THE season’s big moment may have yet to arrive but that doesn’t mean we’re not already thinking about the direction of the celebration.
The SCL National Game Awards doesn’t wait for the trophies to be lifted high into the sky!
We’re already putting our plans in place for the big day on Wednesday May 17 and part of our job is to give you everything you need to know for the moment you feel voting time is ready to take place.
This week we bring down a run down of the Mark Harrod Player of the Year. So who will be sitting in Grimsby’s Padraig Amond’s seat in two months’ time?
Well, we certainly don’t envy you decision makers when it comes to picking the person who takes the crown this year!
Net finders
This, remember, is an award which covers the National League and the National League North and South – Step 3&4 have their own separate NGA – and there’s plenty to choose from. When picking any POTY, the mind naturally often drifts towards the top of the scoring charts.
Rightly or wrongly, all over the country the top scorers regularly tend to grab the gongs as well as the goals. It doesn’t have to be that way of course, but the net finders may have shaped your team’s season.
Ricky Miller has put a rough period in his life behind him and the Dover striker’s 30 National League goals before this weekend has kept the Whites’ play-off return on track.
Christian Doidge has settled in to Forest Green by scoring 20 times, while Tranmere’s Andy Cook – with 19 – is probably Rovers’ best player this season after Ben Tollitt’s horrible injury last month.
Magical
The South and North is clear cut, of course. Maidenhead’s Dave Tarpey’s 35th of the season has helped the Magpies pick apart most teams, while Danny Rowe’s 39 for AFC Fylde should surely fire them to the title.
It’s not all about the forwards, of course. You don’t need telling that Lincoln City have had a great season and defender Sean Raggett and midfielder Alex Woodyard have excelled.
The FA Cup was magical for Sutton United as well. Roarie Deacon was their star from start to finish – scoring in their first match against Forest Green and in their final tie last month he hit the crossbar against Arsenal.
Danny Johnson and Liam Hogan have been tremendous for Gateshead, as has Jordan Maguire-Drew at Dagenham.
And then there’s Barrow‘s Nick Anderton, Aldershot midfielder Jake Gallagher and Guiseley‘s stand-out star Jordan Preston – they’re all just for inspiration.
Get your votes in as soon as you select your Player of the Year!
NGA 2016-17 List of Awards
Mark Harrod Player of the Year
Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year
FieldTurf Manager of the Year
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year
SK Kits Golden Boot
Brandon Hire Step 3 & 4 Player of the Year
Red Insure Team of the Year
Acerbis Cup Run of the Year
Huck Nets Goal of the Season
William Hill Fan of the Year
The Football Foundation Community Club of the Year
The PFA Fair Play Award
SCL Unsung Hero
The FA England C Player of the Year
Marathonbet Non-League Challenge Goal Celebration of the Year
The Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement
How to vote
Please email [email protected] to cast your vote or use #NGAvotes on Twitter or via post to The Non-League Paper, Tuition House, St George’s Road, Wimbledon SW19 4EU
SCL are a government approved post-16 education provider in the sports sector who run Academy programmes with over 60 football, rugby and cricket, professional and grass roots sports clubs, foundations and community trusts. Find out more at www.wearescl.co.uk/education
