Parker wins Writers' season award

2011-04-22 15:23:54

Parker has scored five Premier League goals this season

23 April 2011 Last updated at 08:59

Share this page print West Ham's Scott Parker wins Football Writers' award

West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has been voted Player of the Year for 2011 by the Football Writers' Association.

Parker, 30, topped the poll of journalists ahead of Tottenham's Gareth Bale, recently named the Professional Footballers' Association choice.

His form this season earned him an international recall for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales in March.

"When I got the phone call to say I'd won it, I was speechless really," said Parker. "I'm absolutely delighted."

The former Charlton, Chelsea, and Newcastle player's recognition has been widely backed by top Premier League managers, and Parker will receive the award in London on 12 May.

As well as Bale, Parker also pipped some high-profile names to the award including Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic and Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez, as well as Blackpool's talismanic midfielder Charlie Adam.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

//

"It is nice to recognise someone outside the clubs who always get publicity like United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also backed the choice, saying: "It is a justifiable choice because he has had an outstanding season. Until recently, when he was stopped by injuries, he was very influential in the West Ham team."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who was linked with Parker last summer, said his performances this season will make him difficult to hang onto if the Hammers are relegated.

"What he has done this year in a struggling team is great. I'm delighted for him," he said.

"I've always liked him. You couldn't dislike him as a guy and a player.

"Hopefully West Ham will stay up and he'll stay. If they don't stay up they've got a problem keeping the Footballer of the Year haven't they?"

BBC Sport's chief football writer, Phil McNulty , added: "Parker's selection as the FWA Footballer of the Year only underlines the scale of his contribution to a West Ham team that could still be relegated - and probably would be already if it wasn't for his professionalism and performances.

"It's often easy to shine in a good side but Parker has carried a poor team and has been so outstanding that he has finally convinced England coach Fabio Capello of his worth. A worthy winner."

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

//

Source: