Tom Burwell hails SAFC Branch Liaison Council awards as Granit Xhaka wins top prize | OneFootball

The Stadium of Light hosted the SAFC Branch Liaison Council Player of the Year awards on Thursday night, with summer signing Granit Xhaka taking the main prize. He has anchored Sunderland’s midfield since arriving last summer, with the Black Cats still within reach of a European place.

Sunderland interim chief executive Tom Burwell reflected on the occasion in a LinkedIn post, praising Luke O'Nien's connection with supporters, highlighting newer faces such as Chemsdine Talbi, Xhaka, Robin Roefs, Katy Watson and Jessica Brown, and stressing that fans meeting the winners gave players a clear sense of the community they represent.

Robin Roefs was named young player of the year, and Chemsdine Talbi took goal of the season for his strike against Burnley.

Jessica Brown won Sunderland Women's player of the year, with Katy Watson named young player.

Joanne Youngson received the inaugural George Forster Award. Forster died aged 99 and led the Black Cats supporters association for 55 years.

Source: Sunderland Echo