Bae Junho has sent a message of thanks to supporters and teammates after ending his first year in England as Stoke City supporters’ player of the year.
Junho, aged 20, has arrived back in South Korea after finally bringing his marathon personal season to a close. He has been playing without a proper break since March last year, appearing in 76 match day squads for his country at various levels, Daejeon Hana Citizen and then Stoke, who he joined in August.
The playmaker, who has mostly played on the left of a front three, has ended up with two goals, five assists and a whole load of promise as he has found his feet in the Championship.
He wrote on social media: “Thank you to all the fans who supported my first season in England. And I was happy to be with great teammates. It was a happy season thanks to you guys.”
Fellow summer signing Wouter Burger, aged 23, was a contender for player of the year too.
He went into the close season with the message: “Thank you Potters for your support during my first season in England. I’ve felt welcome and at home from the start! There’s been ups and downs but I’ve enjoyed the whole ride.”
Ben Wilmot, last year’s player of the season, has had to overcome another freak injury this time around after colliding with a post back in October. He came back into the starting XI for the final four matches and ended with three successive clean sheets.
He posted a photograph of himself with Jordan Thompson, Tyrese Campbell and Josh Laurent, saying: “A stressful season to say the least. Glad we could put on a show for everyone on the final day. Enjoyed playing with this group. Great bunch of lads, especially these three. See you all next year.”
Thompson, who has had a 12-month contract extension triggered, said: “Great win and performance on Saturday to end the season. Big thank you to our fans who have stuck with us throughout the season. We know it’s not been good enough but we’ll be ready for next year.”
Blondy Nna Noukeu, who has been a back-up goalkeeper this season, has confirmed he is leaving the club.
He said: “God blessed me five years ago when he gave me the opportunity to realise my childhood dream to play football and sign my first professional contract at Stoke City.
“Today my time has come to leave the club and I can only say thank you to everyone that participated to make that dream come true during those five years. I was lucky to meet unbelievable people – staff, players, coaches, fans and plenty more. They helped me grow as a footballer but also as a man I’m proud to call them today my friends.
“I wish all the very best in the future with more successful moments to everyone at the club. It’s been an honour and a pleasure to represent Stoke City.”
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