Kežman honoured in the Netherlands

PSV Eindhoven striker Mateja Kežman has been voted as the Netherlands' Player of the Year by his footballing peers.

'That means a lot'
After a poll organised by the Dutch players union VVCS, the Serbo-Montenegrin striker added the Player of the Year crown to the Netherlands' 'golden boot' he won for scoring 35 goals for PSV this season. "Best player in Holland, that means a lot to me," said Kežman after receiving his award.

PSV honoured
Kežman's honour was only the tip of the iceberg for PSV whose Eredivisie title saw them earn the Club of the Year award, while young striker Arjan Robben - Kežman's striking partner for much of the season - earned the Young Player of the Year award.

Coaching award
PSV coach Guus Hiddink was runner-up in the Coach of the Year award, behind AFC Ajax's Ronald Koeman but ahead of NEC Nijmigen's Johan Neeskens. However, he was pleased for his former colleagues, saying: "I feel proud, because I gave Neeskens and Koeman a chance to become assistant coaches at the Dutch national team."

Goalkeeping excellence
NEC goalkeeper Dennis Gentenaar was voted Goalkeeper of the Year, while BVO Emmen attacker Donny de Groot was voted Player of the Year in the Dutch first division.