SK KITS STEP 3 & 4 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
RYAN KENDALL – NORTH FERRIBY UNITED
RYAN KENDALL didn’t have much time to reflect on and enjoy his achievements this season – as he was quickly flung into a flurry of exams!
Kendall, studying sports coaching at Hull University, had three tests this past week after firing North Ferriby United to a famous treble.
The unfancied Grange Lane club won the Evo-Stik NPL Premier on goal difference, the Doodson Sport Cup and the East Riding Senior Cup.
The 23-year-old striker scored 36 league goals, over a third of his team’s total, including two hat-tricks and goals in 26 different league games.
That record put him third in the Pro Direct Golden Boot standings but he won the SK Kits Step Three & Four Player of the Year award for his hand in the Villagers’ title win.
He was also the NPL Premier fans’ player of the year. After playing in Conference North last season, Kendall was always going to cause problems for Step 3 defences.
And so it proved. He netted 14 goals in the Villagers’ last 12 games to clinch promotion on the last day.
The forward now returns to the Conference North where he scored 27 times in 69 appearances for Trinity.
He said: “Fortunately I’m in a team that creates a lot of chances. In fact, I probably should have scored more!
“When I joined from Gainsborough, I knew the club had ambitions. It was tough to drop down but with my university work I needed a club closer to home or my football would have been affected.
“North Ferriby is right on my doorstep, the manager showed interest in me and I’ve really enjoyed my time here – it’s the perfect scenario for me.”
