Vital Football Awards

With Crewe's season officially over now, it seems like a good time to dish out the esteemed Vital Football awards. It has been a disappointing season - we have seen some poor defending, we've seen some even worse defending, and we've seen Chris McCready try to defend. We've also seen the best thing since sliced bread, though I would exchange my sandwiches for Madjid Magic any day of the week. Anyway, before you begin to question my sexual orientation as I delve into those 11 joyous occasions that have been Madjid's outings for the club, I will move swiftly on to do my best to find a winner for each of the Vital Football awards.

Vital Football Player of the Season: Billy Jones - the versatile youngster has been one of the bright lights of a disappointing season. His 8 goals have been fully deserved, as well as a little surprising. Hopefully he will be here next year to add to this award and the Crewe ASi Player of the Season award he has already won.

Young Player of the Season: Gary Roberts - I decided that it wouldn't be right for Billy to win both of these awards, so this one goes to his pal Gary Roberts instead. Roberts has shown a tenacity in midfield this season, as well as showing he has an eye for a pass. The execution of his passes will only improve with time.

Best Signing: Madjid Bougherra - the Algerian International has been sublime since he joined on loan. It is with deep regret that we see him leave, though it is with respect and admiration that Madjid departs his first stage in the English game.

Most Improved Player: Steve Foster - Foz pips Kenny Lunt to this award for his improvement since Bougherra's arrival. Foster has shown that he is a good defender and has been immense at the back for Crewe in recent months.

Unsung Hero: Kenny Lunt - the midfielder has been in good form this season, especially in recent months. After a poor season last time around, Lunty has shown by Dario has kept faith with him through good times and bad. As well as showing increasing defensive awareness, Lunty secured 9 assists this season - one of the most in the division.

Worst Player: Chris McCready - Vital Football isn't McCready's greatest fan. McCready was probably deserving of his new deal last summer, though his performances this season have been nothing short of woeful. Most of his opponents have had him on a scewer - twisted, turned and thoroughly roasted.

Goal of the Season: David Vaughan's strike against Cardiff pips David Vaughan's strike against Derby, David Vaughan's striker against Burnley and Eddie Johnson's goal against Millwall. The midfielder picked up the second ball, ran into the space before unleashing a powerful drive into the right hand corner.

Disappointment of the Season: David Vaughan just about beats Juan Ugarte to this award. Vaughany showed his fantastic ability at the end of the 2004/05 season, with his 4 goals in 8 games vital to Crewe's survival that year. However, Vaughany was strangely subdued in many of the games he played, though came back into the side rejuvenated towards the end of the season.

Best Game of the Season: The home fixture against Leeds would probably have been the expected winner, but Burnley at home on the very first day of the season gets this accolade. There may have been many higher standard games, with more goals, better goals and better players on show, but the sense of justice after Vaughan's late goal made that game the game of the season. A Billy Jones goal gave Crewe the lead before Gifton Noel-Williams equalised. From that moment on, Burnley didn't play football, instead bullying their opponents in an attempt to play out a draw. However, Vaughan's last minute scorcher made up for the countless dirty tricks employed by Burnley that day.

Worst Game of the Season: Brighton away - I'm not even going to contemplate discussing how dire that game was.

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