Luke Oliver stands head and shoulders above his City team-mates today after being named the Telegraph & Argus player of the year.

The tallest man in the squad has delivered some towering performances for the Bantams this season to earn the accolade from supporters.

Oliver, who has started more games than anyone, took the main prize at last night’s awards evening at Valley Parade.

It is an incredible turnaround in fortunes for a player who was booed at times last term after being signed by Peter Taylor.

Phil Parkinson believes the giant centre half has earned the adulation of the fans.

The City boss said: “Luke has given absolutely everything over the course of the season and fully deserves the award. He’s a really good lad and a strong character.

“To get player of the year is always a great achievement and he is a worthy winner.

“He has had that consistency that we are always asking the players for week in, week out.

“You know what you are getting from him every game in terms of performance.

“Nobody has really got the better of him this season.”

Oliver missed out on a place in the League Two team of the year voted by fellow pros but Parkinson certainly felt he was in with a shout.

“You tend to get the teams that are up the top getting the recognition, and rightly so. This year’s no different.

“But Luke has certainly done as well as anyone. He’s done tremendously well.”

Oliver was narrowly pipped for the Telegraph & Argus most consistent player title, based on the marks out of ten for each match report.

His current average of 7.13 would have been enough to win in the previous three seasons but he was edged out by the slightest of margins by winger Kyel Reid (7.18).

Oliver’s regular defensive partner Andrew Davies, with a 7.10 tally, completed a close-run top three.

Reid said: “I must give great credit to the gaffer for bringing me here and getting me settled.

“It’s been a big season for me because it’s probably the first full one when I’ve played more than 30 games. It’s gone quite smooth for me and I’m really enjoying my football.”