Football

Sion James is Player of Year

DEFENDER Sion James (pictured) picked up the top two awards at Aberystwyth Town Football Club’s annual dinner, held in the John Charles Lounge on 4 July.
James was awarded both the Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year after an excellent season, which had seen Aberystwyth finish fourth in the Welsh Premier League.
The popular defender, who played 38 matches in the heart of defence for the Seasiders last season, has already signed terms for the forthcoming campaign.
Gwion ap Dafydd was the Reserve team’s Player of the Year, and Kelly Thomas was the Ladies’ Player of the Year.
Chairman Tony Bates praised all the players associated with the club on their efforts last season, which had seen the first team get within one game of qualifying for Europe, while the Ladies’ team completed the league and cup double in Ceredigion, and also impressed in the new Welsh Women’s Premier League.
Bates expressed his disappointment that the Reserve team would no longer be permitted to compete in the Spar Mid Wales League next season and would therefore be disbanded, with fringe first teamers going out on loan next season.
Aberystwyth’s first team manger Alan Morgan, outgoing Reserves boss Emyr Jones, and Ladies’ manager Ray Hughes all paid tribute to their squads, before presenting the end of season awards.
Roll of honour - First Team Supporter’s Player of the Year: Sion James; Player’s Player of the Year: Sion James. Reserve team Player of the Year: Gwion ap Dafydd; Supporter’s Player of the Year: Gwion ap Dafydd; Manager’s Player of the Year: Elian Evans; Most Improved Player: Sion Clarke. Aberystwyth Ladies’ Player of the Year: Kelly Thomas; Manager’s Player of the Year: Sam Lumb’ Top Goalscorer: Elin Haf Huxtable; Most improved player Stephanie Land. Aberystwyth Clubman of the Year: Tony Payne.