CHRIS Lucketti showed the respect he has earned among his team-mates and fans by winning North End's Players' Player of the Year award as well as several awards in the fans' own awards ceremony.

At the event North End manager Craig Brown praised the skipper for his outstanding performances this season.

He said: "Lucketti is the best in the division, he is top class at what he does.

"He could easily play in the Premiership and won three awards from fans this season which he really deserved.

"Nobody would begrudge him any honour he gets."

But he added: "To be be honest, they all deserve an award. They have all worked hard and deserve acknowledgements for their contributions.

"Players like Graham Alexander and Michael Jackson train as though their lives depend on it and you can fault dedication like that."

Super striker Richard Cresswell has been named the fans' favourite for the second year running.

Cresswell, who despite a mid-term injury was North End's top-scorer with 16 goals, bagged the award during the club's annual award ceremony held on Tuesday.

Cresswell beat off Eddie Lewis and Chris Lucketti for the honour, which was decided by voting through the club's website and matchday programme.

Club officials said a record number of people voted.

Midfielder Dickson Etuhu was named young player of the year, racing in ahead of Eric Skora and Tyrone Mears.

And despite being out of action for half of the season, Ricardo Fuller showed what an impact he has had on fans, winning first and second place in goal of the season.

The golden boot went for his second goal at home to Leicester. In second place was his second goal against Burnley at Deepdale.

It was his performance in that game which had the pundits going wild over him, prompting fears he will become a Premiership target in no time at all.

Eddie Lewis' free kick away at Leicester made the third spot

Meanwhile thoughts are already turning towards next season, with Brown pledging: "Watch us move!"

Chairman Derek Shaw has also said the club's first goal next season is to secure a top-two position.