The recent poll to decide the Joys and Sorrows player of the season is complete. Firstly, thank you to everyone who voted.

The results are as follows in reverse order:

5th Liam Ridgewell (10.0%, 23 Votes)

The Ridge has had a decent season this season, this is reflected in our defensive performance being amazing. (It isn’t surprising that 4 of the top 5 players voted for play at the back.

Last season in the Premier League, Liam was the victim of a number of high profile errors which in truth, cost us points. This year he has definitely put that behind him and become a rock in the back 4. His awful injury bought a premature end to the season and all of us at Joys and Sorrows wish him a quick and full recovery.

4th Stephen Carr (10.0%, 23 Votes)

Stephen’s addition to the defence co-incided with a run of form. For someone who had retired, his ease and reliability on the ball has been fantastic and I’m really hopeful he will stay on with us into the new season. He is someone who has a lot of experience and that can only help the younger defenders at the club.

And now the top 3.

3rd Lee Carsley (13.0%, 31 Votes)

I’m not surprised to see Carsley in the top 3. He has been a rock in midfield and scored some important goals too, including a cracker at Plymouth to win the 3 points. His experience and “bite” in midfield has helped us. Unfortunately he has allowed his “bite” to go too far at times, but I guess that is what you get with him.

2nd Maik Taylor (20.0%, 48 Votes)

 Maik has been a crucial and virtual permanent fixture in our defence this season. He received criticism the previous season with a number of mediocre performances by his standards, however this season has been excellent. There were a few mumblings on the forum about his kicking / distribution, however he seemed to get stronger as the season progressed. He pulled off a number of top class saves through the season, and unlike our relegation year where he was accused of losing us points – this year his performances definitely gained us points. Well done Maik.

1st Place Franck Queudrue (29.0%, 70 Votes)

 The Joys and Sorrows readers player of the season 2008/9, is Franck Queudrue.

What a turn around in 12 months. At the end of the relegation season, Franck was targeted as a player who was “a waste of space” by Mr Sullivan. Was this justified? Well I think it is fair to say he didn’t have a brilliant season last year. (Mind you, who did!!). But to be described as a waste of space seems harsh to me. However it seemed to have worked!! Franck has been brilliant this year, not just his defending – but also his work rate and it appears he has had a positive influence on other players too. I saw an interview with him a couple of weeks ago and I was struck with his calm collected manner. He appears to have a cool head, and that has been evident on the pitch throughout the season.

Franck appears to have used the unkind words as a REAL motivation for himself this season, and IMO, is a worthy winner of our Player of the Season.

Well done Franck – if you do read this, I’d love to hear from you about how you feel about the way the season has gone for you!

Kev