Last week Andy Holt was awarded overall business CEO of the year in addition to League 2 CEO of the year at the Football Business Awards.
 

Coming shortly after a recognition of achievement award for Andy, it is safe to say it's been a great year for Accrington Stanley. As League 2 Champions, going from strength to strength- the club have certainly found their leader!

Now in his fourth year as Chairman of Accrington Stanley, Andy Holt has been formally recognised for his hard work and dedication to the club. From a long list of potential winners in a London ceremony on 22nd November Andy was presented with the two awards, which were voted for by the FC Business readers.

Andy Holt, MBE, Chairman of Accrington Stanley Football Club said:

"It is a huge honour to be presented with these awards. Thank you to all who voted for me, and more importantly, thank you to everyone who has believed in Stanley! It has been a team effort and this award isn't just for me, it's being taken home for all those who have been part of the journey from day one."

The honour comes shortly after winning the ‘Recognition of Achievement for Walsall Football Supporters Fans' award. This was presented to him for ‘honest and open dialogue with football fans and the supporter movement everywhere'.

"My award from the Walsall Football Supporters Fans is a particular honour and I'm incredibly proud. This award gives me a lot of satisfaction and pleasure. One of my aims is to communicate to the best of my ability - the club is for the fans and it's really important to me that they are a focal point for our decisions. Without the fans, not just the Stanley fans, there is no club. The supporters from other teams are just as important to us if we want to thrive!

Anyone that follows me on twitter knows I don't hold back, I think this is what the award represents, open communication, honesty and community. That's what we are, a team, and it's what makes my job incredible. To football fans everywhere, thank you."

Walsall Supporters Trust are looking to change the culture of the club by promoting openness and constructive dialogue. They wish to ‘promote the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus on supporter and community involvement'.

A representative from Walsall Supporters Trust congratulated Andy on his achievement:

"Keep doing what you are doing, the fans need a champion and you are definitely that man! Don't let them silence your honest dialogue, it's so refreshing!"