Supporters’ Player of the Season Ryan Seal said it was an honour to be recognised in such a way after his record-breaking season.
The captain netted a remarkable 56 goals in all competition this season as he raced to the top of AFC’s goals and appearances chart, and was full of praise for the way the fans get behind the team. He said: “They support us in their droves every week and it’s a massive achievement for us to get that level of support across to Heather. To be recognised by them really does mean a lot.”
And when asked about his personal favourite out of the 56, Seal said there is one standout. “It speaks for itself doesn’t it? A 50-yard half volley against Tom Cross!
“There have been some good ones and some key ones at times. “Obviously the halfway line goal stands out but the first game I came back from holiday was away at Stafford and we just managed to scrape a 2-1 win early on in the season. (Seal scored both AFC’s goals in that game including a late penalty)
“But they’re all important in their own way and I’m just as happy to set other lads up. Assists are good enough for me too.”
Seal narrowly beat Lee Butler to the award, with the diminutive midfielder finishing as runner-up. The former Chasetown man said he was delighted but shocked to be recognised by supporters. “I didn’t expect it to be honest. I’m a bit overwhelmed and a bit shocked to get runner-up.
“It’s a great award and I think it went to the right person. Sealsy’s been brilliant this year. He’s led the boys well and he’s everything that Hinckley are about. He loves the club and he deserves to win that award.”
And on his personal highlight, he said perhaps it was his free kick at home to Berkhamsted.
“Maybe that yeah, I keep sharing it on Facebook don’t I! Over the whole season, I think the FA Vase run was big and looking back, when we did get knocked out, it did have an effect on us.
“But overall it’s been a good season. Fair play to Bromsgrove, to go unbeaten all season is an amazing achievement. You go to tough places week in, week out and everyone wants to beat you so hats off to them.”
The third player to be recognised by the supporters was right back James Williams, who won the Young Player of the Season before making it an awards double by sharing the Players’ Player with Andy Westwood.
The 21-year-old joined from Coleshill Town last summer and thoroughly enjoyed his first season in first-team football.
“It’s my first season in competitive first-team football, so to get a full season under my belt and have that recognition from the fans and the players is top notch.”
There was, though, one goal that the young right back didn’t attain this year: his number of goals scored.
“I was going for double figures so I’m a bit annoyed that I didn’t reach that! But seven goals is a decent amount for a defender so I’m happy with that and it’s always nice to chip in.
“I want to try and get to that target next season and contribute more goals from open play. Most of my goals this season came from corners and set pieces but I’m still happy with being the highest scoring defender.”
To watch the full video interviews with all three players, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUFfIStB6zY&
