PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Craig MacGillivray has been named The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season.

The Pompey keeper follows in the footsteps of Christian Burgess, who claimed the prize at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

He collected 64 per cent of the votes in a poll run by readers of our local newspapers after impressing with his consistency between the sticks.

MacGillivray has made 52 appearances in all competitions this term and kept 17 clean sheets, including in December’s victory at champions Hull.

He said: "It's a real honour. The supporters are the club, so for them to choose me as their Player of the Season is an amazing feeling.

"To be on a trophy with so many famous names, such as David James, is a real privilege. I'm very thankful to everyone who voted for me."

"It's a real honour. The supporters are the club, so for them to choose me as their Player of the Season is an amazing feeling."

Ryan Williams came second in the voting, with Callum Johnson finishing up in third position.

Previous winners of the award include Alan Knight, Noel Blake, Guy Whittingham, Peter Crouch, Arjan de Zeeuw, David James, Glen Johnson, Michael Doyle, Enda Stevens and Matt Clarke.

The late Alan McLoughlin lifted the trophy after impressing with his displays during the 1993/94 campaign.

MacGillivray was also voted Player of the Season by seven different supporter groups, while Tom Naylor was selected by another four.