Yesterday marked the fourth annual Football Blogging Awards, and it was by far the biggest and most prestigious event so far!
With the stars of the blogging, Twitter and broadcast media world turning out, it was sure to be a celebration of all things football.
Held at the glamorous Hotel Football next to Old Trafford Stadium, the event grows every single year, with sponsors including Kit Bag, Carlsberg and Ladbrokes.
Here we take a look at the event itself, the winners and the funniest moments at this year’s #FBAs…
Blogging all over the world
Some of the biggest news of the night was that the official hashtag for the Football Blogging Awards was the top trending hashtag in the United Kingdom, and fifth worldwide, thanks to the Snack Media team!
Cheers Geoff!
This year welcomed a new host to the stage, with Sky Sports reporter Bianca Westwood taking the helm. She certainly got into the spirit of the night….
Set for the @TheFBAs! Follow the latest news here https://t.co/ueBfICe4SS with @FootballFanCast & @BallStreet #FBAs pic.twitter.com/JtbAOeLMDv
— Bianca Westwood (@beewestwood) November 19, 2015
The brains behind the operation
FootballFanCast and Snack Media were the joint social media partners for the night, and this Vine captured perfectly the calm before the storm…
Scenes at @TheFBAs https://t.co/PilUHfG6X7 #FBAs https://t.co/uiXOiJOR7d
— Football FanCast (@FootballFanCast) November 19, 2015
Red carpet awaits…
There were certainly many excited bloggers out there as the world of football descended onto Manchester.
https://twitter.com/crossthelinex_/status/667366577755525120
Decent view of Old Trafford from the hotel room in Manchester. Off to begin prepping for the #FBAs soon! pic.twitter.com/QS5xNPZoeO
— Sam Rourke (@samrourke_) November 19, 2015
The glamours life of a football blogger #FBAs #TravelLodgeChic pic.twitter.com/uzeoDbSw1s
— Cal Byrne (@cal_byrne) November 19, 2015
Steady stream
This year certainly cranked up a notch, with Ball Street providing a live stream of events throughout the night including interviews with Stan Collymore and John Barnes.
Keyboard warriors
The man behind the mask was finally revealed last night, with the mastermind behind internet sensation Deluded Brendan finally showing himself. He certainly showed a lot of character…
Now it's the genius that is @DeludedBrendan chatting to @BallStreet at @TheFBAs! #FBAs pic.twitter.com/c6FGwWi1UZ
— Football FanCast (@FootballFanCast) November 19, 2015
Time for @GoaldenTimes to chat with @BallStreet at @TheFBAs. #FBAs pic.twitter.com/pSe29z4c7x
— Football FanCast (@FootballFanCast) November 19, 2015
Great to meet @StanCollymore at the #FBAs. One of my favourite presenters who always speaks his mind pic.twitter.com/8orerUz6al
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) November 19, 2015
And the nominees are…
There was some tremendous video content on the night, supplied by FootballFanCast and Snack Media. Prior to each award being announced, the categories were displayed in dynamic fashion on the big screen…
Those in with a shout for Best Established Football Blog are https://t.co/PilUHfG6X7 #FBAs pic.twitter.com/JncbRg5mon
— Football FanCast (@FootballFanCast) November 19, 2015
And the winner is…
Once the ceremony was officially underway, speeches were flying and the champagne was opened. Stan Collymore was just one of the many winners, that were announced on social via real-time imagery, although kept his speech short and sweet.
Well played to @UnitedStandMUFC for winning Fans’ Best New Football Blog @TheFBAs #FBAs 👍 pic.twitter.com/bk4Qqni8Ja
— Football FanCast (@FootballFanCast) November 19, 2015
Congrats to @StanCollymore for winning Fans’ Best Football Influencer @TheFBAs #FBAs 👊 pic.twitter.com/BRAMY9zBh9
— Football FanCast (@FootballFanCast) November 19, 2015
Awards at night, rappers delight
The talk of the town on the night was of course John Barnes. The Liverpool legend shook off the cobwebs and grabbed the mic as he returned to his true calling…rapping
https://twitter.com/Onefootball/status/667686630040432640
John Barnes, once again proving that he's the greatest rapper of all time…https://t.co/PLv7bsoUM3
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 20, 2015
Never thought in my life I'd dance on stage while John Barnes performs Rappers delight. Random! Great night #FBAs 👌🏼 https://t.co/jvWFNXq7xi
— Bianca Westwood (@beewestwood) November 20, 2015
Once the dust had settled…
After the madness of the night, bloggers jumped back on Twitter to share their thanks to those who voted. It was also a time for the social media team to take a well earned break!
Had a great time @TheFBAs and made up to win judges award for best visual blog, thanks to all the organisers #FBAs pic.twitter.com/zrvPWmriC9
— brickstand (@brickstand) November 20, 2015
We still can't believe we took home the #FBAs video category after being up against this lot! Thanks once again. pic.twitter.com/koSwWU1sNR
— COPA90 (@Copa90) November 20, 2015