With the continued lockdown in place due to COVID-19, Torquay United Women’s team had to settle for their end of season awards presentation to be completed via Zoom conferencing.
Manger Jamie McInnes was joined by Assistant Manager Matt Green and Head Physio Richard Hayden to announce the 2019/20 awards on Saturday evening.
The first of four awards went to goalkeeper Alina Wright, who was voted the Young Player of the Year. Wright who made her 1st team debut against Buckland Athletic in the Devon County Cup defeat midway through the season, had a number of impressive performance before the season was cut short.
“After initially signing in a back up role, Wright was soon handed the number 1 shirt, and hasn’t looked back since” McInnes said. “A first start against higher league opposition in Buckland proved a challenge, but it was a challenge that she rose to and has been a consistent figure in the team ever since. At just 17 years old, her best years are still ahead of her and we are looking forward to working with her next season and beyond” added McInnes.
The Most Improved player of the Year award went to midfielder Gemma Anderson.
Anderson has now been part of the squad for 18 months, having joined around halfway through last season. On Anderson McInnes said “From day one, Anderson has demonstrated fantastic commitment, travelling to training every week from Exeter. She has impressed everyone – teammates and coaches – with her dedication and willingness to learn and improve. Another young player who will only get better. Anderson has had a fantastic season personally, the highlight being when she scored a superb free kick in the away game at Bideford”.
Nicola Caunce took the Manager’s Player of the Year award. An ever present member of the team this season Caunce like Anderson, joined the team midway through last season.
“Caunce has been a key part of the squad and offers excellent performances every week, whether she’s playing in midfield or defence. Despite being one of the more senior players in the squad, she is always looking at ways and means to improve her game. Her encouragement of her teammates is a key strength, and all of the coaching team agreed she was thoroughly deserving of this award” McInnes added.
The coveted Players Player of the Year for 2019/20, was awarded to Nikki May. May who lead the team for the final few months of the season joined the club in the summer of 2019 after a short period away from football.
McInnes said “May immediately impressed everyone with her leadership. Her drive and determination as well as her natural ability in retention of the ball and positional sense, made her a key figure within the squad last season and it was a fitting moment for May to score the two goals that saw us record victory in our final game of the season away to Keynsham”.
McInnes and Green, are now concentrating on building for for the new season. “We have started to but the building blocks in place on and off the pitch which will hopefully see us make great strides as a club, when we can finally get back training. As with all football clubs sponsorship is key and we welcome any new investment from local business or individuals for the new season” Green added.
United hope to kick off their Pre-season in June, pending lockdown restrictions being relaxed.