Pickford deservedly scoops awards hat-trick

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford deservedly picked up a hat-trick of gongs at Everton’s end of season awards evening, The Dixies.

The 24-year-old was named Young Player, Players’ Player and Player of the season at the awards dinner at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Tuesday evening.

The awards were hardly a surprise given Pickford has often been the only bright spot in what has been a difficult season.

The team has struggled badly for consistency, particularly at the start of the campaign, with Pickford the honourable exception.

His performances have not only earned him recognition at club level, but also at international level, with Pickford expected to be England’s no.1 at this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking after collecting his third award, the £30million signing from Sunderland said:

“Three’s not bad for your first season, is it!

“It means a lot to be voted for awards by the fans and your teammates. It’s been an enjoyable first season for me at a massive Club.

“I’m confident I can keep improving and we will continue to improve as a team. The goal for us now is to win these final two games of the season and then get off to a good start next season.”

Wayne Rooney picked up two awards in his first season back at his boyhood club. Rooney collected the Individual Performance of the Season award for his performance against West Ham in November, with his hat-trick goal that night named Goal of the Season.

Seamus Coleman picked up the People’s Club Award following his successful return from serious injury in January.

The award “recognises those individuals that embody the values of Everton Football Club on and off the pitch,” with Coleman’s exemplary attitude and commitment during his return to fitness making him a worthy winner.

On collecting the award, Coleman said:

“I want to thank everyone who gave me this award. I am very humbled. I appreciate it very much.

“Going back to that night in January, it was the result of 10 months hard work. I worked as hard as possible in the gym. I received great support first and foremost and I’ve got thank so many people here at the Club who helped me and looked after me during that period.

“I wasn’t nervous before the Leicester game. To get back in the changing room and see my name on the back of a Blue shirt again…it’s what I’d dream of ever since I was a kid and to come back after 10 months out – it brought that appreciation back.

“I’ve always had that great feeling, of course, but it really hit home after being out for so long.

“It was great to get on the pitch. I got through the 90 minutes that night and we won that night, too, which was great.”

Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka picked up the Howard Kendall award to mark their 11 years of service to the club that has seen them rack up 645 Premier League appearances between them.

Morgan Feeney was named Everton u-23s Player of the Season while midfielder Angharad James was named Everton Ladies’ Player of the Season.

Adrian Heath was the latest “Everton Giant” to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Heath wasn’t present at the awards due to his commitments with Minnesota United but did have a message for the supporters:

Former player and manager Joe Royle was the first ever recipient of the lifetime achievement award to mark his stellar service to the club.

The chairman’s Blueblood award went to Tom Evans, father of young Alfie Evans who sadly passed away last weekend.

Dan Harden was named Fan of the Season. As well as watching Everton home and away Dan also volunteers with Everton in the Community, helping with their disability programmes and Pass on the Memories initiative.

The final word though has to be on Tom Davies’ hair/suit/glasses combo. You go Tom.