Tottenham ace Heung-Min Son crowned Premier League Player of the Year at London Football Awards.
West Ham starlet Declan Rice the Young Player award, while Mauricio Pochettino was named Manager of the Year
In a star-studded evening in the Evolution, Centre, Battersea, London The awards, celebrated the best of London football in the 2018/19 season
Son, who has scored 16 goals so far this term, was pictured with Spurs legend David Ginola after collecting his trophy. “It means a lot,” smiled the South Korean international. “For me, it’s special, my first award (of this kind). Many players have not won this trophy so for me it’s really, really special, especially because such big names have won this award (in the past). It means a lot and I’m very happy to win.” the South Korean star was recognised for his brilliant form for Tottenham season.
He won the award ahead of team-mate Harry Kane, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea star Eden Hazard and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend.
The award was voted for by a panel of 22 experts, including former players Bobby Zamora, Bob Wilson and Tony Cottee.
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was named the Young Player of the Year, which has seen him become a key first-team players for West Ham..
The 20-year-old, recently switched international from Republic of Ireland to England.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was named Manger of the Year, and sent a message to his critics when he collected the award, telling the crowd: “Finally, I have won a trophy!”
Mauricio saw off competition from Chelsea’s Maurizio Sarri, Charlton Athletic’s Lee Bowyer, Joe Montemurro of Arsenal Ladies and Javi Gracia of Watford to claim his award while Son pipped Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, our former Academy graduate and current Crystal Palace star Andros Townsend, plus our own Harry Kane to the Premier League Player of the Year crown. Harry won the same award last year.
Independently judged by key figures across the game in the capital in addition to members of the media, the London Football Awards celebrate the very best of football in London each year.
Funds raised at Thursday’s ceremony will benefit the Willow Foundation, the well-known national charity which provides uplifting special days for seriously ill 16- to 40-year-olds.
“I am so happy,” said Mauricio after collecting his award and posing for a photo with Spurs legend and fellow former Argentina international Ossie Ardiles. “For me, it’s a great honour and I know that it means a lot. I want to say thank you to the Willow Foundation, Bob and Megs (Wilson, Willow founders) and I think it’s so important and I am so proud to be here and share this type of event together with a lot of legends and some amazing people.”
On fellow award winner Son, Mauricio added: “I think it’s fantastic. He is doing a fantastic job, he is having an amazing season and we feel so proud. I feel so proud of all my squad, of course, but in that case, Sonny won the award, Premier League Player of the Year, and I am so happy for him because he deserves it.”
Premier League player of the year award was voted for by an expert panel of 22
Brentford’s Neal Maupay claimed the Football League player of the year trophy
Player of the year – Heung-Min Son (Tottenham)
Manager of the year – Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham)
Young player of the year — Declan Rice (West Ham)
Goalkeeper of the year — Ben Foster (Watford)
Goal of the season — Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace vs Man City)
Women’s player of the year — Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)
EFL player of the season — Neal Maupay (Brentford)
Community project of the year — Chelsea (Say No To Antisemitism)
Son was presented with his award by Tottenham legend David Ginola, who was accompanied at the event by girlfriend Maeva Denat.
‘It means a lot,’ said a beaming Son. ‘For me, it’s special, my first award (of this kind). Many players have not won this trophy so for me it’s really, really special, especially because such big names have won this award (in the past). It means a lot and I’m very happy to win.’
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was crowned manager of the year, with Osvaldo Ardiles having the honour of giving him the award.
Watford’s Ben Foster was celebrated as the goalkeeper of the year, while Arsenal’s Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema was hailed women’s player of the year.
Brentford’s Neal Maupay walked away with the Football League player of the year trophy, beating competition from QPR midfielder Luke Freeman and Millwall striker Lee Gregory, as well as Charlton pair Karlan Grant and Lyle Taylor.
Frenchman Maupay has been in fine scoring form for Brentford this season. He has hit the net 22 times in all competitions, with 19 coming in the Championship.
Thursday’s awards ceremony was attended by some big names, including Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson.
One of Hodgson’s players won the goal of the season prize as Andros Townsend was rewarded for his spectacular strike at Manchester City in December.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was crowned manager of the year on Thursday evening
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was crowned manager of the year on Thursday evening
Spurs legend Osvaldo Ardiles was given the honour of presenting Pochettino with his award
Palace star Andros Townsend was presented with a trophy for scoring the goal of the season
Townsend’s wonder-strike was scored away at Manchester City in a 3-2 win back in December
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Townsend’s wonder-strike was scored away at Manchester City in a 3-2 win back in December
West Ham’s Declan Rice scooped the young player of the year award. The 20-year-old, who has started 25 Premier League games this season, said upon collecting his trophy: ‘It’s a huge honour to be here tonight and it’s very special for me to have this award in my hands.
‘I want to say thank you to my manager, Manuel Pellegrini, for believing in me and trusting me this season, and giving me the opportunity.
‘I also want to thank my team-mates and my family; my mum, dad, brothers, and girlfriend, because without them I wouldn’t be here today.’
Chelsea claimed the award for the community project of the year. Club chairman Bruce Buck collected the prize for the Chelsea Foundation’s ‘Say No To Antisemitism’ campaign.
Club legends representing all of the capital’s big sides were in attendance. Former right back Lee Dixon and goalkeeping icon David Seaman were among the famous Arsenal names on show.
Tottenham favourite Pat Jennings was also at the party, along with West Ham royalty Carlton Cole and Stuart Pearce.
Kelly Smith, who won four Women’s Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal, was at Battersea Evolution too.
Our Michael Yiakoumi with legends Martin Chivers (Tottenham) David Ginola (Tottenham) Pat Jennings (Tottenham and Arsenal) Tony Cottee (West Ham) George Graham (Arsenal).
