FRASER Alexander admits to being ‘incredibly grateful’ to his team-mates as he picked up the Players’ Player of the Year trophy at Saturday’s awards night at the Club.

The Blues midfielder, who joined Leiston from Bishop’s Stortford in the summer, and also picked up a trophy for most man-of-the-match awards, has had a very good season in the engine room of Chris Wigger’s side.

Reflecting on his and the team’s 2024/25 campaign, as well as the awards night, Alexander said: “The awards night was a great evening for the whole club.

“It was good to have everyone from the club involved. And players from not just the first team, but the 23s and 18s as well. There are always positives in every season and the night typified that.”

Alexander admitted winning the trophy, voted for by his team-mates, was special.

“I’m incredibly proud to have won Players’ Player of the Year,” he said. “It shows that team-mates respect the work and performances you put in during the season. It’s a very nice award to win and I’m incredibly grateful to my team-mates for voting for me and I just hope I can replicate the same level of performance next season, and even better it.”

Reflecting on the season, the 22-year-old felt it was an up and down one for the Blues who finished 10th in the Southern League Central Premier Division.

“It’s been a mixed season,” he said. “We had an okay start and a good second/third part of the season around December and January. We put in some good performances and won some big games, climbed up the table, which gave us a shot at the play-offs going into the last 10 games.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t kick on and solidify a place in the top five, but none the less it gives us a goal to aim for next season.”

AWARDS NIGHT... PICTURE SPECIAL

So, is he looking forward to a break now?

“You always look forward to a break,” Alexander admitted. “You play a lot of games at Step 3 and in non-league in general. I think we played about 53/54 games this year, which is a lot. So, you always look forward to a break, although you do miss the football.

"I’m sure that in a few weeks’ time, I’ll be itching to get back in pre-season, with the team and playing football again.

“I’m very much looking forward next year at Leiston. A lot of the boys are still under contract and hopefully some who are not will sign new contracts, so we can build a strong team again.

AWARDS NIGHT... ALL THE WINNERS

“I want to say a massive thank you to the fans who supported us home and away. And for the fans that support our social events, it means a lot to the players to see and feel their support.”