Greater Manchester reigns supreme at the 2023 Northwest Football Awards

The 2023 Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) were all but a clean sweep for clubs from Greater Manchester, again showing the world what a footballing powerhouse our city is.

The event, which brought together football enthusiasts and industry professionals, celebrated the remarkable achievements and contributions of this footballing heartland.

Manchester City celebrated their exceptional achievements after a triumphant European football season as treble winners with Erling Haaland taking the prize of Best Premier League Player with a record-breaking number of votes.

Pep Guardiola retained his Manager of the Season title and in the women’s category, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw from Manchester City was honoured as the Women’s Player of the Season.

Elsewhere, it was a good night for England and Man United women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps who was present to collect her Billy Seymour Impact Award.

The awards, which are in their 16th year, also celebrate the best players in other leagues along with rising stars and club community initiatives and lifetime achievement awards. Representatives from the Premier League, PFA and several premier league clubs were in attendance.

Here are the standout winners from Greater Manchester Football Clubs:

Pep Guardiola – Manager of the Season

Manchester City Football Club’s Pep Guardiola, the brilliant mind behind Manchester City’s resounding success, was crowned Manager of the Season. His tactical brilliance and leadership led Manchester City to a remarkable season, earning him well-deserved recognition.

Erling Haaland – Premier League Player of the Season

Manchester City Football Club’s Erling Haaland, a sensational talent, was named Premier League Player of the Season. His record-breaking first season in the Premier League made him the standout choice, and he brought glory to Manchester City.

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – Women’s Player of the Season

Manchester City Women’s Football Club Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw showcased her exceptional skills in women’s football by claiming the Women’s Player of the Season award for Manchester City Women’s Football Club.

Alex Williams MBE – The Maurice Watkins, CBE Lifetime Contribution Award

Manchester Born – played for Manchester City Alex Williams MBE, a figure deeply rooted in Manchester’s football history, received the Lifetime Contribution Award.

His unwavering commitment to the sport, having played for Manchester City, earned him this esteemed honour.

Mary Earps – Billy Seymour Impact Award, in association with The Offside Trust

Manchester United Mary Earps, who has made significant contributions to women’s football, was recognised with the Billy Seymour Impact Award.

Her work with Manchester United and in promoting the women’s game highlighted her dedication.

Dion Charles – League One Player of the Season

Bolton Wanderers Football Club Dion Charles was named League One Player of the Season, adding to Greater Manchester’s footballing glory.

His outstanding efforts with Bolton Wanderers Football Club were duly acknowledged.

Elliot Watt – League Two Player of the Season

Salford City Football Club Elliot Watt, representing Salford City Football Club, was honoured as League Two Player of the Season for his impressive performances during the year.

Josh Lundstram – National League Player of the Season

Altrincham Football Club Josh Lundstram, playing for Altrincham Football Club, emerged as the National League Player of the Season, showcasing his talents in Greater Manchester’s football scene.

City Xtra – Fan Media, Channel or Podcast of the Season

City Xtra’s dedicated fan media and podcast earned them recognition, showcasing the passion and enthusiasm of Manchester City’s supporters.

Natalie Pike – Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season

BBC Radio Manchester and Manchester City FC Natalie Pike, a prominent figure in the football broadcasting world, was named Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season for her exceptional work with BBC Radio Manchester and Manchester City FC.

The Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards not only celebrated the on-field achievements of these exceptional individuals and clubs but also highlighted their off-field contributions.

These awards have brought pride and recognition to Greater Manchester’s football community, solidifying the region’s status as a footballing powerhouse

Laura Wolfe of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards said: “What a night. The quality on show at this year’s awards was magnificent. The work on and off the pitch on show in the Northwest is something we are all immensely proud of and we congratulate all of our finalists.

“Thank you to the fans, clubs, journalists and of course our partners who get behind the awards each year. This one felt special and we look forward to championing the region again next year.”

During the night, tributes were also paid to the crucial role football clubs carry out in the community, with Everton In The Community retaining the hotly contested Community Club of the Season in association with the PFA for the Premier League and Bolton Wanderers winning the Award for clubs from all other leagues, also in association with the PFA. 

As the awards continue growing in popularity and stature, more and more credibility and pride is shone on the northwest region for its football prowess.

So much so that the honour of winning a Northwest Football Award is now considered an admirable honour in the Football Manager 2024 game which is released on the same night as the awards. 

Armstrong Projects, Chris Hamlett said: “This was a wonderful event for the region. Championing the excellent work that clubs and players do on and off the field is so important for us.

“Seeing the plethora of talent on show throughout the region is wonderful to see and highlights why these awards are so special. We love being involved and would like to congratulate everyone who received an award and everyone who was part of making it all happen.”