Here is who and what TheFA.com's Jamie Bradbury will remember from the 2002-2003 season...

TheFA.com's Football Awards 2002/03

Goal - Alan Shearer (Newcastle Utd v Everton)

When Alan Shearer shaped to shoot against Everton at St James' Park, it looked like he could have been auditioning for a beer commercial. However, when he carried out the operation, it was poetry in motion letting the top corner of the Toffees net 'ave it' with his world-class no-nonsense volley. Brilliant.


Hat-trick - Michael Owen (Liverpool v West Brom)

Not content with the match ball for three strikes in the first hour at the Hawthorns, Liverpool's boy wonder hit another to round-off his season's scoring at 27 goals from 52 games.




Save - David James (England v Turkey)

Having only just taken the lead at the Stadium of Light England are going top of Group 7. But hang on, Nihat Kahveci stands free on the penalty spot and directs a header away from James to surely bring the Turks level. Somehow, the West Ham keeper, looking to cement his place as England's No. 1, changes direction and palms the ball from under the bar and maintains the Three Lions' lead.~

Manager

Premiership - Claudio Ranieri (Chelsea)

Claudio Ranieri has the passion I like to see in a manager and has earned his place coaching in the Champions League next season. Like Sir Bobby Robson he glows with football. He doesn't moan, but takes everything on the chin and deals with set-backs with dignity. Out-witted Gerard Houllier on the final day to claim fourth spot and the accompanying bounty.

Nationwide - Phil Parkinson (Colchester United)

With the U's just two points from the relegation zone, 36-year old Parkinson arrived at Layer Road from Reading for his first managerial appointment, and an immediate change-around followed. His first game saw a 4-1 win over Port Vale, which included the club's first league hat-trick for 9 years. By the end of the season, his 14 games in charge earned the club 23 points with only three defeats, the highlight being a 3-0 win at Cardiff City, catapulting Colchester to 12th in the table, well away from relegation concerns and hope for an even better season next year.

One to watch - Micky Adams (Leicester)

Micky Adams took Leicester back to the Premiership and was awarded with a new contract at the Walkers' stadium. He says he's learned a lot from The FA's Coaching Diploma course, on which he is one of this year's intake, and could use that to take the Foxes back to where Martin O'Neill had them.


Player

Premiership - Michael Owen (Liverpool)

Ruud van Nistelrooy is sheer class, but my choice is Michael Owen. For a boy of 23 to come under so much stick for being out of form it can't be easy, but Owen continues to prove his doubters wrong. This 'poor' season ended with 27 goals for Liverpool, and some vital strikes for England. The equaliser in Bratislava, he got the ball rolling in Vaduz and a double in his 50th cap in Middlesbrough sums up how important Michael is. Kapow!! He really is the Boy Wonder.

Nationwide - Michael Brown (Sheffield Utd)

It was a huge season for Sheffield United's Michael Brown who played against some of the countries top midfielders. If he did look out of his depth, it was only when he was trying to come to terms with Vieira in The FA Cup Semi-Final but soon settled down and almost drove the Blades past the Gunners. Played in two other semis with an excellent return of 22 goals.

One to watch - Steven Taylor (Newcastle United)  

England's Under 17 captain, played in every International last season (barring the Nordics when a younger squad was selected) and was a colossus at the back. An exciting prospect who is good in the air and with the ball at his feet. Steven is assured and instils confidence in those around him, he even weighs in with a few goals which helped England win the Nationwide Tournament and reach the last four of the European Championships, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals after an agonising penalty defeat.

European - Gennaro Gattuso (Milan)

Like housework and a nagging mum, this boy just doesn't stop. For Milan he covers every part of the field with the minimum of fuss, but maximum effort. A tough opponent, you'll want him on you side, I know I do. Capped a fine year by winning the Champions League with the rossoneri.


Goalkeeper - Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) 

Cudicini was outstanding for Chelsea throughout the season, particularly in The FA Cup games against Arsenal. His performance at Highbury earned the Blues a home replay when he thwarted Henry's penalty and kept out a van Brockhorst free-kick. Also helped Chelsea become the 2nd stingiest defence in the Premiership conceding 38 goals.

Most improved - James Clarke (East Thurrock United Reserves)

At the start of the season, this 17 year-old was trying to come to terms with the physical side of the Essex and Herts Border Combination playing in front of me in the Thurrock forward line. But after Christmas he came good and hit 14 goals helping the Rocks to a respectable sixth place finish.

More to come - Newcastle United

Sir Bobby is pulling together a very accomplished side at St James'. With the likes of Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble, Darren Ambrose, Hugo Viana and Shola Ameobi alongside the backbone of Shay Given, Jonathan Woodgate, Jermaine Jenas, Lee Bowyer and Alan Shearer more can be expected. They have a good chance of closing the gap on United and Arsenal.

Newcomer - Lee Holmes (Derby County)

At 15, Lee Holmes made his Football League debut for Derby County on Boxing day, then, less than two weeks later became the youngest player ever to play in The FA Cup when the Rams were at Brentford. His three first-team matches capped off a great year for the skilful left winger who was impressive for both England's Under 16s and 17s.

Unsung hero - Darius Vassell (Aston Villa & England)

His club record is not often talked about even though he hit 11 goals for Villa last season. When he pulls on an England shirt he's always a threat. His speed and skill troubles defenders and he is proving himself as the Three Lions' best sub. Was first on the scene to knock home England's opener against Turkey and his contribution from the bench against Slovakia turned the game around.

Team - Portsmouth  

Harry Redknapp has guided Pompey back to the top flight after a 15-year absence winning Division One in style nearly a month before the end. Though he'll probably not admit it, he can't be too disappointed about replacing the club that off-loaded him two years earlier.


Mistake - Gerard Houllier (Liverpool)

Gerard Houllier releasing Jari Litmanen. Arguably one of the most gifted players in world football was allowed to leave Anfield for nothing at the end of August and return to former club Ajax who went on to reach the last eight of the Champions League. Liverpool meanwhile failed to get out of a first stage group, which included Valencia, Basel and Spartak Moscow, and missed out altogether for next season. I missed watching Litmanen's guile and vision as much as the Reds missed having him.

Game - Scottish FA Staff v The FA Staff

Trailing 4-0 with thirty minutes to go at Hamilton Academicals FC, the boys from Soho Square turned it on to grab four goals back and earn a high-scoring draw. If we'd have played on much longer, we would have snatched the win.

Performance - Manchester Utd

Manchester United at St James' Park were just awesome. Jermaine Jenas stunned them with a supreme strike to open the scoring, but United responded brilliantly and confirmed their class by smashing in four reply strikes in 12 minutes. Paul Scholes' third and Ruud van Nistelrooy made it six after the break, and even Shola Ameobi's late consolation for Newcastle couldn't stop United powering their way to the top of the Premiership.

Celebration - Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer versus everyone. Doesn't mess about in front of goal, doesn't mess about when he celebrates. Shearer is no show-boater and instead lets his football do the talking. His trademark one-hand salute says enough.



Skill - Alan Shearer & Ruud van Nistelrooy

Alan Shearer and Ruud van Nistelrooy win it. Denilson showed examples of his silky skills for Real Betis in La Liga again with more step-overs than Colin Jackson, while Okocha is the flick-meister. But what baffles me about this type of skill is that it rarely leads to anything. The 'no prisoners' approach from the likes of Alan Shearer and Ruud van Nistelrooy is an even harder technique to master, but the both of these have and use it to make scoring goals look easy. I know which style I'd want in my team.

Haircut - Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Ronaldo donned his silly World Cup final quiff affair once more when Real Madrid clinched Spain's Primera Division title in a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. Though he looks foolish, it hardly matters when you first win the World Cup, then the league. Get the clippers out Michael...


Most memorable moment

Didi Hamann releases Michael Owen into a virtually empty half of the Millennium Stadium, bar Fabian Barthez. Like in a school playground game, with just the Frenchman to beat, Owen carries the ball deep into the United box before smashing home. Roy Keane's desperate lunge arrives too late as Owen reels away to claim the league cup for Liverpool.

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