Parker wins Footballer of the Year

Had to stop in and make a post about this: West Ham's Scott Parker has been given the award for Football Writers' Footballer of the Year (not to be confused with PFA Player of the Year: will touch on that distinction in a minute).

Scottie Parker has been in tremendous form, totally putting this downtrodden Hammers team on his back through what has been an extremely difficult season. With the absence of a vocal leader in Avram Grant, Parker has stepped up and been a lion for this team. His performances and leadership have been so superb that he's earned an England call up from Capello after years in the international wilderness, and he was probably the best player on the pitch in the friendly he played in, sharing holding midfield duties with Jack Wilshere.

Hats off to the FWA for this one. England is too conservative with regard to footballing belief, whether that means team selection for the Three Lions or personal accolades, and this was a bold and fitting selection.

{A note about the award: the FWA Player of the Year is voted on by strictly the 'best' football writers in England. The PFA Player of the Year--which Gareth Bale won a few days ago-- is voted on by the players. As such, some players regard the PFA Player of the Year in higher regard, because it's always nice to be revered by your peers. With that said, I do think that sometimes the FWA make braver choices, this year as a prime example.}