Source: Daily_Mail
Rio wants defenders hailed as Vidic pushes for Player of the year award
Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has demanded that a defender lifts the PFA Player of the Year award - and claims team-mate Nemanja Vidic deserves the prize.[LNB]The prestigious award is usually given to an attacking player and only two defenders - John Terry (2004-05), Paul McGrath (1992-93) - have won the award in the Premier League era.[LNB]But Ferdinand told ManUtd.com: "I think Vida will be in the running for Player of the Year. He's probably been our most consistent player along with Ryan (Giggs) and Edwin (van der Sar).[LNB] Red Devils: Rio Ferdinand hitches a ride on defensive partner Nemanja Vidic after United score against Inter Milan[LNB]2008 winner: Cristiano Ronaldo[LNB]'Those three are probably our stand-out players of the season in terms of consistency.[LNB]'The attackers normally get the accolades and the adulation so it would be nice to see a defender win it.[LNB]'JT [John Terry] won it a few years ago, but over the years not many centre halves have won it. So it would be good to have a defender win.'[LNB]Vidic has continued the outstanding form that took United to domestic and European glory last season, establishing a solid partnership with Ferdinand at the heart of defence.[LNB]The 27-year-old has also chipped with seven goals in United's 2008-09 campaign although, with six bookings and three red cards in all competitions, his disciplinary record could improve.[LNB]PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNERS2009 - TBC[LNB]2008- Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd[LNB]2007- Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd [LNB]2006- Steven Gerrard,Liverpool[LNB]2005- John Terry, Chelsea[LNB]2004- Thierry Henry, Arsenal[LNB]2003- Thierry Henry, Arsenal[LNB]2002 - Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Man Utd[LNB]2001- Teddy Sheringham, Man Utd[LNB]2000 -Roy Keane, Man Utd[LNB]1999- David Ginola, Tottenham Hotspur[LNB]1998- Dennis Bergkamp, Arsenal[LNB]1997- Alan Shearer, NewcastleUnited[LNB]1996- Les Ferdinand, Newcastle United[LNB]1995- Alan Shearer, Blackburn Rovers[LNB]1994- Eric Cantona, Man Utd[LNB]1993 - Paul McGrath, Aston Villa[LNB]1992- Gary Pallister, Man Utd[LNB]1991 - Mark Hughes, Man Utd[LNB]1990- David Platt, Aston Villa[LNB]1989- Mark Hughes, Man Utd[LNB]1988- John Barnes, Liverpool[LNB]1987- Clive Allen, Tottenham Hotspur[LNB]1986 - Gary Lineker, Everton[LNB]1985- Peter Reid, Everton[LNB]1984 - Ian Rush, Liverpool[LNB]1983- Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool[LNB]1982- Kevin Keegan, Southampton[LNB]1981 - John Wark, Ipswich Town[LNB]1980- Terry McDermott, Liverpool[LNB]1979 - Liam Brady, Arsenal[LNB]1978- Peter Shilton, NottinghamForest[LNB]1977- Andy Gray, Aston Villa[LNB]1976- Pat Jennings, Tottenham [LNB]1975- Colin Todd, DerbyCounty[LNB]1974- Norman Hunter, Leeds United [LNB] [LNB] Ronaldo targets move to Madrid but don't worry United fans - it's only his latest fashion boutiqueFootball fashion parade: Hits and big misses as Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal's new kits for next season are leakedCalm down! 'Crazy' Rooney and Cole warned as Capello clamps downSportsmail's Star of the Season: Vote for your Premier League team's player of the season - the revised short lists!MANCHESTER UNITED FC
