Josh Vela nets a winning double in Shrewsbury Town awards
Josh Vela was the big winner with two top awards at Shrewsbury Town’s end-of-season presentation.
The midfielder bagged players’ player of the season and supporters’ player of the season, underlining his consistently excellent performances for much of the season.
It was also a virtual night to remember for wing-back starlet Nathanael Ogbeta. The January signing from Manchester City, who recently turned 20, scooped the young player of the season award.
Midfielder Brad Walker, one of 13 players to have been released as boss Steve Cotterill prepares for a summer rebuild, took home the goal of the season prize for his 30-yard thunderbolt at Cambridge in the FA Cup in November.
No Town player featured in more league games this season than Vela, who appeared in 44 of 46 matches in his first full season at the club, starting 43 of them.
The 27-year-old, who is contracted at Montgomery Waters Meadow for next season, has won praise for his energetic displays and relentless work-rate.
And he was the stand-out winner in both categories. Ex-Bolton man Vela is a highly-appreciated member of the Salop dressing room and his performances, particularly since Cotterill’s November appointment, have impressed fans watching on at home.
Shaun Whalley finished as Town’s nine-goal top scorer.
Long-serving Town stadium announcer Ryan Jervis won the Chris Smith special recognition award.
