On Saturday last it was announced that it was Sky Blue skipper Jim ‘OBrien who had topped the poll as G-Casino & CCFPA’s ‘Player of the Season’ for 2014-15 (beating off a challenge from fellow midfielder John Fleck for the title). In fact, Jim achieved a clean sweep of awards being presented with three similar accolades from the Club’s London Supporters Club, the Sky Blues’ Welsh Supporters and the Sky Blues Irish Supporters’ Clubs.
After Saturday’s game against Crewe Alexandra, Jim came down to the stage in the Lady Gs Showbar at the Casino to receive his award from a representative of the Casino and Billy Bell, vice chairman of the Former Players Association. The handsome trophy is voted for throughout the season by Sky Blues fans in Lady G’s after every home game when CCFPA’s special guest appears on stage to be interviewed by Billy.
Jim receives the trophy
Jim responded with dignity to the comments of the assembled fans deeply disappointed by the 3-1 defeat suffered by his team at the hands of fellow strugglers. Jim clearly shared the audience’s frustration that the team did not manage to rise to the importance of the occassion.
The strength of the fans’ applause when Jim finally received his award, in a packed Lady G’s, testifies to their recognition of his wholehearted contribution to the Sky Blues’ cause throughout the season and he left the room in no doubt the players would strive to finish the job positively in the last match of the season next Sunday. Congratulations Jim – a worthy winner