RLB ON BALLARD SUCCESS

Regis Le Bris spoke about how Dan Ballard deserved his new contract after such an excellent year, with the defender being named the FWA's North East Player of the Year for 2025.

FWA AWARDS NIGHT

“It was great and the event was very well-organised. It is good for the North East to celebrate important people in football and the community.”

BALLARD NEW CONTRACT

“This position as a centre back is an important one in the squad and he showed both last season and this season that he was able to step up. You never know, and you have to experience a new level, and he showed so far that he is a great centre back. You have to often face long balls and strong physicality in that area of the pitch, and he is really good at that, but also we can feel that he is growing as a player. He’s improving in different areas, on the ball for example, and his leadership as well.”

CONSISTENT PERFORMER

“Consistency is probably the main point because last season it was clear that he was able to reach a high level, but the question in the Premier League is to do that every weekend and sometimes twice a week. He’s done it so far and that is key.”

GREAT YEAR

“It is good for him and it shows that it’s not only him, it’s the squad and across the club, and the community. I think this year has so far been really good and hopefully we continue like that for a long time.”