Waitakere United celebrate stellar season

Waitakere United celebrated a stunning season with their Annual Awards Dinner at Trusts Stadium in Henderson last night and it was close to a clean sweep for the experienced defenders in the side as individual gongs were handed out.

Former All White Jonathan Perry took out the most prestigious award with the Player of the Year but he was joined on the honour roll by fellow defenders Danny Hay (Young Fans Player of the Year) and Neil Emblen (Players Player of the Year) while attacking midfielder Allan Pearce celebrated his recent All White call up with the Supporters Club Player of the Year.

The Carl Jorgensen coached National Youth League side was also recognized for their victory this season with Matt Wallace collecting the golden boot and player of the year trophy.

120 guests gathered in the lounge of the new Douglas Field grandstand as if to celebrate not only a treble winning season but the new surroundings that will be home to the club for the future, a point acknowledged be Executive Chairman Rex Dawkins in his opening address.

“Tonight is a chance to celebrate quite outstanding success and recognize individual award winners but it also a chance to reflect on the new facility that is now our home here at Trusts Stadium. The work of the council and the Trusts is to be applauded in providing not only Waitakere United but the community out west a superb stadium and playing surface on which to watch and play football.”

As well as the individual awards, the three trophies on display were handed over once again. In the absence of skipper Danny Hay, Neil Emblen and Darren Bazeley did the honours with the NZFC and O-League silverware.

Emblen and Bazeley are now New Zealand residents and have made their lives here working in the community as coaches with Waitakere United and United Soccer 1 respectively. Emblen was delighted with a stellar season.

“This year has been special without doubt. After a couple of tough years with the Knights it is fantastic to be a part of a winning club and to get some rewards for the hard work that the entire club has put in. From the front office to the back room staff to the supporters it has been a team effort and a thrill to be a part of.”

Head Coach Chris Milicich enjoyed a night of celebration and took the chance to look back on a great season, knowing the focus has already shifted to the future.

“It is great to take time out to celebrate and enjoy our success, it is important I think that we do this before we move on totally to the new season. Our success is down to a focus from the entire club, from the Board and Chairman, to the front office, to my coaching and support team, to the players, their partners and our supporters; each has done their bit and shared our drive to succeed.

“We have already been working towards next season and in particular our trip to Japan and the FIFA Club World Cup but for now it is about enjoying our success and sharing a few stories about the season just gone.”

Waitakere United 2008 Awards

Volunteer of the Year
Terry McCahill, Lyn Avon United

National Youth League Player of the Year (and Golden Boot)
Matt Wallace

Young Fans Club Player of the Year
Danny Hay

Supporters Club Player of the Year (and Golden Boot)
Allan Pearce

Players’ Player of the Year
Neil Emblen

Player of the Year
Jonathan Perry

Team Presentations
National Youth League Champions
NZFC Minor Premiers
NZFC Champions
O-League Champions