North stars get top accolades

NORTH coach Geoff Tardif praised the choice of young North stars Jon Veron and Dave Rihoy for football's top two awards as good for the game and a 'breath of fresh air'. 'They are a coach's dream. Always at training and always wanting to learn,' said Tardif. 'I'm absolutely delighted for both of them.

'People want to watch skilful players like them, not someone who just boots the ball up the pitch.'

Veron won the players' player-of-the-year prize and received it from Wendy Toms, special guest at last evening's Guernsey Football Association presentation at Beau Sejour.

Team-mate Rihoy won the Priaulx Leagues' top individual award.

The St Martin's management team of Colin Renouf and Colin Fallaize were named joint winners of the manager of the year, while former Muratti goalkeeper Ian Drillot was voted top ref.

Eight special awards were made to retiring GFA officials or those involved with island representative football. Roy Trustum, Brian Mercer, Peter Lawlor, Willie Allan, Tony Smith, Colin Fallaize and Steve Harvey were among the recipients and Matt Le Tissier was on hand to make a presentation to Alec Le Noury, who earlier this month stepped down after 19 years as association president.

The GFA also handed over a cheque for £650 to the Fitness Factory rowing team in recognition of their record-breaking row from London to Paris.

GFA ROLL OF HONOUR

Senior leagues

Players' player - Jon Veron

Priaulx - Dave Rihoy

Jackson - Adam Heaume

Railway - Craig Carre

Youth leagues

Players' player - Marc McGrath

Youth One - Marc McGrath

Youth Two - Andrew Rigden

Youth Three - Miles Pengelley.

Women

Players' player - Eleisha Gettings

Joint players of the year - Gemma Bull, Paula Le Page

Joint managers of the year - Colin Renouf and Colin Fallaize

Top referee - Ian Drillot

Oriana youth league fairplay award - Vale Rec