With the Welsh Premier League awards set to take place on Saturday night, the league has today finalised the shortlists for the various categories.
The final category to be announced was for the Manager of the Year award, with the League revealing the four candidates up for nomination earlier today.
Manager of the Year
Joining Scott Ruscoe, who guided The New Saints to their eighth successive league title, are: Gavin Chesterfield (Barry Town United), Andy Morrison (Connah’s Quay Nomads) and Christian Edwards (Cardiff Metropolitan).
After a somewhat shaky start to their league campaign, Ruscoe was able to stabilise his team and oversaw their surge to the title, as well as lifting the JD Welsh Cup.
Chesterfield was the mastermind behind a remarkable season for the Linnets, which saw them finish third in just their second season back in the top flight.
In a season which saw Morrison’s Nomads fighting on four different fronts – with their well-documented run to the final of the IRN BRU Cup – they were able to secure a creditable second place finish, after being involved in the title race up until the last few weeks of the season.
Despite the disappointment of not finishing in the top six, Cardiff Metropolitan ultimately had a successful season under Edwards, claiming their first Nathaniel MG Cup trophy and securing their place in the Europa League qualifying stage for the first time in the club’s history.
Player of the Year
There is a distinct New Saints flavour when it comes to the Player of the Year category, with Aeron Edwards, Greg Draper and Jamie Mullan joining Nomads’ Michael Bakare in the four-strong shortlist.
Draper, who netted 27 goals in the league, claimed the Golden Boot award, with team-mate Paul Harrison winning the Golden Glove after the Saints kept 20 clean sheets.
Edwards – who captains the Oswestry side – has been a key cog in the machine, and chipped in with 12 goals in the league.
Mullan was an ever present for the Saints in 2018/19, making 30 appearances in the league and contributing 10 goals.
Bakare finished the season as the Nomads’ joint-top goal-scorer, tied with midfielder Callum Morris on 14.
The 32-year-old was a key figure in the Deeside outfit’s run to the final of the IRN BRU Cup, and netted his team’s only goal as they went down 3-1 to Scottish side Ross County.
Young Player of the Year
Two Barry Town United players are included in the shortlist of three for the Young Player of the Year award.
Momodou Touray, who joined the Linnets on loan from Newport County for the 2018/19 season, proved to be a valuable addition to the squad, scoring 13 goals and forming a deadly strike partnership with Kayne McLaggon – who also found the net 13 times.
The 19-year-old is joined on the shortlist by team-mate Robbie Patten, who had a very impressive first season with the Jenner Park outfit.
The 22-year-old was a regular in the Dragons’ midfield, and worked well alongside the likes of Jordan Cotterill, Tom Fry, Troy Greening and Clayton Green.
TNS’ Tom Holland completes the shortlist after a breakthrough year with the Park Hall side.
Making a total of 31 appearances in the league, Holland belied his age with numerous stand-out performances in a side where it can often be difficult to outshine the countless experienced players throughout the squad.
Goal of the Year
Aaron Edwards v Connah’s Quay (A)
Aeron Edwards v Connah’s Quay (H)
Henry Jones v Llandudno
Jon Hood v Barry Town United
Jordan Evans v Aberystwyth Town
Michael Bakare v Caernarfon Town
Mike Hayes v Aberystwyth
Steven Tames v Carmarthen
(Featured Image: Brian Jones, Matthew Lofthouse, NCM Media and Rhys Skinner)
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