Sheffield Wednesday: Forestieri misses out on prize after vote recount

Owls forward Fernando Forestieri has been deprived of the PFA Fans' Player of the Season for the Championship - following a miscalculation in the votes by Sky Sports.
Fernando ForestieriFernando Forestieri
Fernando Forestieri

Forestieri, Wednesday’s 15-goal top-scorer, was initially named as the winner of the prize on Tuesday night, beating off stern competition from Daniel Ayala, Alan Judge, Andre Gray, Sam Vokes and Ross McCormack.

But the award has been taken off the 26-year-old after it was pointed out that Middlesbrough defender Ayala received more votes.

In a statement, Sky Sports said: “We incorrectly reported last night that Fernando Forestieri of Sheffield Wednesday had won the award after a poll concluded with the pair each gaining 40 per cent of the vote.

“The votes have now been verified by an independent party with 38,002 votes confirmed for Spanish defender Ayala and 37,825 for Argentina-born striker Forestieri.

“We are keen to put the record straight and sincerely apologise to Fernando, Sheffield Wednesday and all the fans who voted, for the mistaken report.

“We congratulate Ayala and look forward to seeing him perform in the Premier League next season.

“We would also like to wish Forestieri and Sheffield Wednesday the best of luck in the Championship Play-off Final against Hull City at Wembley on May 28.”

Forestieri, a £3m buy from Watford last August, has played an instrumental role in Wednesday’s promotion push, hitting 15 goals in 38 outings. He has also weighed in with eight assists.

His impressive performances have culminated in him winning the Owls’ Player of the Year prize. He claimed 52 per cent of the vote, with Scotland international Barry Bannan finishing runner-up and Kieran Lee third in the fans’ vote.

After learning of the news, Forestieri posted on Twitter: “Let’s try this again! Thank you to all the fans who voted me as SWFC Player of the season! Appreciate the love.”

As revealed by The Star earlier this month, Forestieri hopes to spend the rest of his career with the Hillsborough outfit.

“I love this club. I love the team, the fans and players,” he said.

“The chairman has told me to sign for Wednesday another 10 years!

“I feel so good here. I love playing for this club.

“I hope I can finish my career here.”