Player of the Season
Winner: Gareth Bale
Runner Up: Robin Van Persie
This was a straightforward choice in the end. While Bale did not start the season brilliantly he has found incredible form since Christmas and has essentially carried Tottenham all season long. Without Bale, Spurs would have been nowhere near the top 4 race and that is testament to his performances this season.
Young Player of the Season
Winner: Romelu Lukaku
Runner Up: Christian Benteke
Until his final day hat trick I would have given this to Benteke, but Lukaku’s performance against Manchester United tipped the balance in his favour. Both Belgian strikers look to have very bright futures. Both are strong, quick and powerful and have scored a terrific number of goals this season. If Chelsea can’t find a place for Lukaku next season, he won’t be short of suitors.
Goal of the Season
Winner: Robin van Persie (2nd v Aston Villa)
Runner Up: Andreas Weimann (v Liverpool)
Robin van Persie scored a fantastic hat trick against Aston Villa to seal the Premier League Title for Manchester United and his second goal was something special. His over the shoulder first time volley is definitely deserving of goal of the season. The runner up was a different kind of goal but equally special. Aston Villa were sensational in their win at Anfield in December and their passing, team move for their third was a stunning goal.
Manager of the Season
Winner: Sir Alex Ferguson
Runner Up: David Moyes
There is only one winner of this accolade. Sir Alex Ferguson has bowed out with yet another League Winners Medal, his 13th Premier League crown. This is not the best squad he has ever managed and yet they won the League with games to spare, showing what a remarkable job he continues to do. His successor at Old Trafford, David Moyes had an equally brilliant season at Everton, guiding them to 6th place in the Premier League with a small squad and small budget, which is also an incredible achievement.
Worst Manager of the Season
Winner: Mark Hughes
Runner Up: Harry Redknapp
Let’s be honest, QPR were an embarrassment from first day to last. They have a squad of players capable of finishing in the top half and yet they finished rock bottom of the Premier League. The players must take some blame, but both managers at the club this season were terrible and therefore they fight it out for worst manager of the season.
Best Signing
Winner: Michu
Runner up: Robin van Persie
In terms of impact Robin van Persie is comfortably the best signing of the season. However, when you factor in that United spent £24 million on him, while Swansea spent just £2 on Michu, that gives the Spaniard the edge of Signing of the Season. 18 League Goals for Michu is a remarkable return.
Worst Signing
Winner: Fabio Borini
Runner Up: Christopher Samba
Liverpool spent over £10 million on Fabio Borini and I really don’t think anyone knows why. In his time at Chelsea and Swansea he worked under Rodgers so the Liverpool boss must see something in him that nobody else can. He has had injuries this season which haven’t helped, but when he has played he can’t hit a barn door and plays like his laces have been tied together. As for Chris Samba, it takes a lot for a January signing to be considered as Worst Signing of the year, but given QPR spent £12 million on him and his defending is frankly shambolic, it’s easy to see why he is considered.
Referee of the Season
Winner: Mark Clattenburg
Runner Up: Mark Halsey
Mark Clattenburg has had a difficult season after the accusations of racism levelled at him by Chelsea earlier in the season. The allegations were complete fabrications and they caused damage to the referee that was totally unjustified. The way he has come back and performed admirably earns him this award. Mark Halsey is an inspiration, returning to referee after cancer and doing so to a fantastic level. Special mention also for lineswoman Sian Massey, brought into the public eye by Richard Keys and Andy Gray, who I am yet to see get an offside decision wrong.
Worst Haircut
Winner: Tom Huddlestone
Runner Up: Bacary Sagna
Sagna is a frequent contender here but Tom Huddlestome pips him this time. Oh Tom what were you thinking?
Underrated Player of the Season
Winner: Phil Jagielka
Runner Up: Tom Cleverley
Jagielka is a rock for Everton and doesn’t get enough credit for it. He is a defender that could easily play at the highest level of European football. As for Cleverley he gets a lot of stick from non United supporters but actually when you watch him play, he keeps the tempo high and moves the ball around the pitch quickly and incisively.
Eleven of the Year
GK: Mignolet, DEF: Rafael, Vertonghen, Jagielka, Baines, MID: Carrick, Mata, Bale, Cazorla, ATT: Michu, Van Persie
