josh Falkingham, Arbroath
Runner Up – Leighton Stewart, Dundee
Runner Up – Craig Forsyth, Dundee
Tops for Youth Teams
1st place – Falkirk (Winner of £10,000)
2nd place– Stenhousemuir (Winner of £7000)
3rd place – Greenock Morton (Winner of £5000)
4th place – Queens Park (Winner of £4500)
5th place – Airdrie United (winner of £4000)
The remaining £39,000 will be spread amongst the remaining SFL clubs. Please visit www.phenomenalfooty.com for more information.
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