The 2024 FAW National League Awards in association with Morgans Consult took place at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff on Saturday night, with players and managers recognised across the JD Cymru Leagues.
Find out the winners below, decided by a public vote and independent panel.
JD Cymru Premier Player of the Season – Sion Bradley (Caernarfon Town)
In what proved to be his final season at Caernarfon Town before a move to The New Saints, Sion Bradley starred as the Cofis qualified for European football for the first time. Consistently capable of producing moments of magic and decisive contributions, Bradley also scored the winning goal for Cymru C against England C in March.
JD Cymru Premier Manager of the Season – Craig Harrison (The New Saints)
Craig Harrison is so used to winning league titles, but winning one in the way he did this season is truly unique. He managed this TNS team to an unbeaten league season; a season where they won an astonishing 30 games out of 32. As well as winning the Nathaniel MG Cup, it will be a season that Harrison will remember for a long time.
JD Cymru Premier Young Player of the Season – Brad Young (The New Saints)
Joining from Premier League side Aston Villa last summer, Brad Young has certainly showed all of his quality this year. Ending as the league top scorer with 22 goals this season, the former Villain turned Saint has been electric, as TNS stormed to the Cymru Premier once again.
JD Cymru North Player of the Season – Elliott Reeves (Flint Town United)
Where would Flint Town United be without Elliot Reeves? A staggering 30 goals in 29 games has helped the Silkmen to a second-place finish and promotion, but Reeves put in so many memorable performances. Four goals against Mold Alexandra, a hat-trick against Llanidloes Town, a last-minute winner in the league opener against Prestatyn Town, it’s been a great debut season at the Essity Stadium for the forward.
JD Cymru North Manager of the Season – Johnny Haseldin (Holywell Town)
It has been an amazing season for the Wellmen, and at the helm for it all has been Johnny Haseldin. Holywell only dropped nine points all season, with their only defeat coming to Airbus in December. They ended the season magnificently, as they won 18 of their final 19 games, to march their way to the title.
JD Cymru North Young Player of the Season – Josh Lock (Denbigh Town)
It’s been a great campaign for Denbigh Town’s Josh Lock, on loan from The New Saints. He has played double the number of games that he did last year and has also doubled the number of league goals that he’s scored (10) to help Dewi Llion’s side to a sixth-place finish in their first season back in the JD Cymru North.
JD Cymru South Player of the Season – Luke Bowen (Briton Ferry Llansawel)
While he may be entering the twilight of his career, Luke Bowen certainly isn’t slowing down yet! His 29 goals this season helped to propel Briton Ferry to the top of the JD Cymru South and to promotion. Towards the end of the season, Bowen scored four goals against Ammanford to clinch the title, followed by a hat-trick against Llanelli Town: a great achievement for any striker.
JD Cymru South Manager of the Season – Dean Wheeler (Caerau Ely)
A promoted side who have done incredibly well this season has been Dean Wheeler’s Caerau Ely. The Young Guns started on shaky ground, losing four of their opening five games, but under the guidance of Wheeler bounced back superbly. They only lost one of their last 13 games to secure a fifth-place finish in the Cymru South, an achievement not many thought was possible.
JD Cymru South Young Player of the Season – Roan Piper (Trefelin)
A young striker who has left his mark on the Cymru South this season has been Trefelin’s Roan Piper. His 18 goals meant he finished fifth in the goalscoring charts. His four goals against Abertillery Bluebirds is certainly a highlight, as he and Trefelin secured an eleventh placed finish this season.
Special Recognition Award – Norma Samuel
Awarded posthumously following Norma’s sad passing earlier this year, this award recognised the incredible impact that she had on Taffs Well and the wider Welsh football landscape. Norma broke down barriers in a male-dominated sport, helped drive the club forward and inspired those around her. Her legacy will be felt for years to come.
