Larne defender Ridley wins NIFWA Player of the Year

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Larne defender Ridley wins NIFWA Player of the Year

Larne defender Ridley wins NIFWA Player of the Year

Larne defender Matt Ridley has been named Player of the Year at the annual Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association awards.

Larne defender Ridley wins NIFWA Player of the Year

Larne defender Matt Ridley has been named Player of the Year at the annual Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association awards.

Larne FC is celebrating a clean sweep at the annual Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association awards, with defender Matt Ridley taking home the top individual honor. The 25-year-old was named Player of the Year after a standout debut season in the Irish Premiership, where his commanding presence at the back helped Larne secure the Gibson Cup for the third time in four years.

"I am delighted to win Player of the Year," Ridley told BBC Sport NI. "To even be nominated is such a privilege, so to win it is unbelievable. I have loved every minute since walking through the doors in June—I haven't looked back." Ridley edged out teammate Rohan Ferguson and Glentoran's Pat Hoban for the award, a testament to his immediate impact.

The honors didn't stop there. Manager Gary Haveron was awarded Manager of the Season after guiding the Inver Reds to the league title in his first full campaign at the helm. "Matt Ridley has been a colossus for us at the back this season," Haveron said. "Great recognition for the club, and I'm incredibly proud of Rohan and Sean for making the Team of the Year as well."

On the women's side, Glentoran captain Jess Foy claimed the Women's Player of the Year award after leading her side to their second league title in three years. "We had a phenomenal season," Foy noted. "Winning the league against tough opposition in Cliftonville, who pushed us right to the wire, makes it even sweeter."

Rounding out the winners, Crusaders' young striker Fraser Bryden earned Young Player of the Year honors after an explosive season that saw him net 24 goals, marking him as one of the league's brightest prospects. For fans looking to gear up like their favorite stars, this season's success stories prove that the right kit—and the right mindset—can make all the difference on the pitch.

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