Football writers name Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish Midlands player of year
Villa captain Jack Grealish has been named Midlands player of the season by the Football Writers’ Association.
The 25-year-old was chosen as this year’s stand-out performer by the FWA’s members in the region.
Wolves skipper Conor Coady received the Ralph Ellis Award for services to media, while Leicester City’s Brendan Rodgers won the manager of the season prize.
Grealish claimed the award despite having now missed more than a third of Villa’s campaign because of a shin injury.
Prior to being sidelined in February he was enjoying the best season his career, scoring six goals and setting up 10 more – a figure still only bettered by Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes.
Grealish also made his long-awaited breakthrough into the senior England set-up and – fitness permitting – will be part of Gareth Southgate’s squad at the forthcoming European Championships.
“I’m delighted to have won this award,” said Grealish. “It’s been a great season personally and for the club. I’ve hit many personal achievements which I couldn’t have dreamt of doing. I’ve had a great season with England and Aston Villa.”
Coady claimed the services to media prize, named in honour of former FWA national committee member Ellis who passed away in 2018.
It is given to any member of club staff – player, manager or media team – who members feel has helped them the most over the course of the season.
Rodgers, meanwhile was named manager of the season after guiding the Foxes to third in the Premier League and to their first FA Cup final in 52 years.
