Gareth Bale has been named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writer’s Association, making him the first Welshman to win the award since Neville Southall in 1985 and the first Spurs player since David Ginola in 1999.
Bale adds the FWA award to his two PFA awards – Player and Young Player of the Year – which he collected earlier in the week.

Bale won 53% of the vote, ahead of Robin Van Persie in second place and Juan Mata who came in a distant third. Luis Suarez received just two votes. The ballot was completed today with the results released almost immediately by the FWA. 91% of the FWA’s membership voted.
Bale said:
"It is a huge honour to receive the Footballer of the Year award from the Football Writers’ Association.

"It means a lot to win this award when you consider the number of players that have been outstanding for their clubs in the Barclays Premier League this season.

"I've been very fortunate to be playing in such a fantastic team and I owe a lot to my team-mates and, obviously, the manager who has shown such faith in me.

"This award has been won in the past by some of the greatest names in football and I consider it a privilege that the FWA have selected me to be named alongside them."

Other players who received votes included Leighton Baines, Pablo Zabaleta, Michu, Michael Carrick and Rickie Lambert.