Evan Gumbs scoops double Player of the Year award

Warrington Town centre back Evan Gumbs has been crowned Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season.

Gumbs had been an ever-present for the Yellows this season until he sat out the final league game of the season against Hyde United as a precaution ahead of the play-offs.

The former Tranmere Rovers man has passed the century milestone of appearances for the Yellows this season, having now made a total of 111 since making his debut in January 2017 on loan.

Gumbs said: “The quality we’ve had this season from all the lads is unbelievable so for them to pick me out of that bunch means a lot, I’m proud of it. We’ve all worked hard and I appreciate the lads picking me out for that one.

SHOP NOW: Yellows merchandise

“I’ve played every game and I would have liked to end on a high, but you know there’s two games left and they’re the important ones that we need to win, so as long as I’m back for them, I’m happy.

“It’s been a tough few years injuries left, right and centre but that’s part of the game. I just needed that full season, game after game, full 90s and not having to come off with any niggles just to show, I’m still here, I’m still able to do a job!

“Playing alongside Tom has been unbelievable. I’ve had some great centre back partnerships over the years, but he’s a top quality player. I’ve played as well as I have because of him and I think that’s shown, and anyone else would say the same thing, he’s a top quality player.

“Being strong and consistent at the back gives the lads up top the ability and licence to be quite free because they know what’s behind them. It gives them the confidence to know that we’re alright at the back and they can go and win the game for us.”

He was presented with the Players’ Player of the Year award in the club on Saturday evening by manager Mark Beesley, who paid tribute to Gumbs.

Beesley said: “He’s been outstanding all season. He’s got a history with this club. From when I’ve taken over he’s played in every game and he’s been outstanding. The players have recognised how well he’s played this season, he’s come on leap and bounds and he and Tom (Hannigan) have probably been our two best players.

“When you get such bad injuries and bad luck that he’s had and it’s taken him a few years to overcome that. He’s still young and he’s still in the period of his career where he can push on and hopefully that’s with us. He’s outstanding on and off the pitch, he’s bought into everything we wanted to do and he fully deserves everything he gets.

“He wants to keep pushing and playing as high as he can, and the better the club does the better your chance of keeping the likes of Evan, it’s a win-win situation for us.”

Gumbs also picked up the Supporters’ Player of the Year award, which was voted for online.

TICKETS: Hyde United (H)

The Supporters award was presented by a fan representative, Jason Laybourne, with more than 1000 votes cast and Gumbs earning 25% of the total vote, ahead of Tom Hannigan and Tony Thompson.

Gumbs added: “It’s been great. The support all season from the fans has been great. I’m very appreciative of the fans that have voted. Playing at home the following has been great, even away, there are some long fixtures in this league, even at Morpeth on a Tuesday night still had some fans there. It’s great, it helps the lads, we’ve got where we’ve got this season because of the fans as well.

“Everyone in this group wants to move forward. We went 22 games unbeaten, it’s no coincidence, and the fans are part of that.

“I think last year helps us massively. We’ve got a great mix of experience and young lads throughout the team; lads who have experienced play-offs at a much higher level. We’re full of confidence, they’re massive games, we’ve been in this league a bit too long people might say so it would be great to get over the line and I know we’ve got the ability to do so.”