Spartans duo Debbi McCulloch and Kerry Montgomery were the toast of the SWPL as they collected the 2014 Manager of the Year and Player of the Year Awards at their Ainslie Park ground.
Scotland Women’s National Team Manager Anna Signeul was on hand to present the pair with their Awards as voted on by their SWPL peers across the land.
Debbi receiving her award (Photo: Alan Simpson)
Spartans Manager Debbi McCulloch came out on top in a three-horse race that included Inverness City’s Bruce Morrison and Glasgow City’s Eddie Wolecki-Black.
2014 saw McCulloch take her team to their inaugural Scottish Cup Final whilst they finished 4th in the SWPL, during which they became the first team in some six years to defeat Glasgow City in domestic competition.
Speaking after receiving her award from the Scotland National Coach, a smiling McCulloch spoke to us, you can listen to what she said below.
Montgomery picked up the Player of the Year prize after topping the four-strong short-list of players, voted for by fellow players across the divisions in Scotland. Fellow Spartans team mate Sarah Ewens, Glasgow City pair Jo Love and Denise O’Sullivan were also nominated.
An ebullient Montgomery admitted afterwards that she was “amazed to have even made the shortlist” against a strong field of potential contenders for the coveted award.
Kerry collecting her award (Photo: Alan Simpson)
The playmaking midfielder who has netted 12 times in 26 games this season said, “I was genuinely amazed to have even made the shortlist, so to hear I’d actually won it was a bit surprising! Also, to be recognised by your fellow players is a brilliant feeling too. I am really grateful to all those who voted for me – I’m absolutely delighted.”
After making her debut for the SWPL side in 2012, the 26 year old has had a successful first full season at Ainslie Park which resulted in a call-up to the Scotland National set-up, including a place in Anna Signeul’s squad for their friendly v Wales in August.
It’s the second award in less than a week for Montgomery after she picked up the Spartans Coach’s Player of the Year Award at the weekend. Was this the best season in her football career so far? She smiled, “Without a doubt yes. It’s been a surreal year however I’ve worked really hard and made sacrifices along the way so to be awarded in return makes it all worthwhile.”
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