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Wrexham held their annual Player of the Year ceremony on Sunday night following a landmark season in which the men's first team achieved their highest-ever league standing.
The Red Dragons wrapped up the Championship campaign in seventh place, finishing just two points outside the playoff spots after a draw with Middlesbrough on the final day of the regular season. Despite a deep sense of disappointment at how the season concluded, there remained much to celebrate.
In their first season back in the Championship after a 43-year absence, Wrexham posted their best-ever league finish, advanced to the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 1997, and reached the League Cup fourth round for the first time since 1978. Here's a rundown of the big winners from the end-of-season ceremony.
Young Player of the Season
Callum Doyle
A double award winner in his first season. Callum Doyle is very good at football 😮💨
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/SZR11ChRhQ
Doyle was the clear-cut choice for Young Player of the Season following an outstanding debut campaign in North Wales. Phil Parkinson described it as a "statement of intent" when they secured the 22-year-old from Manchester City last summer in a deal valued at $10 million, and it quickly became apparent why.
The center back made 39 appearances for the club, including 29 consecutive starts during the run-in. He was also included in the Championship Team of the Season in recognition of his standout individual performances, and it comes as little surprise that Manchester City insisted on a buyback clause when they sold him last year.
"It took me a while to find my feet here, but the lads stuck by me. So, to win this in my first season, I'm grateful to all the players and staff who supported me," Doyle said upon collecting his award.
Championship Team of the Season
Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
Goalkeeper | Carl Rushworth | Coventry City |
Right back | Milan Van Ewijk | Coventry City |
Center back | Tristan Crama | Millwall |
Center back | Callum Doyle | Wrexham |
Left back | Josh Tymon | Swansea City |
Right midfield | Femi Azeez | Millwall |
Center midfield | Hayden Hackney | Middlesbrough |
Center midfield | Matt Grimes | Coventry City |
Left midfield | Sorba Thomas | Stoke City |
Center forward | Haji Wright | Coventry City |
Center forward | Zan Vipotnik | Swansea City |
Players' Player of the Season
Callum Doyle
It is always intriguing to see who takes home the Players' Award, which is decided by a vote among teammates. Many anticipated that unsung contributors George Dobson, George Thomason, and Sam Smith would be strong contenders for the honor, but it was yet another accolade for Doyle.
The England youth international is considered the most technically gifted player at the club, and there is widespread belief that he will be competing in the Premier League in the near future. Doyle's exceptional season has left Wrexham anticipating significant summer interest in the defender, and they may face a difficult battle to retain his services.
Even if his time at the club amounts to just one season, his impact has been undeniable. "This means everything to me because it's the players who decided. These are the people I train alongside every single day. I feel truly honored that they voted for me," Doyle said on stage.
Steve Edwards Goal of the Season
Ollie Rathbone
A strike right out of the top drawer @ollie_rathbone 👏
🔴⚪ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/2m7vfrtLbq
There was really only one contender for this award. While technically superior goals were scored throughout the season, nothing compares to Rathbone's 94th-minute winner against Queens Park Rangers back in January.
The Red Dragons were trailing 2–1 in the 93rd minute when Josh Windass appeared to have salvaged a point for his side. Wrexham refused to settle, however, and pushed for a winner that arrived from Rathbone almost instantly after the restart. What followed was pure pandemonium in the away end, accompanied by the now-legendary commentary of Mark Griffiths, whose iconic cry—"Ollie Rathbone, have my children!"—has since been turned into an official club merchandise line.
Rathbone said, "There were some brilliant goals to compete against, so I'm absolutely delighted mine was voted the best. Moments like these are what every footballer dreams of. I'm incredibly proud to receive this award."
Player of the Season
Josh Windass
Windass seemed like the natural winner of the award given his pivotal contributions during the battle for the final playoff spot. The 32-year-old truly found his best form when it mattered most, becoming the unlikely hero of their promotion charge with 17 goals across all competitions.
The former Sheffield Wednesday forward closed out the season with seven goals in the final eight matches, including a superb free kick against Middlesbrough on the last day. Windass rarely celebrates his goals, viewing scoring as simply part of his job. He did manage a smile, however, when collecting the Player of the Season award, along with a second prize for finishing as the club's leading scorer.
"I wasn't expecting this one," he admitted. "We've got so many quality players in the dressing room, so it really means a lot to win it. The gaffer has built a fantastic culture at this club, and that's no small feat. So, full credit to him and to the lads."