Gillingham’s Bradley Dack has been named the Sky Bet League One Player of the Year.

The midfielder was bestowed the honour at The Football League Awards 2016 following a vote among club managers in the division.

Dack received the award at the gala ceremony at Manchester Central on Sunday evening in front of over 600 guests from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.

The Football League Awards 2016 was being hosted in Manchester for the first time, the same city in which The Football League was officially formed 128 years ago to the day. In its 11th year, the awards ceremony celebrates on and off pitch excellence across The League’s 72 clubs.

Dack beat competition from Swindon Town’s Nicky Ajose and Walsall’s Romaine Sawyers to claim the overall Sky Bet League 1 Player of the Year Award. It was a night of celebration for Dack as he was also named in The Football Manager Team of the Season, comprised of players from The Football League’s three divisions.

In an outstanding campaign, the 22-year-old midfielder has been one of the driving forces behind the Gills’ promotion push with 13 league goals and nine assists to keep them in the Sky Bet League 1 Play-Off positions.

Having come through the ranks at Priestfield to make his debut in 2012, Dack has developed into one of the most outstanding talents in The Football League.

On winning the award, Dack said:“It’s a massive honour to win this award. I owe a lot to my dad and mum – she’s watching at home I think!

“Manager Justin Edinburgh has been massive for me since he came in, he showed faith in me, so I owe a lot to him.

“We had a great start to the season, nobody expected us to be where we are, we now want to go and finish the job.”
The Sky Bet Player of the Year awards where voted for by managers of the clubs in each division. Each manager was asked to list their top five players from this season in order, with the scores added up to get a shortlist and an overall winner.

Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of The Football League, said: “During another action packed Football League season it is important to acknowledge outstanding performances, both on and off the pitch.

“We’re delighted to recognise this special group of nominees who have shown exceptional levels of talent, dedication and achievement. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and particularly our winners, all of whom are deserving of their accolade.”