Award returned in spring, no good (4)
I believe the answer is:
gong
'award' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'returned in spring no good' is the wordplay.
'returned' says the letters should be written backwards.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'gnog' is hidden within 'spring no good'.
'gnog' written backwards gives 'GONG'.
(Other definitions for gong that I've seen before include "Instrument - award" , "Round plate that resounds when struck" , "Medal (sl.)" , "Disc struck at meal times - medal" , "Beat this" .)