Joe Colbeck's dramatic rise from unpredictable winger to City match-winner has been rewarded after the fans named him player of the year.

Colbeck was stunned to scoop the Telegraph & Argus/Bradford & Bingley trophy during tonight's awards ceremony at Valley Parade.

But boss Stuart McCall believes it is a fitting tribute to a young player who has battled through adversity to become one of City's leading lights.

"I've always said the player that gives everything deserves everything and that's a testament to Joe," said McCall.

"He's a great example for not giving up when things haven't gone so well. Instead of going into his shell, he has knuckled down and given total commitment and this is a great reward.

"He has always had the energy, effort and desire in his game but sometimes it was just that final ball which let him down. Now he has added that as well as goals and assists and is going out there with great confidence.

"He's a great team player and does a lot of work defensively that goes unnoticed, although not with his team-mates or the coaching staff.

"I've often just wished he could perform for us at home like he does in away games because a lot of supporters haven't seen his best form.

"But his recent displays at Valley Parade have been terrific and it was great to see him score his first goal here against Grimsby."

On-loan goalkeeper Scott Loach won the Telegraph & Argus most consistent player award, based on the individual performance ratings out of ten.

Loach just pipped two-times winner David Wetherall and Peter Thorne with an average of 6.74 in 18 games.

City would love to get the 20-year-old keeper back for another season but it hinges on his parent club Watford.

McCall said: "If Watford are promoted to the Premier League they might go with the two experienced keepers and let Scott out somewhere for a year.

"It's something we would love to happen but there are lots of ifs and buts beforehand.

"But Scott has been terrific for us. He's settled in well and, given that he'd only played a couple of games for Morecambe before coming here, he has shown a great maturity."

Wetherall's final season in the team was acknowledged by the rest of the squad, who named him players' player of the year.

He is City's only league ever-present, playing every minute of every game.

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