Liverpool Football Club News

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Gerrard wins writers' award

13 May 2009 - 07:39:48

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Steven Gerrard has been named the 2009 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The Liverpool captain, who has scored 23 goals in 42 games this season, saw off the challenge of six Manchester United players to win the award.

Gerrard topped the writers' poll, followed by Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick.

The England midfielder had missed out to Giggs in the Professional Footballers' Association award which was announced last month.

Gerrard is the first Liverpool player to win the writers' award since John Barnes in 1990.

"I am proud to win the award, though I would not have been able to do so without the help of everyone else at Liverpool," he said.

Gerrard will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 29.

"Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality," said chairman of the FWA, Steve Bates.

"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.

"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."