Hockenhull lands big Avenue prize
7:20pm Thursday 15th May 2008
Darren Hockenhull won the coveted players' player of the year gong at Bradford Park Avenue's presentation evening.
Defender Hockenhull edged out midfielders Connors and Tom Baker, who were tied on votes cast, by just two nominations.
There were so many strong characters in the dressing room and the award could have gone to any one of six or seven players.
Connors and Baker formed the dynamic midfield pairing for most of the season; former Halifax Town skipper Paul Stoneman was a rock at centre back; Mike Moseley ended the campaign as the leading scorer; Paul Gedman scored vital goals and led the line well; goalkeeper Jon Worsnop was also on top form throughout the season.
Worsnop won the UniBond Division One safe hands award one month and finished a second month with the best record of goals conceded in the division.
Bradford boss Dave Cameron said: "Darren won the players' player of the year and that is the one they all want.
"It's nice to win anything and the club's player of the year and the awards the supporters' club vote for mean a lot but nothing gives a man more confidence than walking into a dressing room of fellow players knowing that they all value you more than any other player in there.
"It was something special to win it this year because of the tough competition.
"I have to commend every player who was in the running and one or two who slipped under the radar."
The supporters' club player and clubman of the year awards went to club captain Connors and Baker respectively.
Cameron still has big decisions to make regarding his plans for next season. He had hoped to have finalised his retained list by Monday.
Some players will be released to free up some of the budget to accommodate the expected influx of newcomers.
Farsley Celtic's former Hal-ifax Town and Chester City striker Ryan Sugden, Carl Ellington - brother of Bradford-born Watford striker Nathan - and a centre back on contract with a Conference club are all rumoured to be targets for Cameron.
Mark Jones is the only one confirmed to be moving on. He had two spells on loan at Radcliffe Borough last season and the clubs have made the transfer permanent.
Griff Jones, midfielder Ross Clegg and winger Chris Gaghan could also depart before the pre-season.