Shropshire Star

Helder Costa named Wolves Player of the Year

Portuguese winger Helder Costa has been named as Wolves’ player of the year for 2016/17.

Published

The 23-year-old saw off competition from David Edwards and Conor Coady to scoop the prize, succeeding last year’s winner Matt Doherty.

Costa has been a revelation since joining from Benfica ­­­– initially on loan last summer before he became Wolves’ record signing for £13million in January.

He has netted 12 goals in 40 appearances, as well as providing eight assists.

Costa has been injured since early April and supporters fear they have already seen the last of him in a Wolves shirt, with several high-profile clubs expected to move for him this summer.

The top-scorer picked up his gong at last night’s end of season awards, held at the Telford International Centre and attended by the entire first-team squad.

He swept up on the night, winning players' player of the year and goal of the year for his jinking run and finish against Cardiff last month.

Other winners on the night included Connor Ronan, who was named young professional of the season, while Morgan Gibbs-White won the academy player of the season award.

Managing director Laurie Dalrymple gave a speech at the start of the night and boss Paul Lambert did a Q&A on stage with host Johnny Phillips of Sky Sports.

Player of the year - Helder Costa

Players' player of the year - Helder Costa

Goal of the year - Helder Costa (versus Cardiff)

Young professional of the year - Connor Ronan (also nominated, Harry Burgoyne and Bright Enobakhare)

Academy player of the year - Morgan Gibbs-White (also nominated, Cameron John and Christian Herc)

Wolves Women player of the year - Emma Cross (also nominated, Claire Hakeman and Amber Quick)

Express & Star fan of the year - Dylan Stevens

Rachael Heyhoe Flint award for outstanding community contribution - Keith Berry MBE