Football: McGrath's joy: Aston Villa's veteran defender wins the acclaim of his fellow professionals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PAUL McGRATH, the Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland defender, was a popular winner last night of the Professional Footballers' Association 'Player of the Year' award.
The 33-year-old, who has fought hard to overcome serious knee problems, received his trophy from Bobby Charlton at London's Grosvenor Hotel. He saw off strong competition from Paul Ince, of Manchester United, and Blackburn's Alan Shearer, who finished third.
Ryan Giggs, of Manchester United, took the Young Player's award for the the second year running - the first time anyone has taken the trophy twice.
PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR: 1 Paul McGrath (Aston Villa); 2 Paul Ince (Manchester United); 3 Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers).
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: 1 Ryan Giggs (Manchester United); 2 Nick Barmby (Tottenham); 3 Roy Keane (Nottingham Forest).
FA PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR: Schmeichel (Manchester United); Bardsley (Queen's Park Rangers), McGrath (Aston Villa), Pallister (Manchester United), Dorigo (Leeds), Ince (Manchester United), Speed (Leeds), Keane (Nottingham Forest), Shearer (Blackburn), Wright (Arsenal), Giggs (Manchester United).
FIRST DIVISION: Miklosko (West Ham); Kerslake (Swindon - now Leeds), Short (Derby County), Cooper (Millwall), Beresford (Newcastle), Clark (Newcastle), Hazard (Swindon), M Allen (West Ham), Aldridge (Tranmere), Whittingham (Portsmouth), Peacock (Newcastle).
SECOND DIVISION: Beresford (Burnley); Hiley (Exeter - now Birmingham), Overson (Stoke), Swan (Port Vale), Charlton (Huddersfield), Walker (Port Vale), I Taylor (Port Vale), Bradley (West Bromwich), Stein (Stoke), Walker (Bolton), B Taylor (West Bromwich).
THIRD DIVISION: Prudhoe (Darlington); McMillan, Stancliffe (both York), Elliott (Scunthorpe), Searle (Cardiff), Lowe, Payne (both Barnet), Owen (Wrexham), Bull (Barnet), Foreman (Scarborough), Griffiths (Shrewsbury).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments