PFA Awards Highlights

COMMENTATOR: An incredible strike by Harry Kane! Oh, what a goal.

Brilliantly worked, fantastically finished.

Oh, what a screamer! Welcome to the Grosvenor House hotel for the

43rdPFA awards as the great and good of football came together in London.

Whether you're from Leicester or Tottenham, chasing the top prize,

one of those teams involved in the tightest of promotion races to the

Premier League, or players from leagues one or two, they've all

played their part in yet another dramatic season. We start with the

PFA merit award. Since 1974 the PFA has honoured

individuals for their exceptional contribution to football. These have

included world greats such as Usebio and great managers, even entire

teams such as the 1968 European Cup winning Manchester United side. And

of course, the 1966 World Cup England side, many of whom, as we

know, are with us tonight. To announce this year's winner, the PFA

merit award, welcome to the stage the chief executive Gorton toy lar,

OBE and chairman of the PFA Richie Humphreys.

Let's look at this man's remarkable career.

Manchester United believe we may be seeing the start of a very special

career here this afternoon. This is Giggs. That's absolutely

brilliant. Lovely goal. Giggs. Still Giggs. Brilliantly

done! Look at the smile of the Welshman.

Here's Ryan Giggs - oh, perfection! It's picked up by Ryan Giggs. This

is still Ryan Giggs. And he's scored a sensational goal. What a moment

for Ryan Giggs. BBC Sports Personality of the Year is... Ryan

Giggs. # ALive and Kicking

For the last time, Ryan Giggs. Step forward Ryan Giggs the manager.

Ladies and gentleman, you've seen there the quality of the outstanding

contribution to professional football. This lad is probably the

most decorated player in football history. This year marks the 25th

anniversary of his making his professional debut, winner of two

consecutive PFA young player awards, players player in 2009. All time

appearance record for Manchester United and never sent off, 13

Premier League winning titles, BBC Sports Personality of the Year in

2009 - it is, of course, Ryan Giggs OBE.

First of all, how does it feel to be honoured by the PFA in this way?

It's special. I would like to thank Gordon and the PFA committee. When

you see the people who've been awarded this before, I'm amongst

legends. So, it's a brilliant occasion for me. I would just like

to say when I previously won young Player of the Year and players'

Player of the Year, my granddad was here. He sadly passed away last

movement I would like to dedicate this... He's not here tonight... I

would like to dedicate this to him tonight. Thank you.

Ladies and gentleman, to the Barclays Premier League, where this

has been no ordinary season with some extraordinary performances.

COMMENTATOR: Coutinho on the turn. And going for goal! What a goal.

Mahrez. How about that! That's his first for this campaign. What a

fantastic goal by Benteke. A flowing Spurs move. Mason scores for

Tottenham Hotspur. Martial, what a brilliant goal. Sanchez through one

challenge, devastating finish. Jamie Vardy has scored for the eighth

consecutive Premier League game. Kane in on goal... Harry Kane

scores. He's Lukaku. Great goal. He finds the goal. Vardy's done it. He

needed no second invitation to stride into the Premier League

history books. He's gone for the first time. Ozil. It would be

brilliant. It is brilliant! He scores again. Mahrez with a

fantastic strike. The troubles mount for Jose Mourinho. Alli, what a

goal! Brilliant goal. What a goal! On the volley, oh, that is a

stunner. What a strike that is. Rooney! What a finish. Scorcher.

Payet, oh, he's hit that sweetly. What a goal.

Oh, what a screecher! Brilliant. It's Mahrez, oh, wonderful skill.

Oh, what a goal. Brilliant. Goal, that's an incredible strike by Harry

Kane. Brilliantly done Rashford here. What a goal. He does it again.

What a finish that is. Brilliant goal from Ramsey. Perfect. Townsend

to finish it. It's a brilliant goal. What an incredible climax to this

game. That is brilliant. Whatever next in this remarkable Barclays

Premier League season? Ladies and gentleman, so to the 11 players who

not only excelled in the top flight but polled the most votes as cast by

their fellow professionals. You might have seen it by now. This is

the Barclays Premier League Team Of The Year.

It really has been an incredible campaign in England's top flight so

far, but you get the feeling that the drama is only just beginning.

Yet one of the great achievements of this season was the new record of

consecutive goals scored by Leicester City's Jamie Vardy. Vardy

is in behind. Vardy's done it! He has done it. 11 consecutive games.

Scored in every single one of them. Many congratulations. How big, first

of all, before we get to your Premier League record, how big was

the win against Swansea? No, it was massive. Obviously, a lot of the

press were saying for some reason that Leicester are a one-man team.

It just shows that they're the opposite end of the scale. We're a

fully knit team and we fight for each other all the way. Reflecting

on the Premier League record, the 11 goals, any one goal stick out for

new particular? Would it be the winning one at the end to break the

record? Well there's two. I had to score against Bournemouth which

thanks to Riyad, who didn't have the best 45 and so I was on penalties.

And then the Man U game to finish it off. This season, all the lads will

tell you the same, it's like we're on a fair ground ride and we're just

enjoying ourselves. We'll carry on doing that. You guys are nerveless

at this stage of the season? There's no nerves with us. Really? No, none

whatsoever. We will keep going as we are and pick up as many points as

possible and hopefully it will be enough at the end of the season.

Give him a round of applause, record breaking Jamie Vardy. Cheers, thank

you. Please welcome Jake Bugg.

# I thought about it in a few ways # Who backs off on the pale blaze

# Middle road # I focus hard

# Try to make it sound like the new # But it's only going to be the same

# Those kids talk about the old street

Women's football everybody is going in status on the pitch and audience

numbers off it. This was helped by the success of the England women's

team at the World Cup in can dilast summer. -- Canada last summer. Since

then there's been no lack of thrills in the FA women's Super League.

We definitely belong in League One. We are a new outfit. A great moment

for everyone involved at the club. We can't wait to get started now.

COMMENTATOR: Here is Duggan - outstanding.

That is good for the work. Beth Mead! Brilliant! -- footwork.

It is a superb goal! Spectacular!

What a goal that is. Naomi Duggan is on fire. Ellen White! Beautifully

worked! What a touch! Fabulous! A real touch of quality from the PFA

player of the year. The full-time whistle goes. Bristol

are relegated. We want to be in this league for

years to come. Chelsea have the champagne on ice.

If they hold their nerve, they should clinch their first WSL title.

The title is coming to Chelsea! Chelsea have won the WSL.

Those were the teams in action. Let's look at those who have been

voted as part of the WSL team of the year.

Ladies, 50 years ago this year since England won that epic World Cup

final. -- it is 50 years ago. Let's remind ourselves of that day.

Whatever happens, this is bound to be the noisiest World Cup final in

history. The excitement is intense. It is an equaliser! Geoff Hurst.

Peters! They have done! Geoff Hurst! No! It

is a goal! It is all over, I think. No. Here,

Sir Geoff Hurst. Some people are on the pitch. They think it is all

over. It is now. England are the world champions.

There is the trophy. What a day this is.

Some great scenes. We are joined by no less than eight of the England

squad who took part in that incredible tournament half a century

ago this July. Please welcome Ian Callaghan MBE, George: MBE, Norman

Hunter, Jimmy Armfield CBE, Ron Flowers, Gordon Banks OBE, Jack

Charlton OBE and Roger Hunt OBE. It must be mentioned that one man

who played a hugely significant role in the history of the Professional

Footballers' Association was Jimmy Hill OBE. Jimmy Hill was a player, a

manager, a chairman, even an owner of a football club. He was head of

the PFA when the maximum wage was abolished, which as a result saw

Johnny Haynes become the first player to earn ?100 per week. Jimmy

Hill left quite the legacy. He was a chimney sweep, he was a

footballer. He became a trade union leader. He became a very successful

manager at Coventry. He went into broadcasting. Then he became front

of camera. Then he did Match of the Day. It is amazing.

It is a remarkable career. The players, led by Jimmy Hill, demand a

bigger wage. They should be no maximum. If a club

were doing particularly well, through their players's efforts,

there should be no regulation stopping them from playing a player

some money. After the Second World War the attendances were 50,000

plus. He was only interested in the good of the game. There are not many

people like that. Be quiet, will you? You will not get it better than

that. He did so many different things. Did he change football?

The answer is yes. APPLAUSE. We are going to move away

from domestic matters for the time being. While the political world

discuss a possible exit, for four national manager is the challenge

this summer is about staying in Europe for as long as possible. We

are talking about euro 2016. So for the first time ever three

home nations and the Republic of Ireland have qualified for a major

international tournament. With that in mind, who better to preview euro

2016 than the manager of Wales, Chris Coleman. Roy Hodgson from

England. Martin O'Neill, manager of the Republic of Ireland. And from

Northern Ireland, Michael O'Neill. Give them a round of applause,

please. APPLAUSE.

Now there is a line-up. We have got a couple of microphones. We have two

share them amongst you. Roy, we will start with you. It is a third major

international tournament. How far can England go? I don't know. I

think as a player and as a coach you leave the expectations and the hopes

and the dreams to others. Cloudy eyes been talking all season about

how important it is to live the moment, to enjoy the moment. --

Claudio Ranieri. I believe in that fully as well. At the moment there

is a good feeling within the country. The players to go to France

will know there is a lot of hope and belief and confidence in what they

can do. I really hope that they will not allow that to cow them in their

performance. In fact, it will encourage them to do well.

Tournaments are notorious for tripping you up. You can play well

and lose or you can play badly and when. I just hope we win. I don't

care if we play well or badly. Whales in their first international

tournament for 58 years. How excited are you at the prospect of leaving

out the side in the summer? Of course, it is a very special feeling

for us. It has been a long time we have been waiting to perform on the

big stage. We are all a little bit nervous but excited. And the three

games we have got, Slovakia, England and Russia, every Welsh man, woman,

child will look at that second game against England. But we are not

really... If we get the points, great. Whether we get the points

against England, Slovakia or Russia, it doesn't matter. We just have to

get through the group stages. It will be tough. It is exciting. We're

looking forward to it. Michael, Northern Ireland is clearly

transformed under your guidance. You are looking forward to Northern

Ireland's first-ever per dissipation in the European Championships. You

will be encouraged by the fact that your team was not overawed by bigger

teams in qualifying. It is different for us. We are delighted to be

there. Having got there you have the expectation of getting to the

finals. It is very similar. We have punched above our weight throughout

the campaign. It is a Leicester City like story. Mr Mann Yair E us Mr

Ranieri was the manager of Greece when we played them earlier in the

campaign. It shows you what can be done if you can build a good spirit

and a group of players, you get momentum, you continue that

momentum. Whilst there is no expectation, we have our own

expectations because we won our group and we want to as we can.

Martin, a tough job for your lot, Belgium, Italy Sweden. What you

think when you saw that? The first game is very important. We play

Sweden. A number of third placed teams can get through. I am not

saying that is what we're looking at but the first game becomes

important. Martin, tell me about the chemistry between you and Roy Keane.

He gets on very well with the players, or most of them. The few he

does not get on well with, I quite like. So between us, we managed to

get there. He has actually been brilliant for Republic of Ireland.

Iconic figure. Obviously divides opinion. That good news for us.

We wish you all well. Time for some music. Put your hands together for a

tiny temper. # check, check.

# OK. Yeah.

# check. THEY CHANT all I ever needed was a plan.

# go low, go low. # everybody go low.

# girls like. # what do girls like. # what do girls like.

# I know what boys like. # what our girls like?

The 2016 nominees for the women's the PFA Young Player of the Year are

Danielle Carter of Arsenal Ladies. Anna Blondel from Chelsea. Beth Mead

of Sunderland. And so to the winner, ladies and

gentlemen. Of Sunderland and England, put yourselves -- put your

hands together for a Beth Mead. How does it feel to be stood here as

the winner of this award? I think it is an amazing achievement for me, my

family, first Sunderland girls. It is a dream come true for me and is

has topped off a great season. And what a season for you, finishing top

scorer. 12 and 14. Your first England call-up in October. How do

you go about topping that this Time-Out? We have just got to work

hard again. We have to try to top it. Develop as a player. To do that

I have to try to do better. We're willing to work hard. Hopefully we

can do the same. The PFA young Women's Player of the Year. Beth

Mead. The 2016 nominees for the men's PFA

young Player of the Year: And the winner is... Dele Alli.

APPLAUSE Unfortunately Dele Alli can't be with us tonight because I

hear he has an important game. I caught up with him at the training

ground and this is what he had to say. Thank you Ozzy for receiving

this award for me. Sorry I can't be there tonight, but we have a big

game tomorrow. Thank you everyone who voted for me. I feel honoured to

win such a prestigious award. Thank you to all my friends and family and

the staff here at Tottenham. I hope you all have a lovely night.

CHEERING We come to the highest possible

awards in football these two players of the year award are voted for by

the men and women who play professional football in this

country. Firstly the women's PFA players' Player of the Year.

# I live my day as if it was the last

# Doing it all night, all summer # Doing it the way I want to

# COMMENTATOR: What a touch! Oh,

fabulous. Technically superb. She's always at

the heart of whatever Manchester City are doing. This could be the

moment. It is! Manchester City lead. Izzy Christiansen with the header.

Just fingertips. Not taking any chances.

Beth Mead, of course, the main danger. Mead in the middle!

In third place... Hedvig Lindahl of Chelsea. In second place... Ji

So-Yun of Chelsea. And the winner is... Izzy Christiansen of

Manchester City. APPLAUSE

How does it feel to be voted by your fellow pros the ultimate accolade?

I'm feeling very, very humbled and proud right now. I think every

player in this room will probably agree that there's no better feeling

than being recognised by fellow professionals. I'm extremely

honoured and proud and in amongst such a talented group of nominees,

this means the absolute world to me. Thank you.

APPLAUSE Could you have wished for a better few months, scoring on your

international debut and finishing strongly with a glut of goals really

in the division? Yeah, I mean, a lot of our players at Manchester City

were away in Canada last year at the World Cup. Unfortunately, I wasn't

there. I looked at them every day and they inspired me to work hard

and get better. I knew that I didn't know what shape they'd come back in

from Canada. I thought if I work my socks off at least I'd help us win

the league or at least come second. I'm just pleased I played my part

and making my senior debut during my run of form, obviously, was an

incredible achievement and one I'm very proud of. You can now help them

qualify for euro 2017. Yeah, I'd like toe think so. -- to think so.

I'm passionate about playing for my country. I'd like to think we can go

to the euros next year and win it. Hopefully, I'm part of that.

Everybody put your hands together for women's PFA Player of the Year,

from Manchester City, Izzy Christiansen. (

from Manchester City, Izzy Christiansen. ladies and gentleman,

we've now reached the climax of the evening with one of the most famous

and prestigious awards in the sporting calendar, as we revealed

the PFA players' Player of the Year. This year in particular has seen the

emergence of several exciting footballers. As voted for bit

members of the PFA these are the nominations:

In third place... From Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane. In second

place... Of Leicester City, Jamie Vardy.

And the winner of the 2016 PFA men's players' Player of the Year award

goes to Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Very many congratulations. I know very little fazes you. You're very

calm and collected, but how does it feel tonight to be picking up this

prestigious award? Good evening everyone. It's a pleasure to receive

this award. I want to thank my team-mates because without them, I

wouldn't receive this, as well the manager and the staff and the club

of Leicester City. Yeah, I'm very happy. You look at the names that

are on that trophy, the likes of Cantona, Henry, Wayne Rooney, what's

it look to be joining a little like that? When you hear the name of

these players, it's a big honour to be part of this. Like I said, I'm

grateful to receive this and I'm very happy. Do you still play with

that mentality as if you're playing, as you grew up on the streets? Yeah,

I try. Now in professional, you have to be in shape.

LAUGHTER He says looking at Claudio over his

shoulder. Yeah, I always try to play like as always I've played. Did you

ever have any doubts that you might struggle with the physicality of the

Premier League when you first came to this country? Yeah, obviously

everyone was saying, it's not for you, you're too skinny, blah, blah.

At the beginning I have a little doubt, but I always believe in me

and my quality. I have to still work. I'm grateful, I'm happy. I

know you've spoken about how such an influential figure your father was.

I'm sure he'd be a proud man today. I want to dedicate this award to

him. And to my little daughter as well. Can Leicester go on to win the

title? We'll try, three games to go. We'll see what we can do, we'll try.

Congratulations. Thank you. The PFA for 2016 players' Player of the

Year, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez. As Claudio would say at this point

of the evening with his bell, dilly dinning, dilly dong. That's the end

of this evening, safe journey home from me, good night.

# You can tell everybody, yeah you can tell everybody

# Go ahead and tell everybody # I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the

man... #

I've been following the inspirational stories

Along with hundreds of other wounded, injured