JIMMY WATSON, who is enjoying his benefit year with Hunslet, was hailed as the Geoff Gunney MBE Clubman of the Year at the Betfred League 1 promotion aspirants’ presentation night, which also doubled as the long-serving fullback’s testimonial dinner.
A packed house enjoyed a litany of insights by legendary chief guest Andy Gregory, the former Great Britain, Wigan and Widnes star, while Braddy Bradshaw was an entertaining MC and comedian Lea Roberts brought the house down.
Sam Hallas was hailed as the Players’ Player of the Year, and Jack Render scooped the Coach’s Player accolade from the Parksiders’ boss Alan Kilshaw. Render also shared the Supporters’ Player of the Year award with Matty Beharrell.
An Outstanding Contribution award went to Jane and Fred Hopkins, who recently stepped down as managers of the Phoenix Lounge after over a decade of service, while special presentations were made to former chairman Grahame Liles and his wife Margaret, together with Ian Johnson (another former chairman) and vice-president Peter Jarvis.
Tony Levison, meanwhile, was formally inducted as a vice president in recognition of his crucial financial backing of the club.
