Leeds United Football Club - Sullivan Scoops The Double!
Neil Sullivan took the honours at the 2004/5 Player of The Year Awards after a superb first season for the 35-year-old.
The Scottish international scooped the main award as he was named Player Of the Year, as voted for by supporters, and the Players' Player of the Year Award, in which he was the unanimous choice of his colleagues.
Sullivan arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea late last summer after agreeing to take a massive pay-cut to get regular first team football again and his form this season has been outstanding, with no less than four penalty saves.
Sullivan was honoured to receive both awards.
"I've enjoyed every single game of the season," said Neil.
"To be player of the year at a club like Leeds is just fantastic and to be the player choice as well is just as good because they are a great bunch of lads.
"It's tremendous to win both of them because they mean a lot to me."
Sullivan revealed he has no regrets at all about swapping the Premiership for the Championship with United.
"I wasn't playing for two years and when Leeds came along I jumped at it. It was no risk, it's just an honour to come and play for a club like this.
"I wasn't having the best of times and I wasn't going to get another game for Chelsea so if you are going to go down a division you go to the biggest and Leeds was no doubt the biggest.
"When I first came here Martin Hodge (goalkeeping coach) got hold of me and ironed out a few bad habits I had developed and he's been great because he made it easy for me. When you come to work and enjoy yourself you know you're doing ok.
"We will keep working hard, I am sure there are a few things we can still work on and hopefully we'll be able to get ourselves up next season."
Skipper Paul Butler paid tribute to Sullivan saying: "It's a team game but Neil has been outstanding all season. Time after time he has rescued us and his saves at vital times in games have undoubtedly spurred the lads on.
"As a defender you need to have confidence in the man behind you and we have plenty of it in Neil. It is a richly deserved award."
Winger Aaron Lennon was voted for by supporters as the Young player of the Year following his achievements after becoming a first team regular, just edging out Simon Walton for the award.
Striker David Healy picked up the Goal of The Season award for his strike against Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road on December 28th 1994.
Lucas Radebe was presented with the Best Contribution to the Community award and the Lifetime Achievement award.
Neil Sullivan took the honours at the 2004/5 Player of The Year Awards after a superb first season for the 35-year-old.
The Scottish international scooped the main award as he was named Player Of the Year, as voted for by supporters, and the Players' Player of the Year Award, in which he was the unanimous choice of his colleagues.
Sullivan arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea late last summer after agreeing to take a massive pay-cut to get regular first team football again and his form this season has been outstanding, with no less than four penalty saves.
Sullivan was honoured to receive both awards.
"I've enjoyed every single game of the season," said Neil.
"To be player of the year at a club like Leeds is just fantastic and to be the player choice as well is just as good because they are a great bunch of lads.
"It's tremendous to win both of them because they mean a lot to me."
Sullivan revealed he has no regrets at all about swapping the Premiership for the Championship with United.
"I wasn't playing for two years and when Leeds came along I jumped at it. It was no risk, it's just an honour to come and play for a club like this.
"I wasn't having the best of times and I wasn't going to get another game for Chelsea so if you are going to go down a division you go to the biggest and Leeds was no doubt the biggest.
"When I first came here Martin Hodge (goalkeeping coach) got hold of me and ironed out a few bad habits I had developed and he's been great because he made it easy for me. When you come to work and enjoy yourself you know you're doing ok.
"We will keep working hard, I am sure there are a few things we can still work on and hopefully we'll be able to get ourselves up next season."
Skipper Paul Butler paid tribute to Sullivan saying: "It's a team game but Neil has been outstanding all season. Time after time he has rescued us and his saves at vital times in games have undoubtedly spurred the lads on.
"As a defender you need to have confidence in the man behind you and we have plenty of it in Neil. It is a richly deserved award."
Winger Aaron Lennon was voted for by supporters as the Young player of the Year following his achievements after becoming a first team regular, just edging out Simon Walton for the award.
Striker David Healy picked up the Goal of The Season award for his strike against Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road on December 28th 1994.
Lucas Radebe was presented with the Best Contribution to the Community award and the Lifetime Achievement award.
