The Ards supporters hailed captain Aaron McKee as their Player of the Year at the club awards function on Saturday evening.

Newtownards lad McKee won awards from both the Premier Ards and Red & Blue Supporters' clubs to cap a terrific year for the 24 year-old at the end of his first full season with the club.

Supporters and players, backroom staff and directors gathered in the town to celebrate the successes of the season and give thanks to those who had contributed to the football club. There were merit awards given to David Black, for his tireless work on the new social club and to Keith Bailie, who represents the club at youth level at the IFA. The annual Club Person of the Year award was given to Andrew McCullough who runs the official website.

Goalkeeper Ian Mannus was chosen by the first team squad as their player of the year, while Craig McMillen was the first recipient of the Billy Humphries Trophy for Young Player of the Year.

Top goal-scorer this term was Justin McBride and Ryan Tumelty won Goal of the Season for the second time for his strike against Bangor on Boxing Day - that award was voted for by website visitors.

The club's board of directors chose Jay Magee as their Player of the Season and the award was collected on his behalf by coach Andy Harwood.

Youth team manager Lee Forsythe chose Jamie Patterson as the Colts Player of the Year and also presented Gary Sharratt with his top goal-scorer award. The Colts team selected Mark Drysdale as their Player of the Year, while Chris Cowden won the Goal of the Season prize.

An excellent turnout of players and supporters ensured a successful day that began with a challenge football match and ended with a celebration of the great and the good at Ards Football Club.

ardsfc.co.uk