Player of the season: As a member of the Football Writers’ Association it was a very close call between Mo Salah and Kevin de Bruyne — but I voted for Salah 

Young player of the season: Bukayo Saka. Incredible to think he is still only 20

Goal of the season: I was privileged to see Salah’s outstanding goal against Watford at Vicarage Road back in October, which for me was the best strike I saw in the flesh all season. The best goal full stop? Salah’s against Manchester City in the absorbing 2-2 draw at Anfield back in the autumn. Such movement and quick feet, such an eye for goal, such confidence to take on a world class backline. The Spanish call it “illusion.” I call it genius. 

Best match(es): Chelsea 2-4 Arsenal, Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

Worst match(es): Watford 0-0 Everton, Sutton United 0-0 Stevenage EFL Trophy

Press conference of the season: Having the honour of observing Jose Mourinho at close quarters in the press room at Leicester City after Roma’s 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final at Filbert Way. Such charisma. No wonder he guided the Romans to the trophy. 

Press conference of the season II: Being pitchside at Easter Road back in July to ask Arsenal boss Mike Arteta if Emile Smith Rowe was for sale. His emphatic answer to me that ESR was not for sale at any price was the first indication the Gunners could have a good season.

Incidentally, some clubs still have not reverted back to allowing journalists access to their pre-weekend press conferences after Covid. While I fully understand that I am at the bottom of the food chain and the big boys should have first dibs, to not allow all journalists back into training grounds indicates that certain clubs are happy with the status quo — and the alarming lack of diversity. Let’s hope not, but August will give us the answer …

Press conference of the season III: Being invited into Steve Evans’s inner sanctum at Stevenage’s training ground to hear him speak passionately about all things football for an hour was a joy to behold. Despite his fearsome reputation he was a true gentleman and utterly engaging company. I’m just glad I’m not one of his players, as his hairdryer must be a sight to behold. 

Best pies: 1st Rochdale. Majestic pie and mushy peas. 2nd Barnsley. 3rd Hibernian

The Road to 92: 88/92. Barrow, Crewe, Fleetwood and Harrogate if you’re wondering

Favourite ground: I finally had the honour of covering a game at evocative Oakwell. It will be of no consolation whatsoever to Barnsley fans after their miserable relegation from the Championship but I absolutely loved their ground. A well-appointed, wonderful stadium with towering floodlights, plenty of brickwork and wood, along with a warm welcome. The gents in immaculate bowler hats in the press box were the icing on the cake, as was the trip to a former nearby colliery that I visited after I could see it from the press box 

Most memorable view: The magnificent 12th century cathedral behind the goal at Ely Town 

Chant of the season: “Just like the old days – there’s nobody here…” Arsenal supporters to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 

Annoyances: As a journalist who travels thousands of miles every year on the nation’s roads, motorway night closures are the bane of my life. I’ve lost count of the number of times my heart has sank when I’ve had to follow those internal yellow signs saying: Diversion.

Annoyances II: Pitch invasions. We’re not heading back to the 1980s but the rise in on-field incursions by fans, jubilant or otherwise, has to be effectively controlled through better stewarding, more effective policing and stronger consequences. If it costs the club more, then so be it, because we simply can’t have so-called fans heinously attacking players and staff. 

Most joyous moment: As editor of the Gooner Fanzine, it has been humbling to experience the goodwill from fans who appreciate an independent view from a labour of love that is rapidly taking over my life, every time I sell copies on a matchday. We’re also proud to have the Willow Foundation as our official charity — and donated all our takings after costs on the final day to them. I’m also fundraising for them by running the Edinburgh half marathon this Sunday — although I daresay it won’t be joyous until I actually cross the finishing line

Most joyous moment II: Covering Sunderland’s victorious 2-0 victory over Wycombe at Wembley. The deep, deep joy emanating from the hordes who made the long journey south from Wearside after so long in the wildnerness was a sight to behold

Best moment: Arsenal 3-1 Spurs 

Worst moment: Spurs 3-0 Arsenal