Gonet's Gongs

David Christie • Published 24 Jun 2009 10:22

Keeper picks up 4 awards at the end of season bash

HERO keeper Stefan Gonet pulled out all the stops as he all-but swept the board at the Player of the Year awards.

The Bankies number one collected no fewer than four gongs - Player of the Year, Player"s Player of the Year; UCS football team Player of the Year and the much coveted Bankie Babes Player of the Year.

Gonet"s achievements were all the more special as it was the affable goalie"s first full season following an injury plagued 2007.

Key saves from the spot in the run up to the Scottish Cup final stick out, but the 27-year-old was in fine form throughout the league campaign and an almost ever present fixture between the sticks.

Modest as ever, Gonet remarked of his four trophy haul: 'It really was a surprise and an honour to pick up so many awards as this year was all about the team and how we performed together.

'It was not all down to me, but I"m delighted to get the awards. Personally, it has been a great year and, but for one result, could not have gone any better.

'To receive the Player of the Year in particular was pleasing as it is voted for by fans who are turning up in their numbers every week to watch us. To know they are proud of you is special.'

But the Bankie Babes award - given by the club"s female fans - has got the Paisley man blushing.

He added: 'The guys have been having a laugh and winding me up about it. I think Jacko [Alan Jack] won it last time so I"ve plenty to live up to.'

Captain Gary Lynn collected the Bobby Woods Best Newcomer award while Clydebank"s longest Junior servant Mark Hailstones was named the Dallas Decor Trust Player of the Year.

Boss Budgie McGhie congratulated his trusty keeper, who was delighted to stay put at Holm Park for another year.

McGhie said: 'I"m really pleased for him. As a manager I am more interested in the team ethic than individuals, but it is nice for Stefan as he is a good guy. It is well deserved and it is even more impressive when you think of the fact he just came back from injury.

'He was consistently good throughout the season and the challenge now is for him to produce that same level or even better next season.'

With the team now back from a weekend jaunt to Liverpool, the boss is busy speaking to his squad, discussing new deals with some and releasing others.

There has been inquiries about several of his squad so McGhie is preparing himself for every eventuality.

'You never know what"s going to happen at this time of the season,' joked McGhie. 'Sometimes a player will tell you they are leaving and it hits you right out of the blue.

'But hopefully it will all go smoothly and we"ll have contracts sorted out by the end of the week.'

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