Brandon Hire Step 3&4 Player of the Year winner is Jordan Hulme (Altrincham)
Jordan Hulme says Altrincham have helped him fall back in love with football again.
The 27-year-old certainly planted a kiss on the EVO-STIK Premier title with Alty, as his 31 goals in all competitions helped them to glory.
Hulme joined Phil Parkinson’s revolution from Salford City last summer and soon set about leading the line.
In all, the Robins hit more than 101 goals on their way to 95 points as they finished 13 clear of Ashton United – who went on to be promoted through the play-offs – and Warrington Town.
Hulme was a big factor in their success and his contribution to returning the club back to Step 2 at the first attempt earned him the Brandon Hire Step 3/4 Player of the Year prize.
“I didn’t really like football nine months ago, to be honest,” Hulme said. “I fell out of love with it and got on board with Altrincham to see how things went.
“But to be winning an award now is unbelievable and I’ve really enjoyed every minute of it. I’m just so happy to win this award.
“You can go to places on a Tuesday night and be questioning whether you want to be doing it anymore and you come to this part of the season, and you’re absolutely loving it, and you can’t wait to start again. It’s a long season of ups and downs but that’s football.”
Hulme had been planning to play in America throughout the summer until a snag with his clearance scuppered the short-term move.
But it did mean he could travel to Stamford Bridge to collect his award. As self-deprecating as ever, Hulme joked the nominations must have come from a single performance but pointed out the enjoyment he got from of Non-League football coming together at the end of the season.
“I still can’t believe it,” Hulme said. “They must have watched a good game! I feel like I’ve had a good season but I’m helped by great teammates, a great gaffer and a great club – I’m taking all the accolades at the minute and I can’t complain about that.
“There’s a common goal to do well in football and you need these things to get people together.”
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