Express & Star

Wayne Hennessey tops Wolves awards

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Wayne Hennessey finally had some cheer after being voted Wolves' Player of the Season last night.

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Wayne Hennessey finally had some cheer after being voted Wolves' Player of the Season last night.

The Wales international, who is currently nursing a ruptured cruciate ligament, topped the fans' poll of around 4,000 votes ahead of last year's winner Matt Jarvis and 11-goal top scorer Steven Fletcher, who also took the Players' Player of the Season award.

Hennessey conceded 73 goals in his 34 Premier League games before getting injured in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland, but he topped the saves made among top-flight keepers.

Click here to see more pictures from the event.

Manager Terry Connor paid tribute to the 25-year-old keeper, who is expected to be out until October.

"It's been a good season for him personally and it speaks volumes for his mental strength that he's continued to perform at such high levels," said the boss.

His team-mates showered praise on him, but the biggest tribute came from former Wolves keeper Matt Murray. "His performance at the Emirates against Arsenal last season was unbelievable, but his performance there this season was the best goalkeeping display I've ever seen in a Wolves shirt, and probably the best I've seen of all time.

"Although he conceded a lot of goals, he made the most saves of any keeper ahead of people such as Tim Krul and Michel Vorm and he enhanced his reputation as a goalkeeper."

Connor said Fletcher, who edged out Jarvis and Hennessey for the players' gong, was "probably the best attacking header of a ball in the Premier League".

Stephen Ward said: "You're now seeing a mature goalkeeper and Wayne is one of the best in the Premier League.

"He's become very vocal even though he's still very young for a keeper."

Keeper Dorus De Vries added: "He commands his box, he's a great size and he's got great reflexes."

Anthony Forde, 18, who made his senior breakthrough this season with Premier League appearances against Chelsea (twice), Arsenal, Sunderland and Everton, won the Academy Player of the Year award.

Connor said: "If Fordey keeps developing his tactical awareness and positional sense, hopefully he will have a very bright future and play a lot of games for Wolves."

Midfielder David Davis, 21, collected his Young Player of the Year award at the Everton game. Goal of the season went to midfielder Adlene Guedioura for his stunning shot in the 5-0 Carling Cup win against Millwall.

Barbara Morris, 83, from Pendeford, was presented with the Express & Star's Fan of the Year award by favourite players Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly.

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