Rotherham United

Popular Rotherham United pair Richie Smallwood and Les Payne scooped prizes at last night’s Sheffield Star Football Awards, with club legend Ronnie Moore also being welcomed into the Star Football Hall of Fame.

Millers’ midfielder Smallwood received the club’s Player of the Year award to add to the same accolade that he had picked up just a day earlier at the End of Season Awards Night Dinner sponsored by 3AAA.

“I’m obviously over the moon and it goes with my Player of the Year award from our own awards night,” beamed the Millers midfielder.

“It’ll be going alongside that one and I’m very proud to be able to receive it.

“It’s been my first season as a regular starter and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m not quite the finished article yet but hopefully I can keep improving and it’s been a huge stepping stone to where I want to be.”

Les, who has the press room named after him at AESSEAL New York Stadium, collected a special award in recognition of a career which saw him cover the Millers for over five decades.

Meanwhile, Pools boss Moore was inducted into the publication’s Hall of Fame to cap a dream week for the Liverpool-born manager, who guided Hartlepool United to Football League safety with a win over Exeter City on Saturday.