Hayden Hackney has been voted Young Player of the Year in the North East Football Writers Player of the Year Awards for 2023.
The Boro youngster claims the prestigious accolade ahead of Newcastle United’s Lewis Miley and Sunderland's Jack Clarke.
Redcar-born Hackney emerged onto the first team scene at Boro last season and has since established himself as a mainstay in Michael Carrick's side, racking up more than half a century of appearances.
He is the sixth Boro youngster to win the prize in the 16 years it has been awarded - following in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduates David Wheater, Joe Bennett, Jason Steele, Ben Gibson and Marcus Tavernier. Midfield teammate Jonny Howson was Boro's last winner at the NEFWA awards, named Player of the Year in 2020.
Newcastle's Kieran Trippier is Player of the Year this time around, while Durham Women and Northern Ireland defender Sarah Robson has won the women’s senior award for the third year in a row.
The awards ceremony itself is taking place on Sunday 3 March at the Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club. Tickets details are available from Claire Stephen on 01913 865282 or claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk.