A VETERAN at just 24, Jersey’s Muratti Vase winning captain Stuart André was crowned Jersey’s Footballer of the Year for the first time on Saturday night.

The climax of the annual Coca-Cola Combination awards at the Living Legend resulted in the St Paul’s captain getting the honour ahead of fellow Island stars Craig Leitch, a prolific goalscorer for the Saints, and junior Jack Boyle of Jersey Scottish, man of the match in both junior and senior Murattis.

Former Le Rocqier and Hautlieu student André, a cultured defender who was first nominated five years ago, led St Paul’s to the Combination title and the Wheway Cup.

Other award winners were midfielder Ben Gallichan (Division II ), goalkeeper Helen Lagadu, of St Brelade and Jersey; St Martin/SCF president and delegate Neville Ahier and Alf Moignard, a former referee, for long-service; Ian Solomon, Referee of the Year for the fourth time; Rozel Rovers James O’Haire and Carl Scott, the Jersey Referees Fair Play Award.