Alexander Isak, the talented Swedish forward, has been crowned the men’s Player of the Year at the prestigious North East Football Writers Awards. This recognition highlights his exceptional performances for Newcastle United throughout the season.
Isak has garnered widespread acclaim across Europe for his impressive goal-scoring prowess. He has consistently showcased his talent on the pitch, finding the back of the net 15 times for the Magpies in the current campaign.
Isak has been a pivotal figure in Newcastle United’s remarkable success this season. His contributions have played a crucial role in propelling Eddie Howe’s side into a strong position for Champions League qualification.
His outstanding performances earned him further accolades in December. Isak was not only named the Premier League Player of the Month but also secured the Goal of the Month award for his impressive strikes.
Isak’s triumph at the North East Football Writers Awards further solidifies his status as one of the most exciting young strikers in world football. He edged out his Newcastle teammate Anthony Gordon, who finished second, while Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath secured third place.
Sunderland’s promising young talents, Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, have shared the honor of being named joint winners of the Young Men’s Player of the Year at the North East Football Writers Awards.
Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg, a local hero born in Hebburn, etched his name in Sunderland’s history books by becoming the youngest player to ever represent the senior team. He made his debut in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury in 2023 and has since solidified his place in the first team. This recognition follows his signing of his first professional contract with the club.
Jobe Bellingham
Jobe Bellingham, who joined Sunderland in 2023 after making his first-team debut for Birmingham City at the tender age of 16, has been a key contributor to the team’s impressive push for Premier League promotion this season under the guidance of manager Régis Le Bris.
Women’s Awards
Mollie Lambert, a talented midfielder for Durham Women, has been honored with the prestigious North East Football Writers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year award for 2024.
The 26-year-old from Hartlepool narrowly edged out Newcastle United’s Claudia Moan and Amber Keegan-Stobbs to claim the coveted award. This achievement follows in the footsteps of her Durham teammate, Sarah Robson, who was the previous recipient of this honor.
Lambert’s career has seen her represent all three of the region’s Women’s Championship clubs. Currently, she has amassed over 100 appearances for Durham, showcasing her consistent high level of performance.
Newcastle United’s promising young midfielder, Elysia Boddy, has been recognized with the Young Women’s Player of the Year award at the North East Football Writers’ Association.
The 20-year-old played a vital role in the club’s successful promotion to the Women’s Championship last season. Her football journey began at the age of four playing with boys at Marton. This early experience paved the way for her professional career, which saw her make her Women’s Super League debut with Leicester City Women at just 18. After a stint with Bristol City Women, she joined Newcastle United in 2023.
The North East Football Writers’ Association will formally present the awards to the deserving recipients at their annual dinner on March 2nd.