The awards recognise the region’s footballing excellence on and off the pitch and the nominees have been selected by a panel of expert judges* including PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, Sky Sports’ Alan Myers and football expert Professor Tom Cannon.

The awards process is supported by businesses and organisations such as the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the National Football Museum, FIFA, Sky Sports, the Football Foundation and npower.

Fans will decide which players are named Player of the Year in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and Blue Square Bet Premier. Last year, loyal fans voted in their tens of thousands in the categories and with almost a month to go, the site has already been flooded with votes.

Gordon Taylor, judge for the fourth year, said:
“With my role at the PFA and my personal love of football, I’m extremely proud to be on the judging panel and supporting this event. We hope everyone gets behind this to celebrate and honour our region’s talent.”

Fans can vote for their player of the year here.  One player for each league will then be announced as the winner at the awards event on November 14, held at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester.  Ed Chamberlain of Sky Sports will be once again hosting the evening.

The full shortlist is:

Community Scheme of the Year
Blackburn
Blackpool
Bolton
Everton
City in the Community
Morecambe

Community Scheme – Project of the Year
Blackburn
Blackpool
Bolton
Everton
City in the Community
Wigan

CSR Programme of the Year
Forbes solicitors
MCFC
The Co-operative
The Football League Trust
The Football Pools

Best Club Marketing Campaign
Man Utd/Origin
MCFC
Preston North End
Stockport County/Match Day cards

Best Use of New Media
Everton
Liverpool FC
Liverpool FC/Uniform
Man Utd/Origin
Preston
MCFC

Most Innovative Non-Match Day
MCFC/Ear to the Ground
UCFB/Burnley FC

Professional Services
CBG Group (Sports Division)
Deloitte (Sports Business Group)
George Davies Solicitors
University of Liverpool

Business Services
Astra Signs
ESTC Group
Match Day Cards

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

* Full list of judging panel

Alan Myers
North West Bureau Chief – Sky Sports News Alan has over twenty years reporting experience for some of the top clubs and sporting media in the UK. In 1996 he was the first Press Officer for Everton Football Club where he dealt with the media attention that surrounded the appointment of four different managers, a Boardroom takeover and the arrival of Paul Gascoigne! After five years at Everton, Alan then joined Sky Sports News. Now, as North West Bureau Chief, Alan deals with seven Premiership clubs, three Championship clubs and countless league and non-league teams in the Northwest.

Gordon Taylor
Chief Executive – PFA Before joining the PFA in 1980 Gordon was an England schoolboy trialist, originally as an inside forward before establishing himself as a winger with Bolton, playing over 250 games for them. His football career then took him to Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers, and the North American Soccer League for Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to England to join Bury in 1978. In 1978 Gordon was also made Chairman of the PFA, succeeding Derek Dougan. Two years later Gordon went full-time and shortly after became Secretary and Chief Executive of the PFA.

Paul Thorogood
Chief Executive  – Football Foundation Having played football at a credible level in his early life, Paul has been involved in football administration for the past 20 years, during which time he has risen through the RAF County Football Association Executive Committee to become Chairman in 2002.

Maurice Watkins
Joint Senior Partner – Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors and Director – Manchester United Football Club Limited Maurice has handled numerous high value soccer transfers at home and abroad. He represents clubs and players before FIFA, UEFA, FA, FA Premier League and FAW (Football Association of Wales) disciplinary bodies, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and international and league compensation tribunals. He is also a regular speaker on footballing issues at home and abroad, having represented the Football Association and FA Premier League at recent conferences in Egypt, Qatar, Dubai, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.

Professor Tom Cannon
CEO – Ideopolis International Ltd Tom’s career includes roles as Director and Chief Executive of Manchester Business School, Chief Executive of the government’s Management Charter Initiative and private sector posts ranging from brand management in fast moving consumer goods to a small specialist development company created by Anita and Gordon Roddick. Ideopolis International’s work, where Tom is CEO, ranges from studies of the “Urban Revolution” to leadership, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, innovation and change management

Dan Jones, Partner, Head of Sports Business Group, Deloitte
Dan and his full time team of 15 people work exclusively on sports-related projects at Deloitte.
The team are based in the UK, but work with clients worldwide, partnering with local Deloitte offices as appropriate. In addition to his full time team Dan also works with all other areas of Deloitte to ensure the firm’s full range of specialist skills are available to clients. Dan personally advises clients on strategic, governance, commercial, regulatory, organisational and financial matters. His clients include the ATP Men’s & WTA Women’s tennis tours, the British Horseracing Authority, the Ryder Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, BMW Oracle Racing, the MCC, the ECB, the West Indies Cricket Board, British Cycling, UCI, UK Sport, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, the Rugby Football Union, the Scottish Rugby Union, the International Rugby Board, IMG, and a number of football clubs in the UK and abroad, as well as UEFA, The FA and the Premier League. He is also an experienced conference speaker and media spokesman and editor of Deloitte’s sports business publications, including the Annual Review of Football Finance and the Football Money League.

Martin O’Boyle – Lead Editor FIFA.com
After brief spells at the BBC, the Liverpool Echo and on Sky Sports, Martin was appointed as Everton Football Club’s Communications Officer in May 2002. During his time at Goodison Park, he acted as the assistant editor of the club’s award-winning website and programme. In May 2005, Martin joined FIFA and is now responsible for the day-to-day running of the English language version of the world governing body’s official website, FIFA.com. He also plays a key role in the organisation’s social media offering, which attracted over half a million Twitter followers in six months. The 30-year-old has played an integral part of FIFA’s communications at no fewer than 14 tournaments around the world, including the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and the 2008 Olympic Games.

Ryan McKnight
Ryan is the Editor of the leading football business publication, fcbusiness. He is widely regarded as one of the more outspoken commentators on football finance and works closely with clubs, associations and businesses on their football business activity. He was a keen player, playing overseas in Australia, New Zealand and with numerous high level non-league sides domestically.

The awards, which recognise the region’s footballing excellence on and off the pitch, are supported by businesses and organisations such as the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the National Football Museum, FIFA, Sky Sports, the Football Foundation and npower.

Fans will decide which players are named Player of the Year in the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and Blue Square Bet Premier. Last year, loyal fans voted in their tens of thousands in the categories.

Meanwhile, a panel of football experts, including PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, Sky Sports’ Alan Myers and football expert Professor Tom Cannon, will decide who triumphs in the other categories.

Fans can vote for their player of the year at www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk. One player will then be named the overall Northwest Footballer of the Year at the awards event on November 14, held at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester.

This year’s nominated players are:
Player of the Year – Premier League
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
Lucas Leiva (Liverpool)
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Stuart Holden (Bolton Wanderers)
Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers)
Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan Athletic)
David Vaughan (Blackpool)

Player of the Year – npower Championship
Jay Rodriguez (Burnley)
Iain Hume (Preston North End)

Player of the Year – npower League 1
James Berrett (Carlisle United)
Kieran Lee (Oldham Athletic)
Gary Jones (Rochdale)
Enoch Showunmi (Tranmere Rovers)

Player of the Year – npower League 2
Paul Bolland (Macclesfield Town)
Andy Parrish (Morecambe)
Jimmy Ryan (Accrington Stanley)
Clayton Donaldson (Crewe Alexandra)
Ryan Lowe (Bury)
Adam Griffin (Stockport County)

Blue Square Bet Premier
Paul Rutherford (Barrow)
Anthony Barry (Fleetwood Town)
Tony McMillan (Southport)
Damian Reeves (Altrincham)

Gordon Taylor, judge for the fourth year, said: “The region has built up phenomenal respect and credibility, not only through the success of its seven Premier League and 23 professional clubs, but also as the home to the PFA, The Football League and The National Football Museum.

“These awards recognise the footballing accomplishments from across the region, whether it be a club manager, player or the favourite goal.  Our expert panel selects people that are both from the spotlight and those that work tirelessly behind the scenes. The MBNA Northwest Football Awards are hugely popular and draw in support from both the football industry, the general UK public and business communities.

“With my role at the PFA and my personal love of football, I’m extremely proud to be on the judging panel and supporting this event. We hope everyone gets behind this to celebrate and honour our region’s talent.”

Last year’s winners included Bolton Wanderers’ Chung-Yong Lee as Premier League Player of the Year.
Ends
Media contact:
Meg Pugh @ MC2 (0161 236 1352/07808 765 595)
NOTES TO EDITORS

Judging panel
Alan Myers
North West Bureau Chief – Sky Sports News Alan has over twenty years reporting experience for some of the top clubs and sporting media in the UK. In 1996 he was the first Press Officer for Everton Football Club where he dealt with the media attention that surrounded the appointment of four different managers, a Boardroom takeover and the arrival of Paul Gascoigne! After five years at Everton, Alan then joined Sky Sports News. Now, as North West Bureau Chief, Alan deals with seven Premiership clubs, three Championship clubs and countless league and non-league teams in the Northwest.

Gerry Boon
Director – British Association for Sport and Law A retired partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Gerry is acknowledged internationally as a leading specialist sports business consultant and expert commentator on the football industry. In his time at Deloitte, Gerry created, built and led the firm’s Sports Business Group, based in Manchester, to its current position as leading advisers to the industry. He is now working as an independent sports business consultant and forensic accountant/expert witness in sports disputes.

Gordon Taylor
Chief Executive – PFA Before joining the PFA in 1980 Gordon was an England schoolboy trialist, originally as an inside forward before establishing himself as a winger with Bolton, playing over 250 games for them. His football career then took him to Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers, and the North American Soccer League for Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to England to join Bury in 1978. In 1978 Gordon was also made Chairman of the PFA, succeeding Derek Dougan. Two years later Gordon went full-time and shortly after became Secretary and Chief Executive of the PFA.

Paul Thorogood
Chairman – Football Foundation Having played football at a credible level in his early life, Paul has been involved in football administration for the past 20 years, during which time he has risen through the RAF County Football Association Executive Committee to become Chairman in 2002.

Maurice Watkins
Joint Senior Partner – Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors and Director – Manchester United Football Club Limited Maurice has handled numerous high value soccer transfers at home and abroad. He represents clubs and players before FIFA, UEFA, FA, FA Premier League and FAW (Football Association of Wales) disciplinary bodies, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and international and league compensation tribunals. He is also a regular speaker on footballing issues at home and abroad, having represented the Football Association and FA Premier League at recent conferences in Egypt, Qatar, Dubai, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.

Professor Tom Cannon
CEO – Ideopolis International Ltd Tom’s career includes roles as Director and Chief Executive of Manchester Business School, Chief Executive of the government’s Management Charter Initiative and private sector posts ranging from brand management in fast moving consumer goods to a small specialist development company created by Anita and Gordon Roddick. Ideopolis International’s work, where Tom is CEO, ranges from studies of the “Urban Revolution” to leadership, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, innovation and change management

Dan Jones, Partner, Head of Sports Business Group, Deloitte
Dan and his full time team of 15 people work exclusively on sports-related projects at Deloitte.
The team are based in the UK, but work with clients worldwide, partnering with local Deloitte offices as appropriate. In addition to his full time team Dan also works with all other areas of Deloitte to ensure the firm’s full range of specialist skills are available to clients. Dan personally advises clients on strategic, governance, commercial, regulatory, organisational and financial matters. His clients include the ATP Men’s & WTA Women’s tennis tours, the British Horseracing Authority, the Ryder Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, BMW Oracle Racing, the MCC, the ECB, the West Indies Cricket Board, British Cycling, UCI, UK Sport, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, the Rugby Football Union, the Scottish Rugby Union, the International Rugby Board, IMG, and a number of football clubs in the UK and abroad, as well as UEFA, The FA and the Premier League. He is also an experienced conference speaker and media spokesman and editor of Deloitte’s sports business publications, including the Annual Review of Football Finance and the Football Money League.

Martin O’Boyle – Lead Editor FIFA.com
After brief spells at the BBC, the Liverpool Echo and on Sky Sports, Martin was appointed as Everton Football Club’s Communications Officer in May 2002. During his time at Goodison Park, he acted as the assistant editor of the club’s award-winning website and programme. In May 2005, Martin joined FIFA and is now responsible for the day-to-day running of the English language version of the world governing body’s official website, FIFA.com. He also plays a key role in the organisation’s social media offering, which attracted over half a million Twitter followers in six months. The 30-year-old has played an integral part of FIFA’s communications at no fewer than 14 tournaments around the world, including the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Awards, which recognise the region’s footballing excellence, both on and off the pitch, have already gained the support from businesses and organisations such as The PFA, FIFA, Sky Sports and The Football Foundation.

Last year, loyal fans voted in the tens of thousands for the top player categories, with a panel of renowned football experts selecting the corporate teams, which have made the biggest impact behind the scenes.

This year’s panel includes Gordon Taylor, Maurice Watkins, Alan Myers, Tom Cannon, Dan Jones, Ryan McKnight, Stephen White, Martin O’Boyle and Paul Thorogood.

Gordon Taylor, judge for the fourth year, said:
“The region has built up phenomenal respect and credibility, not only through the success of its seven Premiership and 23 professional clubs, but also as the home to the PFA, The Football League and The National Football Museum.

“These Awards recognise the footballing accomplishments from across the region, whether it be a club manager, player or the favourite goal.  Our expert panel selects people that are both from the spotlight and those that work tirelessly behind the scenes.  The MBNA Northwest Football Awards are hugely popular and draw in support from both the football industry, the general UK public and business communities.

“With my role at the PFA and my personal love of football, I’m extremely proud to be on the judging panel and supporting this event.  We hope everyone gets behind this to celebrate and honour our region’s talent.”

The awards ceremony will take place 14th November at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club.

This year’s award categories are:

-     Goal of the Year
-     Community Scheme of the Year
-     Community Scheme  – Project of the Year
-     CSR Programme of the Year
-     Best Club Marketing Campaign
-     Best Use of New Media
-     Best Club Sponsorship
-     Most Innovative Non Match-day use of a Football Ground
-     Northwest Business Services to Football
-     Northwest Professional Business Services to Football
-     Player of the Year – Premier League
-     Player of the Year – Championship
-     Player of the Year – League One
-     Player of the Year – League Two
-     Player of the Year – Conference
-     Northwest Female Footballer of the Year
-     Northwest Footballer of the Year
-     Northwest Manager of the Year
-     Lifetime Contribution to Northwest Football

Last year’s winners included Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield CBE for the Lifetime Achievement Award and Chung-Yong Lee of Bolton Wanderers for Premier League Player of the Year Award.

For more information on how to enter the Awards, please visit www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk <http://www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk

Ends
Media contact
Meg Pugh @ MC2 (0161 236 1352/07808 765 595)
NOTES TO EDITORS

Judging panel

Alan Myers
North West Bureau Chief – Sky Sports News Alan has over twenty years reporting experience for some of the top clubs and sporting media in the UK. In 1996 he was the first Press Officer for Everton Football Club where he dealt with the media attention that surrounded the appointment of four different managers, a Boardroom takeover and the arrival of Paul Gascoigne! After five years at Everton, Alan then joined Sky Sports News. Now, as North West Bureau Chief, Alan deals with seven Premiership clubs, three Championship clubs and countless league and non-league teams in the Northwest.

Gerry Boon
Director – British Association for Sport and Law A retired partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Gerry is acknowledged internationally as a leading specialist sports business consultant and expert commentator on the football industry. In his time at Deloitte, Gerry created, built and led the firm’s Sports Business Group, based in Manchester, to its current position as leading advisers to the industry. He is now working as an independent sports business consultant and forensic accountant/expert witness in sports disputes.

Gordon Taylor
Chief Executive – PFA Before joining the PFA in 1980 Gordon was an England schoolboy trialist, originally as an inside forward before establishing himself as a winger with Bolton, playing over 250 games for them. His football career then took him to Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers, and the North American Soccer League for Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to England to join Bury in 1978. In 1978 Gordon was also made Chairman of the PFA, succeeding Derek Dougan. Two years later Gordon went full-time and shortly after became Secretary and Chief Executive of the PFA.

Paul Thorogood
Chairman – Football Foundation Having played football at a credible level in his early life, Paul has been involved in football administration for the past 20 years, during which time he has risen through the RAF County Football Association Executive Committee to become Chairman in 2002.

Maurice Watkins
Joint Senior Partner – Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors and Director – Manchester United Football Club Limited Maurice has handled numerous high value soccer transfers at home and abroad. He represents clubs and players before FIFA, UEFA, FA, FA Premier League and FAW (Football Association of Wales) disciplinary bodies, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and international and league compensation tribunals. He is also a regular speaker on footballing issues at home and abroad, having represented the Football Association and FA Premier League at recent conferences in Egypt, Qatar, Dubai, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.

Professor Tom Cannon
CEO – Ideopolis International Ltd Tom’s career includes roles as Director and Chief Executive of Manchester Business School, Chief Executive of the government’s Management Charter Initiative and private sector posts ranging from brand management in fast moving consumer goods to a small specialist development company created by Anita and Gordon Roddick. Ideopolis International’s work, where Tom is CEO, ranges from studies of the “Urban Revolution” to leadership, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, innovation and change management

Dan Jones, Partner, Head of Sports Business Group, Deloitte
Dan and his full time team of 15 people work exclusively on sports-related projects at Deloitte.
The team are based in the UK, but work with clients worldwide, partnering with local Deloitte offices as appropriate. In addition to his full time team Dan also works with all other areas of Deloitte to ensure the firm’s full range of specialist skills are available to clients. Dan personally advises clients on strategic, governance, commercial, regulatory, organisational and financial matters. His clients include the ATP Men’s & WTA Women’s tennis tours, the British Horseracing Authority, the Ryder Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race, BMW Oracle Racing, the MCC, the ECB, the West Indies Cricket Board, British Cycling, UCI, UK Sport, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, the Rugby Football Union, the Scottish Rugby Union, the International Rugby Board, IMG, and a number of football clubs in the UK and abroad, as well as UEFA, The FA and the Premier League. He is also an experienced conference speaker and media spokesman and editor of Deloitte’s sports business publications, including the Annual Review of Football Finance and the Football Money League.

Martin O’Boyle – Lead Editor FIFA.com
After brief spells at the BBC, the Liverpool Echo and on Sky Sports, Martin was appointed as Everton Football Club’s Communications Officer in May 2002. During his time at Goodison Park, he acted as the assistant editor of the club’s award-winning website and programme. In May 2005, Martin joined FIFA and is now responsible for the day-to-day running of the English language version of the world governing body’s official website, FIFA.com. He also plays a key role in the organisation’s social media offering, which attracted over half a million Twitter followers in six months. The 30-year-old has played an integral part of FIFA’s communications at no fewer than 14 tournaments around the world, including the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and the 2008 Olympic Games.

Football legends past and present were out in force last night as the winners of the MBNA Northwest Football Awards were revealed.  

The awards, which celebrated the region’s footballing achievements on and off the pitch, took place at The Point and were attended by more than 450 VIP guests from the football and business world.

Chung-Yong Lee was a surprise winner of the North West Premier League Player of the Year title.  The South Korean international, who enjoyed a great season in midfield for Bolton, beat strong competition from Wayne Rooney and Leighton Baines in the public vote.

Charlie Adam capped a fantastic season for Blackpool, collecting the Championship award and Tranmere’s Ian Goodison and Rochdale’s Craig Dawson picked up the League One and Two titles respectively.

Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield CBE was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award.  The former England defender, who now works for BBC Sport, was honoured for his career in football, which has spanned more than five decades.

In addition to successes on the pitch, football clubs off-field activities were celebrated in awards decided by an expert judging panel, including PFA chief executive, Gordon Taylor.

Manchester City and Everton picked up two awards each for their commercial and community activities.  Blackburn Rovers and Stockport County also picked up gongs at the ceremony.

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the PFA and awards judges, said: “It was a tough job choosing winners among all the entries we received.  The work happening at football clubs and businesses in the region is of an exceptionally high standard.

“It’s clear that the clubs are contributing significantly to their communities and the fans are really giving back – as showed with the huge numbers of votes we received.”

Ed Chamberlain, awards host, said: “It’s a pleasure to be involved in the awards and see first-hand the great work that is being carried out across the North West.
“Chung-Yong had such a big influence on Bolton last season and it’s fantastic to see that recognised, along with players from other leagues whose performances can sometimes get overlooked.” 

The North West’s businesses were also recognised in two award categories for their services to football.  Deloittes and Barclays shared the professional services title, while Kitbag scooped the award for business services to football.

The winners in full: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Jimmy Armfield

Voted for by fans

• Premier League Player of the Year – Chung-Yong Lee, Bolton Wanderers
• Championship Player of the Year – Charlie Adam, Blackpool
• League One Player of the Year – Ian Goodison, Tranmere Rovers
• League Two Player of the Year – Craig Dawson, Rochdale
• Conference Player of the Year – Robin Culbert, Barrow
• Community Project of the Year – Everton
• Community Scheme of the Year – Blackburn Rovers
• Best Club Marketing (Premier League) – Manchester City and Everton (DUAL WINNERS)
• Best Club Marketing (Football League) – Stockport County
• Best Club Sponsorship – Manchester City and Eithad
• Professional Services to Football – Deloittes and Barclays (DUAL WINNERS)
• Business Services to Football – Kitbag

For more information please contact Katherine Swift on 07894 099072 or katherine@northwestfootballawards.co.uk

2010 MBNA NORTHWEST FOOTBALL AWARDS LAUNCHED

One of the footballing calendar’s most prestigious events is returning to the North West this October.

The MBNA Northwest Football Awards 2010 will once again celebrate the region’s footballing talent and the commercial, marketing and professional services expertise that contributes to its teams’ successes.

More than 450 VIP guests from the football and business world are expected to attend the event, which was launched in 2007 and has become one of the highlights of the sporting season.

A panel of expert judges, including PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, will acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the region’s football clubs, in awards to be presented at the glittering gala dinner.

Footballers, from the Premier League to the Blue Square Conference, will compete for awards chosen by the general public and a special goal of the year award will be voted for by guests on the night.

Fans can vote for their favourite players on the awards’ official website, www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk.  A lifetime contribution award to North West football will also be presented on the night.  Previous recipients include Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Tom Finney.

The charity and community work undertaken by the region’s football clubs will be honoured and the event will also recognise the commercial teams behind the scenes at the clubs and professional and business services that the region’s companies provide to the football industry.

Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the PFA and awards judge, said: “The North West has such a proud football heritage and our awards are unique in its regional focus, celebrating talent on the pitch, the great work undertaken by clubs commercially and in the community alongside the world class contribution that the area’s businesses make to the sport.

“Many of the biggest football headlines this year have been made in the North West and the awards will once again be a real celebration of talent and passion in football here.

“We look forward to welcoming footballing icons to the event and we hope we will be celebrating even more on-field successes for the North West’s teams.”

Greg Phillips, Director of Brand at MBNA, said: “North West England has a football heritage of world renown and – we all hope – a future to match!  We are proud to back the North West Football Awards; they celebrate some of the best aspects of the sport in this region; one that continues to have an impact around the world.”

The awards will be raising money for its chosen charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer.  The awards were launched in 2007 and previous winners include Ryan Giggs, Fernando Torres, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes.

The MBNA North West Football Awards take place on Monday 11 October 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Old Trafford.