SIMON Francis completed a clean sweep of player of the year awards as he claimed both the Shrimpers Trust player of the year and Southend Junior Shrimper player of the year accolades.

Having already won the main club award, the full-back was further feted in front of a committed and enthusiastic group of supporters in the Shrimpers Bar.

Francis thanked supporters after fending off competition from midfielder Anthony Grant (second) and goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall (third) to collect the main award, voted for by Shrimpers Trust members, from manager Steve Tilson.

In the goal of the season category, Belgian midfielder Franck Moussa emerged as a clear winner for his stunning volley in the home match against Walsall during March.

He beat Lee Barnard (against Bristol Rovers at home in October) and Francis Laurent (the injury-time winner at Brighton & Hove Albion in September).

At the end of the night, Blues boss Tilson moved to thank supporters for sticking by the team in adversity.

“I would like to thank the fans; the support at home and away has been fantastic,” said Tilson.

“We got 7,000 for the last home game against Stockport, who were bottom, and we appreciate that. I get a bit of grief, but I expect that and on the whole the support has been superb. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.”

Tilson was also cheered to the rafters after acknowledging the contribution of his former assistant Paul Brush who was dismissed in March.

“I’d like to say thank-you to Paul Brush — who isn’t here tonight — he was a fantastic servant for six years alongside me,” said Tilson.

Harry Crawford was named youth team player of the year, with Kyle Asante second and Marcus Milner third while the evening also saw the Trust’s top coach travellers handed commemorative awards having completed 7,948 miles watching Blues.

Scott Barber, Alan Gifford, Lesley Hicks, Dean Overall, Gaye Overall, Keith Overall, Warren Sadler and Terry Slater were those to have travelled the entire distance, while Nathan Howlett, who clocked up 5,114, was the top junior traveller.