Ellis Genge says despite the heartbreaking loss to Falcons at Welford Road, the Leicester squad are "grateful" for the unrivalled support the squad receive at Welford Road each from the Tigers faithful.
Speaking from the changing rooms at Welford Road after the Round 21 defeat at the hands of Newcastle Falcons, in which the England front-rower was voted Spire Man of the Match by Tigers supporters using the club's Mobile App, a disappointed Genge admitted to bittersweet feelings upon receiving the award.
"I don't know that I'm happy to be voted Man of the Match, I'm not sure I can be happy after a loss or should be," Genge admitted after being told of his fan-voted award.
"I am definitely grateful to the supporters for voting for me. Our fans are the best in the Premiership and the most passionate, especially when we play here at Welford Road. I am sure they're hurting with us after this loss."
The 23-year-old also shared his thoughts on the defeat, including the support of the Leicester Tigers fans on Twitter post-match (see below).
No words for last night really - or this season but massive credit to the fans who have been there every step of the way 👏🏽
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) April 28, 2018
Genge has been a noticeable force for the Tigers since returning from injury in the Round 18 win over Wasps, which was the first of back to back sell-out crowds at the home of the #TigersFamily, which was followed by a record-breaking Friday night attendance in the final home fixture of the season against Falcons, which the prop said had been "huge" for the playing group.
"The support of the Tigers Family in recent weeks has been huge, we have loved playing in front of sell-out crowds and now tonight under lights in front of another huge turn out."
Ellis Genge
"It hasn't been perfect but we're working hard, all of the boys are. The effort is there at training every day, I hope they stick by us and next year we can repay the faith of those who turn out each week to cheer us on."
Spire Man of the Match voting was a brand-new addition to Welford Road fixtures this season, allowing supporters the opportunity to choose their best each game using the new-look Tigers Mobile App. Keep an eye out for updates on an even bigger and better online, interactive experience which will be on offer in the 2018/19 season for Leicester Tigers fans.