Club News
Player of the Year Awards – Winners
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on May 23, 2011
Gills Ladies celebrated the end of another successful season on Friday night with their annual Player of the Year awards.
Following their debut season in the Southern Premiership the firsts secured their survival in a one off play-off game.
Whilst the Reserves strolled the Southern Reserve Division Two to win the League and they made it a historic double by winning the inaugural Kent Women’s Plate Final.
On Friday night players, staff and fans gathered to celebrate their achievements, below are the award winners from both teams.
The Firsts
Players Player of the Year – Danielle Carlton
In her first season with the Gills Danielle has won the vote of her fellow players for some outstanding displays at left back having switched mid season from the centre of midfield. Since signing for the Gills she has become a main stay of the defence especially in the second half of the season, putting in some impressive performances at left back and this has won her the respect of her team mates and the Players Player of the Year award.
Managers Player of the Year – Sarah Jones – Sarah is another player who is in her first season with the Gills and she has excelled at centre half. Ian Varley explains just why he chose Sarah as his Player of the Year, he said: “Quite simply Jonesy has been one of the most consistent performers if not the most consistent performer for us this season. She is fully deserving of the award after an excellent debut season at the Club.”
Young Player of the Year – Deanna Cooper – Deanna once again despite only being 17-years-old has been one of the Ladies most consistent performers. She shows maturity beyond her years when she takes to the football field and that is why Ian Varley picked her for this award. He said: “Dea is always one of the first names on the team sheet, she has great energy and makes the team tick. She is certainly a future Super League player in the making.”
Media Player of the Year – Danielle Carlton – Danielle picks up her second award for her consistent and outstanding displays playing at left back. It is a position she made her own in the second half of the season and she looked a natural in defence, but she also provided momentum in many attacks.
Top Scorer – Danni Farmer/Lauren Phillips – This is the first season that the Ladies have had joint top scorers for the first team. Both Danni and Lauren finished with seven goals for the season, their goals were key to the Gills survival with Danni scoring the winner in the play-off game.
The Reserves
Players Player of the Year – Whitney Judd – Whitney was a consistent performer this season at right back in her first season with the Reserves. She was also the only reserve player to play in every game that her side played.
Managers Player of the Year – Whitney Judd – Whitney scoops her second award as manager Aaron Perry names her his player of the year. He explains why he chose her, he said:”I picked a player who has been consistent for us and has played every game she hasn’t missed a game at all and that is quite remarkable. It tells you a lot about her to be honest and she is definitely pushing her way back towards the first team.
Young Player of the Year – Enya Lynch – It was Enya’s first season with the Gills Ladies and it was a memorable season for her winning the double, and excelling as part of a rock solid back four. Aaron Perry had no hesitation in naming her his Young Player of the Season, he said: “She has been fantasitc since she signed for the Club, she has fitted in so well with the rest of the squad and has the season has progressed she has kept on improving.”
Media Player of the Year – Whitney Judd – The right back makes it a complete clean sweep as she takes home her third award. It is just rewards for one of the outstanding performers for the Reserves this season. As well as being the only player to play every game, she was also only substituted once in the entire season. Before being called up to the Reserves and making a few substitute appearances and then the play-off game.
Top Scorer – Kylie Overton – For the second season in a row Kylie finishes top scorer for the Reserves. She was pushed hard by Temi in her debut year but finishes with an impressive 16 goals especially considering the Reserves were playing in a higher League than the previous season.
Chairman’s Award – Lesley Kay – Martin Andrews handed out this special award to midfielder turned defender and goalkeeper Les Kay. Les has retired from football at the age of 30 and Martin felt it was right to reward Les for her efforts and performances in her nine years with the Gills.
The Reserves were also presented with their League Trophy at the presentation evening. It capped off the Reserves best ever season and brought the season to an end.
