Highland League award winners revealed

James Anderson was crowned player of the year at the Breedon Highland League awards dinner in Inverness.

The striker, who moved from Clachnacuddin to Brora Rangers in February, had a stellar season netting 30 goals in all competitions and helping Brora retain the league title.

Anderson, 24, scored 22 goals for the Lilywhites and bagged eight goals following his move to the Cattachs.

He said: “I genuinely wasn’t expecting it at all – Miller Keir has had a great season and I thought he was going to win it.

“It’s amazing and it was a complete surprise. To be voted as the player of the year by the other players in the league means a lot because there’s so much quality in the Highland League.

“I’m buzzing to win it and it’s a massive honour to receive it.

“If you’d said to me in February that I was going to end up going to Brora, winning the league and then winning this I wouldn’t have believed you.

“Winning the league was amazing and this is just as good to receive this recognition from the players in the league.

“My team-mates at both Brora and Clach have been amazing. When I was at Clach we did well and it’s been really good since going to Brora as well.

“The way I play I need service so I can only thank my team-mates for giving me that service.

“I wouldn’t have won this without them.”

Ewen recognised

Keith boss Craig Ewen was named manager of the year after guiding the Maroons to their highest finish (seventh) and best points total (58) for 15 years.

The Maroons amassed 26 points more than last term and Ewen said: “It’s a massive team effort at Keith and this isn’t an individual award for me.

“We’re a small management team and I’ve got to give great credit to Chris Craib (assistant manager) and Rod McKinnon (goalkeeping coach).

“It’s an award for the whole club. From the chairman Andy Troup, Charlie Simpson (vice-chairman), Fiona Simpson (secretary), everyone on the committee and the unsung heroes that help out like Scott McKenzie.

“But the most credit has to go to the players because they were outstanding.

“On a personal level my wife Alison has been a big support to me and she has to put up with me – so she probably deserves the award.

“I’ve also got a special supporter in my daughter Kaela who comes and supports me wherever I go.

“I’m delighted for everyone connected with Keith because this is an award for everyone, not just me.

“For the other managers to recognise what we’ve done this season and to vote for me fills me with pride because the managers in the Highland League are all really good.”

Double win for Keir

Miller Keir scooped the young player of the year award after a terrific first season with Turriff United.

The 19-year-old striker scored 31 goals in all competitions and his 28 league goals also earned him the top scorer trophy.

He said: “These awards mean a lot to me and I could never have expected to have had this success when I came into the Highland League at the start of the season.

“Not many people are able to say they’ve been young player of the year in the Highland League and it’s something that will stick with me for a long time.

“It’s been a season beyond my wildest dreams really.

“I’m grateful for the way Turriff have treated me and for the opportunities I’ve been given all season.”

Meanwhile, Fraserburgh claimed the fair play award for the second year in a row and four club stalwarts were recognised with unsung hero awards.

Brora Rangers’ John Young, Barbara McLeod of Strathspey Thistle, Huntly’s Stuart Milne and Donald Graham of Nairn County were all honoured for their dedication to their respective clubs.

[Source: Press and Journal]