“Rob Atkinson?”, “ Rob Atkinson?”, “oh no”, “oh wow”. The grimaced exchange between members of the Bristol City coaching staff were not in fear that the defender has aggravated his knee injury but more a mixture of sarcastic shock and awe at the defender’s get-up of chunky ice white trainers, ankle length trousers, no socks, a white polo shirt and dark suit jacket.
The great and the good of Bristol City gathered inside the Lansdown Restaurant at Ashton Gate on Thursday night to celebrate a season in which the women’s team have been all conquering, the academy has once again proven prolific and the men’s team built further foundations which lead to the kind of ambition that was displayed by Atkinson in his sartorial choices.
Alex Scott was inevitably the big winner on the night. The midfielder followed up his win on the national stage at the EFL Awards by landing the crown of Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, as voted for by fans. And while undeniably proud, as he’s tended to do throughout his 90 appearances in a City shirt, he took it all very much in his stride.
Along with manager Nigel Pearson, Scott was probably the most requested for photographs and selfies among supporters who had purchased tables at the evening, the 19-year-old posing politely, as streams of strangers' limbs wrapped their way around his shoulders.
That was also amid various shouts from the crowd over the course of the evening as each table became increasingly well-lubricated of how he’ll be playing for England and so forth. While Arsenal devotee Tommy Conway howling with delight at Darren Farley's Harry Kane impression, vigorously grabbing his flatmate's shoulders as he tried to maintain a straight face, may or may not one day be of significance.
Of course, it’s nigh-on impossible to discuss Scott these days without having to reference what may or may not happen to him over the next three months. Something even apparent in his relatively innocent speech: “It’s been massive for me. As a team we’ve definitely progressed from last season. As a player on and off the pitch, I have progressed massively as well. I’m glad and I’m grateful to have played so many games and I’m looking forward to going again next season.”
You can read as much into that as you want, but ultimately it’s largely meaningless in the wider context of the summer transfer window because having performed at such a high level relative to his age for the last nine months, his destiny will simply be dictated by whether or not a club is willing to pay what City value him. As it stands, nobody yet knows if that’s going to transpire. But for all that, this was a chance for City to appreciate Scott in the moment and celebrate his impact in a red and white shirt.
Although a lower mid-table finish may not be an obvious cause for celebration - as referenced by chairman Jon Lansdown at the start of proceedings - there are less rudimentary metrics for “success” that were continually touched upon.
Most notably that of the academy. All three leading nominees for the Player of the Year trophy - Scott, Cam Pring and Vyner - have been developed through the system at Ashton Gate, with a helping hand from Guernsey and Cheltenham Town, of course; Sam Bell was named Bristol-born Player of the Year (with dad Micky present), while Omar Taylor-Clarke, Jamie Knight-Lebel and schoolboy Luke Skinner also claimed awards.
The latter understandably nervous as he meandered his way past tables containing the first-team, but many very clear examples of what’s possible for young players at the club.
Proceeds from the various auctions, raffle and a mass heads or tails competition that saw Harry Cornick reach the final seven, all went into the academy - for transport, housing and other support. With one punter doing his bit as he successfully - and, you have to say, rather boldly - raised the bidding for a Noel Gallagher-signed acoustic guitar, from when he attended the FA Cup tie in March against Manchester City, to £6,000.
The fact that Tim Weeks’ gavel came down on that fee at around 10pm tells you all you need to know about what was chiefly influencing the aforementioned supporter's right arm as it sporadically shot into the air.
Cornick was also a surprise individual winner on the night as the forward managed to purchase a victorious raffle ticket for an original piece of art by legendary Bristol street artist Inkie. Given it was Andi Weimann who helped conduct the draw, Pearson will be hoping that's not the first assist between the two forwards; Cornick holding the piece up in celebration as he received more than a few digs from teammates.
There was no such reaction as Vyner made his way to the stage to receive the Players’ Player of the Year - to some a more prized accolade than the other individual crowns - representing a hugely impressive turnaround for the defender who this time last year was expecting his time as a Robin was coming to a close. Testament to his hard work, professionalism and a will to constantly improve. Not long after claiming his trophy, he had to break away from conversation to take a phone call from his obviously proud-as-punch mum.
That had been echoed throughout the room among the guests as there was probably no more popular an individual recipient than Vyner.
Bristol City 2022/23 award winners
Men's Player of the Season
- Alex Scott
Men's Players Player of the Season
- Zak Vyner
Men's Young Player of the Season
- Alex Scott
Bristol-born Player of the Season
- Sam Bell
Women's Player of the Season
- Abi Harrison
Women's Players' Player of the Season
- Fran Bentley
Women's Young Player of the Season
- Grace Clinton
Women's Academy Player of the Season
- Mari Ward
Under-21 Player of the Season
- Omar Taylor-Clarke
Academy Scholar of the Year
- Jamie Knight-Lebel
Academy Schoolboy of the Year
- Luke Skinner
Robins Foundation Special Achievement Award
- Lola Bassett
Robins Foundation Mentor of the Year
- Grace Phillips
Supporter of the Year
- Ken Chappell
What stood out across the evening, and invariably helped by the women’s team's huge impressive promotion and title win, was how all facets of the club were treated as one. Yes, there was an order of service as such with the men’s awards left until the end, but one of the the loudest and more profound sections of applause were afforded to Lauren Smith and her squad when referenced at the start of the ceremony and by Pearson in his speech.
As City will be preparing for the season closer against QPR, Smith and her squad will be jetting off to various destinations for some much-needed and deserved R&R before preparing for life back in the Super League.
Forwards Abi Harrison, Grace Clinton and Shania Hayles - for the golden boot - and goalkeeper Fran Bentley were the individual winners, while the fact that Academy Player of the Year Mari Ward wasn’t present to accept her trophy because she’s away with the England Under-17 set-up, is a small reminder that the future continues to be bright for the men’s and women’s sides.
But while the present and future were a major theme of the evening, City are now a club that reassuringly don’t forget their past. Once marginalised with a feeling they no longer belonged at Ashton Gate beyond distant memories, through the work of Scott Davidson, Neil Palmer and former chief executive Richard Gould with the establishment of the Former Players Association, key members of the 1976 promotion side were celebrated and treated as the heroes they deserve to be.
Trevor Tainton, Tom Ritchie, Gerry Sweeney, Geoff Merrick, Clive Whitehead, Bryan Drysdale, David Rodgers, Ray Cashley and Alan Dicks given rapturous recognition from all inside Ashton Gate as highlights from the First Division days were played on the big screen. Ritchie and Rodgers also received standing ovations, along with Brian Tinnion, as they presented awards on stage.
Celebration and acknowledgment, of course, but also perhaps a reminder to those present who represent what potentially lies ahead for the club, of what’s possible with the right kind of ambition.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
- City star running out of time as injury setback casts further doubt over future
Why City may miss out on survival clause included in Semenyo's Bournemouth deal
City set to reignite transfer interest in two former targets to bolster defence
