Adam Barrett was Gillingham's star player for the season

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham rounded off their championship winning season with their player-of-the-year evening on Sunday night.

Captain Adam Barrett was named supporters’ player-of-the-year while Joe Martin took the players’ player award and Bradley Dack was named young player-of-the-year.

Barrett (pictured) played 46 games as he led the Gills to the League 2 title.

He said: “It’s been a fantastic season, as well know and I want to thank everyone for their support, the lads really do appreciate it.

“It’s not very often you go and win the title so we all realise it’s been very special. Let’s just hope we can repeat it next year.”

Runner-up for the main award of the evening, behind Barrett, was Stuart Nelson, while Matt Fish came in third.

Nelson (left), meanwhile, took the award for sponsor’s player-of-the-year, presented by MEMS chairman Colin Jarvis and also the Chairman’s Cup.

“It’s been a great season,” said the keeper, who kept 18 clean sheets in League 2 – a personal record.

“A big thanks to the players because without them I couldn’t do what I have done and the manager, the staff and the chairman and the captain.”

Fish (below) also received the goal-of-the-season shield. His strike against Accrington Stanley, to win the game, clinched the award for the 24-year-old.

“It’s been a great season and hopefully we can do the same next year,” he said.

Danny Kedwell’s goal against Bradford, in the club’s first league game of the season, took the runner-up spot while Deon Burton’s winner against Morecambe was third.

Youth manager Darren Hare presented 19-year-old Dack with his award. He played 20 games during the title-winning season.

Hare, who watched many of his young players perform at Burton at the weekend, said: “This year has been an absolute magnificent achievement for a lot of our young players.

“They have tested, they have been pushed to the limits and when they do that they need reward and it was so pleasing to have a manager to give those young players the opportunity to play. It was an excellent day and it’s been an excellent season.

“Bradley is a great character, he is vibrant with a great personality and he is going to be a wonderful player.”

Club captain Andy Frampton also addressed the audience at Priestfield’s Great Hall.

He said: “It’s been a fantastic season but not achievable without the effort from all of the lads and from start to finish we have been stand-out in the league.”

Among the guests was West Ham chairman David Gold, a close friend of Gills’ Paul Scally.

Mr Gold said: “I am pleased for the players and the manager but most of all, like all chairman, the respect we have for those dedicated fans.

“I am really pleased (Gillingham) came first. Well done Gillingham fans and the football club – fantastic.”

Secretary Gwen Poynter, meanwhile, was awarded the Elliott Scally Trophy award for her work behind the scenes. Next season she will be entering her 20 year working for the club.

Pictures: Barry Goodwin