Marcus Gayle's impressive transformation from striker to centre-half has been recognised by players and fans alike, who have voted him Watford's Player of the Season.

The former Wimbledon and Rangers player, who has bounced back from being transfer listed last season to become a vital cog in the Hornets' defence, will receive The Watford Observer Trophy at a gala dinner at the London Metropole Hotel tonight (Sunday, April 27).

Gayle has won widespread praise for his performances, particularly since Christmas, and he was arguably Watford's best player in the FA Cup Semi-Final defeat against Southampton. He polled almost 300 more votes than runner-up Heidar Helguson, with skipper Neil Cox a close third.

Not surprsingly, the memorable FA Cup run features heavily in the Awards, with Stephen Glass's Quarter-Final clinching free-kick at home to Burnley chosen as Goal of the Season, narrowly beating Danny Webber's excellent strike in the 5-2 victory over Coventry City.

However, the young striker, who is currently recovering from a broken leg sustained while playing for Manchester United's reserves, has ample consolation in the form of the Display of the Season for his superb performance in the Coventry success.

As The Watford Observer revealed on Friday, Jamie Hand is the Young Player of the Season.

The full results of The Watford Observer Awards are:

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

(The Watford Observer Trophy)

1. Marcus Gayle - 1060

2. Heidar Helguson - 788

3. Neil Cox - 763

4. Neal Ardley - 482

5. Alec Chamberlain - 264

6. Micah Hyde - 241

7. Paul Robinson - 223

8. Stephen Glass - 204

9. Danny Webber - 198

10. Tommy Smith - 137

11. Allan Nielsen

12. Gifton Noel-Williams

GOAL OF THE SEASON

(NBM Distribution Limited)

1. Stephen Glass v Burnley (h) - 792

2. Danny Webber v Coventry City (h) - 774

3. Neal Ardley v Crystal Palace (h) - 547

4. Jason Norville v Sheffield Wednesday (a) - 360

5. Heidar Helguson v West Bromwich Albion (h) - 245

6. Dominic Foley v Walsall (h) - 241

7. Jermaine Pennant v Macclesfield Town (a) - 180

8. Allan Nielsen v Wimbledon (h) - 112

9. Tommy Smith v Coventry City (h) - 110

10=. Heidar Helguson v Nottingham Forest (h) - 80

10=. Heidar Helguson v Crystal Palace (h) - 80

DISPLAY OF THE SEASON

(Mercedes-Benz Direct)

1. Danny Webber v Coventry City (h) - 702

2. Marcus Gayle v Burnley (h) - 641

3. Heidar Helguson v Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) - 590

4. Paolo Vernazza v Coventry City (a) - 460

5. Michael Chopra v Burnley (a) - 396

6. Heidar helguson v Sheffield United (a) - 230

7. Neil Cox v Nottingham Forest (a) - 282

8. Neil Cox v Burnley (h) - 274

9. Micah Hyde v Crystal Palace (h) - 267

SUPPORTER OF THE SEASON

Nominations include: Hazel O'Callaghan, Peter Gill, Peter Fincham, Jack Sheppard, David Bonner, Ed Messenger, Mick Tick, Matt Bentote, Susan Triggs, Harry Rowson, Frances Lyon, Peter Wilson and Tony Flux.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Jamie Hand

April 28, 2003 09:30