Isaac Holland named winner of Brentford B Mary Halder award | OneFootball

Brentford B’s Isaac Holland has been named the winner of the 2024/25 Mary Halder award following his best season at the club to date.

Holland signed with Neil MacFarlane’s side in August 2022 from Sheffield Wednesday and after enduring injury struggles in his early days at Jersey Road, put together a superb 2024/25 campaign to become one of the young Bees’ most reliable players.

The Mary Halder award is given to a B-team player each season and recognises a campaign of progression, fantastic attitude and professionalism, whilst adhering to the values that the club holds close.

Holland, who was presented with the award following Brentford's 3-2 loss against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, follows in the footsteps of former B-team players Dom Jefferies, Fin Stevens, Nathan Shepperd, Ali Coote, Marcus Forss, Chris Mepham, Ryan Trevitt and Ethan Brierley, who have all won the trophy in previous years.

Speaking on his season, Holland said his work on and off the pitch helped him perform well.

“It's been a really positive campaign for me, getting consistent game time throughout the season really helped me push on and develop my confidence and perform well for the team,” he said.

“Obviously what you do on the pitch is most important but what you do off the pitch as well is also extremely important. To win this award shows that I'm working well off the pitch and acting professional.”

Playing the majority of his season at right wing-back and on the right wing, Holland proved a threat when in attack, tallying seven goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His strong early season form saw the 19-year-old rewarded with a two-year contract extension, keeping him in west London until at least the summer of 2026.

Holland’s breakout game came against Charlton Athletic last November as he contributed five assists in a 6-1 Professional Development League (PDL) win away from home.

He scored a vital brace against Burnley in early April, helping the young Bees secure a 2-1 victory and three important points in their quest for a top-two finish in the PDL south group table, before injury brought his season to a premature end.

Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane praised Holland for his performances across the year.

“Isaac has been with us for a few seasons now and has grown a lot on and off the pitch,” he said.

“He has developed year on year to find himself at this stage where he has been exceptional through what has been an unbelievable season for him and the team.

“His 12 assists and seven goals have been a huge part of our year and sadly an injury picked up late on has meant we have been without an important player for the end of the season.

“That said, we don’t forget his contribution and we acknowledge this, with a brilliant award for his efforts throughout the season along with his team-mates.”

Looking ahead to next season, Holland has some clear goals in mind as he readies himself for the summer break.

“I want to keep the momentum from this year and push on next year, and to try and keep playing positive," he said.

"Obviously stats are a big thing, so I'd like to up my numbers again next year.

“It's a big thing for the lads to play in finals, it's a good experience, so we need to try and get there again next year and push on and win them.”