Liverpool: Gerrard Receives Prestigious Award

Reds captain Steven Gerrard has been presented with the Football Writers' Association's special Tribute Award...

Steven Gerrard was last night honoured for his outstanding contribution to the English game by the Football Writers' Association (FWA).

The FWA's Tribute Award was presented to the Liverpool and England star at a lavish gala dinner held at the Savoy in London.

Upon receiving the award Gerrard commented: "I feel very flattered and humbled to receive it.

"I have always looked at personal awards as a bit of a bonus really. I always try to achieve things with Liverpool or fight to do well for England.

"But when you talk about awards of people like the supporters or people in the press who watch you week in and week out, scrutinise your performances, these mean an awful lot because these guys know their football."

Amongst the many famous guests on hand to see the 32-year-old pick up the accolade were Jamie Carragher, Brendan Rodgers, Ian Rush, Ian Ayre and Tom Werner.

Carragher, Gerrard's current Liverpool team mate and long-time friend, later revealed he believes the midfielder to be the club's greatest ever player.

"I think we are in the presence of the greatest player ever to play for Liverpool," Carragher told Liverpoolfc.com.

"People will say I am biased because we are good friends and because of the trophies we have won together, but it is a fair accolade to give him.

"There are guys like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Ian Rush, all world-class players, but the difference was they were in a world-class team - and Stevie has not played in a world-class team.

"Stevie's one strength is he has no weakness, he can run, tackle, pass and score goals.

"Football is a team game, but special players do special things at special times, and that is Steven Gerrard."

Gerrard has spent his entire career at Anfield amassing over 600 appearances during 14 years. He has also compiled 100 caps for the England national team.

Previous winners of the Tribute Award have included Bob Paisley, Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Moore, Sir Tom Finney, Sir Bobby Charlton, Brian Clough and George Best.

Vital Verdict
Congratulations to Stevie on a well deserved award. Everyone connected to Liverpool FC knows how brilliant he has been over the last decade or so and it is great to see wider acclaim bestowed upon him.

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