Longford boss Matthews nets soccer writers’ top award

LONGFORD TOWN manager Alan Matthews was last night nominated the winner of the Irish Soccer Writers’ award as “Personality of the Season”.

Matthews was a popular choice after steering Longford Town to their first national trophy at senior level the FAI Carlsberg Cup.

He also steered Longford into a comfortable mid-table position in the Eircom League and in the process won much praise for the entertainment value of Longford's football.

Matthews edged out Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon and Shelbourne's leading goalscorer, Jason Byrne, for the nomination.

Shelbourne enjoyed a measure of compensation when goalkeeper Steve Williams was voted best goalkeeper in the league. He kept 18 clean sheets in 36 League matches.

A special merit award was made to Billy Young, formerly a player and then manager with Bohemians and currently assistant manager to Don Givens with Ireland's U21 team.