Schofield's the toast of Rovers footballers awards night
Versatile left winger Liam Schofield played every minute of all 18 games for Napier City Rovers Ultra Football Central League team this season.
So he was a popular winner of the Thirsty Whale Supporters' Player of the Year award at the club's prizegiving last night. Englishman Schofield, 26, who is in his third season with the club also took home the award for the goal of the season.
It was the goal player-coach Bill Robertson described as "a fantastic strike on the volley" Schofield scored to secure a 2-all draw in the away ninth round match against Stop Out.
Schofield dedicated the goal to his grandfather who had died in the United Kingdom earlier that week. He couldn't return to Britain for the funeral because of the Covid-19 travelling restrictions at the time.
"My grandfather was a big influence on my career so that made that award special. I was quite pleased last night," Schofield recalled today.
"I've been nominated for every trophy before but that's the first time I've won the Supporters' Player of the Year award," Schofield explained.
He attributed the physical work he does as a foreman for Gearey Painting Company as a key factor in his ability to play every minute of every game.
"I'm up and down scaffolding all day so my body is ready for every training ... it's easy to train. Jimmy [Rovers captain James Hoyle] started work with us three weeks ago ... he's my apprentice," Schofield said.
The veteran of 60 games for Rovers pointed out this season was a learning curve for the sixth placed squad which included five players who were under-19 at the beginning of the season.
"We have to take the positives and learn from it. This season was a stepping stone particularly for our youth players who stepped up. We missed a couple of experienced players, definitely a striker and we struggled with tap ins," Schofield explained.
While he has signed on for a third consecutive summer for Hawke's Bay United he won't make a decision on his availability until after Christmas.
"I've had two summers and mentally I know I need a rest. I do not want to go through the motions and only get 7 out of 10. I'll have a break, freshen up and see some more of New Zealand," he added.
Rovers Central League team award winners were:
Thirsty Whale Supporters’ Player of the Year: Liam Schofield.
Goal of the season: Liam Schofield in the away 2-all draw with Stop Out.
Players' Player: Fergus Neil and James Hoyle.
Most Improved: Zac Madsen.
Golden Boot: Gavin Hoy.
MVP: Gavin Hoy.
