3/1 To Win
Derby County supporters have selected Max Bird as the winner of the precious Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year award for the 2019/20 season.
The Academy graduate was named as the winner of the award, presented by club partner Motus Commercials, after coming out on top in a supporters’ poll on the club’s Twitter page from a shortlist of four youngsters to have featured for Derby’s first-team during the campaign.
The shortlist was not short of contenders, either, after several players from Derby’s Academy set-up made the step-up to Phillip Cocu’s first-team squad.
Bird enjoyed a fine campaign in the middle of the park and recorded 27 appearances in all competitions.
The 19-year-old broke into the side during the Christmas period and established himself as a key member of Phillip Cocu’s side in the second half of the season with several assured and impressive performances.
Alongside Bird on the shortlist were defender Jayden Bogle and midfield pair Jason Knight and Louie Sibley.
The quartet all enjoyed impressive seasons and between them registered 119 appearances at first-team level.
Right-back Bogle completed his second season as a first-team regular during the campaign while Bird, Knight and Sibley successfully made the step-up from the title-winning Under-18s and impressive Under-23s to become key players.
The Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Season award is presented by club partner Motus Commercials: motuscommercials.co.uk.
