Player-of-the-year promises better times ahead

Last updated : 27 May 2003 By Paddy Davitt

A desperately poor campaign was fittingly acknowledged with defenders sweeping the board at the club’s end-of-season awards bash.

Mo Konjic won the player of the year as voted for by readers of the Evening Telegraph and the official club website.

Evergreen Richard Shaw was honoured by his fellow players winning players’ player of the year.

While the next generation of stoppers was represented by Calum Davenport who scooped young player of the year - awarded by the coaching staff to the most improved under-21 performer.

For Konjic accepting the plaudits of the fans proved a humbling experience at the event held at Birmingham’s Metropole Hotel.

“I would play with one leg in front of our supporters if I had to because it means that much to me,” said the club captain.

“Being voted player of the year is a great thing for me and I was so surprised because I never expected it.

“I have had some bad injuries this season but even though they looked serious, they didn’t force me to rest for more than two weeks.”

Although happy with the individual accolade the popular player acknowledges there needs to be a major team improvement for next season.

“This makes me even more determined to play better but it is more important that the team do well because even though I have got this award, I still feel we owe the club and the supporters a great deal,” he said.