Published: Friday, 26th June, 2009 10:46am

THISTLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Print | Email

Largs Thistle management have signed most of the successful squad from last season including player of the year Ross McMillan. The awards were handed out at a special Provost"s reception at the Willowbank Hotel in Largs on Saturday evening. Provost Bobby Rae was on hand to distribute the winning medals and the First Division trophy to captain Stephen Connick.

McMillan won not just the supporters" player of the year but the new Eric Wither Player of the Year trophy as selected by the committee and players. Willie McClure won the top goalscorer award and secretary Donald Reid won the Archie Dickie award for long service, as secretary and runs the website www.largsthistle.org.uk

Don MacKillop, who received a mention on Radio 1 last season for his top quality cuisine, was another welcome winner for his tireless efforts at the Largs Thistle pie stall and making sure the players are well fed throughout the season. He won the sponsors award from British Energy.

Manager Sandy MacLean said: 'It is thoroughly deserved by Ross McMillan. Nobody can argue with the decision, he has been outstanding and that has been recognised by the players, committee and fans.'

Looking towards next season, Sandy said: 'We have strengthened our pool but I am still in talks with another player - a midfielder -who I am hoping to sign. Burgess is a right sided centre back and has always impressed me when playing for Hurlford. Walton is six foot, athletic, and has a strong desire to win games, and he will complement Ross McMillan. Andrew Monaghan offers us something different up front and is a big powerful centre forward and has a good goalscoring ratio.'

Supporters will get their first chance to see the players in action in a pre-season tournament at Barrfields held over Saturday July 18 and Sunday July 19 in which St Mirren, Benburb and Greenock Juniors will be playing. Friendlies against Partick Thistle and Glencairn have also been arranged.