Omar is Players’ Player of Year at Barn

There was an air of optimism that was perhaps missing a year earlier as Barn United held their annual end-of-season awards night recently.
Barn United's Omar AitsiaabadBarn United's Omar Aitsiaabad
Barn United's Omar Aitsiaabad

Barn ended the previous campaign facing the prospect of dropping into 1B after finishing second bottom of 1a, but they were let out of jail with Premier Division champions Newington Youth Club promoted to Championship 2 with the knock-on effect that only the bottom team were relegated.

Barn made the most of their reprieve but while just one win in their last six outings left them in 10th, it was a season in which they were always comfortably clear of the relegation zone.

United had to play much of the campaign without their two leading marksmen; Andy Kane, ruled out through injury, while Nicky Sharples headed off down under – and consequently their leading goalscorer was a midfielder and skipper, Gary McKee.

The forward vacancies also gave Omar Aitsiaabad a prolonged run in the side and the promise the young Moroccan showed saw him capture the Players’ Player of the Year trophy.

Chairman Billy Manderson announced the following winners, who received their awards from Mrs Ruth Alexander of sponsors Victoria Cleaners. Billy was assisted by Robert McKee, assistant-manager of the first team, along with second-team boss, Johnny McFerran.

AWARD WINNERS

First Team

Leading Goalscorer: Gary McKee

Committee’s Player of the Year: Stephen Brennan

Players’ Player of the Year: Omar Aitsiaabad

Manager’s Player of the Year: Gary McKee.

Alan Loughlin Cup for Young Player of the Year: Graham Alexander

Clubman of the Year: Gary Patterson

Second Team

Players’ Player of the Year: Kris Axon

Manager’s Player of the Year: Darren Nelson

Leading Goalscorer: Darren Nelson