A MUCH better season for Cowdenbeath saw fans gather after the club’s last home game against Gretna 2008 to present Player of the Year Awards.

These awards included the Cowdenbeath FC Player of the Year; the Players’ Player of the Year; the Goal of the Season; and the Andy Forbes Trophy.

First to be handed over was the Andy Forbes Trophy. When lifelong Cowden fan, Andy Forbes, passed away back in 2023, his family wished to honour his memory by establishing an annual award for Cowdenbeath FC. 

It was agreed that the destination of the Andy Forbes Player of the Year Trophy would be decided each year by some of the club’s youngest supporters - the Central Park ball boys and girls. 

This season the youngsters confirmed that the inaugural winner of the Andy Forbes Trophy was winger Zac Butterworth.  

Central Fife Times: Zak Butterworth is presented with the Andy Forbes Trophy.Zak Butterworth is presented with the Andy Forbes Trophy. (Image: David Wardle)

Next up was the Cowdenbeath FC Players' Player of the Year. Amongst footballers, this an award which often carries the highest prestige, to be honoured by your peers and to be given this accolade is a real distinction. 

There were a number of players in the running, and in third place in the poll was midfield dynamo, Matty MacDonald. The second place position went to wing wizard Zac Butterworth, and ultimately, the honour of being named Cowdenbeath FC's Players' Player of the Year for 2023/24, went to tireless skipper, Robbie McNab.

Central Fife Times: Robbie McNab, Cowdenbeath's Players' Player of the Year, with interim boss Stevie Crawford.Robbie McNab, Cowdenbeath's Players' Player of the Year, with interim boss Stevie Crawford. (Image: David Wardle)

The Cowdenbeath FC Goal of the Season was next on the agenda. Over the years there have been many memorable goals that have won the accolade of Goal of the Season at Cowdenbeath FC.  

Once again season 2023/24 produced a fine crop of quality goals.  The top three, in reverse order, were, in third place, Jamie Docherty v Cumbernauld Colts away from home; second, Ewan MacPherson’s goal v Linlithgow Rose at home; and the winner, Josh Jack v Edinburgh University at home.

He was a constant threat from dead ball situations and the best of the bunch was his hat-trick goal against Edinburgh University. 

It was 6-1 to Cowden when late in the game Josh stepped up and flashed home a glorious, swerving and dipping free-kick high into the net - a worthy winner of Goal of the Season as voted for by the Club's supporters.  

Central Fife Times: Josh Jack with his goal of the season trophy.Josh Jack with his goal of the season trophy. (Image: David Wardle)

Finally came the Cowdenbeath FC Player of the Year award, voted for by the club's supporters.  This honour was first bestowed 61 years ago, back in 1963, and it remains the premier award of Cowdenbeath FC and its fans. 

There was actually a tie for second place in the vote, and thus the silver medal position was shared between midfielder Matty MacDonald and winger Zac Butterworth, who each received 22 per cent of the votes cast. 

The winner though picked up 38 per cent of the votes. Past winners include club legends Andy Kinnell, Eric Archibald, Joe Mbu and Craig Barr, all former captains. Following in their footsteps at Central Park, in for 2023/24 was midfielder and captain, Robbie McNab.

Central Fife Times: As well as the Players' Player of the Year award, Robbie McNab - pictured with club chairman Donald Findlay - also won the Cowdenbeath FC Player of the Year, and the award from the Junction Bar Supporters Club.As well as the Players' Player of the Year award, Robbie McNab - pictured with club chairman Donald Findlay - also won the Cowdenbeath FC Player of the Year, and the award from the Junction Bar Supporters Club. (Image: David Wardle)

In addition, as well as the club’s four trophies, the Junction Bar Supporters Club and The Coo Shed Podcast also presented their POTY awards, which were won by Robbie McNab and Zac Butterworth respectively.