City academy graduate recognised for his charity work at the Football League Awards
ALL AT Exeter City Football Club would like to send our congratulations to ex-player George Friend on being named PFA Player in the Community 2016 at the eleventh annual Football League Awards in April.Devon-born Friend, who is remembered fondly by Grecians fans having come through the ranks at St James Park back in 2005, said he was “incredibly proud and honoured” to receive the award and hailed the community spirit in the north-east as an inspiration for his commitment to give back to fans and local people.
The 28-year-old played an instrumental role in City’s promotion back to the Football League in 2008, featuring in the side that beat Cambridge United at Wembley. He would go on to become City’s youngest ever captain and scored his first and only goal for the Club in a 4–4 draw with Burton Albion in April 2008, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers five months later.
Friend, who was also named in the 2015/16 EFL Championship Team of the Year, faced competition for the award from Carlisle United’s Danny Grainger and Doncaster Rovers’ Andy Butler. Judges seek to reward those players who have gone the extra mile to really make a difference within their local community.
The full-back, who will be representing Middlesbrough in the top tier of English football next season, added: “The most important people, who fully deserve this award and much more, are the people who work for the MFC Foundation. The impact it has on Teesside is immense and I’m so privileged to be part of it. I’d like to thank them and the wonderful people in and around Boro for their support and continued drive in keeping the area so special.”