Gabbidon picks up Player of the Year Award

Last updated : 04 May 2006 By Michael Morris
from www.whufc.com

Danny Gabbidon has been named as the Hammer of the Year for 2005-06, with Marlon Harewood finishing as runner-up.

Our Welsh international defender was presented with his trophy at the West Ham United Supporters' Club on Wednesday night, to cap off a terrific debut season at Upton Park.

Since arriving from Cardiff City last summer, the 26-year-old has been a key member of Alan Pardew's team, stepping up to the top flight with ease and appearing in 31 of our 36 Premiership matches so far.

His calm and positive influence on the Hammers defence has been a vital factor behind our success this season, and it is no coincidence that our most difficult run of results during the entire campaign came when Danny was sidelined with injury at the end of December.

Marlon, meanwhile, finished a close second after an explosive campaign of his own that has seen him fire 16 league and cup goals already this season, including the memorable winner in our FA Cup semi-final victory over Middlesbrough.

Danny and Marlon will be presented with their trophies again in front of the Upton Park faithful on Sunday, prior to our final Premiership match of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.

Team-mate Anton Ferdinand and Assistant Manager Peter Grant were also present to see Danny and Marlon receive their trophies, and all four were given a warm reception at the Supporters' Club as they stayed behind to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.