Josh Gordon and Wes McDonald scoop double honours in Walsall awards

Striker Gordon was named player of the season after finishing top of an online poll conducted by the Walsall Supporters’ Trust.

McDonald was named players’ player of the season, while the winger also claimed the goal-of-the-season prize for his strike in January’s win over Crawley Town. Gordon received the Golden Boot after finishing top scorer with 12 goals over the course of the shortened season.

Teenage midfielder Alfie Bates was voted young player of the year while apprentice of the season went to Joe Willis.

The final award saw Stuart Sinclair named the club’s community player of the year for his work off the pitch since joining the club last summer.

The 32-year-old took part in a number of community schemes during his first year at the Banks’s, fronting the club’s ‘You Vs Train’ campaign, promoting safety on the railways. Former Bristol Rovers midfielder Sinclair has also been a champion for mental health.

He said: “A club like Walsall is built around the community, so making sure that we are doing everything we can is important.

“It’s not just a positive for the community, it’s also a positive for us players as well to see people and interact with the fans.

“We try and do as much as we can besides just the 90 minutes on the pitch.”

Saddlers community director Adam Davy added: “Stuart has been fantastic in the community and is a worthy winner of the award.

“He has gone above and beyond on occasions, such as surprising a community mascot at his school, or staying behind after full-time to speak to a mental health group.

“It’s clear that, even in just a short time, he fully understands the bond between the club and the community.”