Awards for Gary and Stefan

Although plans are already well underway for next season there were a couple of final awards to be presented this week for season 2021/22.

Glen's Vodka Manager of the Month

Firstly manager Gary Irvine was recognised by SPFL sponsors Glen's Vodka for his achievements in April with the award Manager of the Month.

This award was very well deserved after the team's performances led to a 2nd place finish in League 2.

During April the Loons secured two wins including the memorable 5-1 victory over Annan at Station Park and securing the three points in the always tricky away trip to Stranraer. Although the points were shared in the Kelty fixture there was much to admire in the team's performance that day. Having gone down to ten men early in the second half, and with New Central Park partying ahead of the home side's trophy presentation, Gary's squad showed real determination to match the Fifers and quell the party atmosphere just a little. The final league game of the season against Stenhousemuir saw the team clinch the vital point for second place.

Of course, Gary is the first to admit this award is bittersweet. He remarked 'It’s always good to be recognised with an award but this one is bittersweet with how the season ended.”

"We had a good April, and I was delighted with the drive my players showed to get the 2nd spot in the League 2 table after a long hard season. I'm particularly proud of how they reacted to going a man down at Kelty and fighting for the point. That shows the spirit in the group, and we will be building on that and using the disappointment of the play-offs to motivate us for next season which we are already looking forward to and making plans.

"As I’ve said before this award is not just down to me but is also earned through the hard work of my coaching team, the backroom staff, Directors and volunteers and of course the players. So a huge thank you to them.

"Equally important is the support I have received from the Forfar supporters over the last year. It was really fantastic to see so many people come out to support the lads last Saturday. From the youngsters of the Forfar Athletic Community Football Club and Forfar Farmington Football Club teams, the young group with the drum making a great atmosphere and the rest of the loyal fans, many of whom travel to away games, it was brilliant to have your backing. We hope you will all be back again next season when we go again.”

Top Goalscorer - Stefan McCluskey

With the top goalscorer award hanging in the balance when the rest of the awards were made in April, the Forfar Athletic Supporters’ Club had to delay the presentation of that trophy.

With Stef adding to his tally in last weekend’s play-off match his place at the top of the scoring charts was confirmed with 13 goals for the season. Stef was presented with the award at Station Park last night by Rhona Shepherd Chair of the Supporters’ Club.

Well done to Stef on all your goals including the tremendous hat-trick against Annan in April. Stef is of course signed up for the next campaign and is determined to exceed this tally for the 2022/23 season.

The final goalscoring charts for 2021/22 were:
Stefan McCluskey 13 (11 L; 1 P-O; 1 C)
Matty Aitken 11 (10 L; 1 C)
Andy Munro 9 (9 L)
Scott Shepherd 7 (6 L; 1 C)
Craig Slater 6 (6 L)
Grant Anderson 5 (3 L; 2 C)
Craig Thomson 4 (4 L)
Steven Anderson 2 (2 L)
Mark Gallagher 2 (1 L; 1 C)
Steven Warnock 2 (2 L)
PJ Crossan 1 (1 L)
Sam Fisher 1 (1 L)
Jamie Ness 1 (1 L)