Awards Night Winners

Gareth McAuley was the big winner at the End of Season Awards Night although no doubt Adrian Chiles took the biggest laugh.

And that’s all I’ll say about Tweet (sic) of the Year!

Top Goalscorer – Romelu Lukaku.
Most Assists – James Morrison.
Performance of the Season – WBA 2 – 0 Everton. Runners up – Wigan 1 – 2 WBA and Liverpool 0 – 2 WBA.
Goal of the Season – Zoltan Gera v Liverpool at home.

Academy Player of the Season – Isaiah Brown.
Young Player of the Season – Romelu Lukaku.

Players’ Player of the Season – Gareth McAuley.
Supporters’ Player of the Season – Gareth McAuley. Runners ups – Claudio Yacob and Romelu Lukaku.

Jeremy Peace’s speech at the ceremony is reproduced in full Here.

‘As early as February, the Club effectively achieved its prime objective of retaining Premier League status. After making our best start for 59 years we have put ourselves in a good position to record our highest ever Premier League finish.’

Peace obviously thanked the fans for their support during the campaign and revealed that the experience the club have gained from running a 25 man squad for the past three seasons has led them to the conclusion that a 22 man squad, supplemented by Academy players and the option to strengthen further in January is their preferred choice for the future.

He also credits the team for being the Midlands’ Top Dogs for two consecutive seasons!

As for Financial Fair Play, Peace says that whilst the club was opposed to the introduction of them, the club will continue to think outside the box in order to strengthen the team within these new constraints, desacribing them as.

‘Financial Fair Play (is) a misnomber. We believe the new rules are anti competitive and will further reinforce the existing pecking order in the Premier League.’

As for his Awards, McAuley himself told wba.co.uk.

‘To win these awards is fantastic and I’m really happy. It’s something I didn’t expect. Every time I play, I try my best for the lads and club and to be recognised by the players and supporters is great. I’m proud and humbled by these awards.’

McAuley also took the opportunity to reassure fans following a few reports in the press recently suggesting his contract negotiations have stalled and he’s been disappointed with what the club have offered him. He set the record straight saying.

‘Some reports have suggested I’m disappointed and that negotiations are stalling. That’s not true, I’m quite relaxed to be honest. I have next season anyway, and things are progressing. The club and head coach want me to stay, there’s no problem and I think they’ll be a resolution because this is where I want to be.’

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