Green wins Hammer of the Year

9:15am Monday 12th May 2008

ROBERT Green has been named Hammer of the Year for an excellent season between the sticks.

The 28-year-old keeper (pictured) was the overwhelming winner of the 2007/8 poll - carried out by the West Ham United Supporters Club - taking 52 per cent of the votes.

Green has played every single minute of the Irons' Barclays Premier League campaign and follows in the footsteps of former keepers Lawrie Leslie, Phil Parkes, Ludek Miklosko and Shaka Hislop in winning the award.

Ever-present George McCartney was the runner-up, with 31 per cent of the votes, and Matthew Upson was third.

James Tomkins was the Young Hammer of the Year and midfielder Jack Collison the most improved player.

Green was pleased to win the coveted award and told the club's official website: "It is a wonderful achievement for myself.

"It is something I failed to do in ten season at Norwich so I am really pleased to do it in my second season at West Ham.

"I have got a good rapport with the fans. I love playing in front of them - I love playing for the club."

Green, who picked up his award after the Hammers' 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Upton Park yesterday, was also delighted to add to his name to a list that includes greats such as Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking.

He added: "It is a wonderful club, steeped in traditions, and to join the ranks of such players is a tremendous honour."