Skipper dominates awards evening

David Symington needed a suit case to take home his haul of trophies as the bashful skipper dominated proceedings at Reds’ end of season presentation evening.

The Workington lad was voted the supporters’ Player of the Year’ for the second successive season and completed the double by also lifting the coveted Players’ Player of the Year trophy.

He also picked up an award from the Reds Independent Supporters Club before collecting his fourth memento of the evening, the Top Scorer award. 

It was the reward for an outstanding personal season in terms of goals and assists which also saw him go tantalisingly close to winning the NPL’s Premier Division ‘Golden Boot’.

Ceiran Casson, who got better and better as the season progressed, was nominated Young Player of the Year.

Workington supporters regard goalkeeper Jim Atkinson as one of the best custodians in the league but it wasn’t his handling/distribution skills which were rewarded on this occasion.  Jim’s headed goal, v Atherton Collieries on Easter Monday, won the Goal of the Season award with supporters ignoring a plethora of spectacular goals netted by Reds this season and voting for the novelty factor of Jim becoming the first-ever Workington Number 1 to score with a header! 

Chad Grisdale collected the Development Squad ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ trophy, a unanimous winner amongst his peers.

And there were four special awards presented to the long-serving leavers with Danny Garinger, Scott Allison, Conor Tinnion and Sam Smith all receiving an engraved silver salver in recognition of their outstanding service to the club.

Chairman Phil Norman welcomed players and supporters to the function in the Tony Hopper bar with vice-chair, Richard Lewthwaite, ending the evening with the usual credits and thanks to the army of volunteers.  Mark Lumsden also spoke passionately about the wonderful fund-raising which keeps the club afloat and paid tribute to two great club stalwarts who passed away earlier this year – Joan Crellen and Dave Cumberworth.

In addition, Danny Grainger delivered his farewell message to the supporters and his trusted players as the curtain fell on the end of an era.

A good night was had by all.