Planet Swans ArchivesThe Welsh club player of the year is Swansea’s Sam Ricketts, who was playing non-league football for Telford United 18 months ago. He has now won six caps under Toshack and figured in Swansea’s promotion last season and their rise to the top of League One this term.
Other special awards went to former Swansea star Len Allchurch, the 72-year-old younger brother of the late Ivor Allchurch. The pair formed a half-back partnership for Wales in the 50s and 60s in the same side as John Charles. Len also played for Sheffield United and Stockport and won 11 caps, his last in 1964 against England. On leaving the full-time scene he joined his brother at Welsh League club Haverfordwest.
Former north Wales referee John Lloyd also picked up a merit award.
West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon has been named Welsh Footballer of the Year. The 26-year-old has impressed in the Premiership for the Hammers, who also had James Collins voted the young player of the year. The players received their awards at the Carling Welsh football awards dinner held at Swansea’s White Rock Stadium on Monday night.
The pair arrived at Upton Park in July for a joint fee of around £3.5m, Collins only playing in the Carling Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday so far – largely due to a pre-season injury – and Gabbidon taking the top flight by storm. West Ham have made an impressive return to the Premiership and have lost just one of seven matches so far, with Gabbidon in outstanding form. Gabbidon, however, has won the award for his performances for Wales having missed just one of the last 18 internationals at a time of considerable change following the departure of Mark Hughes as boss and the appointment of John Toshack.
The Cwmbran-born centre-back, however, is suspended for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Belfast against Northern Ireland. Many observers had been surprised that it took so long for a Premiership club to take the gamble with Gabbidon, but the move has paid off for Hammers boss Alan Pardew.
Gabbidon said: “The Premiership has been tough, but I have been pleased with the way it has gone but I know I can do better and I am looking to improve as the season continues. “Everyone dreams of playing in the Premier League, and having had a taste of top international football and done okay, this move has been great for me. It is just a fantastic opportunity and now I hope to take advantage of it.”
