Player of the Year Awards
Tuesday, 26th May 2009DAFC, Centenary Club and Young Pars Players of the Year
Dunfermline Athletic Awards 2008-09
Player of the Year: Calum Woods
A product of Liverpool's youth academy, his versatility has allowed him to feature at all positions within the back line. He also managed an impressive five-goal tally, no mean feat for a full back.
Calum signed an extension on his contract in March to secure his services until 31st May 2011. The 22 year old has become a regular at right back and has now made 84 appearances for the Club.
Young Player of the Year: Nick Phinn
Having been at the club now since under 13 level, Nick has now established himself as a first pick in the Dunfermline side under Jim McIntyre and a major goal threat to boot.Still only 21, his first team debut came at the age of just 17 whilst Jim Leishman was in charge, and is the youngest Pars player to have started in the SPL.
Youth Player of the Year: Lee Graham
Lee Graham has been the mainstay of the U19s this season, captaining the side after Stuart Dearden left to go on loan at Forfar. He is a strong
central defender with a knack of scoring goals. His appearances in the reserves caused former Pars captain and uncompromising centre half, Roy
Barry to pass compliments about young Lee's play, identify him as one to watch in the future.
Lee who turned 18 in March, started his football career with Baillieston Brae Athletic in Glasgow but has been with Dunfermline Athletic since
signing for the U15s. Having progressed through from U17s to feature in U19s. In season 2007-08, Lee left school in Bellshill to take up a full time
contract with the Pars in June 2008.
Centenary Club and Player of the Year Awards
Prior to kick off at the final home match of the 2008-09 season, there were a number of presentations made by the tunnel of the Norrie McCathie Stand. Centenary Club Chairman Pete Campbell, and Vice Chairman John Swift, handed out the annual awards as voted for by Centenary Club members. Votes were compiled using man of the match slips filled in by all prizewinners and their guests, who attend every single home match throughout the season at East End Park. Members also got the chance to vote for their player of the season, runner up and young player of the season via voting slips which were included in the spring newsletter sent out to everyone on their database.
Fans showed their appreciation for the efforts of the players who had been voted as the following:
Player of the Year: Nick Phinn
Well done to Nick for his first ever Player of the Year award. He amassed an impressive twelve goals from his midfield berth, the best return of a Pars midfielder since Craig Robertson's 13 back in 1987/88 season. Vital goals included the Scottish Cup equaliser against Aberdeen, and one against St Johnstone in the 3-0 win at Perth.
Runner up Player of the Year: Calum Woods
Calum just missed out on the main award, but will hopefully be pleased to receive the runner up trophy from Pete and John. Another player to have made his debut under Jim Leishman's management, Calum has stood out in numerous matches this season with his whole hearted defending, surging runs up the park and the odd spectacular goal thrown in for good measure!Never one to score tap ins, Calum will be in contention for any goal of the season awards thanks to his efforts again.
Young Player of the Year: Callum Woods
In an ironic twist of fate, Calum just picked up more votes than Nick to win the Young Player of the Year award! Hopefully he has room on the mantelpiece for both awards collected this afternoon.
Long term Service Trophy: Scott Wilson
To recognise his sterling efforts with Dunfermline Athletic over the past seven years, the Centenary Club presented captain Scott Wilson with an award. A stalwart at the back, his whole hearted approach has seen many highs and lows since being released by Rangers back in the summer of 2002. Signed by Jimmy Calderwood, Scott has been subject of much transfer speculation over the years as numerous clubs have been linked with him. However, he has remained with the Pars until now, making 253 appearance as a Pars player. We wish Scott and his family all the very best as they make the exciting move to Australia to sign up with former team mates Ian Ferguson and Stewart Petrie in North Queensland.
Appearances Trophy: Scott Thomson
Veteran stalwart "Nipper" made his 300th appearance for Dunfermline earlier this season, a landmark that sees him well into the top 20 of all time appearances for the Pars. Having been signed by Bert Paton back in 1998, he is the last player from Bert's era in charge at the club. Bar the goalkeeping position, it is fair to say that Scott has played in every position in the team during his eleven years to date in the first team. Having proven himself more than capable of competing at this level, he has no intention of hanging his boots up quite yet. A testimonial match awarded against the mighty Manchester United back in 2008 was fitting tribute for perhaps the last player for some considerable time to come to complete ten years service at Dunfermline Athletic.
Young Pars Awards 2008-09
Player of the Year 2008-09: Paul Gallacher
Young Player of the Year 2008-09: Nick Phinn
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