Durham Women’s Sarah Robson has been named as the North East Football Writers’ Women’s Player of the Year for 2022.
It was a memorable year for the Northern Irish international, who has excelled for both club and country over the last twelve months.
After becoming the first player to pen professional terms at Maiden Castle in the summer, Robson has had a fine start to the 2022/23 campaign – impressing at both ends of the field.
Her committed defensive displays have been enhanced by some telling contributions in attacking areas, including a memorable last minute winner against Lewes and her injury time leveller in the dramatic penalty win over Manchester United.
On the international stage, Robson – who plays under her maiden name McFadden for Northern Ireland – was part of the GAWA side who won many plaudits at this summer’s European Championships.
Robson played all three games as her nation took on some of Europe’s elite, including eventual winners England, and was hailed as the ‘best centre back at the tournament’ by manager Kenny Shields.
And that fine year has now been rewarded after Robson scooped the coveted NEFWA trophy for the second year running, having also taken home the honours in 2021.
She becomes the second Durham Women to take home the award twice, following in the footsteps of Beth Hepple.
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes won the Men’s Player of the Year Award.
NEFWA secretary Colin Young said: “After another exciting year for North East football, we’ve got two extremely worthy recipients of two of our main awards.
“Bruno Guimaraes was a clear winner of the Men’s vote after a fantastic first year at Newcastle and Sarah Robson’s Women’s award underlines the way in which Durham continue to be a great footballing story for the region.
“We’re looking forward to our winners getting their awards at our awards night in March, which is always a real highlight of the North East footballing calendar.”
Further award winners, including the NEFWA Young Player of the Year, plus the recipients of the prestigious John Fotheringham and Bob Cass Awards, for outstanding service to North East football, will be announced in due course.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation/NEFWA personality of the year award, which was handed to Middlesbrough-born Chris Kamara last year, will also be revealed later this month.
The North East football writers also recognise the achievements of the region’s non-league clubs and this year will honour Gateshead and Marske United’s promotions.
The NEFWA Awards Night, sponsored by William Hill and the FWA, will take place at the Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club, near Durham, on Sunday, March 5. Ticket details are available by emailing claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk.
