Mkrtchyan and Minasyan take Armenian awards
Friday, December 24, 2010
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Champions FC Pyunik have dominated the 2010 awards in Armenia, with Karlen Mkrtchyan and Vardan Minasyan being voted the country's player and coach of the year respectively.
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FC Pyunik midfielder Karlen Mkrtchyan has been voted Armenian player of the year ahead of team-mate Gevorg Ghazaryan and FC Mika defender Hrayr Mkoyan.
The 22-year-old midfielder claimed the championship with Pyunik and became a regular starter for the national team, for whom he now has 12 caps. Mkrtchyan's crowning moment came when he scored the added-time winner against FC Banants to help his side take over at the top of the league with two matches to play – a one-point advantage they would maintain to win the title.
"I am thankful to all who gave me their support," said Mkrtchyan, who topped the poll of club presidents, coaches, captains and journalists. "It is a great honour to have won this accolade. Now I need to prove my ability. I am happy for myself and those who trusted in me."
Pyunik and national team boss Vardan Minasyan was named coach of the year. "Winning prizes makes you more responsible," he said. "I will now work twice as hard, but for coaсhes that is a usual thing. I still think that players make a greater impact than coaches."
