Sam Mantom named Walsall's Player of the Season

Sam Mantom was today celebrating after being named Walsall's Player of the Season.

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The midfielder was presented with the award last night as the Saddlers marked the end of their campaign with an end of season awards show at the Banks's Stadium.

Mantom pipped Adam Chambers to the main prize, which is voted for by fans. Keeper Richard O'Donnell was third, while fourth place was a tie between captain Andy Butler, James Chambers and Romaine Sawyers.

O'Donnell picked up the players' player of the season award, ahead of Adam Chambers and Mantom, while left-back Mal Benning was named young player of the season.

Mantom, who joined the Saddlers from Albion in December 2012, made 48 appearances during the course of the campaign scoring five goals. The 22-year-old also signed a new contract which will keep him at the Banks's until 2016, midway through the season.

Mantom said: "I'm absolutely honoured. It's been a fantastic season so I'm delighted. All the way through the year I have been pretty consistent and that is something I'm really pleased about."

O'Donnell, an ever-present this season, was presented his players' player award by captain Butler.

"He (O'Donnell) is the first in training and he works hard every day," said Butler. "To be voted top players by your team-mates, I don't think there is any higher accolade."

A total of nine awards were presented through the course of the evening, with right-back Ben Purkiss picking up the Community Player of the Season prize for his efforts off the field.

The Long Service Award went to former groundsman Roger Johnson, while Dave Evans – who has missed only two games at the Banks's since it was opened in 1990 – was named Fan of the Season.

Goal of the Season went to left-back Andy Taylor for his last-gasp free-kick equaliser at Colchester back in October. Liam Kinsella, who recently signed a professional deal, won the Apprentice of the Season Award.

The final trophy of the night was a Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented to former goalkeeper and community director Mick Kearns.

Kearns retired last year after more than 40 years with the Saddlers.