Friday, 9 May 2008
Joe Cole was unanimously voted Player of the Year last night by Chelsea supporters.
The honour was presented at Stamford Bridge yesterday evening by former Chelsea and France defender Marcel Desailly.
Earlier this season, Joe was informed that a supporter's sister, who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, hadn't long left to live.
He left the training ground at Cobham and rushed straight to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to be with her, holding her hand and talking to her although she was in a coma.
He frequently helps those less fortunate than himself, arranging for several terminally ill children to come to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea, paying the expenses himself.
He is a footballer who has not let the fame or financial rewards go to his head. Our best wishes go to Joe and we hope that this particular accolade will not be the last time he receives it.
The Player's Player of the Year was named as Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho, who was my choice for Player of the Year, voted for by the Chelsea coaches and players unanimously. The award was presented to him by former Captain and England star Ray Wilkins and club sponsors Samsung’s president Kim.
Supporters then voted Juliano Belletti’s piledriver against Spurs at Stamford Bridge as the Goal of the Season. It's a shame the accolade might come as scant reward for the Brazilian, after the national press hinted that the player may well be on his way at the end of the season. I think he's a class act.
Young Player of the Year was presented to the entire Chelsea U18 side who recently battled their way to the FA Youth Cup Final. Presented by Graeme le Saux, the award was collected by team Captain Nana Ofori Twumasi and manager Paul Clement.
England rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio presented Frank Lampard with a Special Achievement Award for scoring 100 goals for Chelsea, while John Terry gave former Chelsea defender John Dempsey a Special Recognition Award for nine years he spent at the Bridge between 1969 and 1978 and his work in a children’s home that he helped set up himself.
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