Wellmen’s Thomas and Gresford’s Haliwell pick up HGA accolades

Holywell Town’s Steve Thomas and Gresford Athletic’s Steve Haliwell have picked up the Player of the Year and Manager of the Year award between themselves for the 2016/201 season.

The news broke at the Cymru Alliance AGM meeting between clubs old and new as the North Wales sides prepare for the new season as well as celebrating the season just past.

Steve Thomas has been voted the Huws Gray Alliance’s Player of the Year for the second time in his career.

The forward-turned winger, who can also play at left-back, played a pivotal role in helping the Wellmen seal a second consecutive fifth-place finish since their return to the division in 2015, scoring four goals in 35 appearances.

Having already managed to scoop the Player of the Month award in January, Thomas now has another personal accolade to his name.

Boss Johnny Haseldin took to social media to congratulate Thomas, while also heralding his impact on the rest of the team.

Great player and lad,trains as hard as he plays and great example to others.Well deserved award and more to come from him.

— Johnny Haseldin (@Johnnyh17) June 10, 2017

Elsewhere, Gresford Athletic’s Steve Haliwell has been named as the Huws Gray Alliance Manager of the Year.

The 37-year-old took over at the club in November following the departure of Eddie Maurice-Jones, which also sparked the exit of several first team players.

Nevertheless, Haliwell, who was once a player at Clappers Lane, was able to steady the ship, picking up the Manager of the Month award for February after guiding his side to an impressive run of six straight wins.

Despite finishing 24 points adrift of runaway champions Prestatyn Town, Haliwell was still able to secure a third-place finish for his side – the highest league finish in their history.

(Featured Image: Holywell Town FC)