In a season where Ossett Town have performed beyond what many would have expected, this week it is an individual award that has caught the eye as centre back Tyrone Gay was voted into the Evo-Stick First Division North team of the year, and excellent achievement voted for by the managers of each side in the Division.

In January of last year it was doubtful if Gay, a High School Teacher, would play again after dislocating his knee in a match at Trafford FC, thankfully the injury was not as severe as first thought and he made a full recovery and impressed Grant Black in the summer to earn himself a starting place. He hasn’t looked back!

Black is delighted for his powerful defender saying “The accolade is very well deserved, he has been very consistent and has chipped in with some important goals, scoring six times in his 37 appearances this year. It is a massive credit to him for coming back from his injury and to get to this standard. He is a great player and a great bloke who has a big but calming influence on the side. I am sure he will be the first to say how his team mates have helped him to get the recognition he rightly deserves”

Black is correct in his assumption that Gay would be full of praise for his team mates saying “by far this has been my best season, being comfortable and enjoying my football which is down to having a good group of boys which makes it easier to form relationships on the pitch”

The league award ceremony took place on Sunday evening and a large contingent from Ossett Town, including Gay, were in attendance but he thought he was just there to make the numbers up! “I had no idea I was going to be selected in the team of the year, it is a huge honour as it is voted for by the managers of the opposition side; it was such a shock”.

Ossett Town Chairman, James Rogers, was equally glowing in his praise for Gay “After missing a large chunk of last season Tyrone has come back with a bang this year and thoroughly deserves his place in the First Division North team of the year, from myself and everyone connected at the club, well done Ty”.