Published: 20 October, 2011
by CATHERINE ETOE

ARSENAL Ladies boss Laura Harvey praised her players after being named Coach of the Year at the 13th Annual
FA Women’s Awards on Friday Harvey notched up a treble haul of trophies with the Gunners in her first full
season as manager – and is chasing one more title having guided her team into the last 16 of the Champions League.

That two-legged tie against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano will be played out in November.

But for now the 31-year-old is finally enjoying the chance to savour her domestic achievements. “It’s not really sunk in yet because we haven’t stopped playing, but days like today bring it home a little bit and help you realise what a magnificent achievement it was,” she said. “To win such a prestigious award is great and all credit to the players because without them the coach isn’t anything.”

Harvey was not the only member of the Arsenal contingent to take to the stage at the glitzy award ceremony at the Honourable Artillery Company in City Road, Islington.

Ex-Arsenal striker Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey, pictured above with England manager Hope Powell, were called up to be presented with special caps to mark their century of senior appearances for England.