Source: FirParkCorner
Source: FOOTYMAD
Higdon takes top honour at the SPFA awards
Michael Higdon is the Scottish PFA Player of the Year. He is the first Motherwell player to collect the honour and as he picked up the trophy his delight was a joy to behold. As he celebrated with his teammates and his father there was no sign of pretension or arrogance, just satisfaction at being recognised for doing his job incredibly well. His goals (27 to date) and his contribution to our position as runners up in the SPL laid the foundation of his claim for the honour. His ability to score trademark headers, tap ins and long range blockbusters allied to hold up play that enable his playing partners attacking opportunities as well as his defensive contributions singled him out for the votes of his fellow professionals. His value behind the scenes was also recognised by the turnout of the 'Team Higgy' group from the Motherwell squad. There is a genuine and warn hearted appreciation throughout the club and its support that the big man has been rewarded. Ahead of the ceremony he spent hours with others in the first team squad signing autographs and chatting to fans at the Fir Park Open Day. No doubt his shape – diplomatically described by a former manager as less than athletic – plays a role in creating negative opinions but his scoring record at Fir Park cannot be criticised. He has notched seven times in the last six games at the crunch end of the season and this record can be stretched to January 20, from when he averaged a goal a game for 14 matches. The award is also a tribute to the talent spotting manager who brought him to Fir Park when his spell at St Mirren ended. Initially many felt that he would struggle to match the leadership of the man he replaced, John Sutton, but his self belief and steady stream of goals won the day. Michael Higdon may or may not sign a new contract with Motherwell but, regardless, it is hard to imagine that next season will be quite as good as this one. That is not a criticism but a call for all 'Well fans to acknowledge something truly remarkable when it is being played out in front of their eyes.
