Over the past week we have been asking our contributors here at TheFA.com to make their personal awards for the season just gone. Here is who and what TheFA.com's Daniel Freedman will remember from the 2002-2003 season... 

 

Goal - Alan Shearer (Newcastle)

Alan Shearer's volley against Everton is the one that stands out for me. The technique was perfect and the power amazing. What a strike! His league 100th goal for Newcastle - a stunning free-kick against United - was also one of the goals of the season.

 

 

Hat-Trick - Paul Scholes (Man Utd)

Has to be the Paul Scholes triple away at Newcastle. You really knew United were on a roll after their performance that day. Despite going 1-0 down early in the match, United came back with a display of breathtaking quality, winning 6-2 in the end.

 

 

Save - David Seaman (Arsenal)

David Seaman's save was sensational. One of those that, when you watch it on TV, you still can't believe it's not going to in. Paul Peschisolido seemed to have the goal at his mercy and was celebrating his header as it went in but then the Arsenal and England legend somehow got his hand to the ball to send Arsenal into the Final.

 

Miss - Milenko Acimovic

Milenko Acimovic's 'effort' against Fulham. Did you see it? Quite something.

Manager

Premiership

Sir Bobby Robson 

 

True he didn't win anything but qualification for Newcastle's second Champions League campaign in a row is a big prize for the Magpies. Sir Bobby's youthful and talented team is unrecognisable from the side he inherited some years ago. The man is a legend - is there anyone in the game that doesn't have huge admiration and respect for him?



Nationwide - Dave Jones (Wolves)

 

Overcome tremendous personal adversity and the pressure of years of under-achievement to lead Wolves back to the promised land. Here'e hoping he has a good season in the Premiership in 2003/04.

 

 

 

One to watch - Nigel Clough (Burton Albion) 

Serving his apprenticeship in the Conference just like another former Forest player, Martin O'Neil. Has the intelligence and experience to be a top boss.



Up-and-coming English manager - Alan Pardew (Reading)

 

Could be the new David Moyes. Ambitious, hard working and talented, he has made Reading a real force to be reckoned with.

 

 

 

 

Quote - Sven-Goran Eriksson (England)

 

"If you gave me one million dollars I could not name the bone he damaged," Sven-Goran Eriksson's comes clean about the injury suffered by David Beckham in his hand. It's the scaphoid for your information.

 

 

 

Player - Michael Owen (Liverpool & England)

England's hero. His performance (and goals) against Slovakia said everything about his importance to England's cause. His all-round game is improving as is his ability as a leader.

 

 

 

Premiership - Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

 

I have to go for him. Van Nistelrooy had an awesome season and I love watching Craig Bellamy play too but, for me, Henry in full flight is one of the most graceful sights I have ever seen on a football pitch. It's a shame that David Beckham has left English football but we shouldn't forget how lucky we are to be able to watch Henry every week.

 

Nationwide - Robert Earnshaw (Cardiff)

 

This guy excites me whenever I see him. Tremendous pace and close skill but what I really like is his love for scoring goals. Haven't seen anyone enjoy scoring so much since Ian Wright. Looking forward to seeing how he fares in Division 1.

 

 

 

One to watch - Steven Taylor (Newcastle)

 

Sir Bobby won't thank us for building this young man before he's made his first team debut but even the footballing Knight must be excited about this talent. A tall central defender with an elegance, intelligence, and ability way beyond his years. Remember the name.


 

European - Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)

 

So exciting to watch - Shevchenko is the most direct player I think I've seen. A wonderful athlete with an ability to handle the high pressure situations as he showed in the Champions League Final. It would be great to see him play in the World Cup at some stage in his career.

 

 

Goalkeeper - Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea)

 

Just edges out Brad Friedel for me. For my money, there can't be too many better 'keepers in the world. What a bargain Chelsea got. They signed him for £160,000.

 

 

 

Buy - Christophe Dugarry (Birmingham)

 

Steve Bruce knew he was buying a World Cup winner but even he must have been surprised at both the quality and attitude of the Frenchman. Dugarry invigorated the whole club with his arrival. His impact and charisma were similar to another Frenchman that Bruce played with at Old Trafford.

 

 

Most improved - Steed Malbranque (Fulham)

 

Really got to grips with the Premiership this season. This bustling midfielder is such a threat - particularly in the big games (and almost always against his compatriots at Arsenal!). Hard to believe he's only 23. Could be a great signing for one of the big boys this summer.

 

 

More to come - Hugo Viana (Newcastle United)

 

All the biggest clubs in Europe wanted to sign this Portuguese youngster but Bobby Robson beat them to the punch. I don't think we saw the best of him in his first season in England but his improved form towards the back end may be a sign of things to come next term.

 

 

Mistake - Gordon Strachan (Southampton)

 

Still can't work out why Fabrice Fernandes couldn't get into Southampton's side for the FA Cup Final.

 

 

 

Bargain - David Thompson (Blackburn)

 

Graeme Souness did well here. Picked up the competitive Coventry midfielder for £1.5m. A few months later he was in the England squad. Good business.

 

 

Newcomer - Wayne Rooney (Everton)

 

Need I say more?

 

 

 

Unsung hero - Scott Parker (Charlton Athletic)

 

This young man has the ideal attitude. Runs all day, never complains, puts his foot into the tackle, and he can play too. I'd want him on my side. Would be good to see him back in the England fold again next season.

 

 

Missing in Premiership action

Kanu - Arsenal, Alpay - Aston Villa, Bogarde - Chelsea, Simonsen - Everton, Diomede - Liverpool, Cort - Newcastle, Delgado - Southampton

 

Team - Sheffield United

 

A remarkable season. A club with no funds and no star players reaches the semi-finals of both cup competitions. Showed that the gap between the Premiership and Football League is not always as wide as we might be led to believe.

 

Game - Arsenal 2  Chelsea 2 (FA Cup 6th Round)

 

Right from John Terry's goal in the third minute, this game was just non-stop action. Everything an FA Cup tie should be.

 

 

 

 

Performance - Leeds 1 Arsenal 4

Arsenal's consummate dismantling of Leeds at Elland Road. They were from a different planet that day. I would never have believed then that they wouldn't go on to win the league.

Celebration - Manchester United

Their joy at 'getting their trophy back' was unconfined. Their hunger for success is their greatest quality.

Skill - Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea)

With Zola it was not just in one game... it was the whole season.

Haircut - Ivan Campo (Bolton)

Not sure the word haircut does him justice...

Most memorable moment 

Shrewsbury's historical victory against Everton in The FA Cup Third Round. How can a team produce such an outstanding team performance in the same season that they dropped out of the league. Only in football...

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