The PFA Awards - 26/04/2004

The PFA Awards
John Terry - won my vote for Young Player of the Year

The London pairing of Thierry Henry and John Terry received my votes for the PFA Player of the Year awards. Henry has been untouchable this seasson and to be honest, I'm sure the votes heavily stacked up in his favour. The Young Player of the Year would have been a little more competitive, I went for Terry as he's been a rock for not just Chelsea, but also for England. Kolo Toure was also in the running - he's a player who's made big progress this year and adapted well to a new role at Arsenal.

Looking at Arsenal winning the Championship yesterday, you have to say they deserved it. Their football is a joy to watch and the fact that the Premiership has been decided with four game still remaining simply speaks for itself. The battle for fourth is intersting, and although Villa keep picking up the results, I do think it's a two way race between Liverpool and Newcastle. The Geordies have their game in hand and although they've still to got to Anfield, they're in the poll position. At the bottom it's Wolves and Leicester who look the most likely to go down. After those two it, it's anyone from about four - but Man City and Leeds are under the most pressure. Leeds looked to be on a bit of a roll - then lost at home to Pomopey, so it's anyone's guess who'll drop down.

As for Everton, we're had a disappointing season and with having such a good year 2002/3, it's hard to put your finger on the reasons why we haven't built on the success of season. Size of squad is an issue and unfortunately it doesn't look like there's a great deeal of spending to be done in the summer. A few players will be out of contract and if they're allowed to move on, then there will be money freed up from wages - perhaps the club will bring in a few free transfers. It didn't work at Leeds, but you only have to look down the road to Bolton to see that this policy can be successful . Sam Allardyce has done a great job and helped rejuvenate a number of players who looked to be on their way out of Premiership football. Perhaps in this respect Everton can learn from Bolton, or better still, find some cash to invest.

As for me, my suspension ended on Good Friday and I played against Bolton reserves last week - helping to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win. It was good to get out on a pitch again and I enjoyed what was a physical battle with Bolton's Javier Moreno. Our final league game of the season is at Southport tomorrow when we face Sunderland, after that it's a case of wait and see. I'll be speaking to my agents and seeing what offers come in - first team football is the key. The frustration of traiing all week and then not playing isn't good, my loan period of Coventry was very enjoyable and served to remind me what I'd been missing.


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