Ash Cole wins BBC London Footballer of the Year for 2009

[dkw]

Ashley Cole has been named BBC London Footballer of the Year for 2009.

The award caps a superb 12 months for the Chelsea and England left-back, who in May became the first player in the modern era to win five FA Cups.

Cole, 28, was born in east London and is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football.

He becomes the sixth Chelsea player in succession to take the title, following in the footsteps of Frank Lampard (2004 and 2008), John Terry (2005), Joe Cole (2006) and Didier Drogba (2007).

'If I look back it was a good year, I was playing well, won the FA Cup medal, a little bit disappointing not winning the league or the Champions League, but to do what we did in the circumstances, it was a good season,' said the former Arsenal man, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2006.

'I came here and had two bad years through injury. Now I feel fit and like I'm playing as well as I ever have in the Premier League.

'The older you get, of course the legs go a bit, but I've learned a lot in my career from experienced players and I've grown up as a player and understand the game a bit more now.

'Managers that have come in gave me a lot of confidence and said to play my game, you know how good you can be. It gives you a belief in yourself and a will to prove you are as good as others and you can still do a job.'

The defender believes that the game has changed to the extent that players like him are now becoming more recognised for their work.

'I think full-backs nowadays contribute, you watch Man United and Arsenal, Evra and Clichy can change games,' he pointed out, 'and times have changed from when a left-back stood in position and put his arm up for offside. The game has changed, and you're trying to contribute as much as you can.'

Looking to the future, 2010 has plenty of promise on both club and country fronts, but Cole is determined to take it all in his stride.

'I think you just have to take every competition as it comes, whatever comes first. As a player your main aim is Champions league and Premiership, but to win every trophy would be great,' he conceded.

'To win the FA Cup for the sixth time and make history would be amazing. I enjoyed last year so much, but to win six would be out of this world.'

Congratulations Ashley Cole, he has been superb this season and the 2nd half of last now hes been released by the managers to attack.

[Alex]

deserved.....he has been class this year

[The Moos]

Nice going, Ashley!

But this made me smile the most

He becomes the sixth Chelsea player in succession to take the title, following in the footsteps of Frank Lampard (2004 and 2008), John Terry (2005), Joe Cole (2006) and Didier Drogba (2007).

:D