It may not have been the most successful of seasons for all clubs involved, but Grilled's first-ever S-League repeat was enough to turn the latest end-of-season dinner into a big celebration. New head coach Hilal Bakhtiar was beaming as he contemplated his successful carrying-on of Eren Serpin's legacy, and there could have been no objections as the 42 year-old Austrian was inducted into the Birds' Hall of Fame, together with former star Zhan Ju-Hau.

Coaching the club to two S-League titles was certainly more than enough for Serpin to gain an early induction, which comes as he prepares to leave Singapore for now, after a season of unofficial mentorship. As for the 79 year-old Zhan, he would be nominated thanks to a push for more recognition of Grilled's classic period, and looked as tanned and hale as ever, despite his advanced age. Zhan is moreover already honoured with fellow Jurong side Heaven Skys, whom he joined after some seasons abroad in the Netherlands and England.

"That was a long wait for the S-League title." Zhan joked. "I feared for a while, that I would not get to see it in this life!"

Well, the 30 year-old Chan Ze Han must be a lock for the Hall the instant he becomes eligible, as he earned his fourth Player of the Season award. While Kalki Parvathaneni, Vikram Mudaliar and Kalle ter Berg all had their supporters, they would have to admit that Chan deserved it more than anyone. "Let's face it, had Chan been given it in most any of the last ten years, you would be able to make a fair case for it." Kalki explained. "The judges have already been trying to spread it around."

The youth version went to academy lad Shubhaksh Verma, who has exhibited promise both as a forward and a central defender, and has been utilized mostly at the back in recent months. There wasn't too much competition with next to no qualified personnel in the senior squad, with Lai Yong Ah and Wong Sze Ze the others in consideration.

Kalle would drop a bombshell by announcing his departure at this point, for S$3 million to Turkish V.164 club Karesi Gençlerbirliği. The 33 year-old Dutch delight had been the club's most called-upon midfielder for the past season with 21 competitive appearances, but recurring injuries and a desire to continually refresh the squad, appears to have encouraged his departure. "It has been the most fruitful four years of my career." he declared. "I will look back fondly on my time in Singapore, and if any of you will be in Amsterdam a few years on, do drop me a line!"

It had been a painful and entirely forgettable season for the Farmer Bunnies, and their biggest consolation was that it could hardly get worse, after their relegation. Past two POTYs Djoko Tambusai and Ibrahim Zahran Al-Maashany were among the best of a bad lot, with Vishnu Tallapaka another usual suspect, but it eventually went to Ghanaian new Number Four, Richard Agyei.

Agyei would thank the fans for their support. "I frankly can't be too proud at this, given our league finish, but here's to better times ahead."

18 year-old newcomer Jerad Meyer would be rewarded for his three cup starts with the Young Player of the Season gong, with Demitri Liu, Wong Han Liang and Kang How Loong described as the next ones to watch. "They should get more chances to play in Division Three, so there's that." Dalibor Kostadinović said.

There would be a special segment dedicated to Swiss custodian Vivian Grubenmann, who will leave the Buns after eighteen-and-a-half seasons. The 37 year-old had indubitably been one of the main forces behind their ascension to the top flight, and his drop in level mirrored the club's fortunes, more than most. He would accept a S$1 million bid from Finnish Division Six club AFC Lahna&Lokki, as Jari-Matti Vigelius shores his team up following a challenging first season. Grubenmann replaces former captain Sören Fransson, who has retired.

As for the Bunnies' Hall of Fame, former Pakistani international Namdar Zarar would become its fourth resident at 42 years of age. Although still officially registered as a squad player, Zarar had barely been utilized for the past few campaigns, instead being mostly a coach and confidant in the dressing room. He is reportedly being groomed for a more permanent backroom position at Carrot Field, and will be taking a leave of absence to that effect.

For Grilled International, Spanish workhorse midfielder Osertz Indurain would finally be recognized for his often-dull but certainly indispensible toil, as he nears 200 starts from his fifteen seasons in Brunei. The 32 year-old edged out Fausto Perono - who has recently left - and Ragib Banović, in the supporters' reckoning. It was a difficult pick at youth level in a period with few standouts, but Busy Bees forward trainee Hussein bin Hj Vincent Nordin made the cut. "More on potential than anything, mind." assistant coach Abdillah bin Mohd warned.

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