Gary Riddell Players' Player of the Year Returns
Monday, 16th Feb 2015The Centenary Club Lifeline are delighted to re-introduce the Gary Riddell Players’ Player of the Year award for the first time since season 2004/2005.
Previous winners of this trophy include Norrie McCathie, Jackie McNamara, Billy Davies, Andy Tod and Andrius Skerla.
At the end of every season from 1990 until 2005, Dunfermline’s first team squad voted for their own Player of the Year, and the winner was awarded with the Gary Riddell Memorial Trophy. Gary was a young first team centre-half who tragically died in the Dunfermline Half Marathon in 1989 while raising money for the victims of the Hillsborough Disaster. Following his death, his parents kindly donated the trophy.
The trophy was never voted for after 2005 and the whereabouts of the original trophy is unknown.
Lifeline Chairman, Jason Barber said:
"We wanted to re-introduce the award last season, unfortunately, we couldn’t get it arranged, so to have it all confirmed for this year is fantastic news for both the supporters and the Club. As you may know the original sadly went missing a few years back and after trying to source its location without much luck, we have decided to have a replica of the original created thanks to John Young Signs in Cowdenbeath.”
John Potter, Dunfermline Athletic manager was delighted to hear the news on the trophy's return:
“As a local lad myself, and a fan of the club for many years, I know the significance of Gary’s death and how much this award means to the players themselves. As a player, receiving an award voted on by your team mates, is really satisfying so it is fantastic the trophy has been brought back."
Gary's parents, who are also members of the Lifeline will make the trip from Ellon to Fife on the evening to present the trophy to the winner.
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Player of the Year event, which will be on Saturday 2nd May 2015 at the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline.
After the successful and in-demand event held last season at Carnegie Conference Centre, we are delighted to secure a larger location to hold this season's event. The evening will be a similar format to last year with entertainment from local band The Silver Kings along with the awards, raffle and auction.
Three trophies will be up for grabs this season, Joe Nelson Young Player of the Year, Centenary Club Lifeline Player of the Year and we're delighted to re-introduce the Gary Riddell Players' Player of the Year award, which will be voted by the DAFC Players and Staff.
Tickets are again priced at only £15.00 and will be available from committee members around the ground on match days or in the DAFC Club Shop. Tickets are limited so please make sure you get yours before it's sold out.
Voting for the Young Player and Player of the Year will open in the near future on the Lifeline website. Any questions regarding the evening, please email chairman Jason@dafc.net
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