ANDREW HENDERSON and AJ Towse have both been shortlisted to win awards by the Betfred Championship for their York Knights contributions to the 2023 season.

York head coach Henderson has been nominated for the Championship Coach of the Year accolade, whilst Towse has been shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year award.

Henderson was proud of Towse for gaining recognition, and was pleased to be nominated for an accolade after a fantastic run towards the end of the season saw the Knights earn their place in the Championship play-offs.

“It’s always nice to be recognised for your efforts, and it’s great that we have AJ who has been recognised for the performances he has put in this season.” Henderson told the Press.

“There’s a case for a number of coaches this season who could be in this shortlist as well, had results gone a different way in the final few weeks then I might not be on that shortlist and someone else could be that’s just missed out.

“There’s a lot of quality coaches in this division and I think we’ve seen how competitive the Championship has been this year, there hasn’t been much between all of the teams really.

“There’s been some coaches that have dealt with tough situations throughout the year, and have still produced good levels of performances for their teams, and other teams that have punched above their weight and done tremendously well.

“I think it’s been a really good competition, it’s great to be shortlisted and there’s some great company in there as well, but there’s a number of good coaches in the mixer because there hasn’t been too much between a lot of the teams.

“It’s always nice to be recognised for the hard work you put in for the team, and again I’ve got to give a lot of credit to my players as well.

“It’s the playing group that has managed to come together and understand what we’re trying to build here and of what we’re asking of them, I’m really pleased. I’ve got to thank the players.

“It’s great to see AJ Towse recognised because he’s had a wonderful season for us.

“From where he started the season to where he is now, he’s shown great progression as a player and he’s turning into a real talent for us.

“I’m really pleased he’s been nominated and recognised.”