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Premier League Awards
Who were the top players and managers of the season?
Premier League player of the season:
Nemanja Vidic – His two horror-shows against Liverpool aside; the imperious, courageous Serb was the League’s outstanding player in a season where United shattered several defensive records, and went 14 games without conceding.
Runner-up:
Steven Gerrard – Gerrard was truly superb for Liverpool, contributing 16 league goals, as the Reds finally made a title challenge.
Premier League young player of the season:
Stephen Ireland – In a team with Britain’s most expensive player, and a host of foreign imports, Ireland still remains Manchester City’s best and most important player. He added goals to his game this year.
Runner-up:
Ashley Young – Once again, the Villa winger finishes second, but his form dropped far too steeply after Christmas.
Premier League manager of the season:
David Moyes – On a shoestring budget, with only one major signing, the Scot actually improved Everton’s league position, securing them 5th place. This ensured Everton now have the chance of playing in yet another season of European football at Goodison Park.
Runner-up:
Roy Hodgson – Somehow, Hodgson guided an average Fulham team to a Europa League (that’s UEFA Cup to me and you) with some savvy recruits and a lot of bravery.
Buy of the season:
Mark Schwarzer – A key player in Fulham’s run to a European place, the Aussie arrived on a free from Middlesbrough. They ended up missing out his massive experience.
Runner-up:
James Beattie – Signed by Tony Pulis, the striker’s experience, strength, quality and seven goals were a crucial part of Stoke’s 12th place finish.
Most Improved Player:
Dirk Kuyt – 15 goals and 10 assists was a massive improvement for a player who scored only one outfield league goal last year. He cemented his place in Rafa Benitez’s vastly improved side.
Runner-up:
Glen Johnson – Despite his obvious talent, Johnson has been too inconsistent to make the breakthrough at top level until this season.
Premier League team of the season:
Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer
Right-back: Glen Johnson
Centre-backs: Nemanja Vidic & Rio Ferdinand
Left-back: Patrice Evra
Right midfield: Stephen Ireland
Centre-midfielders: Steven Gerrard & Frank Lampard
Left-midfield: Ashley Young
Strikers: Fernando Torres & Nicholas Anelka
By: Ciarán Leinster
