Rice crowned Young Player of the Year
Presented to the defensive midfielder by former Hammer Tony Cottee, the 20-year-old saw off competition from Crystal Palace’s Aaron-Wan Bisska, Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi, Karlan Grant of Charlton Athletic and Eberechi Eze of Queens Park Rangers to lift the accolade at Battersea Evolution on Thursday evening.
“It’s a huge honour to be here tonight and it’s very special for me to have this award in my hands,” Rice said upon receiving the honour.
“I want to say thank you to my manager, Manuel Pellegrini, for believing in me and trusting me this season, and giving me the opportunity.
“I also want to thank my teammates and my family; my mum, dad, brothers, and girlfriend, because without them I wouldn’t be here today.”
Claret and Hugh say:
What a year it has been for Declan Rice, he cements his regular defensive midfield role under Manuela Pellegrini, he signs a new long term deal with West Ham, he is headhunted by England to change allegiance of his national team. Now he scoops the London Young Player of the Year award. I am sure he is in line for many more awards when the West Ham player awards are hosted towards the end of this season. He might be pipped to the Hammer of the year award by Fabianski but I have no doubt he will be the runner up and pick up awards in a number of other categories on the night.
Well done Declan!