Troon Football Club held our Player of the Year 2023-24 awards night at the club on Saturday night.
We have had an ultimately successful season this time out, with the main objective reached – safety in the Premier Division once again, for a club record 7th successive season in the top flight. With this confirmed well ahead of the end of the season, it allowed us to plan & prepare for next season properly.
Importantly for the club, the progression of young players into the first team has continued, with 12 YOUTH ACADEMY PLAYERS playing in the first team in 2023-24, which we are absolutely delighted about. With the plans already in place for the first team and the Development Team for 2024-25, we will be very well poised to go & kick on next season.
All round, a season to be proud of!
THE AWARDS
GOLDEN BOOT FOR TOP SCORER 2023-24
WINNER: MARK SHANKLAND
Coach Andy Bell presented the first award of the night, the Top Goalscorer Award for 2023-24.
The Top Scorer award went to Mark Shankland, in his first season since joining the club from Auchinleck Talbot last summer.
The top three were as follows:
- Mark Shankland (15 goals)
- Kyle Gilroy (11 goals)
- Dean Fulton (6 goals)
Congratulations Shankers!
COMMITTEE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023-24
WINNER: KYLE GILROY
Vice-Chairman Billy Inglis presented the next trophy of the evening, the Committee Player of the Year.
After a secret ballot of all our Committee members, there was amazingly only three players who received votes!
The top three were as follows:
- Kyle Gilroy (50% of the votes)
- Leyton Dunlop (33% of the votes)
- Dale Moore (17% of the votes)
Congratulations, Kyle!
SUPPORTER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023-24
WINNER: LEYTON DUNLOP
Scott Byrnes presented the third award of the night, on behalf of the supporters.
The Supporter’s Player of the Year Award went to young Leyton Dunlop.
Congratulations Leyton!
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023-24
WINNER: LEYTON DUNLOP
Coach Marty Fraser presented the next trophy of the evening, the Young Player of the Year.
A massive award for our club, as we have always promoted young players and created a pathway for them to the first team.
After a secret ballot of all our first team players, they returned a landslide vote.
The top two were as follows:
- Leyton Dunlop (94% of the votes)
- Charlie Brown (6% of the votes)
Congratulations, Leyton!
MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023-24
WINNER: LOGAN SMITH
Manager Jimmy Kirkwood presented the next trophy of the evening, the Manager’s Player of the Year.
He discussed this award with Dean Keenan, Andy Bell & Marty Fraser, and all were in complete agreement over the winner.
Congratulations, Logan Smith!
PLAYER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023-24
WINNER: DALE MOORE
Assistant Manager Dean Keenan presented the final award of the evening, the Player’s Player of the Year.
After a secret ballot of all our First Team players, they returned a decisive vote as their Player’s Player of the Year.
The top five were as follows:
- Dale Moore (46% of the votes)
- Leyton Dunlop (33% of the votes)
- Kyle Gilroy (11% of the votes)
- Logan Smith (5% of the votes)
- Mark Shankland (5% of the votes)
Congratulations to Gunner, after a fantastic campaign!
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2023-24
TO SPORTS THERAPIST DARRELL DUNSCOMBE
Sports Therapist Darrell goes above & beyond all season with the boys, and the players wanted to acknowledge his efforts. Thanks Darrell!
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2023-24
TO TRACEY KEIR
Tracey is a vital member of the matchday staff, and runs the social club & our hospitality with ease. Not to mention, she has to listen to all kinds of drivel from the players & supporters all season – thank you for all your efforts this season Tracey!
Congratulations to all the award winners – and congratulations to ALL of our players after a long, hard season!!
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHS
by Graeme McKenzie
DEVELOPMENT TEAM PLAYER OF THE NIGHT AWARDS
Our Development Team and our 2007s team are hosting a joint Player of the Year night on Saturday 1st June 2024 in the Portland Park Social Club, with a 6.30pm start. After the awards, we will all settle to watch the Champions League Final.
Come along & support the young team!