Once again, due to social distancing restrictions with the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony, presented by Pioneer, was conducted digitally.
The ceremony was hosted by on our We’re Not Really Here live matchday show ahead of our men’s game against Newcastle United, as three City stars were presented with awards for the SCM Player of the Season, the Nissan Goal of the Season and Gatorade Rising Star.
A thrilling campaign saw Gareth Taylor‘s side lift the 2019/20 Women’s FA Cup and push Chelsea all the way in the FA Women’s Super League title race, showing incredible quality, resilience and determination to produce an incredible run of form from December.
The 2020 summer transfer window proved one to remember, as five superstar signings were recruited the ranks: World Cup winners Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, Champions League winners Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood and England starlet Chloe Kelly; with USA defender Abby Dahlkemper to join in January.
All would prove influential in City’s season but it was Kelly who scooped the SCM Player of the Season award in recognition of a sensational debut season, which saw the winger score 16 goals (including her first hat-trick for the Club) and provide 14 assists in 34 appearances.
Although her maiden campaign was sadly cut short by the news of an ACL injury, the ever-smiling forward is remaining positive and expressed her delight upon receiving the award.
“It feels brilliant,” she beamed. “I’m very thankful to the fans who voted.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here at this great Club. Long may it continue. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey.
“Obviously, my injury has brought a bump in the road but I’ll be back stronger. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch, wearing this badge.
“I’m so grateful to the fans who voted for me and who have welcomed me to this fantastic Club.
“I’m gutted I haven’t been able to play in front of them or meet them yet but I definitely will get the chance next season - I’ll be supporting the team as much as they will. I’ll be City’s number one fan!
“Thank you all. I’m excited for the future.”
Meanwhile, unsurprisingly, Caroline Weir clinched the Nissan Goal of the Season gong for the second successive season with another glorious effort in a Manchester Derby.
The Scotland international, who earned the 2019/20 award for her long-range stunner at the Etihad Stadium in 2019/20, went one better in the Academy Stadium’s first home Derby, showcasing exquisite skill to roll the ball back and plant a delightful chip over Mary Earps and into the far corner.
Though humble, the midfield magician said: “I’ll take any goal against United, but obviously the last two have been special, it’s nice to pick up this award.
“I think overall it’s been a positive season, but obviously we’re disappointed to lose out on the League but if you look at the bigger picture we’ve had a lot of changes this season so we’ve set a good foundation for going forward.
“I’m excited for next season. Gaz has come in and played a fairly similar way to what we did before.
“It took a bit of time to gel, but especially the second half of the season and now we’re seeing the results and performances - we’ve clicked and it’s about building on that next season.”
Youngster Esme Morgan scooped the Gatorade Rising Star Award, following an impressive breakthrough campaign, which kicked off with her maiden Wembley appearance and continued with her Champions League debut, first senior England call-up and (most importantly!) first City goal.
“I’m really surprised in all honesty because we have so many good young players at the club, people like Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Jess Park,” said Morgan.
“When I was told I was flattered, but I’m really pleased and really nice to receive it.
“I’ve loved it this season. I’ve played more than I probably expected and I’ve had such a good experience played in so many big games which I never imagined I would.
“That’s been so valuable and something that’s really sort of given me a kick and drive to have more of those experiences in the future, keep developing and improving to be a more integral part of the team moving forwards.”
Congratulations to all of our winners!
City are next in action on Sunday 16 May as the 2020/21 campaign reaches its conclusion.
Continuing our defence of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, Gareth Taylor‘s side welcome West Ham United to the Academy Stadium in the fifth round (14:00 UK time) with the game available to watch live on CITY+.
