Ards FC Awards - Sponsored by Patton's Bakery, Lansdowne Road, Newtownards

Ards supporters gathered on Saturday night to declare Newtownards man Darren Nixon their Player of the Year for 2007/08.

The popular player edged out his defensive partner Gary Spence by just a couple of votes to claim the award from the Premier Ards Supporters' Club. Spence, however, was not without silverwear himself. He won the coveted Players' award, voted for by the Ards first team squad and also picked up the Billy Humphries Trophy for the Club's Young Player of the Year.

Striker Darren Stirling had himself a double too - he was the season's Top Goal-scorer with 19 and also collected the ardsfc.co.uk Goal of the Season award for his strike against Loughgall in March's league game. The Red & Blue Ards Supporters' Club chose Craig McMillen as their top player, while the Ards board of directors gave their best player trophy to Gary Spence.

Chairman Brian Adams, who compered the awards, thanked his fellow directors and the hard-working supporters for their efforts during the season. The club's many sponsors were also thanked, with a number of them asked to present awards on behalf of the club. The event was excellently supported by the first team and youth team squads and their management as well as by supporters and friends.

The 2007/08 Club-Person trophy went to Robert 'Bo' McCullough, who has manned turnstiles for the club for some 30 years. A special merit award was received by Anne McAdam for her fund-raising efforts, including the organisation of the Day at the Races event.

The Ards Colts team were celebrated also, with team manager Lee Forsythe presented with a special award for leading his team to victory at the Youth League Cup final last month. Lee's Player of the Year award went to defender Kerri Grant, a face seen recently in the Ards first team.

The Colts players picked Tony Tumelty as their best player, as well as being the side's Top Goal-scorer. Finally Craig McConkey's strike against Limavady was judged to be the Goal of the Season.

Presentations were also made to recognise milestone appearances for the club. Kris passed the 100 games mark during this season, while Darren Nixon reached 150 appearances this year, from his two spells at the club.