Dale duo up for awards

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Jason Kennedy

Midfielder Jason Kennedy has been named amongst the nominees for the League One Player of the Year at the forthcoming Northwest Football Awards.

A virtual ever-present last term, Kennedy faces competition from Bury’s David Worrall, Kieren Lee (formerly of Oldham Athletic), Preston North End goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann, former Tranmere Rovers man David Buchanan and Lee Miller of Carlisle United.

Meanwhile, first year professional Sam Minihan has been short-listed for the Rising Star award.

The defender, who broke into the Dale first team at the end of last season, has been nominated along side names including Blackpool's Tom Ince and Manchester United's Nick Powell (formerly of Crewe Alexandra).

Minihan is a product of the Rochdale youth system and made his first team debut in the 3-2 win over Exeter City at Spotland in April.

Supporters can now cast their vote to back their heroes and help decide which players will receive the various accolades. Visit www.northwestfootballawards.com to cast your vote, or cast your decision via Facebook (www.facebook.com/northwestfootballawards) and Twitter (@NWFAwards).

All supporters who vote for their chosen Player of the Year will also be entered into a free prize draw to win a pair of tickets for the Northwest Football Awards ceremony.

Consisting of professionals across all aspects of the game, including PFA Chairman Gordon Taylor OBE, Editor of FC Business Ryan McKnight and former FA Chief Executive Mark Palios, the panel have announced the finalists that will be competing for various honours at the awards ceremony, which takes place on Monday 12 November at Lancashire County Cricket Club’s ‘The Point’ and will be presented by BBC Sport’s Dan Walker.

The full shortlist for the divisional Player of the Year awards are as follows:

League One Player of the Year
David Worrall - Bury
Lee Miller – Carlisle United
Kieren Lee – Oldham Athletic (now at Sheffield Wednesday)
Thorsten Stuckmann – Preston North End
Jason Kennedy – Rochdale
David Buchanan – Tranmere Rovers (now at Preston North End)