Angelo Simmons was recognised for his leading role in Dandy Town’s title success last season after winning the Premier Division Most Valuable Player award.

Simmons, who captained Town for the first time last season, also picked up the top scorer award with 15 goals at the Bermuda Football Association’s Merit Awards at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence.

Last night’s event had originally been scheduled for Saturday evening at the CedarBridge Academy but was postponed because of Tropical Storm Karl.

Simmons said he matured both as a player and person last season and also hailed the hard work and talent of his team-mates, who won the league title and were runners-up in the FA Cup.

“I have to give thanks for my team who trusted me to lead them in my first season as captain,” said the forward.

“I also want to thank my coach [Jomar Wilkinson] who handed me the captaincy. He has built a strong and talented side at Dandy Town.

“It’s great to get these awards but it’s important to recognise my team-mates for the part they played last season.”

Still only 28, Simmons already has plenty of domestic experience with Town and Boulevard, as well as playing for Bermuda and for Carshalton Athletic in non-League English football.

And he believes Town are only going to get better given the youthful nature of their squad.

“I’ve come a long way and I’ve been playing in the Premier Division since I was 15,” said Simmons, who plundered six goals at home to relegated Hamilton Parish at the end of last season.

“It’s a good thing to grow and I think I’m showcasing my talent and will look to get many more awards. I’m still building and I want to keep going with Town.”

Another Hornets player honoured at the ceremony, held on the balcony at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence, was Tomiko Goater, who picked the Premier Division Young Player of the Year award.

The attacking midfielder, a cousin of Bermuda great Shaun Goater, enjoyed a breakout season, scoring a hatful of goals and making his debut for Bermuda away to St Kitts and Nevis in a friendly.

“I’ve worked for what I’ve achieved and last season was a good one for me,” said the 20-year-old. “I got my first international call-up and that meant a lot to me and helped me build as a player.

“Town are building together and hopefully this season we can be just as successful.” Kyle Lightbourne was rewarded for winning the FA Cup and finishing runners-up in the league with Robin Hood after being named Coach of the Year.

The fifteenth edition of the BFA awards recognised some of the island’s finest players for their outstanding performances during the last campaign.

Anwar Telford, of promoted Somerset Eagles, was named the First Division MVP, while Naeem Griffith, of PHC Zebras, was the Defender of the Year and Lorenzo Burch, of Eagles, picked up the First Division award.

Mikkial Crockwell, of Town, won the Premier Division goalkeeper accolade, with Charles Marshall, of St George’s, claiming the second-tier version.

Roger Lee, of Eagles, won the First Division Coach of the Year while his striker Nathan Rego won the division’s Young Player of Year award.

Meanwhile, Clay Darrell was rewarded for his goals for Young Men’s Social League, winning the First Division’s golden boot.

Fair Play awards were handed out to Town and First Division outfit BAA, while Anthony Bailey was named the Referee of the Year and Tashun Simons taking home the Young Referee of the Year award.

Merit awards were given to those who have contributed to the sport over the years. The winners were the PHC side that reached the Concacaf Club Championship quarter-finals in the Eighties, long-serving BFA administrator Gregory Grimes, Stan Bean, a key figure behind scenes at Devonshire Colts, as well as Louise Jones for her service to Social Club.