Jordan Ayew seems to have missed out on winning Aston Villa’s Player of the Year award after the club scrapped their annual award scheme as they prepare to face their first relegation since 1987.

The Ghana striker, who joined during the summer transfer window, has had an impressive debut season.

Ayew has scored seven league goals in 25 appearances and has been a shining star.

But his startling form has been clouded by Aston Villa’s ponderous campaign.

The club – bottom of the Premier League since the start of November – could have their fate confirmed before Saturday’s game against Manchester United, if Norwich avoid defeat to Sunderland in the early kick-off.

A Villa statement said: “The club will not be holding its annual Player of the Year Awards at the conclusion of this season. In the current circumstances, we are sure our supporters will understand."

Villa – currently looking for a new manager to replace Rémi Garde, who left the club at the end of March – this week warned staff there will be job cuts following relegation, while more difficult headlines followed a 19-man brawl that broke out in the club’s Under-21s win over West Ham on Monday.