THE 2011/12 season could not have gone much better for Swindon Town winger Matt Ritchie.

The 22-year-old has been a consistent performer on the right side of the Swindon midfield, and has cut inside on numerous occasions to fire in spectacular goals.

The former Portsmouth player’s performances earned him to title of the League Two player of the year in March, and before also being named in the division’s team of the year in April.

But more importantly for Ritchie he was part of a Swindon team which can now call themselves the League Two champions.

“It has been an amazing season for everyone here and to go on and win the title is an amazing achievement, and the mentality of the club has changed massively from the way it was last summer,” he said.

“There have been plenty of highs and lows, but there have been more highs because all of the lads have stuck together and worked hard all year long for each other.

“The year has been so rewarding, and we have all enjoyed it. It has been a real team effort, and I think that has been the secret to our success.

“I think a few people were a bit wary of what the manager was going to be like, but he has done an amazing job and has helped us all improve as players over the season.”

But while Ritchie rightly insisted everything the club has achieved this season was a team effort, he was also proud of everything he has achieved personally.

“I could not have won what I won without my teammates and the manager, but obviously it is great to be recognised for what I have done on the pitch this season.

“The whole team have been brilliant, and made it easy for me to do my job on the pitch, and I am proud of what I have achieved.

“It is always good to be given awards, and I will remember this season forever.

“I scored some decent goals too which is good, because that is an important part of my game.”