Who is in the running for the coveted player of the year trophy.

For the the first time in several years there will be more than one contender for the player of the year award, although in truth I would expect one player to run away with it, however that would perhaps be slightly unfair on a team who have contributed to those goals and brought their own skills to the party.

So starting at the back here are the players who could rival Rickie Lambert for the trophy and the reasons why they perhaps should.

Kelvin Davis.  I have been critical of Davis in the past, indeed in the first two years i was joined by most of the crowd, however last season he rightly won the player of the year award, although I still wasnt convinced, this season he did not start brilliantly in my opinion, errors were creeping back into his game, one example being Charlton away were he completely missed a cross for their equaliser, in fact when he was replaced by Bartolz Bialkowski who came in and did a sterling job, it was unfair that he won his place back, since then however the competition and perhaps the fact that he knew he was no longer automatically first choice if he didnt play well has done him good and i would be the first to admit that since the turn of the year, he has played better than ever before.

Jose Fonte. A serious rival for Lambert with the only drawback being he has only been here half a season,that I think will stop him mounting a serious challenge, however look out next season.

Adam Lallana. A player who has made things happen for Saints more than most, in any other team 14 goals would perhaps put him in line for top scorer but not in this one, however its Lallana who not only scores but creates and entertains.

Morgan Schneiderlin. Perhaps the dark horse, but as we saw against Oldham, without his passing in midfield we look ordinary when faced with walls of defenders, he wont win it, but in another season he might have.

Dean Hammond. Another unsung hero, rarely misses a game and contributes a the odd goal here and there, however his contribution is unoticed as he doesnt hit great defence splitting passes, doesnt go on mazy runs he merely keeps going and makes sure the others have the time and space to do all that.

Lee Barnard. Only half a season at the club but if you compare his minutes on the pitch against goals scored then his record is better than Lambert's and dont forget he hasnt taken a penalty or free kick either, I am not saying he is better, just different and if he had been here a full season then perhaps the award would be a close run thing between the two.

Rickie Lambert. If he doesnt run away with the award i would be surprised, he has done everything that is expected of him, 28 league games in 43 appearances, it would be nice if he can make it 30.  

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