November 2008

Divers Tavern, Broome. Racing Guantanamo were big winners at the Broome Soccer Association Awards night held at Divers Tavern in November. With many fancying the other big teams such as Pearl Coast Pirates and Broome City to pick up most of the major awards, Guantanamo showed their roster is very highly regarded, with goalkeeper Francois Kruger picking up the 2007 ABC Player of the Year Award.

Guantanamo's youth academy also received a boost, with youth academy graduate and now-NDFC player Luke Winfield picking up the Youth Player of the Year Award. Fan favourite Tim Gray picked up the Captain's Award for his never-say-die attitude toward the game.

Guantanamo captain Ryan Platten said it was an excellent night for the club, showing that even though results on the field had not gone their way, they could still received a high level of recognition.

Platten also commented on a number of rumours which had been circulating on the BSA website as of late:

• Guantanamo had indeed approached Micky Rooney to play in the B-Liga. Former Glory coach Ron Smith had recommended the comedian after seeing him play in a promotional DVD. "We found out Rooney had never even heard of soccer," Platten said. "When we asked him, he thought we said sock her, and promptly punched a waitress in the face."
• Tim Gray had been cleared of all charges by the RSPCA for his injured calf.
• Guantanamo would be spending big money on a new signing soon. Platten had asked for a whip round and has a transfer war-chest of around $1.25.

See below for other award winners.