Josh Gordon and Alfie Bates pick up season awards from Walsall Supporters' Trust

A total of 1,283 fans voted for each award – an increase of more than 23 per cent on last year – after the Trust decided to bring their awards forward due to the coronavirus pandemic, with football suspended indefinitely.

Earning 46 per cent of the vote, Gordon has picked up the player of the season award as the club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals.

His name will be the first on the new Robert Sadler shield, named after a Trust member who has been involved in the awards since 1961.

“Thank you to everybody who voted for me for player of the season,” Gordon said. “It was a lovely message to open, especially during these times.

“I want to take the time out as well to say thank you for all your continued support throughout the season and hopefully we can see you again soon when it’s safe to do so.

“Stay at home, stay safe and again thank you for voting for me.”

Runner-up Wes McDonald received 22 per cent of the vote, while Rory Holden and Dan Scarr got eight per cent each.

For the young player of the season, Bates had 48 per cent of the vote, while Elijah Adebayo and Callum Cockerill-Mollett had 22 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.

“I would like to say thank you for all your support over this season and thank you for voting me young player of the year,” Bates said.

“I really appreciate it and hopefully we can get back to football soon.”

Gordon and Bates have also won £200 and £100 Co-operative Travel vouchers.

Trust secretary Steve Davies added: “This has been a welcome distraction while there’s been no football.

“Thank you to everyone who voted and to Steve Thompson for sourcing the new shields for us. Josh will be the first name on the Robert Sadler shield.

“Also thank you to Co-operative Travel for donating the £200 and £100 vouchers.”