Two New Zealand football figures have been shortlisted for major individual awards in England as the professional football season nears its conclusion.
Defender Tyler Bindon, 20, is a finalist for the EFL League One Young Player of the Season award. The promising All White, currently on loan at Reading from Premier League side Nottingham Forest, has been a standout performer in League One this season.
Bindon is up against Louie Barry, who split the season between Stockport County and Hull City, and Richard Kone of Wycombe Wanderers. The New Zealand defender also recently won the Emerging Talent award at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards in February.
Chris Davies, a former New Zealand national league player and youth coach, is among the four nominees for EFL League One Manager of the Season. Davies guided Birmingham City to promotion to the Championship in his first year as head coach.
He is joined by fellow nominees Nathan Jones (Charlton Athletic), Phil Parkinson (Wrexham), and Richie Wellens (Leyton Orient).
Davies took over at Birmingham City in June 2024 after serving as an assistant coach at Tottenham Hotspur. He began his coaching journey in New Zealand during his 20s, playing for Hawke’s Bay United and Team Wellington, while coaching youth teams and academy players.
The winners will be revealed at the EFL Awards 2025, held in London on Monday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. NZT.
Chris Wood Nominated for Premier League Team of the Season
Meanwhile, All Whites captain Chris Wood has been nominated for EA Sports’ Premier League Team of the Season for 2024–25.
Wood is among 10 attackers listed for public voting, with fans playing a role in selecting the final team lineup.
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