By Brian Bennett | Photo: Ian Brodie

Ashington FC’s Craig Spooner won the prestigious Players Player of the season award on Sunday night when the Colliers held their promotion party in the clubhouse.

A comprehensive 3-0 win over Glossop North End in Derbyshire in the Inter step play off saw the Wansbeck outfit elevated from the Ebac Northern League first division to the NPL East Division.

Spooner pointed to what he described as being ‘an incredible season’ and said from a personal point of view, the trophy was the icing on the cake.

“This is the first time in senior football that I’ve won the award and it’s a great feeling,” he said, “It’s been an incredible season for the club and to get this (award) off the lads is one of the better things which I’ve won in my career so far. I said after we clinched promotion down in Glossop that it was my biggest achievement – and this tops it off. It’s great recognition for the hard work which I have put in – but credit to all of the players.  Any one of them could have won it because they have all been fantastic.”

The news came as a complete shock to the 24 year old: “Did I think I would be in the running? Not a chance,” he added, “I gave 110 per cent in every game and obviously what I did has paid off. To say I’m well chuffed is an understatement.”

Ashington boss Ian Skinner said: “It was a good choice. Craig has been both Mr Consistent and Mr Versatile for us this season. He’s filled in at left back; right back; played across the midfield; as a number ten and come up with some important goals as well. What you see is what you get with Craig. He trains well and plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives everything he has got for the club and I’m delighted for him to be recognised for what he has done.”

He continued: “It’s a well known saying in football that the Player’s Player award is the one which every footballer wants to win because the voting is done by their fellow team mates. After the season we have had, if the award could have been shared out, it would have acknowledged the contribution from everybody but Craig’s team mates have recognised that little bit extra which he has given. Congratulations to him – he should be feeling very proud.”