31-year-old picks up Player of the Year accolade for third year in a row.

Kelly Smith has been named the Nationwide England Women’s Player of the Year for the third year in succession.

Smith claimed 26 per cent of the public vote, ahead of Katie Chapman (16 per cent), Karen Carney (12 per cent) and Fara Williams (11 per cent).

It was an eventful 2009 for Smith, whose year with England began in February as she scored twice against Finland in preparation for the successful Cyprus Cup campaign. She also scored in the opening game of the Cyprus Cup, against South Africa and scored the second goal in the Final, in the 3-0 victory over Canada.

Smith’s next international goal was arguably the greatest England goal of the year. Hope Powell’s side had just recovered from 2-0 down to draw level with Russia in the European Championship. Minutes later, Smith controlled Elena Kochneva’s goal-kick just inside the Russia half and sent an audacious effort over Kochneva and into the back of the net.

The 31-year-old was England’s second top goalscorer in 2009 with seven goals in ten games and was also voted the third best player in women’s football at FIFA’s World Player of the Year awards in December after a fruitful first season back in America with Boston Breakers.