REECE Burke is today celebrating as the Telegraph & Argus Bradford City player of the year – after the closest vote in the competition's history.

The West Ham teenager just pipped goalkeeper Ben Williams, with Tony McMahon finishing third.

The top two each took 31 per cent of the ballot from fans but Burke edged it by just seven votes.

Burke was also named the T&A most consistent player during last night's prize ceremony at Valley Parade, which is based on the individual ratings out of ten for each match.

Again it was by the tightest of margins, Burke winning with a 7.06 average and beating fellow loanee Lee Evans into second by the equivalent of two marks. Last season's winner Rory McArdle was third.

The narrow margins in both categories did not come as a surprise to Phil Parkinson.

The Bantams boss said: "There's been a good level of consistency in the team. There are a lot of players who could make a case to be up there.

"But Reece has been excellent. He has matured as the season has gone on, which is what loan moves are all about. He has taken to regular league football really well.

"West Ham are also quite pleased with him having to move up north and live on his own. That's part of his education as well."

Burke has started 34 games since joining City at the end of August, scoring twice, and has become a firm favourite.

Parent club West Ham are looking to loan him out again in the Championship next season – and have hinted that the Bantams will have first shout if they go up.

Parkinson said: "I liaise with (academy manager) Terry Westley there almost on a weekly basis and he's absolutely delighted with how Reece has done.

"There's always someone from the club at our games and they are obviously pleased with his contribution.

"Reece had the taste of first-team football at West Ham last year but I'm sure this season has done him a lot of good for his career.

"Not many players his age have a full season of playing at the top end of this division under their belt. It's a tough league to play in and he has adapted very well.

"But like myself, Reece will want to finish the season off strongly and hopefully keep it going.

"The player of the year awards is always good but hopefully we've got a few chapters in this season still to write."

Goalkeeper Ben Williams won the Players' Player of the Year Award after his record number of cleansheets.