Man Utd legend Denis Law honoured at North-West Football Awards

The winners of the Ladbrokes Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2021 have been revealed during a star-studded ceremony.

More than 650 guests attended the black-tie event last night, which was hosted by BBC and Strictly’s, Dan Walker, at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. The event celebrated and honoured the stars of the 2020/21 season.

Winners were named in nine player categories, as well as in a raft of other honours – including the highly sought-after Moment of the Season, as voted for by fans from around the world.

The Lifetime Achievement accolade was awarded to the legendary Denis Law, CBE, for his achievements throughout his playing career for Manchester United and Manchester City and Scotland. The award was given in memory of Maurice Watkins, CBE, who had been a judge of the NWFA since its inception 14 years ago. 

It was also a successful night for Manchester City’s women’s team with Chloe Kelly being awarded the Women’s Player of the Season and Lauren Hemp receiving The Athletic Women’s Rising Star Award.

Laura Wolfe of the Ladbrokes Northwest Football Awards said: “The quantity and quality of entries continues to rise year on year and the effort that the clubs put into their entries is truly humbling. The array of footballing talent across this region is second to none and I congratulate each and every winner and thank everyone who submitted entries that made the job of our judging panel so demanding, but hugely inspirational.”

Full list of winners

Community Initiative of the Season: City in the Community, City Thrive

Community Club of the Season - All Other Leagues: Blackpool FC Community Trust

Community Club of the Season – Premier League: Manchester United Foundation/ Highly Commended – LFC Foundation

Kick It Out Promoting Inclusion Award - League: Everton Football Club/ Highly Commended – Foundation 92

Kick It Out Promoting Inclusion Award – Non-League: Creative Football

Business and Professional Services to Football: Brabners/ Highly Commended – UZ Gamechanger

Best Club Marketing, Sponsorship or Engagement Campaign: Tranmere Rovers Football Club

Fan Media, Channel or Podcast of the Season: The RochdaleAFC.com Podcast

Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season: Sam Matterface – talkSPORT

Northwest Football Journalist of the Season: Daniel Taylor – The Athletic UK

Unsung Hero: James Tagg

Manager of the Season: Neil Critchley – Blackpool FC

Premier League Player of the Season: Mo Salah - Liverpool Football Club

Championship Player of the Season: Adam Armstrong – Blackburn Rovers Football Club

League One Player of the Season: Will Keane – Wigan Athletic Football Club

League Two Player of the Season: Peter Clarke – Tranmere Rovers Football Club

National League Player of the Season: John Rooney – Stockport County

Women’s Player of the Season: Chloe Kelly – Manchester City

The Athletic Rising Star: Harvey Elliott – Blackburn Rovers Football Club

The Athletic Women’s Rising Star: Lauren Hemp – Manchester City

Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance: Matt Barrass

Billy Seymour Impact Award, in association with The Offside Trust: Jordan Henderson

The Maurice Watkins, CBE Lifetime Contribution Award: Denis Law

Moment of the Season: Tyrhys Dolan, Preston North End v Blackburn Rovers, 24.11.20 - Dolan dedicating his goal to his late friend, Jeremy Wisten.