Garner earns historic Denzil Haroun trophy

The 19-year-old homegrown talent scored eight goals in 10 Premier League 2 outings last term and also bagged the winner in the EFL Trophy victory at Lincoln City.

A successful collective effort from Neil Wood's boys ensured promotion on a points-per-games basis, but Garner, a driving force throughout, is a worthy winner of the Denzil Haroun trophy.

The teenager from Birkenhead added goals to his game – one of his specific aims – and regularly dictated affairs from the middle of the park.

He also increased his levels of first-team experience, enjoying a substitute appearance in the Premier League win at Norwich City and four outings in the Europa League. Furthermore, he was an unused substitute in another six Premier League fixtures.

Lead coach Wood chose the winner, in consultation with Nick Cox and Nicky Butt, as there was no fan-voting mechanism like in previous years.

“This was another really tough decision,” said Cox. “Eight players that started the season with the Under-23s went on to make their first-team debuts last season and that shows how talented the group was.

“The team had a great season and thoroughly deserved their promotion to Premier League 2 Division One in Neil Wood’s first season as lead coach.

“James really earned this,” added Cox. “He’s been nominated for three awards during his time in the Academy, which just shows the level of his performance over the last few years.

“He has been really consistent throughout the season and improved on getting forward and scoring goals, which adds another dimension to his talents. James’s range of passing is excellent; he’s a great reader of the game and has become a leader within the group.

“The minutes that he got for the first team are down to the hard work and dedication that he regularly shows and this award is further recognition of that.”

We look forward to seeing how James's 2020/21 season develops, after he starred in the EFL Trophy success at Salford City and captained the Under-23s in the Premier League 2 opener against Leicester City, and would like to congratulate him on behalf of everybody at the club.

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