Browse Sections

• Stockport County FC
• Sale Sharks
• Local football
• Local cricket

Outstanding Ash

Simon Smedley
14/11/2007

DELIGHTED County manager Jim Gannon has heaped praise on club skipper Ashley Williams after he picked up a top gong at the inaugural North West Football Awards (NWFA) ceremony on Monday night.

At a star-studded event at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, League Two Player of the Year Williams also secured the North West Player of the Year award for his contribution to football both on and off the pitch.

Proud boss Gannon said: "This is an absolutely outstanding achievement for Ashley, but one which he fully deserves.

"He is a fantastic role model for everyone at Stockport County, both as a player and as a man.

"He is the epitomy of what any quality football player should be."

Gannon added: "We knew he was a strong contender for the north west player of the year title for League Two, but to win the overall prize is just a fantastic tribute to the player and what he’s achieved over the last two years."

Football heroes from across the country attended Monday’s exclusive event, including Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Sir Alex Ferguson, who picked up the Manager of the Year prize.

Other winners included Mikel Arteta, the Barclays Premiership Player of the Year, Burnley defender Michael Duff, who was named Championship Player of the Year, and Tranmere Rovers’ Ian Goodison - the League One Player of the Year.

Morecambe and Southport hero Carl Baker received the Conference top award.

Everton and ex-Manchester United star Phil Neville attended Monday’s ceremony in his capacity as patron of the New Children’s Hospital Appeal, which received all of the proceeds from the event.

Judge Gordon Taylor said: "This was a truly memorable night.

"It was great to see the North West’s footballing community come out in force to celebrate the region’s success both on the pitch and behind the scenes, as well as raising a huge amount of money for a fantastic charity.

"The North West is at the beating heart of football and the fans have really got behind their teams - more than 20,000 voted for our top players and managers."

Influential centre-back Williams will be out of action for a further seven weeks as he continues his recovery from a ruptured collateral medial ligament.

CLICK on the video link to see man of the moment Williams reflecting on his award.