Dougie Freedman is Crystal Palace's player of the year after winning the fans' vote at Saturday night's awards ceremony.
The popular Palace striker collected the trophy from manager Trevor Francis and thanked the whole staff at the club, "from the chairman all the way down to the dinner lady" as well as the fans. He also paid tribute to his team-mates, saying: "They've won me this award."
And he promised he would be back at Selhurst next year, a pledge that caused awards host David Jensen to quip: "Let's hope he means in red and blue."
Freedman also won the goal of the year award for his delicate chip against Gillingham at Selhurst Park, beating Aki Riihilahti and Clinton Morrison's efforts into second and third place respectively.
Crocked winger Julian Gray hobbled up on crutches to collect his award for young player of the year, and after thanking the fans who voted for him said he was hoping to get back into training as soon as possible.
The evening's entertainment also featured a reunion of Palace stars from across the years, with favourites including Vince Hilaire, Jim Cannon, Geoff Thomas and Billy Gilbert mingling with Eagles fans.
For more on Dougie Freedman see this week's Croydon Guardian and log on to Eagle Eye.
May 26, 2002 19:30
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