Clydesdale Bank Premier League Season Awards 2008/2009

The second annual Clydesdale Bank Premier League Awards ceremony, held to celebrate the best of the SPL on and off the field, took place on Monday 11th May at the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow.

In total, 10 awards were presented including Manager, Player and Young Player of the Season, Goal and Save of the Season, Under 19 League Player of the Season, Best Club Media Relations, Best Matchday Hospitality, Best Fan Marketing Initiative and Best Community Initiative.

Hearts Manager Csaba Laszlo has been named Manager of the Season. Laszlo has been a major success story in his first season in Scottish football, his Hearts side currently sitting third in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

 

The Player of the Season has been awarded to Celtic defender Gary Caldwell.

A Scotland regular, he's consistently produced top-level performances for his club in whatever position he's picked.

Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher has been named Young Player of the Season. The 22 year old has established himself as a key member of the Hibs first team, scoring 12 goals so far. Steven picked up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Young Player of the Month awards for October and March.

Marc Crosas of Celtic FC's goal against St Mirren on 28th February 2009 has been awarded Goal of the Season. Each club provided their best goal, and our panel of ex-players chose Marc's stunning volley from around 20 yards out as the best.

Save of the Season was performed by Motherwell's Graeme Smith, during the match against Dundee United on 14th March 2009. The keeper was at full stretch to palm Danny Swanson's dipping effort round the post, and was considered to be a top class save.

The Clydesdale Bank Under 19 League Player of the Season has been won by Sean Welsh of Hibernian. He captained the team which won this season's U19 league and Youth Cup double. Sadly injury prevented him playing in either the Cup Final or the title decider but the 19 year old has just been promoted to the first team squad for next season.

Best Club Media Relations has been awarded to Motherwell, with Best Matchday Hospitality going to Rangers for the second successive season.

Rangers also picked up the award for Best Fan Marketing Initiative for their Family Fan Affordability strategy. This project makes following football more accessible and more affordable for supporters, with a special focus on families. The offer of better value has sparked an increase in ticket sales and very positive fan feedback.

The award for Best Community Initiative was won by Motherwell for their Step Up Initiative. The scheme which involves close co-operation with Strathclyde Police has seen teenage girls in Lanarkshire re-directed from the dangers of drink, drugs and criminal activity towards a healthier lifestyle.

Lex Gold, Executive Chairman of the SPL commented:

"Our clubs are working hard on and off the field to raise standards, and tonight's awards recognise those efforts in what has been another dramatic season. I'm also delighted that the excellent work our clubs do in, and with, their communities to tackle health, employment, education and citizenship challenges will be celebrated."

Best Fan Marketing Initiative	Best Matchday Hospitality Package	Best Community Initiative award

A panel of Scottish football experts chose the award winners for the Manager, Player, Young Player, Goal and Save of the Season. The Under 19 League Player of the Season was voted for by the Under 19 coaches at each of the 12 Clydesdale Bank Premier League clubs. Submissions were invited from all clubs for Best Community Initiative and Best Fan Marketing Initiative with the winners chosen by a panel of representatives from both Clydesdale Bank and the Scottish Premier League. Clydesdale Bank employees and guests voted on Best Matchday Hospitality and Best Club Media Relations was voted for by Scotland's sports media.

Season 2008/2009 Awards Photo Gallery

Season 2008/2009 Awards Video Gallery