George Friend 99-06 F

George, who plays for Middlesbrough FC, picked up both the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards at the club’s recent end of season awards dinner.

On winning the awards he thanked everyone who voted for him and said he hoped to be at Middlesbrough for many years to come. George, who lives with his wife, Kerry, and his three-month old daughter, Isobel, has been playing for Middlesbrough since 2012.

He began his career as a youth team player at Exeter City, signing a two-year professional contract in 2006 only months before leaving West Buckland. George went on to become the youngest Captain in Exeter’s history. In 2008, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers and had his first Premier League appearance in December 2009 against Manchester United.  

Despite rumours about a return to Exeter, George joined Middlesbrough in 2012 where he has been a firm fixture on the side and added three goals to his game this season. We wish him the best of luck with his football and his degree, from which he will be graduating this year at Staffordshire University.