Defoe, Benitez, Lascelles and Pickford collect awards
Jermain Defoe led a star-studded awards evening at the North East Football Writers' Association annual dinner at the Ramside Hall in Durham on Sunday night.The Bournemouth striker collected a special award from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for his work with Bradley Lowery as the young Sunderland fan fought an ultimately unsuccessful fight against cancer.
Defoe was presented with his award by Bradley's mum Gemma, in an emotional moment on a glittering evening. Rafa Benitez was rewarded for winning the Championship title with Newcastle last season, while United captain Jamaal Lascelles collected the NE Player of the Year trophy, which he won in tandem with team-mate Matt Ritchie.
Jordan Pickford was named NE Young Player of the Year for the second season running, and there were also awards for two of the North East's finest journalists - George Caulkin of the Times and Ray Robertson, who organised the dinner for many years and was honoured with Life Membership of the FWA.
Congratulations must go to Colin Young for organising another successful evening in his tireless way, and also to our title sponsors William Hill for their support.
Watch out for more reports and video from the event...
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