Skip to content

Lamps sails through January

Frank Lampard is the PFA Fans Player of the Month for January.

The accolades are coming in thick and fast for Chelsea's 'Mr Reliable' Frank Lampard.

After being named England fans' player of the year for 2004, the free-scoring midfielder is now the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for January.

The former West Ham man has been one of Chelsea's most consistent performers and, along with fellow England international John Terry, is the cornerstone of a multi-talented side chasing an unprecedented four trophies.

Jose Mourinho is arguably Frank's biggest fan, but England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson isn't far behind. After Lampard had been named England's best player of 2004, he declared: "Congratulations to Frank, he's been playing brilliantly for England for a very long time.

"He's played nearly all the games for Chelsea for more than two years, and he is getting better and better. He defends well, he's a good tackler. He's good on the ball, passes well and scores goals. You can't ask for much more from a midfielder. He deserves it."

In the eyes of many, Lampard is the complete midfielder. And Chelsea's assistant manager Steve Clarke is in no mood to disagree.

Clarke says: "I don't think there is a better midfielder. He's been very consistent in his performances and England are lucky to have Frank and Steven Gerrard available for central midfield."

Player of the Month in The Championship is Watford's Heidar Helguson, whose 16 goals so far this season have made him a target for Premiership clubs such as Charlton and Crystal Palace.

Helguson, who scored two goals in the 3-1 win against Crewe last month, holds the key to Watford's survival in the Championship and manager Ray Lewington says of his star striker: "Heidar is having his best season, certainly since I've been at the club.

"He is so reliable and he has now scored 16 goals, but thanks to our cup exploits we don't have to sell him. He scored a goal with either foot and is so good in the air. He's a great character who always gives 100 per cent, but this season he's added something to his play."

The other divisional awards go to Sheffield Wednesday's Steven MacLean and Oxford United's Jamie Brooks.