Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been named Football Writers' Association player of the year.
Lampard narrowly lost out to team-mate John Terry two weeks ago after being shortlisted for the Professional Footballers' Association award.
But the goalscoring midfielder has been recognised by journalists as the best player in the country with Terry runner-up after
Chelsea's title triumph this season.
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher came third in the poll.
Lampard, like Terry and fellow England midfielder Joe Cole, has flourished with Jose Mourinho in charge at Stamford Bridge, forming a formidable partnership with Frenchman Claude Makelele in the centre of the pitch.
The 26-year-old scored both goals last weekend as the Blues' 2-0 victory at
Bolton wrapped up the club's first league title for half a century.
That double took his tally for the season to a spectacular 18 with three games still to play.
Lampard has also cemented his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England side, forging a formidable partnership with
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard at the European Championships in Portugal last summer.
Lampard has been indomitable for the Blues this year and his stirring performances have earned him praise from players and journalists alike. This award is just recognition of a super season for the
Chelsea star.
