Player of the Year - 2023/24
29 April 2024The Hearts class of 2023/24 were honoured at the club's Player of the Year awards at the EICC last night as Lawrence Shankland claimed Fans' and Players' Player of the Year awards.
Hosted by Scott Wilson, fans, sponsors and guests gathered to pay tribute to Steven Naismith and his squad as they marked a memorable campaign on the field.
Two long serving members of Hearts staff, Graeme Pacitti and JP Ellis, were recognised for their outstanding service to the club whilst the achievements of Hearts Women and Liam Fox's B Team were also recognised.
Here are the winners
B Team Players' Player of the Year, Sponsored by JB Contracts - Liam McFarlane
Liam has enjoyed a strong season in the Liam Fox's B Team, playing every match in the Lowland League and proving to be a formidable presence between the posts as the last line of defence. Liam has had to contend with coming for cross balls and has shown himself to be comfortable with the ball at his feet.
B Team Player of the Year, Sponsored by Jambos Kickback - Callum Sandilands
In a Hearts B Team that has thrived in their second season in the Lowland League, Callum has recorded a very productive season. Playing in the number ten role, Sandilands is an all-round central midfielder. He has pace, the ability to make late runs into the box, and boasts a powerful strike.
Memorable Moment, Sponsored by Scotia Security - Comeback win v Rosenborg
In a campaign filled with them, Hearts supporters had a job on their hand selecting a single stand-out, but it was the Jambos' historic felling of Norwegian giants Rosenborg that clinched it. Overturning a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of Qualifying R3 in Trondheim, Hearts roared back at an electrified Tynecastle to win 3-1.
Hearts Women Rising Star, Sponsored by UserTesting - Jess Husband
Much like her twin sister Erin, it's been a remarkable season on both domestic and international stages for Jess. Aside from skippering the Scotland U17s against top European opposition, Jess has really broken into Eva Olid's first team squad this season, making her professional bow for Hearts Women in a Scottish Cup victory over Edinburgh Caledonia.
Hearts Women Player of the Year, Sponsored by Meadowfield Garage - Katie Lockwood
Katie has been a smash hit in her first season in Gorgie, notching 15 goals and registering six assists inside her first 17 appearances in a maroon jersey. A prime example of a number ten, which her stats highlight, chipping in not just with important goals throughout the season but also her ability to link and bring others into play.
Save of the Season, Sponsored by Selective Personnel - Zander Clark v Hibs
Amidst a competitive field, it was Zander's derby day heroics against Hibs that bagged the top prize. Enjoying another excellent individual season in the post, Zander has come up with critical saves time and time again - with his stop against Hibs in the derby epitomising his consistency between the sticks this campaign.
Goal of the Season, Sponsored by Stellar Omada - Alan Forrest v Hibs
As Hearts went unbeaten yet again against Hibs this season, Alan Forrest's Edinburgh derby rocket claimed the Goal of the Season award.
Fans' and Players' Player of the Year, Sponsored by The Football Company and Western Mercedes-Benz - Lawrence Shankland
What a season it's been once again for the inevitable number nine. Another campaign terrorising defences across the land, Lawrence was crowned for both headline awards by supporters and teammates.
Our thanks go to Malcolm McKenzie and Mark Scates for the pictures.