West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker has won the Football Writers' Player of the Year award after a strong season that's seen him almost singlehandedly keep his club alive in their fight to escape relegation to the Championship. Although the more flashy Gareth Bale may have won when the players voted, Parker got the nod from the journalistsahead of Bale, Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez, and Charlie Adam. BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty commented on the selection:
Scott Parker Wins FWA Player Of The Year Award
Parker’s selection as the FWA Footballer of the Year only underlines the scale of his contribution to a West Ham team that could still be relegated - and probably would be already if it wasn’t for his professionalism and performances.
It’s often easy to shine in a good side but Parker has carried a poor team and has been so outstanding that he has finally convinced England coach Fabio Capello of his worth. A worthy winner.
It’s easy to get caught up in Parker hyperbole thanks to his galactic-superhero haircut, and I think at the end of the day he’s as worthy a recipient of the award as anyone, but really? Scott Parker’s professionalism is what’s keeping West Ham up? It’s easier to shine when there’s less talent around you? That’s nonsense.
How about this: Scott Parker has played extraordinarily well in an important position while the rest of his club has been struggling, and his leadership has been vital to a team still fighting to avoid the drop. Based on his performance on the pitch, his reported ability to inspire his team, and his amazing hair, Scott Parker deserves the FWA Player of the Year award.
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