CRISTIANO Ronaldo he may not be, but being named Worcester City players' player of the year is a ringing endorsement of how Craig Wilding has progressed this season.
Just 24 hours before Manc-hester United's Ronaldo sco-oped both the PFA player and young player of the year gongs, Wilding was the toast of his team-mates at the club's annual awards night at Worcestershire CCC.
The 25-year-old striker won the most votes among his peers and was also third behind Chris Smith and Mark Danks in the supporters' player of the year poll.
Wilding has been arguably the surprise package of the season after joining from local rivals Redditch United last summer.
Initially signed to provide competition for Adam Webster and Danks, Wilding found himself in at the deep end after both got injured.
He has since gone from strength to strength and his double against Worksop Town earlier this month took him to 19 goals for the season, only one behind top scorer Danks.
Wilding said: "There's a few of us that have had a good season so to get the award was a nice surprise.
"I am pleased with my first season and pleased with the goals I have scored and the way I have performed.
"It's nice that your team-mates appreciate what you do. When I first signed for Worcester I knew, with the forwards they had, it was going to be hard to get in the team. But when Adam Webster got injured I was thrown in there."
Wilding believes he has got a good return for his efforts this season and would like nothing better than matching Danks' total while helping City do their bit in the play-off equation at the weekend.
He said: "Any forward would always aim for around about 20 goals so it would be nice to get another on Saturday.
"We still have a chance. We are on a good run at the moment so we are confident of our chances of beating Harro-gate. All we can do is win and hope for the best."
Shabir Khan, unlikely to feature at Harrogate because of a hamstring injury, was named young player of the year at the New Road bash.
The 21-year-old has proved an able deputy in defence when called on and showed glimpses of his ability during an extended run in the side last month.
Fellow defender Danny Hodnett was named most improved player for his displays since returning to the side and goalkeeper Danny McDonnell was honoured for passing 300 club appearances.
Despite missing out on promotion from West Midlands Division One South, the women's team also enjoyed a successful season with just three defeats in 18 games.
Annie Highway won the players' player award and Sarah McDowell the manager's player gong.
Kate Hague was most improved player, while boss Paul Hennessey was recognised for his outstanding contribution in coaching both the women's first team and girls under 16s.
Ernie North and Sid Bushell were named clubmen of the year and Kieran Mooney, supporter of the year.
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