After a highly disappointing season, the annual end of season big bash was understandably a bit more low key than in recent seasons, but there was still plenty to celebrate, especially at youth levels (double Cup winners) and for the Chelsea Ladies team, who completed a league and FA Cup double last year.
And it was the CLFC captain, Katie Chapman (Captain Chapman!) who led off the night by winning the Women's Player of the Year.
Well done to @chapmans17 - the @ChelseaLFC Player of the Year! #CFCPOTY2016 pic.twitter.com/QUXs3vGAqN
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2016
Next, Ruben Loftus-Cheek collected the award for the best young player. Hopefully he follows last year's winner Kurt Zouma into a prominent first-team role.
Congratulations to @rubey_lcheek, our Young Player of the Year! #CFCPOTY2016 pic.twitter.com/ff6NAb0BEu
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2016
First the first time since 2006-07, Chelsea also gave out a separate Academy award, and that went to the man of the moment, Fikayo Tomori. Well done, young'n! (Ben Sahar won it in 06-07, for what it's worth. He's currently playing back in his native Israel.)
Well done to Fikayo Tomori - our Academy Player of the Year! #CFCPOTY2016 pic.twitter.com/WsDlSNkrpJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2016
Unsurprisingly, Eden Hazard's magnificent goal against Spurs was voted Goal of the Season despite being a late entrant.
Our 2015/16 Goal of the Season - @hazardeden10 v Tottenham! #CFCPOTY2016 https://t.co/67iLRrhiz9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2016
And last but not least, Willian became just the third player after Juan Mata and Eden Hazard to collect both Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year in the same season. He was a shoo-in of course, but that doesn't make it any less deserved.
Congratulations to @willianborges88 - the 2015/16 Player of the Year! #CFCPOTY2016 pic.twitter.com/K1oPVgUylb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2016
As it tends to be the case with these things, the whole night was a mix of celebrations, emotions, and plenty of awkwardness.
Video footage of John Terry as he gets close to tears following tributes to his 700 games at Chelsea: pic.twitter.com/ZD2i74edqy
— Oliver Todd (@oliver_todd) May 13, 2016
There was time to salute John Terry on his 700 matches for Chelsea (so that segment was NOT canceled after all) and to thank Guus Hiddink not just for this season, but his previous stint at the club as well. The night ended with presenters Chris Hollins and Christine Lampard (nee Bleakley) introducing Super Frank for a final heartfelt thank you to Hiddink, Terry, and of course, the Chelsea fans.
Congrats to all the winners. Time to look forward to better things.