Antonio Conte Wins Manager Of The Year At LMA Annual Awards Meeting: Chelsea Fans React

Antonio Conte won the top two prizes at the League Managers’ Association’s 25th annual awards dinner on Monday night, and Chelsea fans are elated over the boss’ new trophies.

Chelsea’s Antonio Conte wins Manager of the Year at LMA Awards, Fans React

The 47-year-old Italian won Manager of the Year and Premier League Manager of the Year after leading Chelsea to secure the English league title with 93 points, seven point ahead of second-place Tottenham.

The Blues finished the previous Premier League season in tenth place.

“Thank you very much. It is incredible. It is my first season here in England and I want to say thanks to all the people that voted for me,” said Conte, per Chelsea’s website. “It is great to receive this award. I hope to deserve this. It is fantastic to have this trophy and stay with these managers. It is a great achievement and I hope to continue in the best way.”

Conte, a former Italian national team and Juventus manager, took over as head coach at Stamford Bridge in April 2016 when he signed a three-year contract with Chelsea. Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho was the Blues’ boss prior to him from 2013-2015.

During the 2016-2017 campaign, Chelsea recorded a Premier League-record 30 victories (out of 38 games), including 13 straight from October 1. The Blues lost five games and tied three.

Chelsea, who defeated Sunderland 5-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to end their regular Premier League season, could complete a double this season by defeating Arsenal in the FA Cup Final at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Here are fans’ reactions to Conte’s award victories:

Among the other big winners at Monday night’s awards was Brighton and Hove Albion’s Chris Hughton, who received the Championship prize after leading the Seagulls back to the top flight for the first time in 34 years.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea poses with the Premier League Trophy after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)