The pocket rocket, arguably United’s most influential signing of 2007/08, won the Fresh FM Player of the Year Award and Club Financial Services Player’s Player Award before capturing the major award of the night, coach Aurelio Vidmar announcing him as the 2007/08 Club Champion in front of a packed house at the Hilton.

Cassio’s win of the Club Champion and Player’s Player accolades follows midfielder Jason Spagnuolo’s similar double achievement last year and the Brazilian was all smiles having been adjudged the stand out performer by both his coaches and his team mates.

On receiving the Club Champion Award, Cassio made particular mention to Adelaide United FC owner Nick Bianco, Vidmar, his team mates and his wife, thanking them for their support throughout his debut Hyundai A-League season.

The attacking left back provided four goal assists during the season and was rarely beaten in his position, emphasising his value at both ends of the field.

Following Cassio’s success, other award winners on the night included former Young Socceroos Captain Shaun Ontong, who was voted the Scalzi Produce Best Team Man and Bruce Djite, who followed up his Hyundai A-League Rising Star Award by being named the Australian Pest Control & Horticultural Solutions Rising Star.

The night also provided a special moment, the club recognising the inaugural 2003/04 Adelaide United squad and administration.

United Chairman Dario Fontanarosa presented each member of the original squad with commemorative plaque and club life membership.

The majority of the inaugural squad was in attendance, which included Ross Aloisi, Shane Smeltz and Kristian Rees, who all played with the Wellington Phoenix in 2007/08.

Inaugural Coach John Kosmina was also recognised but was unable to attend and he was represented by his father Alex Kosmina.

Retiring United stalwart Richie Alagich was also recognised with a moving tribute, Vidmar paying homage to the defender, who is an inaugural Adelaide United squad member and previous Club Champion.

A genuine club man, Alagich will hang up his boots at the conclusion of the group stage of the 2008 AFC Champions League in May.

Having recognised the achievements of the past season with the Red Carpet Awards Night, all of the attention now turns to the prestigious Asian club tournament, with The Reds less than two weeks away from their first match against K-League champions the Pohang Steelers in Korea on March 12.

Adelaide United FC Award Winners
Aurelio Vidmar Club Champion – Cassio
Club Financial Services Player’s Player – Cassio
Scalzi Produce Best Team Man – Shaun Ontong
Australian Pest Control & Horticultural Solutions Rising Star – Bruce Djite
Adelaide United FC Club Person of the Year – Noah Albanese

Media Awards
The Advertiser Golden Boots Award – Travis Dodd
The Advertiser Leading Goal Scorer Award – Bruce Djite and Lucas Pantelis
Fresh FM Player of the Year – Cassio