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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:04:35 GMT
 [Edit Camp also won Nottingham Forest Player of the Season and talks about being "Frozen out" at QPR - [/i]http://qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=13176&page=1 PFA Championship Team of the Year: Lee Camp (Forest), Chris Gunter (Forest), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Ashley Williams (Swansea), Jose Enrique (Newcastle), Graham Dorrans (West Brom), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff), Kevin Nolan (Newcastle), Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Andy Carroll (Newcastle), Michael Chopra (Cardiff)PFA Lee Camp (Nottingham Forest)
The former Derby keeper has been the key to Forest’s impressive collection of clean sheets this season – more than 20 – and his form led to him being touted as an outside bet for the England squad. His priority though is to get Forest into the Premier League.Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest) Like keeper Camp, Gunter has also played a big part in Forest’s push for the play-offs on the back of an exceptional defensive record. The former Cardiff and Spurs full back already has 20 international caps to his name as a member of John Toshack’s young Welsh squad. Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle) The Argentine international has been a mainstay of Newcastle’s defence this season as the Magpies, under the expert leadership of Chris Hughton, have secured an immediate return to the Premier League. His class has shone through in the Championship this season. Ashley Williams (Swansea) After being overlooked as a youth player by West Brom – and following a spell in non league with Hednesford – Williams has established himself as a Welsh international of some repute, initially with Stockport and later Swansea. He was named Wales Footballer of the Year in 2009. Jose Enrique Diaz (Newcastle) After starting his career in Spain with Levante, Enrique had spells with Valencia, Celta Vigo and Villareal before joining Newcastle in the summer of 2007. Enrique scored his first goal for the Magpies in a 2-0 league win over promotion rivals Nottingham Forest on March 29. Graham Dorrans (West Brom) The £100,000 Albion paid Livingstone two years ago looks to have been great business by the West Midlands club. A prolific goalscorer from midfield, newly-promoted West Brom gave him a new three and a half year contract to keep the likes of Manchester City at bay. Peter Whittingham (Cardiff) A member of Aston Villa’s FA Youth Cup winning side of 2002, Peter learned his trade at Villa Park but has truly come of age with Cardiff and found his niche as a creative midfield player with an eye for goal. His 20+ goal haul has been a huge bonus for the Bluebirds. Kevin Nolan (Newcastle) The Newcastle skipper has led from the front this season and, after the disappointment of relegation from the Premier League, has inspired his side from the off. The Magpies have bounced back at the first attempt – thanks in no small part to Kevin’s double-figure goal tally. Charlie Adam (Blackpool) Charlie has been an absolute inspiration for the Tangerines this season and manager Ian Holloway, not normally a man who struggles for words, is fast running out of superlatives to describe his skilful, creative, free-scoring midfielder who has become a firm fans’ favourite. Andy Carroll (Newcastle) Andy has been challenged to earn the right to become Newcastle’s next official owner of the famous number nine shirt, and he has certainly made a strong claim, using his aerial power and physical presence to out-muscle defenders and help himself to a bundle of goals. Michael Chopra (Cardiff) Michael was in danger of becoming labelled something of a loan ranger after a succession of spells on the road at such clubs as Watford, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Cardiff where he has now settled and is producing the best, most consistent form of his career. www.givemefootball.com/championship/pfa-divisional-team-of-the-year-championship
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Post by Lonegunmen on Apr 26, 2010 6:10:25 GMT
Not good enough for QPR....and out of interest please note just how many of Giannis signings have made the team.
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:11:08 GMT
PFA League One Team of the YearKelvin Davis (Southampton) Kelvin has played a big part in what has been a fine campaign for Saints despite their ten-point deduction for falling into administration. Less than 12 months ago, he turned down the opportunity to join West Ham, instead deciding to sign a three-year contract with the Saints. Frazer Richardson (Charlton) There were a few eyebrows raised when Leeds United released Richardson last summer but what has been the Yorkshire outfit’s loss has definitely been Charlton’s gain as the 27-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season at right back for the promotion-chasing AdPutzs. Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds United) The serious Achilles tendon injury suffered by Kisnorbo last month cruelly brought to an end what was a stand-out season for the Australian international - and with it his dreams of playing in the World Cup finals – who Simon Grayson describes as a ‘warrior-type leader’. Gary Doherty (Norwich) Veteran defender Gary appeared to be on his way out of Carrow Road at the end of last season but the Republic of Ireland international has thrived this term under the guidance of City boss Paul Lambert as the Canaries prepare for a return to the Championship. Ian Harte (Carlisle) Ian has always had a good goalscoring record but his tally this term represents the best return of his long career. The former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland international is closing in on 20 goals for the campaign which is a remarkable total for a defender. Wes Hoolahan (Norwich) The Norwich midfielder continues to be a revelation, operating in behind the two strikers for Paul Lambert’s men. With City in such free-scoring form this term, the 27-year-old could yet break the 20-goal barrier between now and the end of the campaign. Jason Puncheon (Southampton) Attacking midfielder Jason Puncheon enjoyed a successful loan spell at MK Dons earlier this season, but his impressive performances didn’t go unnoticed by Southampton and the 23-year-old was signed by the Saints from his parent club Plymouth in January for an undisclosed fee. Robert Snodgrass (Leeds United) Leeds may have had their problems since the turn of the year, but arguably their most consistent performer this season has been exciting young winger Snodgrass. The 22-year-old Scot has already reached double figures for the campaign and his silky skills on the flank have led to the former Livingstone player being linked with a number of Premier League clubs. Nicky Bailey (Charlton) Nicky continues to pull the strings in midfield for promotion-chasing Charlton in what has been an outstanding season for the 25-year-old. The former Southend player was linked with a string of teams in January, but AdPutzs’ boss Phil Parkinson was adamant that his man was going nowhere. “He is our captain and it would be great if he led us back to the Championship.” Rickie Lambert (Southampton) Rickie Lambert has been a revelation for Saints since joining from Bristol Rovers last summer and he has already broken the 30-goal barrier. Manager Alan Pardew has been delighted with Lambert’s all-round contribution, not just his goals, and rates him as ‘the best player in the division in terms of his position’. Grant Holt (Norwich) City skipper Holt has also reached the 30-goal mark in what has been a brilliant second half of the campaign for the high-flying Canaries. Now Holt has his sights set on Terry Allcock’s club record of 37 in a season. “First and foremost, the most important thing is to get promoted and win the league, but I want to beat it,” he said. www.givemefootball.com/league-one/pfa-divisional-team-of-the-year-league-one
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:14:12 GMT
PFA Divisional Team of the Year: League TwoBy Dave Smith April 25, 2010 Kasper Schmeichel (Notts County) The 23-year-old has been in sensational form as he has helped County towards the brink of League One football next season. The record signing arrived in the summer of 2009 from Manchester City and has been the bedrock behind their promotion push with a series of stunning performances that have seen him earn praise from all quarters. John Brayford (Crewe) Crewe’s talented right back was voted player of the season for the Railwaymen last term and has continued to shine this season. The former Burton Albion player has caught the eye of Championship sides such as Derby but Dario Gradi will hope to keep him at Gresty Road to help launch a promotion push next year. Craig Dawson (Rochdale) Dawson’s debut season in the Football League has been nothing short of outstanding as he has proved there is a rich vein of talent present in non-league football. The 19-year-old was snapped up by Keith Hill from Radcliffe Borough and has been part of a Dale side that has finally reached League One after two consecutive play-off heartbreaks. Ian Sharps (Rotherham) The strapping centre half was voted player of the year by Rotherham supporters last season and his form has continued this year as the Millers have pushed for promotion. A no-nonsense style has seen him accumulate eight bookings but his experience at the heart of defence will be vital for Rotherham if they make the end of season play-offs. Tom Kennedy (Rochdale) Kennedy is the second Rochdale defender to make it into the Player of the Year side and this follows on from last year’s accolade. A swashbuckling defender, he has a bright future ahead of him and is following in the footsteps of Uncle Alan who was a left back of some repute with Liverpool. Ben Davies (Notts County) Davies made it into the League Two team of the year last season with Shrewsbury and he has repeated that feat for Notts County, scoring a cracking free kick in the FA Cup win at Wigan that shot him to national fame. The turbo-charged midfielder will be plying his trade in League One next year after the Magpies’ promotion campaign. Stephen Dawson (Bury) Stephen ‘awesome’ Dawson, as he is known by Bury supporters, has once again hit the heights this term. The former Mansfield and Republic of Ireland Under 21 midfielder has chipped in with a few goals for the Shakers from midfield this season, which have proved vital as a goal drought threatened their play-off hopes. Gary Jones (Rochdale) Inspirational Gary Jones is a Rochdale legend and his form has been recognised by his peers this season. With over 250 games for the Spotland club he has been a driving force in the engine room and his two-goal haul at Accrington in March was crucial for the 33-year-old who has finally realised his dreams with Rochdale. Nicky Law (Rotherham) The stylish midfielder has found a home at Rotherham and blossomed under Ronnie Moore. Son of former Rotherham, Bradford and Chesterfield defender – also Nicky – Law is determined to keep the footballing dynasty thriving, and he continues to aid the Millers’ play-off push. Lee Hughes (Notts County) Lee started the season with a hat-trick against Bradford and has continued scoring ever since. His summer arrival from Oldham was shrewd business and with Hughes set to reach 30 goals before the end of the campaign, then League One defenders will be preparing for a tough time next term. Adam Le Fondre (Rotherham) Le Fondre was hoping his switch to Rotherham from Rochdale would secure League One football next term and whilst that hasn’t happened as yet he could have done no more. He had bagged 27 goals by the end of March and ‘Alfie’ is a crowd favourite at the Don Valley Stadium - and feared by defenders across the division. www.givemefootball.com/league-two/pfa-divisional-team-of-the-year-league-two
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:15:04 GMT
PFA Divisional Team of the Year: Premier LeagueBy Dave Smith April 25, 2010 Joe Hart – Birmingham City (on loan) Joe Hart’s loan spell with Birmingham has projected him into World Cup contention. One of his biggest admirers is the man he’s been keeping out of the Blues’ team, Maik Taylor, who says: “I really do believe he will be England's first choice one day. There is no doubt about that.” Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) After a slow but steady start to his Chelsea career, Ivanovic has established himself as an important cog in the works at Stamford Bridge and has virtually made the right back slot his own. Now he says he wants to reach the 100-appearance mark quicker than he made 50. Patrice Evra (Manchester United) When someone of the stature of Dennis Irwin says that Patrice Evra is every bit as important to Manchester United as Wayne Rooney then you know we are talking top quality. “Patrice has been our player of the season,” commented Irwin. Just about says it all really. Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal) Thomas was the Gunners’ major summer signing in 2009 and has proved to be an ideal replacement for Kolo Toure, who left for Manchester City. His tackling ability, aerial strength, positional awareness and calm distribution have already made him a fans’ favourite. Richard Dunne (Aston Villa) Richard Dunne has been a rock at the back for Aston Villa this season and, according to Martin O’Neill, became even stronger after the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit at the hands of France. ‘In terms of his application and professionalism, he has been excellent,” said the Villa boss. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) It has been a difficult season for Fabregas, given the injury problems he has had, but he remains the ‘heartbeat’ of the Arsenal team and his commitment to the cause was epitomised by his penalty strike against Barcelona that effectively ended his season. James Milner (Aston Villa) ‘It is as if he has been there all his career’ – the words of Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill speak volumes about the seamless transition of James Milner from wide man to midfield playmaker with more quality strings to his bow than a Stradivarius. Darren Fletcher (Manchester United) There was perhaps a time when Darren Fletcher was seen as something of a midfield ‘workhorse’, pounding the beat as back-up for Manchester United’s more colourful creators...not any more. The ever-improving Scotland international has developed into a world class performer in his own right. Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) Bought by Sir Alex Ferguson from Wigan for £16m last summer, Valencia had a relatively quiet start to his United career, but he has burst into life since the turn of the year and his expert delivery from wide positions has helped Wayne Rooney become United’s ‘head boy’. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) The fact that the whole football nation held its breath as an injury to United and England’s main man threatened to wreck our summer said everything you need to know about one of the most complete forwards this country has produced. Crucial to club and country. Didier Drogba (Chelsea) If John Terry and Frank Lampard are the leaders of the group, Didier Drogba is not far behind. The Ivory Coast striker continues to provide the goals and the inspiration for a team that promises so much and he’s ready to take the World Cup by storm. www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/pfa-divisional-team-of-the-year-premier-league
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:16:39 GMT
PFA Rooney lands player award By PA Sport April 25, 2010 Rooney lands player award (©PAphotos) Picture GalleryNew Premier League pictures Manchester United pictures Wayne Rooney pictures "It's a great feeling to win the player of the year award because it's voted for by the players," said Rooney, who is the first Englishman to win the award since Steven Gerrard in 2006. "It's something I'm really proud of and it's a great honour... Player Wayne Rooney has been named as the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year. Rooney's selection ahead of fellow nominees Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Tevez and Didier Drogba means Manchester United have supplied the winner of the prestigious award for a fourth successive year. The 24-year-old has been in sensational form this season, scoring 34 goals for United and eight for England. "It's a great feeling to win the player of the year award because it's voted for by the players," said Rooney, who is the first Englishman to win the award since Steven Gerrard in 2006. "It's something I'm really proud of and it's a great honour. I remember coming here in 2005 and 2006 to win the young player of the year. I saw the players winning the main one and it's something I've aimed for since." Rooney was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, but that award went to James Milner of Aston Villa. Milner appears to have played himself into Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad with a string of stellar performances and the 24-year-old midfielder credited a change in position for his success this season. "I've been moved into the middle and that suits me as it helps me influence the game a bit more," said Milner. "Maybe sometimes wide right you want to influence the game but you just can't get yourself into it." Leeds legend and former South Africa captain Lucas Radebe, 41, won the PFA Merit award. The PFA divisional team of the year contains four United players, spearheaded by Rooney. Arsenal, whose title challenge fell away in the final rounds, supply Fabregas and Thomas Vermaelen and there are also two from Chelsea in Drogba and Branislav Ivanovic. The inclusion of Milner and Richard Dunne means Aston Villa are represented twice as well. Premier League team of the year: Hart, Ivanovic, Vermaelen, Dunne, Evra, Fabregas, Milner, Fletcher, Valencia, Rooney, Drogba. www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/rooney-lands-player-award |
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:17:35 GMT
Rooney and Milner take centre stage at PFA Awards PFA Awards: A double exclusive for Givemefootball By Mark Shail & Dave Smith April 25, 2010 WAYNE ROONEY: PFA PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR - 2010 “It is a great feeling to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award especially as it is an award that is voted by the players themselves. “It is something that I am really proud of and I am delighted. My goals return has been a lot better this season and I’m pleased with that. “Every game this season I have played up front and I’ve had the service from all the midfield players. I remember coming here a few years ago and winning the Young Player of the Year award but winning the main honour is something you always want to do.” JAMES MILNER: PFA YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR – 2010 “It’s a great trophy and you look at the list of players who have won it before and there are obviously some great names on there. The fact it is voted for by your fellow professionals makes it great to receive the award. “I think this has been the most productive season of my career so far in terms of goals and assists. “It has helped that I m playing in a team that is doing well and a lot of good players around you. We are fighting for fourth place and have reached a Carling Cop final and an FA Cup semi-final. “The staff and the manager have been fantastic and helped me improve and helped me learn every day in training. www.givemefootball.com/pfa/rooney-and-milner-take-centre-stage-at-pfa-awards |
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Post by Lonegunmen on Apr 26, 2010 6:19:34 GMT
Weren't we linked with Gunter at some stage as well?
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Post by QPR Report on Apr 26, 2010 6:20:05 GMT
PFA PFA Merit Award winner 2010: Lucas Radebe
The PFA pays tribute to a South African star who became a Leeds legendBy Mark Shail April 25, 2010 Lucas RadebeFootball has played a massive part in uplifting our community When former South African president Nelson Mandela states ‘you are my hero’ it says everything you need to know about the impact Lucas Radebe has had on the game of football, both here in this country and worldwide. From the Townships of Soweto to the captain of Leeds United, the man they called ‘The Chief’ has been held in such high regard by football folk and the PFA is proud to declare Lucas our Merit Award winner of 2010. The former Kaiser Chiefs midfielder became a cult figure at Elland Road as a defender and a leader, and a crowd of over 37,000 attended his testimonial game in 2005 to pay tribute to a man who has contributed so much, in so many ways. He is still a crowd favourite at Elland Road and fans can be heard frequently singing his name even after his retirement, showing how much he endeared himself to them during his playing career. Ricky Wilson, lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs, even named the band in his honour. The proceeds of Lucas’s testimonial, and a subsequent ‘retirement match’, were both donated to various charities of which he has been a huge supporter. On October 8, 2009, the English Football Association announced Radebe, who won 70 caps for South Africa, as an ambassador to help boost the 2018 World Cup bid. He has also been an ambassador of FIFA for SOS Children's Villages, and received the FIFA Fair Play Award in December 2000 for his contribution in ridding soccer of racism as well as for his work with children in South Africa. In April 2003, for recognition of his efforts both on an off the field, Radebe was given the Contribution to the Community Award in the Premier League 10 Seasons Awards. A suite at Elland Road is named the Radebe Entrance, and after receiving his PFA Merit Award he told givemefootball: “I am very proud to win this award and I think it shows what football can do. “Nelson Mandela once said that sport can change the world and football has played a massive part in uplifting our community. “It is an exciting time for South Africa having been awarded the 2012 World Cup and I think we will try our best to make it the best World Cup ever. “It is not only about football but an opportunity to show what our country can do and what it can offer tourists.” www.givemefootball.com/pfa/pfa-merit-award-winner-2010-lucas-radebe |
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Post by Lonegunmen on Apr 26, 2010 6:27:22 GMT
2010 WC Lucas, 2010.
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Post by saphilip on Apr 27, 2010 7:20:55 GMT
The name of Lucas's team was Kaizer Chiefs by the way - and I wonder how many people in the UK can actually correctly pronounce his surname - it is actually pronounced (with a hard G) Gaadebie.
Actually he (LR) deserves that award as he is by far the greatest footballer that this country has ever produced. Maybe not as flash as some of our great players and buy no means a goal scorer - which usually attract the headlines - but a solid no nonsense defender - and great leader to boot.
Leed's problems are well documented but I think his retirement due to injury played a part of in the demise of Leeds. That said he obviously still has a soft spot for the team and he is hoping that they do go up this season.
That his first manager at Leeds, Howard Wilkinson, did not see Lucas' ability and talent only showed up Wilkinson for the poor coach that he was - a coach with a blinkered vision that only wanted brute force not skill.
He is obvioulsy looking forward to WC 2010 but the hapless state of the national team that is Bafana Bafana team must break his heart - because he was one of the stalwarts when SA were very good.
By the way as an aside, his wife died of Cancer last year - she was only in her mid 30's. A sad moment for him and his kids.
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