Andrew Lonergan could well be the first ever Preston-born player to win the 'official' player of the year award! The North End keeper took the plaudits at Wednesday night's official ceremony and later inspection of the records show that since the official prize was introduced in the late 1960's Andy could well be the first from the City to pick up the trophy.

"I'm proud and very surprised as well, it's a big shock," he told the event. "It has been a tough season, but I'd like think that towards the end of the season it has started to come together a bit. With the help of Wardy [Darren Ward] and the staff, I have kicked on a bit.

"Everyone has done a good job. Yes, I've been going out and playing on a Saturday, but Wayne and I, along with the young lad Dominic and Wardy work very hard, so it is a collective effort.

"This is probably one of the best moments of my career. Being captain of the Club for ten or 15 games was the best achievement in my career so far and could end up being the greatest achievement of my career, so this is a great honour."

Lonners, who had made 147 consecutive starts before picking up a groin injury in Saturday's clash with Leicester City, admitted that he does not think he is in the prime of his career yet, despite also picking up the players' player gong too.

"Not really," he admitted. "I could be playing one Saturday and not the next; I am not taking anything for granted because we have good goalkeepers at the Club, so I just want to keep progressing and see where that takes me.

"Next season is an exciting one for all of us, because we don't know who is coming and going, so it is going to be a big season for us."

You will be able to see full reaction from the event and exclusive footage and highlights on PNE Player later on Thursday. Make sure you don't miss out on the sights and sounds of the glittering event sign up by going to PNE.Com/Player.