Having led his side to their first JFA Combination Premiership title in 30 years with 15 goals in 13 league games, McGhee received the highest number of votes from his top-flight counterparts for his pre-pandemic efforts, which also led to a debut call-up from Island manager Martin Cassidy.
The 28-year-old – runner-up in the JEP Golden Boot standings with 19 goals in all competitions – held off the challenge of the division’s top-goalscorer, St Ouen’s Jake Prince, to take the Jersey FA’s top accolade, plus Sporting Academics’ Jamie Savory, who was also on the three-man shortlist for the first time.
Following the cancellation of their annual awards dinner due to Covid-19, the JFA also announced the winners of the women’s, Championship, junior and refereeing trophies online – and there was finally reason to celebrate for Grouville Women.
Despite losing all 11 of their CI Women’s League and Combination cup fixtures last season, the parish side produced the Women’s Footballer of the Year for the first time, with Lucinda Overbury being given the nod by her opposing colleagues for her unwavering solidity at the heart of the defence. The 29-year-old beat fellow shortlistees Sam Silva [Jersey Wanderers] and 2015/16 winner Ciara Giles, who was hoping to make it back-to-back wins for Rozel Rovers following Tiffany Sundby’s victory last year.
Meanwhile, St Clement’s Jay Dos Santos (17) joined the list of Junior Footballer of the Year award winners – ahead of St Peter FC’s Toby Riztema and St Paul’s Olly Rivers – and fellow teenager Jack Hardisty was named Championship player of the year following a blistering start to life as a senior. The 19-year-old St John winger edged out strong contenders Ryan Le Cornu and Max Simon – the division’s top two scorers who both helped St Ouen Reserves to the second-tier title.
And the reign of Mark Le Cornu as Jersey’s top referee continues, with clubs sending a fourth consecutive title – and sixth in total – his way at the expense of Andy Norman and first-time nominee Richard Dyer.
