Thompson so 'chuffed'

Photo: Dave Murgatroyd

PRIZE GUY . . . Liam Thompson with the coaches' player and players' player of the year trophies

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

LIAM Thompson, grafter, tackling machine and hard-as-nails middle-unit man, scooped two of the three major awards at Oldham RL Club's annual presentation dinner at Whitebank.

Utility forward Thompson (24), one of 18 players already under contract for next season, was voted players' player of the year by his peers and was "lost for words" when he was again called on stage to receive the player-of-the-year trophy from coach Scott Naylor.

Thompson said: "I'm chuffed. It's the first individual trophy I've had since I was 14. Cheers lads."

A former England schoolboys star, Thompson was reared by Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings before becoming one of Naylor's first signings in 2013.

Four seasons and 85 senior games later he heard Naylor describe his contribution in a tough first year at Championship level as "incredible".

Naylor added: "Several players staked a claim, but the award goes to a lad who played in several different positions and was incredible.

'TOGETHER'

"He's a complex person, but this year he has been an absolute credit to himself, the team and the club despite a late-season shoulder injury."

Thompson said: "The season was tough, but we stuck together and came through.

"I had a couple of injections in a shoulder to enable me to get through the last two games. I was asked if I could do a job. And the thought of saying 'no' never crossed my mind.

"We would have been devastated to go back down so I was determined to do my bit alongside the other lads."

Hooker Kenny Hughes was voted supporters' player of the year, to loud acclaim.

Dave Naylor was presented with his Supporters Direct Community Champion award for his work on upgrading and improving the club website.

An Unsung Hero award went to lifelong fan John Davies for his voluntary work on match days, while clubman of the year was conditioner Ryan Dixon, a Salford University student in strength and conditioning, who was said to have done a wonderful job in his first season at pro level.

ORSA (Oldham Roughyeds Supporters' Association) honoured club chairman Chris Hamilton with a special award.

In making the presentation, ORSA official Sheila Somerville paid tribute to Hamilton's hard work, commitment and dedication to the club across two decades.