[h=3]Bridcutt emulates Albion legend Zamora[/h]9:00am Wednesday 8th May 2013 in Albion By Andy Naylor
Liam Bridcutt with his award last night
Liam Bridcutt has joined Bobby Zamora as an Albion legend.
The defensive midfielder rejected by Championship play-off rivals Crystal Palace has been voted player of the season by supporters for the second year running.
Bridcutt is only the second player in the 44-year history of the award to retain the crown after goalscorer Zamora won it in both 2000-01 and 2001-2.
The former Chelsea youth team product, 24 today, played in three pre-season friendlies for Palace three years ago but then manager George Burley decided against offering him a contract.
Gus Poyet signed him for Albion a month later, initially on a five-month deal as replacement for the injured Alan Navarro, and Bridcutt has blossomed throughout the Seagulls’ rise from League One to the verge of the Premier League.
Poyet has persistently praised him as by far the best player in his position in the Championship. The Reading-born defensive shielder’s performances have also earned him international recognition this season with Scotland, who he qualifies to play for through a grandparent.
Bridcutt collected his award at a gala dinner at The Amex last night. He finished well clear in the fans’ poll of runner-up Wayne Bridge and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
Captain Gordon Greer said: “He has been fantastic. He is a great talent and I am sure he is going to go on to be a top player. He already is a top player but I am sure he will go on to play at the top level at some point.”
Original article
Liam Bridcutt has joined Bobby Zamora as an Albion legend.
The defensive midfielder rejected by Championship play-off rivals Crystal Palace has been voted player of the season by supporters for the second year running.
Bridcutt is only the second player in the 44-year history of the award to retain the crown after goalscorer Zamora won it in both 2000-01 and 2001-2.
The former Chelsea youth team product, 24 today, played in three pre-season friendlies for Palace three years ago but then manager George Burley decided against offering him a contract.
Gus Poyet signed him for Albion a month later, initially on a five-month deal as replacement for the injured Alan Navarro, and Bridcutt has blossomed throughout the Seagulls’ rise from League One to the verge of the Premier League.
Poyet has persistently praised him as by far the best player in his position in the Championship. The Reading-born defensive shielder’s performances have also earned him international recognition this season with Scotland, who he qualifies to play for through a grandparent.
Bridcutt collected his award at a gala dinner at The Amex last night. He finished well clear in the fans’ poll of runner-up Wayne Bridge and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
Captain Gordon Greer said: “He has been fantastic. He is a great talent and I am sure he is going to go on to be a top player. He already is a top player but I am sure he will go on to play at the top level at some point.”
Original article