BOLTON’S prolific striker Dion Charles was named League One Player of the Year for 2022/23 at the North West Football Awards.
The 28-year-old lifted the coveted prize thanks to his 21 goals for the Whites last season.
Bolton Wanderers in the Community also won the Community Club of the Season (other leagues) Award in acknowledgment of its work in making a difference across the borough.
Charles’ award came after he became the first Wanderers’ player in 22 years to reach the 20-goal mark.
His efforts helped manager Ian Evatt’s men finish fifth in League One and lift the Papa Johns Trophy at Wembley. Charles was among the scorers in the 4-0 final win over Plymouth Argyle.
The award winners were announced in an event at Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground. In a message to the event Charles said: “Last season was really good for me and the club, reaching the play-offs and winning the Papa Johns Trophy.
“I scored some important goals along the way, so this means a lot to me and thanks for everyone who voted for me.”
Charles is already more than half-way to last season’s tally after scoring his 11th goal of the season in Wanderers’ FA Cup first-round win over Solihull Moors.
Manager Ian Evatt believes there’s plenty more to come from the Northern Ireland international. He told the club’s official website: “I’m really pleased for him and I think Dion is improving.
“I still think he is getting better. He’s had a different journey to others. He was at Blackpool as a kid and then dipped out of it and had to play non-league and learn his trade and fight his way back.
“I still think at 28 he’s improving under me and under the coaching staff and we are seeing the benefits of that.
“Great credit to him and I’m sure he’ll thank his teammates for the service that he’s been given. Hopefully he can score a hatful more this season and have some more success.”