Top recognition for Colt Hargreaves

“I’m very proud to be associated with Paul Didsbury and the award named in his honour. It was very emotional.” Ryan Hargreaves

Fleetwood’s under 17 Colts captain Ryan Hargreaves was invited to the senior presentation last weekend to represent his side but unexpectadley came away with a prestigious award.

Coach Jon Amor said the ever-present second row has displayed leadership through-out the campaign and his conduct was rewarded with the annual Signaller Paul Didsbury trophy.

“Ryan Hargreaves has been captain for this year’s Junior Colts and is one of those skippers who leads through actions not words and he has given me everything expected from a captain this season" said the coach.

“He stands up for all his players whilst keeping them in line. He respects officials and opposition alike and when results do not go our way he will be the first to look on a positive side.

“I wouldn’t swop Ryan for the world, he is polite young man and an intense listener which at his age is not something that comes easy to most, overall he is a credit to his family.

"Over the past 8 years or so I have only nominated two players for this top award. It’s always something I do with pride especially having known young Paul Didsbury as a junior here at Fleetwood.”

Ryan thought he was representing his side at the senior award where Scott Richardson lifted the top honours.

“It was a huge surprise and I wasn’t expecting it at all. I thought we were just guest', exclaimed a stunned Ryan.

“The words expressed by Jon for the award reminds me of the impact I’ve made on my team, my coach and the club.”

Looking ahead to next term as a senior Colt, student Ryan clearly has an eye on his future playing career.

“My focus is clearly on a first team spot so my aim is to carry on in the same way and improve. It’s important I take the rest of the lads on that journey as well. The team is very important – it’s about all the lads.

“I’m very proud to be associated with Paul Didsbury and the award named in his honour. It was very emotional” added the former St Aidans pupil.

Signaller Paul Didsbury played junior rugby for Fleetwood from the age of 8. His life was sadly cut short whilst on active service in Iraq during 2005 at the age of 18.

IMAGE Brother and Fleetwood under 15 player Elliott, Ryan, mum Emma and dad Paul at Saturday evening's presentation.

Updated 20:05 - 2 Sep 2019 by Derick Thomas