Sky Bet EFL 2019 Awards: Teemu Pukki and Chris Wilder win major EFL Awards
Norwich City's Teemu Pukki and Sheffield United's Chris Wilder were two of the big winners at the Sky Bet EFL 2019 Awards.
Finland international Pukki, who joined the Canaries on a free transfer last summer, leads the division's scoring charts with 26 goals this term and was named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season
Two of them came in Saturday's 4-0 win over QPR, a result which helped leave Daniel Farke's in-form side seven points clear at the top of the table and on course for the Premier League.
Pukki said on www.efl.com: "It's an honour to win this award, I'm really happy for the recognition.
"I have really enjoyed this season so far in what is a fantastic league, but we know there are still many big games to come. There are many great players here tonight, so it's special to win this award."
Pukki was also named in the Championship team of the season, alongside club-mates Jamal Lewis and Max Aarons, as well as the two players also shortlisted for the division's player of the year award - Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp and Birmingham forward Che Adams.
Defender Aarons, 19, was named the young player of the season.
We've already seen our divisional Teams of the Season, and our judges have narrowed it down to this incredible team...#EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/1d4O8RTzNQ
— EFL (@EFL) April 7, 2019
The teenager said: "I'm delighted, I couldn't ask for more. We've got our eyes on promotion but it's great to get this accolade.
"Credit to all of the staff and players at the club, I couldn't have won this without them, there's a great belief in the team and we're ready for the end of the season now."
Chris Wilder was named EFL manager of the season. The 51-year-old has guided Sheffield United to an automatic promotion push in the Championship, with the club currently sitting second in the division.
League One and Two Awards
Luton Town striker James Collins edged out John Marquis and Aiden McGeady to be named Sky Bet League One Player of the Year, while Tranmere forward James Norwood won the League Two award.
Collins said: "Obviously this is a really proud moment for me personally, it's been a great season so far both personally and for the team. Massive credit to everyone at the club for the amazing run we've been on, it's given us confidence and to win this tonight really tops it off for me. I'm delighted."
Norwood was equally delighted: 'It's a great accolade, but this is a credit to my team, from one to 11. If they don't make the chances then I don't get this award. I'm absolutely delighted and so proud."
Like Pukki, both players sit atop their respective division's scoring charts with Collins having struck 22 times this season and Norwood 27.
Ruben Neves, now playing in the Premier League with Wolves, won the goal of the year award for his stunning long-range volley against Derby last April.
Sheffield United 's Billy Sharp did pick up an award, winning the Moment of the Season accolade for becoming the leading goalscorer in the EFL this century in January when he surpassed Rickie Lambert with his 220th career strike.
Sharp said: "This is absolutely fantastic, it's a really proud moment. Personal accolades are brilliant, and it's great to receive this tonight - I'll reflect on tonight as a proud one. Of course, my focus now is firmly on putting a 'P' for promotion beside our name come the end of the season."
Other winners
Community Club of the Year: Portsmouth
Family Club of the Year: Doncaster Rovers
Contribution to League Football: David Allison
Apprentice of the Year: Max Bird (Derby County)
PFA Player in the Community: Will Vaulks (Rotherham United)
Sir Tom Finney Award for Career Contribution to the EFL: Joe Thompson (Rochdale)
Supporter of the Year: Roger Groves and Mike Davis (Shrewsbury Town)
CEFA Player of the Season Awards: Libby Sims (Bristol City) and Harvey Hughes (Portsmouth)
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