Introduction:
The EFL awards took place at the Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane on Sunday night, attracting a star-studded crowd from the world of football. The event celebrated the achievements of managers and players in the Championship, League One, and League Two. In this article, we will delve into the winners and runners-up across the divisions and analyze their performances throughout the season.
Championship:
Manager of the Season:
Kieran McKenna of Ipswich was crowned Manager of the Season, a well-deserved accolade for his remarkable achievements. Despite operating on a limited budget, McKenna has guided Ipswich to a strong position in the Championship. His team has competed fiercely with clubs that were recently relegated from the Premier League. Ipswich’s success can be attributed to McKenna’s ability to build a cohesive team and instill a culture of hard work and development.
Runners-Up:
Daniel Farke of Leeds and Liam Rosenior of Hull were named as runners-up for the Manager of the Season award. Farke, who has already secured two Championship titles with Norwich, faced a challenging start at Leeds due to player exits after relegation. However, he managed to stabilize the squad and has put Leeds in contention for promotion. Rosenior, who previously served as Wayne Rooney’s assistant at Derby, has done an impressive job with Hull, although their failure to make the playoffs may overshadow his achievements.
Player of the Season:
Crysencio Summerville of Leeds was awarded Player of the Season for his scintillating performances. Summerville’s contributions, including 17 goals and 8 assists, have been instrumental in Leeds’ bid for promotion. Despite a recent loss against Blackburn, Summerville has been a standout player and has played a significant role in making Elland Road a fortress.
Runners-Up:
Sammie Szmodics of Blackburn and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester were recognized as runners-up for the Player of the Season award. Both players have displayed exceptional skills and have been vital assets to their respective teams throughout the season.
Young Player of the Season:
Archie Gray of Leeds was named Young Player of the Season, marking an incredible season for the academy graduate. At just 18 years old, Gray has started 38 of Leeds’ 43 Championship games, showcasing his talent and earning a place in Daniel Farke’s starting lineup. His performances have been impressive, and he even scored on his England Under-21 debut.
League One:
Manager of the Season:
John Mousinho of Portsmouth received the Manager of the Season award, surprising many fans who were initially underwhelmed by his appointment. Mousinho, a former chairman of the PFA, has proven to be a bright spark in the EFL. His clever signings and commitment to playing attractive football have put Portsmouth in a strong position to secure promotion to the Championship.
Runners-Up:
Darren Ferguson of Peterborough and Steve Evans of Stevenage were recognized as runners-up for the Manager of the Season award. Ferguson, in his fourth spell as boss at Peterborough, aims to secure his fourth promotion to the Championship. Evans has done a remarkable job with Stevenage, saving them from relegation and keeping them in contention for the playoffs.
Player of the Season:
Harrison Burrows of Peterborough was named Player of the Season for his outstanding performances. The left-back has been instrumental in Peterborough’s success, contributing 13 assists and 6 goals. Burrows’ standout performance in the EFL Trophy final against Wycombe showcased his talent and potential.
Runners-Up:
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing of Derby and Marlon Pack of Portsmouth were recognized as runners-up for the Player of the Season award. Both players have made significant contributions to their teams and have been key figures throughout the season.
Young Player of the Season:
Ronnie Edwards of Peterborough was awarded Young Player of the Season. The 21-year-old defender has impressed with his solid performances and confident passing skills. Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, have shown interest in signing him.
League Two:
Manager of the Season:
Nigel Clough of Mansfield was named Manager of the Season for his exceptional work with the club. Clough, known for his previous success with Burton, has managed to guide Mansfield to a promotion position. His ability to get the best out of his team has been evident, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the higher division.
Runners-Up:
Lee Bell of Crewe and Mike Williamson of MK Dons were recognized as runners-up for the Manager of the Season award. Bell has defied expectations by leading Crewe to the playoffs despite operating on a limited budget. Williamson took over MK Dons in October and has done an admirable job in putting them in contention for automatic promotion.
Player of the Season:
Jodi Jones of Notts County was awarded Player of the Season for his remarkable assist record. Jones has consistently provided opportunities for his teammates throughout the season, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Despite Notts County’s struggles, Jones has been a standout player, contributing both goals and assists.
Runners-Up:
Davis Keillor-Dunn of Mansfield and Elliot Lee of Wrexham were recognized as runners-up for the Player of the Season award. Both players have displayed exceptional skills and have been crucial to their teams’ success.
Young Player of the Season:
Rob Apter of Tranmere was named Young Player of the Season. The 20-year-old midfielder, on loan from Blackpool, has shown great promise with his passing ability and work rate. It is surprising that Blackpool did not include him in their League One campaign, as he has been a key player for Tranmere this season.
Conclusion:
The EFL awards celebrated the achievements of managers and players across the Championship, League One, and League Two. The winners and runners-up have demonstrated exceptional skills, resilience, and dedication throughout the season. From Kieran McKenna’s managerial success at Ipswich to Crysencio Summerville’s outstanding performances for Leeds, these individuals have undoubtedly made a significant impact on their teams. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these talented individuals continue to contribute to their respective clubs’ success.