Liam Palmer has been crowned the Wise Old Owls Player of the Year!
The defender joined the long-standing supporters group for a celebratory lunch on Wednesday afternoon to receive his trophy, with former Owls boss Brian Laws the guest speaker.
Palmer has played 46 games for the Owls this season, netting a career-best five goals to help the Owls challenge at the top of the League One table.
The SWFC academy graduate has also established a place in the club’s all-time top 15 appearance makers, with just 13 iconic names now above him in the list.
Speaking with swfc.co.uk, Palmer told of his delight at winning the coveted prize for the third time in his career.
The defender said: “It’s a real honour to win this award and to be the first player in the club’s history to win three times as well.
“I’m thankful for their support and the votes, and it’s good to see some familiar faces.
“Individual recognition is always great and I’m very grateful. It means a lot to share these things with my family, they’re proud of what I’m doing.
“Having won this award three times, my kids have got one each now., so that will keep them from arguing over them!
“I feel I’ve managed to maintain consistency and that’s top of my agenda. I’ve scored a few goals and I’ve been involved in 21 out of the 22 clean sheets, it’s something as a defender that’s high on my hit list.
“We’re now going to be doing everything we can to get maximum points from the next three games.”
Wise Old Owls chairman John Gilling was full of praise for Palmer, who picked up the same award in 2013/14 and 2021/22.
He said: “I think this season particularly, he’s very deserving. I think he’s had a wonderful season.
“He’s won twice before and he’s a credit to the club and a wonderful, friendly person.
“He’s been to nearly as many Wise Old Owls lunches as I have! He thinks a lot about us, and he appreciates us.”
John took over the role as chairman earlier this season following the passing of John Preen, who led the supporters group for many years, and Palmer paid tribute to the WOO legend:
“I want to give a shoutout to former Wise Old Owls chairman John Preen who is sadly no longer with us.
“If there are people who are looking to join a supporters group, I would advise they join the Wise Old Owls because they are a great bunch of people who are very welcoming.”