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RYAN Christie said it was a ‘privilege’ to be voted the Micky Cave/Daily Echo player of the season by Echo readers – and played down his impact on the Cherries team this season.
Christie took the prestigious award after picking up 30 per cent of the near 1,500 votes cast – ahead of Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, Lewis Cook, Milos Kerkez, Justin Kluivert, Tyler Adams and Illia Zabarnyi.
Receiving the trophy – which is new this season, the old trophy retired and with Micky’s family – Christie was thrilled, and said it will take pride of place on his mantlepiece for the coming months.
Read more:
Ryan Christie crowned Micky Cave/Daily Echo Cherries player of the season
Speaking to the Daily Echo after the presentation by Micky’s sister, Sue Chalker and her grandchildren Denny and Felicity Graham, Christie admitted receiving the award was completely unexpected.
(Image: Richard Crease)
“When Zoe [from the Cherries media team] messaged me and told me I couldn't believe it, to be honest,” he said.
“There's probably, I think, my humble opinion, plenty more boys that deserve it more than me.
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“But, when Zoe told me, I did a bit of reading about it and stuff like that and Fletch [Steve Fletcher] was telling me a bit more as well earlier, so obviously an amazing list of players that have come before me at this club.
“So, yeah, really privileged and honoured to achieve it.”
(Image: Richard Crease)
Looking back on the season, Christie said it was a ‘very positive’ campaign for the club, and a win against Leicester would “wrap it all off”.
“Amazing season, full of incredible victories against the big teams, which is something we wanted to improve on from last season,” he said.
“So it's been a pleasure to be a part of, working with this manager with this group of boys. So, looking forward to doing it all again next year, hopefully.”
Christie has been out of action recently after having surgery in April on a groin issue that he had been managing all season.
Giving an update on his recovery, Christie said: “We're getting there injury wise. I'm very impatient, you can imagine.
(Image: Richard Crease)
“So, already kind of chomping at the bit.
“Obviously it's probably come at a nice time that I don't have to rush back or anything. I'll take the off season to get myself fully fit and hopefully come pre-season I'll be ready to join the group again.
“I’m finding myself watching these games, kicking every ball and tapping my toes the whole 90 minutes, but yeah, hopefully back soon.”
He continued: “The physios and stuff have been amazing. Over the off season, obviously I'll still do my work and hopefully try and get myself in the best possible shape by the time we're going to America and then, like I said, it's good timing in that in that case I can build myself back up for hopefully the next season.”