Ryan Giggs was not the player of the year

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in the Premierships history – he is undoubtedly one of the true legends of the era. However was he the player of the year for the 2008/09 season. The answer? No.

The fact is, he has only started a mere 12 games this season. Has he had a massive impact on Manchester United’s fortunes? I don’t think so. He has played well this season. Especially given his mature age of 35, but not well enough to warrant this award.

Since making his debut at the age of 17 back in 1991, he has been ever-present through the Ferguson era. His trophy cabinet is heaving with medals and various other personal accolades.

However frankly this is one accolade he simply doesn’t deserve. Should there ever arise an award called ‘PFA player of the decade’ then Giggs’ name should deservedly be top of the list.

However this award is based on this year’s football season. Even the most die-hard of Manchester United fans have to admit the wrong choice was made here. Sir Alex Ferguson himself must know deep down that there were other players in his squad who were more deserving of it.

Nemanja Vidic has been a rock for United this season. With the exception of the lapse against Liverpool, he has hardly put a foot wrong. He has played a crucial role at the heart of the Manchester United defence. Far more deserving of the award than the veteran Welshman.

Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo on the basis of this season, would be more deserving then Giggs. Both have played well. Ronaldo hasn’t been as impressive as the previous two seasons but he has scored some crucial goals for Manchester United. Ferdinand played a key role in United’s record breaking defence.

Steven Gerrard, the only non-Manchester United candidate, has enjoyed a fantastic this season. He has been crucial for Liverpool and their title challenge. Should Liverpool claim a very unlikely 19th title, it would be a travesty that Gerrard missed out on the award.

The decision hasn’t been based on a player lighting up the league. Fans across the country haven’t been talking about Giggs and his scintillating performances. Players haven’t been talking about the danger Ryan Giggs poses.

It’s a decision based on sentiment. I agree that Giggs deserves recognition. He will not only go down as a true Manchester United great, but an icon of British football. On the basis of his contribution to British football, he deserves an award. But not this award. We are acknowledging the player of the season. For me, it’s a shame, because Giggs is simply not the player of the year.

The players have voted with their hearts and not their heads.