Striker scores double success as he aims for better season with Clachnacuddin
CONNOR Bunce celebrated double success at the Clachnacuddin end of season awards when he was named player of the year by both fans and players.
The 22-year-old striker received both the Fans Player of the Year award and the Players’ Player of the Year award, with Lewis Mackenzie receiving the Young Player of the Year award.
Bunce was recognised for his contribution to the club this season, which was hampered with a knee injury for part of the campaign, as he found the net 11 times.
Bunce said he was pleased to receive honours from both players and fans at the end of season awards.
“It was a really proud moment for me,” he said.
“I also won the players’ player award last season too, so it was really nice to be appreciated by the fans with their award too as it is something that I have never won before.
“It was special to receive the award from my fellow players, as they are the people that I work with and to be respected by them is an honour.”
Despite Clachnacuddin having a terrible first half of the campaign, when they failed to win their first 16 games in the league, the Lilywhites improved in the second half of the season.
They recorded notable wins against champions Buckie Thistle and high flying Banks O’Dee as well as drawing at title challengers Fraserburgh.
Bunce hopes they can carry on their good form against the top teams in the Highland League and look to finish higher up the table next season after finishing second bottom.
“There were so many benefits to take from the second half of the season,” he said.
“I was out for part of the middle of the season with a knee injury, so to come back into the team and help them to wins, especially against Buckie Thistle and Banks O’Dee was great.
“Even the draw at Fraserburgh was a great result as I think our aggregate over previous games there was 21-0.
“The wins over Buckie Thistle and Banks O’Dee were the best victories that I have been involved in with Clach.”
Bunce joined Clachnacuddin when he was 16 after coming through the Inverness Caledonian Thistle youth system.
He said he is enjoying being part of a young exciting team and in addition to new signings Jack Davison, Jack Mackay and Allan Macphee, is looking forward to an exciting campaign next season.
“The coaches have really big plans and I can’t wait to be part of it,” he said.
“The main goal next season is to get Clachnacuddin back to where they belong.
“Clachnacuddin shouldn’t be in the bottom half of the league, that will be the main goal next season.
“We have some good signings already and things are looking good to build on the second half of the season.”
