Humble Ross Fitzsimons insists his Scunthorpe United teammates deserve the credit after he scooped the Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year award at the National Game Awards, in association with Isuzu.
Fitzsimons wrote his name in Iron folklore after keeping an incredible 27 clean sheets for the side, breaking a record that had stood for just over a century and ensuring the National League North outfit only conceded a division-low 30 goals.
The former Notts County and Chesterfield shot-stopper has proved a revelation between the sticks for the Iron.
However, Fitzsimons insists his side’s tag as the steeliest defence in the division was a combined effort from throughout the pitch.
Reusch Goalkeeper of the Year: Ross Fitzsimons – Scunthorpe United
“The defence were really good in front of me and when I was called upon, I did my job,” said the 30-year-old.
“You want to be settled in front of your team and know what your players do and don’t do, and it’s important to build that rapport and relationship.
“I feel we have done that over the past few years, where we now know each other inside out.
“It’s nice to get the award and also break a record for the club that has not been touched for over 100 years, and to now hold that record for the club.
“Scunthorpe United have been a great club for me and I feel at home here.”
Fitzsimons, who was a first-time winner at the bespoke awards this year, has set his sights on using his success to keep pushing forward.
Capped by England C in 2016, he has been through all the highs and lows you come to expect as a goalkeeper.
Stepping stone
And with the National League North Promotion Final against Chester to come this afternoon – as Fitzsimons looks to play his part in returning the club to Non-League’s top flight – his season isn’t over.
That is the first big goal as well as aiming long term for the EFL, while Fitzsimons would love another international honour.
He revealed: “Winning the award and to be effectively named the best goalkeeper in Non-League means everything to me.
“It has been really good.
“It’s a great event and lads have won awards and got into the England C team off the back of that.
“It’s a massive stepping stone to taking your career one step further into the promised land of the EFL so it’s really important for me.”
Words: Mohamed Hamza and Phil Campbell, Sportsbeat
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