Allen named Wales' player of the year
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
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"It has been an incredible year for me and one I will never forget," said Liverpool FC and Welsh international midfielder Joe Allen after winning the player of the year poll in Wales.
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Liverpool FC midfielder Joe Allen has received a dual award after being named Wales's player of the year as well as scooping the prize for Welsh club player of the year.
Just two players have claimed both awards before – Robert Earnshaw in 2004 and Ashley Williams in 2009. Allen only made his senior debut for Wales in October 2011 but his impact was immediate, while he also flourished in Swansea City AFC's debut season in the English Premier League last term.
The 22-year-old, who was reunited with former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers when he joined Liverpool in August, said: "It has been an incredible year for me and one that I will never forget. It has been one certainly to remember, after Swansea's achievement and now my move to Liverpool."
At the Football Association of Wales (FAW) awards dinner, Celtic FC defender Adam Matthews was honoured as young player of the year, while members of Gary Speed's family – the former Wales manager who passed away 11 months ago – attended the event held at the National Museum of Wales.
Other awards
Women's player of the year – Jessica Fishlock (Bristol Academy WFC)
Women's young player of the year – Hannah Keryakoplis (Liverpool LFC)
Women's club player of the year – Nadia Lawrence (UWIC LFC)
