Last month on the club website at cambridgeunited.com we invited you to name your Internet Players of the Year, and your Goal of the Season.

Hundreds of votes rolled in at the climax of an exciting season, and whilst there were clear cut winners in two of the categories the other was closely contested all the way.

So without further ado, the Internet Player of the Year, with 52% of the votes, is? (drum roll)? Danny Potter! (pictured right being presented with his award by Andrew Bennett)

The 29-year-old joined the club last summer from Stevenage Borough after spells with Exeter, Weymouth and Canvey Island. Almost ever-present this season, 'Pottsy' quickly established himself as a crowd favourite as well as a safe pair of hands, and he was far and away your choice for the Player of the Year award.

The runners-up to Danny were Mark Albrighton in second with 12% of the votes and Paul Carden in third with 11%.

Along with the supporters' votes came many comments of praise for the respective players and I have reproduced just a few of them here:

Matthew Faiers describes Danny Potter as "a true leader on the field - not only is he a wonderful keeper who has pulled off many saves, but his voice and personality has made the players on the pitch better. I feel confident with him between the sticks and his humour has made the football at the Abbey more enjoyable!"

Chloe Flack thinks, "Just watching Danny on a Saturday shows you why our defence has conceded the least goals in this league", while Ben Payne adds, "The first keeper in a long time who we have had true confidence in."

"He has played to a consistently high standard for the whole season," says Robert Hughes, "putting in some brilliant performances and has been vital to our success as a team this season."

Graham Nightingale says Danny is "a great character and inspiration for the team and supporters alike" and Mike Barnes says he is "an outstanding goalkeeper - and an entertainer!"

Tom Turner writes, "Endless outstanding performances, numerous world class saves and a command of his defence that has long been missing. One of the biggest characters this club has seen in a long time, building such a strong rapport with the fans in such little time. He is an inspiration to the fans and team alike. If everyone had the guts, determination and consistency of Danny we would be sitting in Aldershot's place!"

Will Jeans picked out two performances in particular: "Danny has been great this season; his saves have been awesome at times, especially at Wolves and Oxford away where he was top class."

Jamie Cox also praised Danny for his consistency: "He's been so consistent all season and is the best keeper we've had at the Abbey for years. A tremendous goalkeeper, well capable of playing a few Leagues higher, and a great entertainer, excellent with the fans."

Runner-up Mark Albrighton also attracted many glowing comments, best summed up by Ken Sneath who describes him as "a rock at the heart of the defence", while Roy Luckhurst added, "His work rate is always exemplary and his commitment to the cause and intelligent reading of the game has resulted in many crucial, goal-preventing defensive tackles and interceptions."

Third-placed Paul Carden is "tenacious, level-headed, insightful and diligent," according to Kelly Driscoll, who adds, "We need four Paul Cardens in midfield!"

The vote for the Internet Young Player of the Year award (for players aged 21 and under) was nip and tuck all the way between two very fine young players, with Michael Morrison emerging as the eventual winner for the third successive season.

MIchael Morrison is presented with his award by Henry Milward and Matt Ramsay

Michael polled 41% of the votes, but also proving very popular was Josh Coulson in his first season as a pro. He finished second with 35% of the votes, while January arrival Ben Farrell was third with 18%.

Supporters were again fulsome in their praise for youth team graduate 'Morro', who has now played over 100 first team games and represented England at 'C' team (National XI) level, yet only turned 20 last month.

Roy Luckhurst sums up the thoughts of many when he writes, "Michael has again been steadfast all season in defence and has played with a maturity that belies his age."

Arnold Cook praises Michael for "an almost ever-present and again faultless season, in a year with some contract uncertainty," while Mike Bilboa adds, "He puts heart and soul into every game - totally reliable."

James Norman feels Michael has an "old head on young shoulders" and adds "loyalty counts for a lot these days", while Nigel Hutton says he is "Mr Consistency - again".

Of Josh Coulson, Michael Tuffs said, "I've been watching Football for over 40 years and have been so impressed with his progress this year, from the pre-season friendlies up to the present day. If he keeps his commitment and dedication going, I'm sure he can reach a lot higher level of football."

Robert Hollamby adds, "Josh is possibly the best youngster that we have produced in many years. His maturity, speed of thought and defensive skills put him above the likes of Danny Granville and Jody Craddock. Hopefully he will fulfil his potential with us."

And Daniel Lowe feels Ben Farrell "looks at home in this league despite the big step up. One for the future."

The final voting category was for 'Goal of the Season', and although twelve different goals were nominated, there was a runaway winner - Wayne Hatswell's 40-yard free kick at the Abbey Stadium against one of his former clubs, Forest Green Rovers.

Wayne Hatswell is presented with his award by Doug Shulman

Wayne's thunderous strike attracted 59% of the votes, while Lee McEvilly's finish to a flowing team move at Halifax was the runner-up with 12% and Mark Albrighton's goal at home to Histon was third with 9%.

Of the winning goal, James Speake writes, "One of the best goals I have ever seen, better than some of Ronaldo's. If only he could do it more often!" and Anton Thacker agrees: "A thunderous long range free kick. Cristiano who?!"

Alistair Potter was one of many to nominate "The 40-yard free-kick from Wayne Hatswell (AKA the Roberto Carlos of the Conference) to open the scoring at home to Forest Green. One of the most spectacular long-range free-kicks I have seen at any level of football for quite some time."

Garry Wright remembers it thus: "It flew into the top corner of the net like a bullet with goalkeeper Ryan Robinson rooted to the spot" while Lee Appleton was concise in his praise: "Hands down, a total belter."

Jon Brend thinks "a free kick of such power and precision is rare at any level of football", and Laura Drake describes it as "a real screamer that will stick in my memory for a long time."

Of the goal at Halifax scored by Lee McEvilly, Mark Chaplin commented, "The best 'team goal' that I have ever seen United score in more than 30 years of watching."

Congratulations to everyone mentioned, and sincere thanks to all who took the time to vote via the club website at cambridgeunited.com. The presentations were made on the pitch before our final home league game of the season against Torquay United.

Andrea Thrussell
web@cambridge-united.co.uk

*A version of this article was published in the programme for the match against Torquay United on Tuesday 22nd April, 2008

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